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Rajaraja IMummudi Cholanராஜ ராஜ ேசாழ�

Extent of the Chola Empire under Rajaraja the

Great c. 1014 CE

Reign 985–1014 CE

Title Rajakesari

Capital Thanjavur

Queen Lokamahadevi

Cholamahadevi

Trailokyamahadevi

Panchavanmahadevi

Abhimanavalli

Raja Raja Chola IFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Raja Raja Chozhan I (Tamil: ராஜ ராஜ ேசாழ�) born Arunmozhi Varmar(also called as

Raja Kesari Varman Raja Raja Thevar [1] and respectfully as Peruudaiyar), popularly knownas Raja Raja the Great, is one of the greatest emperors of the Tamil Chola Empire of India whoruled between 985 and 1014 CE. By conquering several small kingdoms in South India, heexpanded the Chola Empire as far as Sri Lanka in the south, and Kalinga (Odisha) in the northeast.He fought many battles with the Chalukyas to the north and the Pandyas to the south. Byconquering Vengi, Rajaraja laid the foundation for the Later Chola dynasty. He invaded Sri Lankaand started a century-long Chola occupation of the island. He streamlined the administrative systemby dividing the country into various districts and by standardising revenue collection throughsystematic land surveys. Being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, he built the magnificentPeruvudaiyar Temple (also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple) in Thanjavur and through itenabled the distribution of wealth amongst his subjects. His successes enabled his son RajendraChola I to extend the empire even further.

Contents

1 Dates2 Popular Prince3 Military conquests

3.1 Southern wars3.1.1 Kandalur Salai3.1.2 Malai Nadu3.1.3 Invasion of Lanka

3.2 Northern Wars

3.2.1 Ganga Wars

3.2.2 Western Chalukya Wars3.2.3 War against Vengi

3.2.4 Kalinga conquest3.3 Naval Conquests

4 Thanjavur Temple

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Iladamadeviyar

Prithivimahadevi

Children Rajendra Chola I

Kundavai

Madevadigal

Predecessor Uttama Chola

Successor Rajendra Chola I

Father Sundara Chola

Born Unknown

Died 1015 CE

List of Chola kings

Early Cholas

Elara Chola · 235 BC – 161BC

Ilamcetcenni · Karikala Chola

Nedunkilli ·

Killivalavan · Kopperuncholan

Kocengannan · Perunarkilli

Interregnum (c.200–848)

Medieval Cholas

Vijayalaya Chola848–

871(?)

Aditya I 871–907

Parantaka Chola I 907–950

Gandaraditya 950–957

Arinjaya Chola 956–957

Sundara Chola 957–970

4 Thanjavur Temple

5 Administration

6 Military Organisation7 Officials and Feudatories

8 Standardised Inscriptions9 Religious Policy

10 Tirumurai Compilation

11 Personal Life and Family12 Historic novels featuring Rajaraja Chola-I

13 Graveyard14 Documetary Film

15 Notes

16 References

Dates

The key dates of Raja Raja's rule are difficult to come by. Scholar N.Sethuraman concludes that he was born in

circa 947 ACE, was crowned on 18 July 985 and died in 1014 in the Tamil month of Maka.[2]

Popular Prince

Raja Raja Chola was born in Thirukoilur ( head quarters of Nadu Naadu) as Arulmozhivarman, the third child ofParantaka Sundara Chola (Aditya Karikala was the elder son and Kundhavai the elder sister) and Vanavan MahaDevi of the Velir Malayaman dynasty. Aditya karikala was declared as the crown prince. During the lifetime of hisfather Sundara Chola, Arulmozhivarman had carved a name for himself through his exploits in the battles against theSinhala and Pandyan armies. Sundara Chola’s eldest son and heir apparent Aditya II was assassinated under

unclear circumstances.[3] Madhuranthaga, as the only child of Gandaraditya (the brother of Arinjaya Chola),wanted the Chola throne as he felt it was his birthright. After the death of Aditya II, Madhuranthaga was declared

by Sundara Chola as the heir apparent ahead of Arulmozhivarman.[3] Arulmozhivarman ascended the throne after

the death of Madhuranthaga (Uttama Chola).[3] The Thiruvalangadu copper-plate inscriptions say:

"…Though his subjects…entreated Arulmozhi Varman, he…did not desire the kingdom for himselfeven inwardly ".

