Rajaraja I

Regnal name
	Raja Raja Cholan

Rajaraja I
Rajaraja I
Rājakēsari Varman,; Ponniyin Selvan, Mum'muṭi Cōḻan, Sivapathasekaran, Taila Kula Kaalan, Pandiya kula sani, Thelungu Kula Kaalan, Keralandhagan, Singalandhagan, Kṣatriya Śikhāmaṇi
	A Mural of Rajaraja I at Brihadisvara Temple
Chola Emperor
Reign	c. 985 – c. 1014
Predecessor	Uttama
Successor	Rajendra I
King of Anuradhapura ;
Reign	c. 992 – c. 1014
Predecessor	Mahinda V
Successor	Rajendra I
Born	Arulmozhi Varman; c. 947; Thanjavur, Chola Empire (modern-day Tamil Nadu, India)
Died	c. 1014 (aged 66–67); Thanjavur, Chola Empire
Spouse	Thiripuvana Madeviyar; Lokamahadevi; Cholamahadevi; Tirilokyamahadevi; Panchavanmahadevi; Abhimanavalli; Latamahadevi; Prithivimahadevi;
Issue	Rajendra I; Araiyan Rajarajan; Arulmozhi chandramalli alias Gangamadevi; Mathevadigal;
Regnal name
Regnal name
	Raja Raja Cholan
Dynasty	Chola
Father	Parantaka II
Mother	Vanavan Mahadevi
Religion	Hinduism; See details
Signature

Rajaraja I (Middle Tamil: Rājarāja Cōḻaṉ; Classical Sanskrit: Rājarāja Śōḷa; 947 – 1014),^[1]^[2] also known as Rajaraja the Great, was a Chola emperor who reigned from 985 CE to 1014 CE. He is known for his conquests of South India and parts of Sri Lanka, and increasing Chola influence across the Indian Ocean.^[3]^[4]

Rajaraja's empire encompassed vast territories, including regions of the Pandya country, the Chera country, and northern Sri Lanka. He also extended his influence over strategic islands such as Lakshadweep, Thiladhunmadulu atoll, and parts of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. His conquests weren't limited to the south; he also launched successful campaigns against the Western Gangas and the Western Chalukyas, extending Chola authority as far as the Tungabhadra River. In the east, Rajaraja faced fierce opposition from the Telugu Chola king Jata Choda Bhima over control of Vengi. This region held significant strategic importance due to its access to resources and trade routes. The conflict between the two rulers intensified as they vied for dominance in the region, resulting in significant battles and shifting allegiances.^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]

Rajaraja I also left a significant mark through his architectural and cultural achievements. He commissioned the construction of the Rajarajeshwaram Temple in the Chola capital of Thanjavur, which is revered as one of the most prominent examples of medieval South Indian architectural style.^[9] Additionally, during his reign, important Tamil literary works by poets such as Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar were gathered and compiled into a single collection known as the Thirumurai. This earned him the title of 'Thirumurai Kanda Cholar,' meaning The One Who Found Thirumurai.^[6]^[10] He initiated a project of land survey and assessment in 1000 CE which led to the reorganisation of Tamil country into individual units known as valanadus.^[11]^[12] Rajaraja died in 1014 CE, and was succeeded by his son Rajendra Chola I.

^ ^a ^b Vidya Dehejia 1990, p. 51.
^ K. A. N. Sastri 1992, p. 1.
^ Charles Hubert Biddulph (1964). Coins of the Cholas. Numismatic Society of India. p. 34.
^ John Man (1999). Atlas of the year 1000. Harvard University Press. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-674-54187-0.
^ Sen, Sailendra (2013). A Textbook of Medieval Indian History. Primus Books. pp. 46–49. ISBN 978-9-38060-734-4.
^ ^a ^b A Journey through India's Past by Chandra Mauli Mani p.51
^ Columbia Chronologies of Asian History and Culture by John Bowman p.264
^ M. G. S. Narayanan 2013, p. 115-117.
^ The Hindus: An Alternative History by Wendy Doniger, p. 347.
^ Indian Thought: A Critical Survey by K. Damodaran, p. 246.
^ A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th century by Upinder Singh, p. 590.
^ Administrative System in India: Vedic Age to 1947 by U. B. Singh, p. 76.

[FOOTNOTEVidya_Dehejia199051-1] Vidya Dehejia 1990, p. 51.

[FOOTNOTEK._A._N._Sastri19921-2] K. A. N. Sastri 1992, p. 1.

[3] Charles Hubert Biddulph (1964). Coins of the Cholas. Numismatic Society of India. p. 34.

[4] John Man (1999). Atlas of the year 1000. Harvard University Press. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-674-54187-0.

[sen2-5] Sen, Sailendra (2013). A Textbook of Medieval Indian History. Primus Books. pp. 46–49. ISBN 978-9-38060-734-4.

[India's_Past_p.51-6] A Journey through India's Past by Chandra Mauli Mani p.51

[7] Columbia Chronologies of Asian History and Culture by John Bowman p.264

[FOOTNOTEM._G._S._Narayanan2013115-117-8] M. G. S. Narayanan 2013, p. 115-117.

[9] The Hindus: An Alternative History by Wendy Doniger, p. 347.

[10] Indian Thought: A Critical Survey by K. Damodaran, p. 246.

[Early_Medieval_India_p.590-11] A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th century by Upinder Singh, p. 590.

[India_p.76-12] Administrative System in India: Vedic Age to 1947 by U. B. Singh, p. 76.

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