Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu.

• He hailed the Chola dynasty’s governance, cultural influence, and naval strength as a model for India’s development.

Key Announcements

• Statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola I to be erected in Tamil Nadu.
• Commemorative coin issued in memory of Rajendra Chola I.
• Emphasis on integrating Chola legacy into national consciousness.
• Highlighted India’s efforts to preserve and repatriate ancient artefacts—600 retrieved since 2014, 36 from Tamil Nadu. 

Who Were the Cholas?

• The Cholas were among the three major dynasties of early Tamilakam, often referred to as the Muvendhar in Sangam literature. They also find mention in Ashoka’s rock edicts.
• The Chola empire saw a revival in the mid-9th century under Vijayalaya, likely a former vassal of the Pallavas.

Key Chola Rulers & Their Contributions

Vijayalaya Chola (848–871 AD)

• Founder of the Imperial Chola Empire; rose to power by exploiting Pandya–Pallava rivalry.
• Captured Thanjavur from the Muttaraiyar dynasty; built a temple for Goddess Nishumbhasudini (Durga).
• Initiated urban renovation of Thanjavur.

Rajaraja I (985–1014 AD)

• Led naval expeditions; conquered parts of Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the west coast of India.
• Appointed viceroys in conquered regions: Chola-Pandya (Pandianadu), Chola-Lankeswara (Sri Lanka), and Chola-Ganga (Karnataka).
• Constructed the Brihadesvara Temple at Thanjavur; temple inscriptions record his achievements.
• Supported cultural diplomacy by aiding the construction of a Buddhist Vihara in Java.

Rajendra I (1014–1044 AD)

• Extended control up to the Tungabhadra River and led northern campaigns up to the Ganges.
• Assumed the title Gangaikonda; built Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate victory over Palas.
• Conducted successful naval expeditions against the Srivijaya kingdom (Sumatra), expanding maritime influence.
• Held titles like Kadaramkondan, Mudikonda Cholan, and Pandita Cholan.
• Promoted trade across the Malaya peninsula; strengthened Chola naval power.

Kulottunga I (1070–1122 AD)

• Unified Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi with the Cholas, ensuring political consolidation.
• Introduced land surveys and revenue reforms (contemporary with England’s Domesday Book).
• Practiced religious tolerance: Though a Shaivite, supported Buddhist shrines at Nagapattinam.
• Faced territorial losses (Vengi, Gangavadi) and invasions by Hoysalas and Pandyas, marking the beginning of decline.

Why the Chola Legacy Matters?

• Strategic and Naval Strength
• • Rajaraja Chola built a formidable navy and Rajendra Chola I led overseas expeditions to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia marking early assertions of India’s maritime power and foreign outreach. 
  • PM Modi linked this legacy to modern initiatives like Operation Sindoor, highlighting India’s current focus on defence and maritime security.
• Administrative Excellence: The Cholas pioneered local self-governance through the kudavolai system, an early form of electoral democracy.
• Water Management: The Cholas implemented advanced water conservation systems, like Cholagangam lake.
• Cultural Diplomacy and Unity: The dynasty built strong trade and cultural links across Asia.
  • PM recalled modern efforts like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam that mirror the Cholas’ push for cultural unity.
• Cultural Unity and Heritage Preservation: Through trade, temple architecture, and diplomacy, the Cholas spread Indian influence across Southeast Asia visible in monuments like Angkor Wat and Borobudur. 
  • PM Modi compared this to contemporary efforts like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, which aim to reinforce India’s cultural bonds.
  • PM Modi emphasised Shaivite tradition and teachings of Tirumular (“Anbe Shivam”) as guiding principles for peace and ecological balance.
  • Referenced Shiv Shakti Point (Chandrayaan-3 landing site), linking ancient tradition with modern achievements.
  • Reiterated the Chola legacy as part of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” vision.

Key Features of Chola-Era Local Governance

• Administration: Chola administrative framework was built on two foundational units
  • Sabha – for Brahmin settlements.
  • Ur – for non-Brahmin villages.
• Councils had real administrative powers: revenue collection, irrigation, temple management, and justice delivery.
• Accountability Mechanisms:
  • Mandatory annual audits of office-bearers.
  • Misappropriation or dereliction of duty led to ineligibility for future roles.
  • Moral integrity and civic ethics were central to governance.

Strategic and Cultural Significance

• Deep-Rooted Democratic Ethos:
  • Formal electoral rules inscribed in stone (e.g., Uttaramerur inscriptions).
  • Reflected grassroots democracy far ahead of Europe’s representative governance systems.
• Integration of Morality with Governance: 
  • Eligibility and disqualification based on moral conduct, not just status.
  • Promoted ethical public service, civic responsibility, and trust.
• Decentralised Administration: 
  • Power shared with merchant guilds (e.g., Manigramam, Ayyavole).
  • Boosted trade networks, governance legitimacy, and sustainable civic systems.

Limitations of the System

• Not fully egalitarian: Excluded women, labourers, and the landless.
• Access to power was limited by caste and property ownership.

DOWNLOAD PDF