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Sundara Chola 957–970

Uttama Chola 970–985

Rajaraja Chola I 985–1014

Rajendra Chola I1012–1044

Rajadhiraja Chola1018–

1054

Rajendra Chola II1051–1063

Virarajendra Chola1063–1070

Athirajendra Chola1067–

1070

Later Cholas

Kulothunga Chola I1070–

1120

Vikrama Chola1118–1135

Kulothunga Chola II1133–1150

Rajaraja Chola II1146–

1173

Rajadhiraja Chola II1166–1178

Kulothunga CholaIII

1178–1218

Rajaraja Chola III1216–

1256

Rajendra Chola III1246–1279

Chola society

This was to say that Raja Raja was legally elected through the kind of democratic process followed by Cholas asseen in their Uttiramerur inscription. This is widely accepted as the correct interpretation. Another example of sucha process is the selection of Sri Nandi Varman II to the Pallava throne . It could very much be possible that theking rejected the offer in order to continue to devote time and energy to build the resources to realize the Cholamilitary objectives. Madhuranthaga made a compromise with Sundara Chola that Madhuranthaga will besucceeded by Arulmozhi and not his own son. The Thiruvalangadu inscription again states:

"Having noticed by the marks (on his body) that Arulmozhi was the very Vishnu, the protector of thethree worlds, descended on earth, [Madhuranthaga] installed him in the position of Yuvaraja (heirapparent) and himself bore the burden of ruling the earth…"

Military conquests

Southern wars

The southern kingdoms of Pandyas, Cheras and the Sinhalas were often allied against the Cholas.[4] It was the casewhen Rajaraja came to the throne. Rajaraja's initial campaigns were against the combined Pandya and Cheraarmies. There is no evidence of any military campaign undertaken by Rajaraja until the eighth year of his reign.During this period he was engaged in organising and augmenting his army and in preparing for military

expeditions.[5]

Kandalur Salai

The first military achievement of Rajaraja’s reign was the campaign in Kerala c. 994 CE. Rajaraja’s earlyinscriptions use the descriptive ‘Kandalur salai kalamarutta’ (கா�த�� சாைல� களம��த). In thiscampaign Rajaraja is said to have destroyed a fleet in the port of Kandalur, which appears to have been situated in

the dominions of the Chera King Bhaskara Ravi Varman Thiruvadi (c. 978–1036 CE).[5][6] Inscriptions foundaround Thanjavur show that frequent references are made to the conquest of the Chera king and the Pandyas inMalai-nadu (the west coast of South India). Kandalur-Salai, which later inscriptions claim to have belonged to theChera king, was probably held by the Pandyas when it was conquered by Rajaraja. Some years' fightingapparently was necessary before the conquest could be completed and the conquered country could be sufficiently

settled for its administration could be properly organised.[7] In the war against the Pandyas, Rajaraja seized thePandya king Amarabhujanga and the Chola general captured the port of Virinam. To commemorate theseconquests Rajaraja assumed the title Mummudi-Chola, (the Chola king who wears three crowns – the Chera,Chola and Pandya) and according to tradition the title Raja Raja was conferred on him by serving members of

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Chola society

Chola government

Chola military · Chola Navy

Chola art · Chola literature

Solesvara Temples

Poompuhar · Uraiyur

Melakadambur

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Thanjavur

Tiruvarur · Telugu Cholas

Chidambaram temple of ancient who had also the duty of conducting the swearing in ceremony of chola and pallavaprinces.

Malai Nadu

In a battle against the Cheras sometime before 1008 CE, Rajaraja captured Udagai in the western hill country.Kalingattuparani, a war poem written during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I hints at a slight on the Cholaambassador to the Chera court as the reason for this sacking of Udagai. Rajaraja's son Rajendra was the Chola

general leading the army in this battle.[5] A place named Udagai is mentioned in connection with the conquest of thePandyas. The Kalingattu-Parani refers to the “storming of Udagai” in the verse, which alludes to the reign ofRajaraja. The Kulottunga-Cholan-ula also mentions the burning of Udagai. This was probably an importantstronghold in the Pandya country, which the Chola king captured. The Tamil poem Vikkirama Cholan ula

mentions the conquest of Malai Nadu and the killing of 18 princes in retaliation of the insult offered to an envoy.[8]

Invasion of Lanka

See also: Chola occupation of Sri Lanka (993-1077)

To eliminate the remaining actor in the triumvirate, Rajaraja invaded Sri Lanka in 993 CE. The copper-plate inscription mention that Rajaraja’s powerfularmy crossed the ocean by ships and burnt up the kingdom of Lanka. Mahinda V was the king of Sinhalas. In 991 CE, Mahinda’s army mutinied withhelp from mercenaries from Kerala. Mahinda had to seek refuge in the southern region of Rohana. Rajaraja utilised this opportunity and invaded theisland. Chola armies occupied the northern half of Lanka and named the dominion ‘Mummudi Chola Mandalam’. Anuradhapura, the 1400-year-oldcapital of Sinhala kings was destroyed. The destruction was so extensive the city was abandoned. Cholas made the city of Polonnaruwa as their capitaland renamed it Jananathamangalam. The choice of this city demonstrates the desire of Rajaraja to conquer the entire island. Rajaraja also built a Temple

for Siva in Pollonaruwa.[8] RajaRajan's desire to bring the whole Lankan island under Cholan empire was never fulfilled and the southern part of theisland (Ruhuna) remained independent. Later, king Vijayabahu I successfully drove the Chola out of Sri Lanka in 1070, reuniting the country for the first

time in over a century.[9][10]

Northern Wars

Rajaraja also expanded his conquests in the north and northwest. The regions of Gangapadi (Gangawadi), Nolambapadi (Nolambawadi), Tadigaipadicame into Chola possession during Rajaraja.

