Why in news:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu to attend the Aadi Thiruvizha festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, one of the greatest emperors of the Chola dynasty. The event also marked 1,000 years since Rajendra Chola’s naval expedition to Southeast Asia and the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
UPSC CSE Relevance:
UPSC CSE in mains and prelims examination has focused on different dynasties(Chola’s,Pallavas,Chera’s etc.)and features of art and culture in GSI. A case in point is a following PYQ.
UPSC CSE Mains Question 2022
Question: Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
About Chola Empire:
History: Vijayalaya was a key figure from the ancient Chola line based in Uraiyur. In the mid-9th century, he captured the Kaveri delta from the Muttaraiyar. This marked the founding moment of Imperial Chola power. Vijayalaya built the town of Thanjavur (which later became the Chola capital).
- The Chola Dynasty was founded by Vijayalaya Chola.
- In the mid-ninth century the family came to dominate the region, building an empire that would last more than four hundred years. Based in the fertile Kaveri River delta in the present-day Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Chola Dynasty—at its height in the eleventh century—ruled much of south India and as far as Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands.
- The greatest Chola rulers were Rajaraja (985-1014) and his son Rajendra I (1014-1044).
Source: NCERT
About Rajendra Chola I:(1014–1044 CE)
- Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE) was one of the most powerful and visionary rulers in Indian history.
- Under his leadership, the Chola Empire expanded its influence across South and Southeast Asia.
- He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital after his victorious campaigns, and the temple he built there served as a beacon of Shaiva devotion, monumental architecture, and administrative prowess for over 250 years.
- Rajendra’s territories extended to coastal Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, conquering the kings of Srivijaya (Sumatra, Java, and Malaya in South East Asia) and the Pegu islands with his fleet of ships.
- He is particularly famous for his naval expeditions to Southeast Asia and his campaign to the Ganges River in northern India, earning him the title “Gangaikonda Cholan” (the one who conquered the Ganges).
He constructed the grand Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- This temple inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their exceptional architecture and cultural significance.
How do Cholas provide a roadmap for Modern India?
- Naval Prowess and Defense: Modi emphasizes the Cholas’ strong navy, built by Rajaraja Chola and further strengthened by Rajendra Chola, as a model for modern India to enhance its defense forces and maritime capabilities. He links this to current national security initiatives, such as “Operation Sindoor,” to assert India’s strong response to threats.
- Economic and Strategic Advancements: The Prime Minister points to the Chola era’s economic brilliance, including robust revenue systems, focus on maritime trade, and port development, as an inspiration for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation and a $5 trillion economy. He suggests their global trade and cultural exchange through sea routes with South and South East Asia offer lessons for India’s current foreign policy and outreach.
- Democratic Traditions: PM Modi has lauded the Chola Empire as the “Mother of Democracy,” citing their village-level electoral practices through the “Kudavolai Amaippu” system, which predated Western concepts like the Magna Carta. This highlights a deep-rooted democratic ethos within India’s historical fabric.
- Cultural Unity and Heritage: He underscores how Chola rulers “wove India into a thread of cultural unity.” Modi connects this to his government’s initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, which aim to revive ancient cultural bonds. He also highlights efforts to repatriate stolen Indian artifacts, including those from Tamil Nadu, as a continuation of preserving India’s rich cultural legacy.
- Shaivite Tradition and Spiritual Identity: The Prime Minister acknowledges the Cholas’ deep connection with Shaivism and its vital role in shaping India’s cultural and spiritual identity. He highlights the enduring influence of Tamil Shaivite traditions and the contributions of Nayanar saints and construction of temples like Brihadeshvara.
- Water Management: Modi references Rajendra Chola’s symbolic act of bringing Ganga water to the south, showcasing their foresight in water management by building massive lake Cholagangam and their efforts towards “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India).
Facts for Prelims: (Source-NCERT)
Administration of the Empire:
- Ur = Settlement of peasants (basic rural unit).
Multiple villages formed larger administrative units called nadu. - Nadu was the real functioning unit of local self-government in Chola times.
- Muvendavelan = A velan (peasant) who served the three Chola kings.
- Araiayar = Chief, often a wealthy or influential landowner.
Types of Land:
| Land Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vellanvagai | Land owned by non-Brahmana peasant proprietors. Indicates the presence of a prosperous agrarian peasant class. |
| Brahmadeya | Land gifted to Brahmanas — often tax-free, usually in fertile areas. Enabled Brahmanical influence and Sanskritization. |
| Shalabhoga | Land allocated for the maintenance of schools (likely gurukulas or Vedic institutions). Reflects state support for education. |
| Devadana / Tirunamattukkani | Land gifted to temples, showing the theocratic economy and religious patronage. |
| Pallichchhandam | Land donated to Jaina institutions, revealing religious tolerance and Jaina presence in the region. |
