Rajaraja Chola I
Rajaraja Chola I
- The birth anniversary of Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I was celebrated during Sadha Vizha (mid-October to mid-November) in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
- He was born as Arulmozhi Varman in 947 A.D. and bore the title Rajaraja, which means “King of Kings.”
Note:
- The Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya which led to the rise of the mighty Cholas.
- Defeated the Pallavas.
- The rule of the Cholas (9th-13th century) lasted for about five centuries until the 13th century.
Rajaraja Chola I:
- Rajaraja Chola I was the third child of Rajaraja Chola I, Parantaka Chola II and Vanavana Mahadevi.
- According to the Thiruvalangadu inscription, Uttama Chola, recognizing the extraordinary ability of Arunamozhi (Rajaraja I), appointed him as his successor.
- He ruled from 985 to 1014 and was known for his military acumen and deep administrative foresight.
The military victory:
Battle of Kandalur Salai (988 AD):
- It was a naval battle against the Cheras (central and northern Kerala) at Kandalur in Kerala.
- This was the first military achievement of Rajaraja I and resulted in the loss of the Chera naval forces and ports.
Conquest of Kerala and the Pandyas:
- According to the Senur inscription (Tamil Nadu), Rajaraja Chola I destroyed Madurai, the capital of the Pandyas, and conquered Kollam.
- After the conquest, he assumed the title of “Pandya Kulashni” (Vajra for Pandyas) and renamed the region as “Rajaraja Mandalam.”
- He also bore the title “Mummudi Chola” (Chola wearing three crowns) to signify his dominance over the Cholas, Pandyas and Cheras.
Conquest of Sri Lanka (993 AD):
- Rajaraja Chola I invaded Sri Lanka in 993 AD and occupied the northern half of Sri Lanka and established Jananathamangalam as the provincial capital.
- This conquest was completed during the reign of his son Rajendra Chola I in 1017 AD.
Conflict with the Chalukyas:
- They defeated the Chalukyas in Karnataka and captured territories like Gangavadi and Nolambapadi.
- He promoted alliances through marriages (such as Kundavai’s marriage with Vimaladitya of Vengi).
Chola Navy:
- Rajaraja Chola I strengthened the navy, giving the Bay of Bengal the title “Chola Lake.”
- Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) was the main port during that period, which helped in the successful operations in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Administration:
- Direct control over the provinces was established with the appointment of dependent officials in place of hereditary lords.
- He strengthened the system of local self-government and established a system of audit and control through which public bodies were monitored.
Art and Culture:
- Rajaraja Chola I was a devoted Shaivite, but he also dedicated many temples to Lord Vishnu.
- In 1010 A.D., Rajaraja Chola I built the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple (Rajarajeswaram Temple) in Thanjavur.
- It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a perfect example of Dravidian temple architecture.
- The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is considered one of the “Great Living Chola Temples,” the other two being Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple.
- An important specimen of Chola sculpture was the statue of Nataraja in the Tandava dance posture.
Coin-making:
- Rajaraja Chola I issued new coins in place of the old tiger-symbol coins, with the image of the king standing on one side and the goddess seated on the other.
- Their coins were also copied by the kings of Sri Lanka.
Chola administration:
Centralized rule:
- At the top of the Chola administrative structure was the king, whose powers were balanced by a council of ministers.
- The central government under the king had a structured council consisting of high officials (Basaram) and low officials (Sarindaram).
Provincial Administration:
- The Chola Empire was divided into nine provinces, which were also called Mandalam.
- Mandals were further divided into Kottams or Valanads, which were further divided into Nadu (districts) and then Ur (villages).
Revenue system:
- Land revenue was the primary source of income, with the normal rate being 1/6 th of the yield of land collected as tax, whether in cash, kind or both.
- The Chola administration also levied taxes on customs, tolls, mines, ports, forests and salt fields. Commercial and household taxes were also collected.
Local administration:
- The most distinctive feature of the Chola administration was its system of local governance, which granted considerable autonomy to local units such as nadus and villages.
- The Nadu was an important administrative unit, with its own assembly and headed by the Nattars, while the council of the Nattars was called the Nattavai.
- At the village level, the Gram Sabha was responsible for maintaining public infrastructure and regulating markets.
