Raja Raja Chola II, The Monarchs in Tamil Nadu

Raja Raja Chola II:

Raja Raja Chola II was one of the greatest kings of India and one of the greatest monarchs in Tamil History. He was born in 947 CE as Arulmozhi Vendar and the third child of Parantaka Sundara Chola. Mother name Thirumudi Kaari. He ruled Chola dynasty between 985 and 1014 CE.

Conquests and the Expanding Kingdom of Chola:

During the period of Raja Raja Chola II, the Chola kingdom became very powerful and strong. With his administrative skills, he brings glory to the Chola Empire. After he enthroned as the king, he began a series of conquests in South India. He conquered the Pandyas and Cheras kingdoms. Chola invaded Ceylon now Sri Lanka and spread his kingdom to Southern parts also. He captured Gangapadi, Nolambapadi, Tadigaipadi, Vengi and Kalinga and defeated the Chalukyas the Western kingdoms in India also and extended his kingdom from Kalinga to Sri Lanka.

Raja Raja Chola II Administration and Family

He brought many reforms in administration systems; he permitted to his local princes and lords to administer their people in their own administrative skills and also gave autonomy to his local princes. His elder brother Aditya II assassinated in 969 CE. He had great respect for his elder sister Kundavai Pirattiyar and a daughter whose name also Rajaraja Kundavai Alvar. He married a number of wives and had only one son Rajaraja Chola I.

Raja Raja Chola II As a Patron of Religion

Besides wars and conquests, he constructed many magnificent architectural monuments. Rajaraja Chola was the great devotee of Lord Shiva, so he constructed the huge Lord Shiva temple in Thanjavur, called Brihadeeswara Temple. The construction of the temple is said to have been completed on the 25th day of the 25th year of his reign. The temple is one of the biggest temples in India and also recognized as world heritage site by UNESCO. Here Rajaraja Chola II started religious activities and still continuing which makes thick bondage between the people. In those days the city also main business centre and Tanjavur did its business with the rest of the country.