Rajaraja Chola I was one of the most important kings of the
Chola dynasty and ruled from 985 AD to 1014 AD. One of the greatest kings of South India, he was known by the title of ‘Rajaraja the Great’. His father was Parantaka Cholan II and mother Vanavan Mahadevi. Original name of Rajaraja Cholan was Rajakesari Varman or Mummudi-Sola-Deva. The king was not only a great warrior but was also an able administrator.
Rajaraja Chola was the first Indian king who established a navy. His reign is said to be the second Golden Age of Tamil Nadu. Tanjore (Thanjavur) in Tamil Nadu was his capital. The Chola Empire became one of the supreme empires of South Asia during his reign.
As soon as he ascended to the throne, he conquered the Pandyas. Then he proceeded towards Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and annexed northern Ceylon. The king added the Gangas of Mysore (capital at Talakad), the country of Nolambas (Bellary and Eastern Mysore), Tadigaipadi (the district of Mysore), vengi (southern part of Northern Circars), and Coorg (kudamalainadu) to his kingdom. The Western and the Eastern Chalukyas of the Deccan also came under his control.
Even though he was a Shaivite (follower of Lord Shiva), Rajaraja respected all religions. He constructed a number of stone temples in Ceylonese capital Polonnaruva. The Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur was his contribution. He was a patron of art also.