Ganga Wars

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Mural found in the Brihadeesvara

temple, Tamil Nadu, 11th century.

The belief that this represents Rajaraja

Chola (in the background) and his

guru Karuvurar is contested.[11]

Before his 14th year c. 998–999 CE, Rajaraja conquered Gangapadi (Gangawadi) and Nurambapadi (Nolambawadi), which formed part of the presentKarnataka State. This conquest was facilitated by the fact the Cholas never lost their hold of the Ganga country from the efforts of Sundara Chola.Nolambas who were the feudatories of Ganga could have turned against their overlords and aided the Cholasto conquer the Gangas, who were the chief bulwark against the Chola armies in the northwest.

The invasion of the Ganga country was a success and the entire Ganga country was under the Chola rule forthe next century. The easy success against the Gangas was also due to the disappearance of Rashtrakutas c.973 CE as they were conquered by the western Chalukyas. From this time, the Chalukyas became the mainantagonists of Cholas in the northwest.

Western Chalukya Wars

During the reign of Rajaraja Chola, there were continuous wars with the Western Chalukyas to assertsupremacy and there are multiple epigraphic evidences that show that the Cholas were constantly fighting withthe Chalukyas or against the vassals of the latter. It is unclear as to why Rajaraja mounted an invasion againstSatyasraya. According to historian Eugen Hultzsch the circumstances that led to the war are not mentioned inany of Rajaraja's inscriptions. But we do know that the rulers of these two conquered provinces were originally

feudatories of the Rashtrakutas.[12] An inscription of Irivabedanga Satyasraya from Dharwar describes him asa vassal of the Western Chalukya Ahvamalla for he describes himself as a bee at the lotus feet ofAhavamalldeva in 1002 A.D. An inscription of Rajaraja asserts that he captured Rattapadi by force. Rajendraled the Chola armies against the Western Chalukyas and would turn Manyakheta, the Chalukyan capital intohis own playground. Raja Raja I claims damages worth "seven and a half lakshas from Irattapadi which wasevidently the site of war with Satyashraya resulting in victory for Raja Raja I and payment of damages by theChalukya king. Chalukya kingdom Satyashraya would renege on his promise of agreeing to Chola suzerainty,but would be defeated by Rajendra Chola I when he became king. Irivabedanga Satyasraya partiallyacknowledges this Chola onslaught in his Hottur (Dharwad) inscription as he screams in pain. In his own wordshe calls himself the ornament of Chalukya race and the slayer of the Tamil. He identifies his opponent asRajaraja Nittavinodha Rajendra Vidyadhara, the ornament of the Chola kula Nūrmadi Chola(one hundred

times more powerful).[13] In the same inscription, he accuses Rajendra of having arrived with a force of900,000 and of having gone on rampage in Donuwara thereby blurring the moralities of war as laid out in the

Dharmasastras.[14] He says that his opponent destroyed the caste (jāti nāsa) of his people. Historians likeJames Heitzman, Wolfgang Schenkluhn conclude that this confrontation displayed the degree of animosity on apersonal level between the rulers of the Chola and the Chalukya kingdoms, the feeling of otherness and theirinability to identify with the other side that degenerated to a level of violence that overthrew the establishedsocial order(destruction of caste). They also draw a parallel between this relationship and the enmity between the Chalukyas of Badami and the

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Pallavas of Kanchi.[15] There is also epigrahic evidence of earlier encounters between the Cholas and the Hoysalas who were vassals of the WesternChalukyas during the reign of Rajaraja Chola. An inscription from the roof of the Gopalakrishna temple at Kaleyur in the Tirumukudalu Narasipur talukdated in Saka 929 being current, Parabhava, corresponding to 1006 A.D, records that Rajaraja's viceroy Aprameya displayed his valor by slaying the

Hoysala minister Naganna and multiple other generals of the Hoysalas like Manjaga, Kalega(or Kali Ganga), Nagavarman, etc.[16] There is also a similar

inscription in the Channapatna taluk that shows Rajaraja crushing the Hoysalas.[17] Rajaraja evidently attached much importance to his victory overSatyasraya, as he is said to have presented gold flowers to the Rajarajesvara temple on his return from the expedition. At the end of this war, thesouthern banks of the Tungabadhra river became the frontier between these two empires.