- Gram Sabhas was assisted by various Boards (Committees) responsible for various aspects of local governance.
Trade under the Chola dynasty:
Local Trade:
- The Chola Empire witnessed significant development in internal trade, facilitated by trading corporations and organised guilds.
- These guilds, often called “Nanadeshi,” were powerful and autonomous bodies of merchants.
- In large trading centres like Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram, local merchant associations called “Nagarams” helped in coordinating trade and market activities.
Maritime trade:
- The Chola dynasty established trade relations with West Asia, China and Southeast Asia.
- They were engaged in the profitable trade of spices, precious stones, textiles and other goods which were in demand all over Asia.
Brihadeshwara Temple:
- Built by Rajaraja I, this temple was inaugurated in his 19th year (1003-1004 AD) and 25th year (1009-1010 AD).
- It is an example of pure form of Dravidian temple design.
The architecture:
Design:
- It has a huge pillared prakara (enclosure) with sub-temples dedicated to the eight guardian deities (Ashtadikpalas).
Gopuram:
- Known as Rajarajantiruvasal, this temple serves as the grand entrance to the complex.
The circumambulatory path:
- There is a path around the sanctum sanctorum, from which devotees can circumambulate around the holy Shivalinga.
The Artistic Principle:
- The walls of the temple are adorned with huge and exquisite murals, including 81 of the 108 karanas (dance postures) of Bharatanatyam.
- A mural depicting Rajaraja I and his guru Karuvaravar was found in the Brihadisvara temple in Tamil Nadu.
Inscriptions:
- It contains inscriptions detailing the military achievements, temple grants and administrative orders of Rajaraja Chola I.
Nataraja Statue:
- The Nataraja Statue depicts Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, who symbolizes the creation, preservation and destruction of the universe.
The historical origins:
- The earliest sculptures of Nataraja date back to the 5th century AD.
- This iconic and world-famous form evolved during the reign of the Chola dynasty (9th-13th century AD), reflecting their artistic and cultural advancement.
The cosmic dance:
- Known as Anand Tandav (Dance of Bliss), it represents the eternal rhythm of the universe, the cycle of creation and destruction, and the continuous flow of time.
The main symbolic features:
The Flaming Aura (Aura):
- It represents the universe and time, the cycle of destruction and renewal.
Damru (upper right hand):
- Damru symbolizes the first sound of creation and the rhythm of the universe.
Agni (upper left hand):
- Agni is the symbol of destruction, symbolizing the endless cycle of the universe.
Abhayamudra (lower right hand):
- A sign of reassurance and protection, dispelling fear.
Left Hand Posture:
- In this, the lower left-hand points towards the raised leg and indicates the path of salvation.
Vamana Figure:
- The small Vamana figure below the right leg of Shiva symbolizes the ignorance and arrogance of the egoistic person.
Raised Left Foot:
- Represents the path of grace and salvation.
Contribution of the Cholas:
- Chola bronzes are renowned for their excellence, intricate detailing and spiritual symbolism.
- It is made of bronze metal, reflecting the expertise of metallurgists and artists of the Chola era.
- A replica of the Nataraja statue is installed outside CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), which symbolizes the cosmic dance of particles in physics.
Maritime activity of the Chola rule:
Naval Strength:
- The Cholas built a powerful navy that stretched far and wide to promote trade interests.
Ports:
- Major ports include Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Kaveripattinam, Nagapattinam, Kancheepuram, Kulachal and Thoothukudi.
Invasion of Southeast Asia:
- King Rajendra I’s invasion of the Sailendra Empire (South-East Asia) brought the Malay Peninsula, Java and Sumatra under Chola control.
- The Cholas thwarted Chinese attempts to disrupt their trade with South-East Asia.
Shipbuilding:
- Kappala Sattiram, a treatise on shipbuilding, highlights their advanced maritime technology.
Q). Which famous temple was built by Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century?
प्रश्न- 11वीं शताब्दी में राजराजा चोल प्रथम ने कौन सा प्रसिद्ध मंदिर बनवाया था?
Answer:-
Q). How did the Cholas rise to power? trace out the role of Rajaraja I in this rise.?
प्रश्न- चोल किस प्रकार शक्तिशाली हुए? इस उत्थान में राजराज प्रथम की भूमिका का पता लगाएं?
Answer:-