Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival Celebrates 1,000 Years of Rajendra Chola’s Naval Glory and Tamil Bhakti Traditions

Relevance: GS I History 

To commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola I’s historic naval expedition to Southeast Asia, which solidified the Chola dynasty’s maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean, the Ministry of Culture is holding the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival. This culturally rich event also honors the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti movement, particularly the 63 Nayanmars, whose devotional tradition and spiritual poetry were supported by the Cholas. 

In reference to Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE)

He was the son of the most powerful Chola king, Rajaraja I, who ascended to the throne in 985.

He was dubbed Gangaikonda Cholan, or “The Chola who conquered the Ganges,” after his conquest of the Ganga valley.

• In remembrance of this triumph, he established a temple and a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram. He oversaw victorious naval campaigns in Southeast Asia against the strong Srivijaya Empire and Sri Lanka (see map).

This conquest inspired the name of the capital of the A&N Islands, Sri Vijaya Puram. By the 7th century, Srivijaya was a major naval force in Southeast Asia.

About the Chola Empire 

Under Pallava, the Cholas began as small-time leaders in Uraiyur and gained prominence under Vijayalaya Chola in the ninth century.

• The prosperity of Ur (peasant settlements) was aided by irrigation. These villages came together to form Nadu, which was in charge of justice and tax collection. Popular ones include Kadamai (land revenue) and Vetti (forced labor). 
• Uttaramerur inscriptions that describe the elections and administrative structure of the Chola people.
• Wonders of Culture

UNESCO has designated the Great Living Chola Temples (Briddeeswara, Airavatesvara, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram) as World Heritage Sites. Renowned for its magnificent bronze statues, including the well-known Nataraja.

Mains:

Question: Discuss the significance of Rajendra Chola I’s naval expeditions in shaping the maritime history and cultural diplomacy of early medieval India.

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Mains PYQs:

Question: Analyze the significance of the Chola naval expeditions in Southeast Asia during the reign of Rajendra Chola I. (UPSC IAS 2018)

MCQs:

Question: With reference to Rajendra Chola I, consider the following statements:

1. He assumed the title “Gangaikonda Cholan” after his conquest of the Ganga valley.
2. He established a new capital named Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
3. He led naval expeditions against the Srivijaya Empire and Sri Lanka.
4. He was the founder of the Chola dynasty.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1, 2, and 3 only
2. 2 and 4 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: A 

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MCQ PYQs:

Question: Question: Which Chola king was known for establishing the city of Gangaikondacholapuram?

1. Rajaraja Chola I
2. Rajendra Chola I
3. Kulothunga Chola I
4. Rajadhiraja Chola

Answer: B

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