War against Vengi

The cholas in pursuit of their objective of annihilating to ground evil kingdoms" and hence destroy the excessive wickedness of age of Kali had clashedwith many kingdoms and one of which was Vengi. Parantaka Chola I who had made extensive conquests had in fact subdued the Deccan kingdom thatflourished in this region in 913.C.E. Even in Inscriptions of Sundarachola we find a Chola regiment in Eastern Deccan preparing to invade Odisha. Thusthere is no truth in the proposition of "Chola Throne" ties with "Vengi".

Some of Chola Inscriptions of Raja Raja note how during a war against Vengi, the king himself took initiative and killed a certain ruler called Bheemaruling that area because " he felled one of his commanders". Thus even if Cholas had reigned supreme in Eastern Deccan it was certainly a military visionand the small province of Vengi most probably served as a military base for Cholas who frequently sent in expeditions to Odisha and Western Deccan.We know about such base building activities down south in Pandyan country and also near Suchindram and Colombo in Lanka where the Cholas areknown to have built naval bases and also " some temples for Lord Vishnu ".

Kalinga conquest

The invasion of the kingdom of Kalinga must have occurred subsequent to the conquest of Vengi.[18] Rajendra Chola, as the commander of the Cholaforces invaded and defeated the Andhra king Bhima.

Naval Conquests

One of the last conquests of Rajaraja was the naval conquest of the ‘old islands of the sea numbering 12,000’, the Maldives.[19]

We have no further details regarding this expedition, however this is a sufficient indication of the abilities of the Chola Navy, which was utilised effectively

under Rajendra I. Chola Navy also had played a major role in the invasion of Lanka.[20]

The increasing realization of the importance of a good Navy and the desire to neutralize the emerging Chera Naval power were probably the reasons for

the Kandalur campaign in the early days of Rajaraja’s reign.[21]

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Detail of the main gopura (tower) of

the Thanjavur Temple

Nagapattinam on the Bay of Bengal was the main port of the Cholas and could have been the navy headquarters.Bay of Bengal called as Chola lakeHope the Tamil King - Rajaraja Chola was the First Indian Ruler to establish the First Indian Naval Fleet some 1200 years back. He had established hisrule extending from India up to South East Asia with his Naval Fleet. His rule extended beyond the Bay of Bengal Sea. He even ruled the Java, Sumatralands in S.E.Asia, parts of Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei islands and even some territory Islands that belongs to Australia & even Tasmania, New Zealand.

The Tamil king Rajendra Chola, son of Raja Raja Chola also has the Honour of establishing the first Indian merchant naval fleet. He transformed theNaval Fleet of his Father in to Merchant Naval Fleet and thereby established Trade from India to the S.E.Asia and even the China. There are alsoevidence that they had Trade through Sea with the Romans.....

Thanjavur Temple

Main article: Brihadisvara Temple

Rajaraja’s reign is commemorated by the Siva temple in Thanjavur, called Raajarajeswaram. The PeruvudaiyarKoyil (Tamil: ெப��ைடயா� ேகாய��, peruvuḍaiyār kōyil ?), also known as BrihadeeswararTemple, Rajarajeswaram and ‘Big Temple', turned 1000 years old in 2010.The temple is now recognised as aUNESCO World Heritage Site, forming part of the Great Living Chola Temples site.

The construction of the temple is said to have been completed on the 275th day of the 25th year of his

reign.[22] After its commemoration the temple and the capital had close business relations with the rest of thecountry and acted as a centre of both religious and economic activity. Year after year villages from all over the

country had to supply men and material for the temple maintenance.[23]

The tower or the shikhara is very high and decorated with sculptures. The entrance to the temple is a highgateway which is also beautifully decorated with sculptures called the gopuram. Nandi, Shiva's bull, guards thetemple. Stories of Shiva and Parvati and moreover, eighty one poses of Bharatnatyam are carved on the wallsof the temple.

Administration

From the 23rd to the 29th year of Rajaraja’s rule his dominions enjoyed peace and the king apparently devoted his energies to the task of internaladministration. The building of the Rajarajesvara temple in Thanjavur and the various endowments and gifts to it must have occupied a prominent place inthe king’s mind during these years.

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Rajaraja Chola's statue at Brihadisvara

Temple, Thanjavur.

Rajaraja carried out a revenue and settlement during the final years of his reign. Inscriptions found in the Thanjavur temple bear testimony to the accuracyof this operation. Land as small in extent as 1/52,428,800,000 of a ‘veli’ (a land measure) was measured and assessed to revenue. The revenue survey

enabled for the confiscation of lands of the defaulting landlords.[24]

Rajaraja also perfected the administrative organisation by creating a strong and centralised machinery and by appointing local government authorities. Heinstalled a system of audit and control by which the village assemblies and other public bodies were held toaccount while not curtailing their autonomy.

He promoted International trade by patronising "Thisai ayirathi ettu Ainootruvar", which is an ancient tamiltrade organisation which carried on trade from the length and breadth of the Indian Ocean From the Arabia tothe Malaya.

