Raja Raja Chola I

The birth anniversary of the legendary Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I (985 to 1014 CE) is being celebrated with great fervour and devotion during the annual Sadhaya Vizha in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

About Raja Raja Chola I:

• Born as Arulmozhi Varman in 947 CE, Raja Raja Chola I ascended the throne in 985 CE and became one of the most revered and powerful emperors in Indian history.
• He was born to Parantaka Chola II and Vanavan Mahadevi. 
• His leadership transformed the Chola Empire into a dominant force in South and Southeast Asia. He conquered the kingdoms of southern India, his empire expanding as far as Sri Lanka in the south and Kalinga (Orissa) in the northeast.
• He is often called "Raja Raja the Great" for his military and administrative achievements.
• Militaristic and Administrative Vision: His reign is remembered for extensive military campaigns that expanded the Chola empire to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. His administration is also known for its organizational reforms, including the efficient management of the empire’s revenue and military systems, and the consolidation of his territorial gains.
• Cultural Contributions and Temple Building: Raja Raja Chola was responsible for constructing the largest Hindu temple of its age: the Bhrihadishvara temple (commonly known as the Tanjore temple) in Thanjavur, completed in 1013. 
  • It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period. The temple turned 1014 years old in 2014.
  • The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples", with the other two being the Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.

Important Achievements of Raja Raja Chola I

1. Military Conquests:
   • Kandalur War (994 CE): Raja Raja Chola defeated the Chera king Bhaskara Ravi Varman Thiruvadi and destroyed the Chera fleet, establishing Chola dominance over the southern seas.
   • Defeat of Pandya King Amarabhujanga: Raja Raja captured the port of Virinam and defeated the Pandya king, further expanding his empire’s influence in southern India.
   • Expansion of the Chola Empire: Raja Raja assumed the title Mummudi Chola after conquering territories of the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras, symbolizing his rule over these three kingdoms.
2. Conquest of Sri Lanka (993 CE):
   • Invasion of Anuradhapura: Raja Raja invaded Sri Lanka, destroyed the ancient capital Anuradhapura, and established Chola control over the northern part of the island, renaming the capital as Jananathamangalam (Polonnaruwa).
   • Construction of Siva Temple in Polonnaruwa: Raja Raja commemorated his victory by constructing a Siva temple in Polonnaruwa, cementing the Chola presence in Sri Lanka.
3. Chalukyan and Southern Conquests:
   • Defeat of the Nolambas and Western Chalukyas (998 CE): Raja Raja annexed Gangapadi, Nolambapadi, and Tadigaipadi, regions previously under the Nolamba feudatories of the Rashtrakutas. His victory over the Western Chalukyas laid the foundation for Chola expansion in the Deccan.
   • Conflict with Eastern Chalukyas (Vengi): After defeating Jata Choda Bhima, Raja Raja Chola placed Saktivarman I on the throne of Vengi, reasserting Chola control over the Vengi kingdom.
   • Confrontations with Hoysalas: Raja Raja’s general Aprameya defeated the Hoysala forces in battles near Narasipur and Channapatna, reinforcing Chola authority.
4. Naval Power and Maritime Expansion:
   • Naval Campaigns: Raja Raja recognized the importance of a strong navy and conducted successful campaigns, including a naval conquest of the Maldives, strengthening Chola influence in the Bay of Bengal and beyond.
   • Invasion of Srivijaya: Raja Raja’s naval supremacy allowed his son, Rajendra Chola, to carry out raids in Southeast Asia, particularly in Srivijaya, marking the height of Chola naval power.