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Raja Raja Chola I was a powerful ruler of the Chola dynasty in southern India. Moreover, he was the ruler from 985 to 1014 CE and is known for establishing the Chola Empire as a major power in South India and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, his rule was a period of many military conquests that led to the expansion of the dynasty. Read on to learn more about Raja Raja Chola I.
Table of Contents
| Raja Raja Chola I Biography | |
| Name at Birth | Arulmozhi Varman |
| Year of Birth | c. 947 |
| Place of birth | Thanjavur, Chola Empire which is current-day Tamil Nadu |
| Mother | Vanavan Mahadevi |
| Father | Parantaka Sundara Chola (Parantaka II) |
| Dynasty | Chola dynasty |
| Reign name | Raja Raja Cholan |
| Death | c. 1014 in the same place as he was born, Thanjavur, Chola Empire |
Biography of Raja Raja Chola I
Raja Raja Chola I came to the throne in 985 CE and ruled until he died in 1014 CE. His reign is praised for the expansion of the Chola Empire, the creation of monumental architecture, and the flourishing of art and literature.
What was the Early Life of Raja Raja Chola I?
Raja Raja Chola I was born Arulmozhi Varman. He was the third son of Vanavan Mahadevi and Parantaka Sundara Chola (Parantaka II).
- Raja was not the immediate heir to the throne, as his elder brother Aditya II was the crown prince.
- However, after the mysterious assassination of Aditya II, Arulmozhi Varman rose to fill the position of king.
- Even though little is known about his early life, it is believed that he was trained in the arts of warfare and administration from a young age.
- Additionally, his early experiences and observations of his father’s reign influenced his later administrative and military strategies.
Also Read – A Short Note on Krishnadevaraya: The Emperor
List of Military Conquests of Raja Raja Chola I
Raja Raja Chola I undertook many noteworthy military campaigns that expanded the Chola Empire’s influence.
| Military Conquests of Raja Raja Chola I | ||
| Time Period | Conquest | Description |
| 994 CE | Conquest of Kerela | Raja Raja defeated the Chera dynasty and established Chola authority over Kerala. |
| 988 CE | Battle of Kandalur Salai | An important naval victory declared Chola’s dominance over the Pandya and Chera territories. |
| 993 CE | Annexation of Sri Lanka | The northern part of Sri Lanka which is Anuradhapura was brought under Chola control. |
| 998 CE | Capture of gangavadi | Conquest of the western Ganga region which is modern-day Karnataka. |
| 1000 CE | Invasion of Vengi | Conquest of the Eastern Chalukya kingdom, thereby securing the Chola influence over the Andhra region. |
| 1014 CE | Conquest of Maldives | The Maldives islands were annexed, hence extending Chola control into the Indian Ocean. |
| 1025 CE | Campaigns in Southeast Asia | Naval expeditions to the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra established Chola’s existence in Southeast Asia. |
FAQs
Raja Raja Chola I built the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. It is an example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Moreover, this temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Great Living Chola Temples.”
The title of greatest king of the early Cholas is usually given to Karikala Chola. He is celebrated for his military victories and for founding the port city of Puhar, according to Tamil Sangam literature.
Rajendra Chola III was the last king of the Chola dynasty.
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