Military Organisation

Rajaraja created a powerful standing army and a considerable navy which achieved even greater successunder his son Rajendra. The prominence given to the army from the conquest of the Pandyas down to the lastyear of the king’s reign is significant, and shows the spirit with which he treated his soldiers. A number ofregiments are mentioned in the Tanjore inscriptions and it is evident that Rajaraja gave his army its due share inthe glory derived from his extensive conquests.

In most of the foregoing names the first portion appears to be the surnames or titles of the king himself or of hisson. That these regiments should have been called after the king or his son is indicative of the attachment theChola king bore towards his army.

It is possible that these royal names were pre-fixed to the designations of these regiments after they had distinguished themselves in some engagement orother. It is worthy of note that there are elephant troops, cavalry and foot soldiers among these regiments. To some of these regiments, the managementof certain minor shrines of the temple was entrusted and they were expected to provide for the requirements of the shrine. Others among them tookmoney from the temple on interest, which they agreed to pay in cash. We are not, however, told to what productive purpose they applied this money. Atany rate all these transactions show that the king created in them an interest in the temple he built.

Officials and Feudatories

Rajendra Chola was made co-regent during the last years of Rajaraja’s rule. He was also the Mahadandanayaka Panchavan Maharaya – supremecommander- of the northern and northwestern dominions. Uttarangudaiyan Kon Vidividangan alias Villavan Muvendavelan was one of the top officers(Perundaram) of Rajaraja. He figures in many of his inscriptions most notably when he and other top officers take a vow to light lamps and make other

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Example of a typical lithic inscription

of the Chola period

donations if they escaped from being disgraced during the military operations towards the end of Rajaraja's reign.

Paluvettaraiyars from the region of Thiruchirapalli were closely associated with the Cholas from the time of Parantaka I when he married a Paluvettaraiyarprincess, were occupying a high position in the Chola administration. They were apparently enjoying full responsibility and administration of the region ofPaluvur. One of the names of these feudal chieftains found in inscriptions were Adigal Paluvettaraiyar Kandan.He built a massive temple in Gangai kondacholapuram a mile stone of chola architecture. Madurantakan Gandaradityan who served in Rajaraja’s court as an important official in the department oftemple affairs. He conducted enquiries into temple affairs in various parts of the country, punishing defaulters.

The other names of officials found in the inscriptions are the Bana prince Narasimhavarman, a general Senapathi Sri Krishnan Raman, the Samantha chiefVallavarayan Vandiyadevan, the revenue official Irayiravan Pallavarayan and Kuruvan Ulagalandan who organised the country-wide land surveys.

Standardised Inscriptions

Due to Rajaraja's desire to record his military achievements in every one of his inscriptions he handed down toposterity some of the important events of his life. As far as we know at present, Rajaraja was the first king ofSouth India to introduce this innovation into his inscriptions. Before his time powerful kings of the Pallava,Pandya and Chola dynasties had reigned in the South, and some of them had made extensive conquests. Butnone of them seems to have considered leaving a record on stone of his military achievements.

The idea of Rajaraja to add a short account of his military achievements at the beginning of every one of hisinscriptions was entirely his own. His action in this respect is all the more laudable because his successorsevidently followed his example and have left us more or less complete records of their conquests. But for thehistorical introductions, which are often found at the beginning of the Tamil inscriptions of Chola, kings the lithicrecords of the Tamil country would be of very little value, and consequently even the little advance that hasbeen made in elucidating the history of Southern India would be difficult.

An inscription by Rajaraja in Tamil, found in the Mulbagal district of Karnataka, shows his accomplishments as early as the 19th year. An excerpt from

such a Meikeerthi, an inscription recording great accomplishments, follows:[25]

�வ�தி� ்தி�மக� ேபால ெப�நில� ெச�வ��� தன�ேக��ைம ��டைம மன�ெகாள�கா�த��� சாைல� களம��த�ள� ேவ�ைக நா�� க�ைகபா��� �ள�பபா��� த�ைகபா��� �டமைல நா�� ெகா�ல�� கலி�க�� எ��ைச �க�தர ஈழ ம�டல�� இர�டபா�ஏழைர இல�க�� தி��ற� ெவ�றி த�டா� ெகா�டத� ெபாழி� வள� ஊழி�� எ�லாயா���� ெதா�தைக வ�ள��� யா�ேட ெசழிஞைர ேத�ெகா� �ே்காவ�ராஜராஜேகச�ப�மரான �ராஜராஜ ேதவ�

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“ In the 19th year of the reign of sri-Kōv-IRājarāja-IRājakēsaripanmar who,- while his heart rejoiced that like the goddess of

fortune, the goddess of great earth had also become his great wife- during his long life of growing gracefulness, was pleased todestroy the ships at Kāndalūr Sālai; conquered with his heroic and victorious army Vēngai-nādu, Gangapadi, Nulambapadi,

