Why in news?
July 2025 marked the thousandth anniversary of the establishment of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the capital founded by the Chola emperor Rajendra I after his victorious expedition to the Ganga river. Cultural organisations organised exhibitions and heritage walks at the site to honour its historical significance.
Historical context
During the early eleventh century the Chola empire reached its greatest extent. Rajendra I carried his army across the Deccan and up to the Ganga. Upon his return he assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola—the Chola who conquered the Ganga—and built a new capital about 80 kilometres from Thanjavur. The grand Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was modelled on the temple in Thanjavur but featured softer curves and elaborate sculptures.
Features of the city and temple
- Urban planning: The city was laid out with broad streets, irrigation tanks and fortified walls. It served as the administrative centre of the empire.
- Temple architecture: The main temple has a massive central tower (vimana) rising over the sanctum, exquisite bronze icons and intricate stone carvings. Unlike the straight tower of the Thanjavur temple, this vimana slopes gently.
- Inscriptions: Copper plates and stone inscriptions from the site record land grants, taxation rules and religious endowments. They provide valuable information about Chola administration and society.
- Water management: A giant tank called Chola Gangam stored water brought from the Ganga as a symbolic link. It also supplied the city during droughts.
Importance today
The monuments of Gangaikonda Cholapuram are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples.” They demonstrate the sophistication of medieval south Indian architecture and hydraulics. Preserving this heritage helps us understand the political and cultural achievements of the Cholas and attracts tourism. Conservationists call for better signage, maintenance and community participation to ensure that the site remains alive for another millennium.