Rajendra Chola I Tribute: Chola Empire Notes for Exams
Why in the news
At celebrations marking Rajendra Chola I’s birth anniversary at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the Prime Minister praised the Chola legacy in maritime power, local democracy and cultural unity. Statues of Rajendra and Rajaraja Chola and a commemorative coin were announced.
Key facts
| Ruler | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE) | Strengthened the navy; built the Brihadisvara Temple (UNESCO site); expanded control over Sri Lanka |
| Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) | Naval expeditions towards the Ganga and Southeast Asia; founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram; maritime dominance in Sumatra, Java, Malay Peninsula |
| Kulottunga Chola I | Fiscal reforms, trade promotion, stable governance |
- Period: 9th to 13th century CE; core area in present Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh; overseas presence in Sri Lanka, Maldives, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Governance
- Kudavolai: representatives chosen by palm-leaf ballots, a proto-electoral practice.
- Uthiramerur inscriptions: rules on rural elections and eligibility.
- Local bodies: Ur (villagers), Sabha (Brahmin assembly) and Nagaram (trade guilds) handled taxes, land and justice.
- Administration: land surveys and inscribed revenue records.
Trade and economy
- Trade with Song China, the Srivijaya Empire and Arabian ports; guilds such as Manigramam and Ayyavole 500.
- Big irrigation works such as the Cholagangam Tank, plus canals and embankments.
Culture
- Patronage of Shaivism and Vaishnavism; temples served as schools, courts, granaries and art centres.
- Poets Kamban, Sekkizhar and Jayamkondar; Nataraja bronzes made by lost-wax casting; Dravidian temple style with vimanas and mandapas.
Exam angle
- Capital founded by Rajendra Chola I: Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
- Palm-leaf voting: Kudavolai; inscriptions: Uthiramerur.