Tadigai-vali, Kollam, Kalingam, Kudumalai-nādu and after having crossed the deep sea, the impregnamble N..njiram, anddeprived the Sēlinār(the Pandyas) of their splendour at the very time when their greatness, which was adored everywhere on

earth, became conspicuous;-.[26] ”

The historical side of Rajaraja’s intellectual nature is further manifested in the order he issued to have all the grants made to the Thanjavur templeengraved on stone. Rajaraja not only was particular about recording his achievements, but also was equally diligent in preserving the records of hispredecessors. For instance, an inscription of his reign found at Tirumalavadi near Thruchi records an order of the king to the effect that the central shrineof the Vaidyanatha temple at the place should be rebuilt and that, before pulling down the walls, the inscriptions engraved on them should be copied in abook. The records were subsequently re-engraved on the walls from the book after the rebuilding was finished.

Religious Policy

An ardent follower of Saivism (one of the 4 major streams of Hinduism), Rajaraja was nevertheless tolerant towards other faiths and creeds. He also hadseveral temples for Vishnu constructed. He also encouraged the construction of the Buddhist Chudamani Vihara at the request of the Srivijaya king SriMaravijayatungavarman. Rajaraja dedicated the proceeds of the revenue from the village of Anaimangalam towards the upkeep of this Vihara.

Tirumurai Compilation

Raja Raja Chola embarked on a mission to recover the hymns after hearing short excerpts of Tevaram in his court.[27] He sought the help of Nambi

Andar Nambi, who was a priest in a temple.[28] It is believed that by divine intervention Nambi found the presence of scripts, in the form of cadijam

leaves half eaten by white ants in a chamber inside the second precinct in Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram.[27][28] The brahmanas (Dikshitars) in

the temple opposed the mission, but Rajaraja intervened by consecrating the images of the saint-poets through the streets of Chidambaram.[27][29]

Rajaraja thus became to be known as Tirumurai Kanda Cholan meaning one who saved the Tirumurai.[29] Thus far Shiva temples only had images of

god forms, but after the advent of Rajaraja, the images of the Nayanar saints were also placed inside the temple.[29] Nambi arranged the hymns of threesaint poets Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar as the first seven books, Manickavasagar's Tirukovayar and Tiruvacakam as the 8th book, the 28 hymnsof nine other saints as the 9th book, the Tirumandiram of Tirumular as the 10th book, 40 hymns by 12 other poets as the 10th book, Tirutotanar

Tiruvanthathi - the sacred anthathi of the labours of the 63 nayanar saints and added his own hymns as the 11th book.[30] The first seven books werelater called as Tevaram, and the whole Saiva canon, to which was added, as the 12th book, Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam (1135 CE) is wholly known

as Tirumurai, the holy book. Thus Saiva literature which covers about 600 years of religious, philosophical and literary development.[30]

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Personal Life and Family

Rajaraja was born Arulmozhivarman and was the third child of Parantaka Sundara Chola.

Rajaraja Chola's mother, Vaanavan Maadevi, was the daughter of Thirukkovilur king, Malayamaan Thirumudi Kaari.

His elder brother Aditya II was assassinated c. 969 CE. He had great respect for his elder sister Ālvār Sri Parāntakan Sri Kundavai Pirāttiyār or morepopularly referred to as Kundavai Pirāttiyār. We also know of at least one daughter of Rajaraja called Rajaraja Kundavai Alvar who he named after

his sister.[31][32] Rajaraja had a number of wives. According to inscriptions, at least 15 names are mentioned as his wives - UlagamagaDeviyari,Thidaipiran magal Chola Madeviyar,Abhimanavaliyar,Thirailokiya Madeviyar,Panchavan Madeviyar,Piruthivi Madeviyar,Elada

Madeviyar,Meenavan Madeviyar,Nakkan Thillai Alzagiyar,Kaadan Thongiyar,Koothan Veeraniyar,Elangon Pichiyar.[33] Also ElangonPichiyar was the daughter of Vallavaraiyan Vandhiyathevan and Kundavai Nachiyar. The mother of Rajendra I, the only known son of Rajaraja,was Vaanathi (otherwise called as Thiripuvana Madeviyar), Princess of Kodumbaalur. Rajaraja must have had at least three daughters. One of thedaughter was named after Rajaraja Cholan's sister -Kundavai who was married to the Chalukya Prince Vimaladithan. Another daughter was called as

Mathevalzagal and was mentioned as the Naduvit Penn (meaning middle daughter) in one of the Thiruvilachuzhi inscriptions.[33] The name of the thirddaughter is not known.

Rajaraja was succeeded by Rajendra Chola I. His natal star was Sadhayam. It was celebrated as Sadhaya-nal vizha, a 7 day festival culminating on his

star birthday during the king and his son's reign.[34] Rajaraja also bore the title Telungana Kula Kala.[35][36][37] He was also known as Rajaraja

Sivapada Sekhara (he who had the feet of Lord Shiva as his crown).[38]

Historic novels featuring Rajaraja Chola-I

1. ponnyin selvan,written by amarar kalki revolves around the life of raja raja chola and his ambition for annexing lanka.

