Rajendra Chola I: Great Chola Emperor and Conqueror of Gangetic Expedition

Explore Rajendra Chola I, the mighty Chola emperor (11th century CE) who led victorious expeditions to the Ganges and Southeast Asia, expanding the empire's influence and naval prowess.

Table of Contents

Context: The Ministry of Culture will celebrate the birth anniversary of the Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I, with the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu.

Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE)

Extended Chola control over Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Famous for his naval expedition to the Srivijaya Empire (modern Indonesia/Malaysia) in 1025 CE, demonstrating India’s early naval strength.
Battle of Maski (1019-1020 CE): A significant victory over the Western Chalukya ruler Jayasimha II.
Established a new capital named Gangaikonda Cholapuram after his victorious campaign in the Ganga region.
- Ganges Expedition (c. 1022 CE): This was a monumental overland campaign to North India, culminating in the defeat of the Pala king Mahipala.
Built the majestic Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival

The Aadi Thiruvathirai (also known as Aadi Pooram or Aadi Pirappu, depending on region and context) is a Tamil Shaivite festival observed in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August).
It celebrates Lord Shiva in his cosmic dancer form—Nataraja.
Rituals involve Abhishekam (sacred bathing), Alangaram (decoration), and special pujas.
This was cherished and promoted by the Cholas and brought to life through the devotional hymns of the 63 Nayanmars, the revered saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism.

Rajendra Chola’s Gangetic Expedition

Gangetic Expedition (Northern India Campaign) – c. 1023 CE

Objective: To assert dominance over North India and bring the Ganges water to the Chola capital.
Route and Conquests:
- Began from Venginadu (modern Andhra Pradesh)
- Conquered Chakrakottam (Chitrakoot, Chhattisgarh)
- Defeated Masuni Desam (regions in Odisha/Chhattisgarh)
- Subjugated Kosala (Dakshina/Mahakosala in Chhattisgarh)
- Captured Dandabhukti (parts of southern Bengal)
- Advanced into Radha (Hooghly, Howrah, Murshidabad, Birbhum)
- Crossed the Ganges into Vangala Desam (Eastern Bengal)
- Defeated Mahipala of the Pala dynasty
Outcome: Symbolic act of bringing Ganga water; creation of Cholagangam tank; assertion of imperial prestige.

Southeast Asian Naval Expedition (Kadaram/Kataha Campaign) – c. 1025 CE

Objective: To control maritime trade routes and assert naval supremacy.
Targets:
- Srivijaya Empire (based in modern-day Sumatra, Indonesia)
- Captured Kadaram (modern Kedah, Malaysia)
- Raided Srivijayan ports: Tambralinga, Pannai, Malaiyur, Mayirudingam, Ilamuri, etc.
Outcome: Temporary disruption of Srivijayan hegemony; recognition of Chola naval might across Southeast Asia.

Pandya and Chera Campaigns (Southern India)

Though already under Chola control during his father Rajaraja I’s reign, Rajendra further subjugated:
- Pandya country (Madurai region)
- Chera country (Kerala region)
Purpose: Reassert Chola dominance in the south.