1. Arulmozhi Varman, is the hero of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s historical novel. Its plot revolves around the mysteries surrounding the assassination ofAditya Karikalan and the subsequent accession of Uttama to the Chola throne. Kalki imagines Arulmozhi sacrificing his rightful claim to the throne

by crowning Uttama during his own coronation.

2. Arulmozhi Varman, is the hero of Vembu Vikiraman’s historical novel Nandipurathu Nayagi. The plot of the story revolves around the ascensionof Uttama Chola to the throne and Raja Raja's tour to the distant sea countries.

3. Rajaraja Cholan – Drama, written by Aru. Ramanathan, called as Kathal Ramanathan. (TKS Group made numerous Stage Shows on thisDrama and later it was taken as Movie acted by Shivaji Ganesan). This drama as a book Published by Prema Pirasuram, Chennai. is made as a

Study Material in South Indian Universities.

4. Balakumaran has also written the story Udaiyar based on the life of Rajaraja Chola. While Kalki's novel describes his life at his youth at the timeof the death of Aditya Karikala, Bala Kumaran deals with Rajaraja Chola's life after he becomes the emperor.

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5. In January 2007, Kaviri Mainthan – a novel set in the Chola period and a sequel to Ponniyin Selvan was written by Anusha Venkatesh, publishedby The Avenue Press.

6. Sujatha wrote a novel "Kandalur Vasantha Kumaran Kathai", which deal with the situations leading Raja raja to invade Kandhalur, a sea port.7. Gokul Seshadri has written a novel "Rajakesari", which deals with the after effects of Kandhalur invasion, in Rajaraja Chola's life. Also there is

another novel "Cherar Kottai" by the same author, which deals with the Kandhalur invasion by Rajaraja Chola.

Preceded by

Uttama CholaRaja Raja Chola I

985–1014 CE

Succeeded by

Rajendra Chola

I

Graveyard

His grave found at Udaiyalur near Kumbakonam, just 1 km from Kumbakonam RTO office

Documetary Film

“The Hidden Temples of India.” Mysteries of Asia. Produced by The Learning Channel. Narrated by Michael Bell. Freely available athttp://topdocumentaryfilms.com/lost-temples-of-india

Notes

1. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article432582.ece

2. ^ Sethuraman, N”Rajarajan Pirantha, Mudisudia, Neetha Naatkal”, in “Arunmozhi” ed., N Kasinathan, Tamil Nadu

3. ̂a b c KAN Sastri, A History of South India, p163

4. ^ "Rajaraja began his conquests by attacking the confederation between the rulers of the Pandya and Krala kingdoms and of Ceylon" – KAN Sastri, Historyof South India p 164

5. ̂a b c KAN Sastri, The Colas

6. ^ Chakravarti, Prithwis Chandra (December 1930). "Naval Warfare in ancient India". The Indian Historical Quarterly 4 (4): 645–664. "The navalsupremacy of the Colas continued under the immediate successors of Rajendra. Rajadhiraja, as stated above, not only defeated and destroyed the Cherafleet at Kandalur but sent out his squadrons on an expedition against Ceylon."

7. ^ KAN Sastri

8. ̂a b KAN Sastri The Colas

9. ^ Codrington, H.W (1926). A Short History of Ceylon (http://lakdiva.org/codrington/chap04.html) . London: Macmillan & Co.. ISBN 978-0-8369-5596-5.OCLC 2154168 (//www.worldcat.org/oclc/2154168) . http://lakdiva.org/codrington/chap04.html.

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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Raja_Chola_I 13/15

10. ^ "A BRIEF HISTORY OF SRI LANKA" (http://www.localhistories.org/srilanka.html) . Tim Lambert. localhistories.org.http://www.localhistories.org/srilanka.html. Retrieved 12 September 2008.

11. ^ "varalaaru.com" (http://www.varalaaru.com/Default.asp?articleid=38) . varalaaru.com. http://www.varalaaru.com/Default.asp?articleid=38.

12. ^ South Indian inscriptions: Volume 2, Parts 1–2

13. ^ Epigraphia Indica, Volume 16, page 74

14. ^ Studying early India: archaeology, texts and historical issues, page 198

15. ^ The world in the year 1000, page 311

16. ^ Epigraphia Indica, Volume 30, page 248

17. ^ Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, Volume 21, page 200

18. ^ Smith, Vincent Arthur (1904). The Early History of India. The Clarendon press. pp. 336–358.

19. ^ 'Rajaraja is supposed to have conquered twelve thousand old isands... a phrase meant to indicate the Maldives – Keay p215

20. ^ Kearney, p70

21. ^ KAN Sastri, the Cholas

22. ^ Vasudevan, p44

23. ^ Vasudevan, p46

24. ^ Vasudevan, pp62-63

25. ^ "varalaaru.com" (http://www.varalaaru.com/Default.asp?articleid=32) . varalaaru.com. http://www.varalaaru.com/Default.asp?articleid=32.

26. ^ Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, page 107

27. ̂a b c Culter 1987, p. 50

28. ̂a b Cort 1998, p. 178

29. ̂a b c Vasudevan 2003, pp. 109-110

30. ̂a b Zvelebil 1974, p. 191

31. ^ Early Chola art, page 183

32. ^ A Topographical List of Inscriptions in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala States: Thanjavur District, page 180

33. ̂a b Raasa Manickanar (2009), p. 169.

34. ^ Śāṅkaram

35. ^ The journal of Oriental research, Madras: Volume 7, By Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute

36. ^ Proceedings of the First International Seminar on Dravidian Linguistics and the Fourteenth All India Conference of Dravidian Linguistics

37. ^ Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference-Seminar of Tamil Studies, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, January 1981, Volume 1

38. ^ "A Journey through India's past: Great Hindu kings after Harshavardhana (ISBN 81-7211-256-4)" (http://books.google.co.in/books?id=tUxtA7-InsoC&dq=brihadisvara+temple&source=gbs_navlinks_s) . Chandra Mauli Mani. Northern Book Center, New Delhi. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=tUxtA7-InsoC&dq=brihadisvara+temple&source=gbs_navlinks_s. Retrieved 25 August 2010.

References

Cort, John E. (1998). Open boundaries: Jain communities and culture in Indian history (http://books.google.com/books?

id=WWfnXbVWjKcC&pg=PA178&dq=tevaram&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sy3-

3/7/13 Raja Raja Chola I - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Raja_Chola_I 14/15

TsnyCIy5twfq64TQDQ&ved=0CGAQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q&f=false) . Albany: State University of New York Press. ISBN 0=7914-3786-

8. http://books.google.com/books?id=WWfnXbVWjKcC&pg=PA178&dq=tevaram&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sy3-TsnyCIy5twfq64TQDQ&ved=0CGAQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q&f=false.

Cutler, Norman (1987). Songs of experience: the poetics of Tamil devotion (http://books.google.com/books?id=veSItWingx8C&pg=PA4&dq=tevaram&hl=en&sa=X&ei=gfX8Tq-

SJo_1gAfEydSuAg&ved=0CEoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=tevaram&f=false) . USA: Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication-Data.

ISBN 0-253-35334-3. http://books.google.com/books?id=veSItWingx8C&pg=PA4&dq=tevaram&hl=en&sa=X&ei=gfX8Tq-SJo_1gAfEydSuAg&ved=0CEoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=tevaram&f=false.

Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (2000). A History of South India. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.ISBN [[Special:BookSources/01956606868|01956606868]].

Nilakanta Sastri, K.A. (1984). The Cholas. Madras: University of Madras.Keay, John (2000). India, a History. London: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0-00-638784-5.

Vasudevan, Geeta (2003). Royal Temple of Rajaraja: An Instrument of Imperial Chola Power. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 0-00-638784-

5.Kearney, Milo (2003). The Indian Ocean in World History. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-31277-9.

Epigraphia Carnatica, Volume 10, Part 1, Mysore archaeological series By Benjamin Lewis Rice, Mysore (India : State). Archaeological Dept,Mysore Archaeological Survey, Mangalore, Basel Mission Press, 1905

"Discovery Channel movie clip about Rajaraja" (http://video.google.com/videoplay?

docid=-5096103596865842301&q=rajaraja&total=39&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0) .http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5096103596865842301&q=rajaraja&total=39&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0.

The political structure of early medieval South India By Kesavan VeluthatŚāṅkaram: recent researches on Indian culture : Professor Srinivasa Sankaranarayanan festchrift

South Indian inscriptions: Volume 2, Parts 1–2 By E. Hultzsch, India. Archaeological Survey, India. Dept. of ArchaeologyRaasa Manickanar (2009). Cholar Varalaaru. Naam Tamilzar Publications.

Zvelebil, Kamil (1974). A History of Indian literature Vol.10 (Tamil Literature) (http://books.google.com/books?

id=OQ33i496MsIC&pg=PA130&dq=five+epics+of+tamil+literature&hl=en&ei=nZLmTrmaIsmXtwf1kaWfAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=five%20epics%20of%20tamil%20literature&f=false) . Otto Harrasowitz. ISBN 3-447-

01582-9. http://books.google.com/books?id=OQ33i496MsIC&pg=PA130&dq=five+epics+of+tamil+literature&hl=en&ei=nZLmTrmaIsmXtwf1kaWfAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=res

ult&resnum=1&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=five%20epics%20of%20tamil%20literature&f=false.

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