PM Modi to release commemorative coin of Rajendra Chola in Cholapuram
PM Modi to release commemorative coin of Rajendra Chola in Cholapuram
PM Modi travels to Cholapuram im Tamil Nadu to participate in an event to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the conquest of the Gangetic plains by King Rajendra Chola at Ariyalur district in Tamil Nadu on July 27. The King established the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and constructed the Brihadisvara Temple, in Ariyalur district.
At the occasion PM Modi will also release a commemorative coin accepting a request made by R. Komagan, Chairman of the Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust.
The temple town and its premises are being spruced up for the
PM’s visit. An exhibition showcasing the conquest, trophies and miniature sculptures of Saivite saints will be held at the temple premises between July 23 and 27. Music composer Ilaiyaraaja will perform a 20-minute concert in the presence of
PM Modi.
A capital of the Cholas for 250 years, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, located on the banks of the Kollidam River in Ariyalur district, lost its glory with the fall of the Chola dynasty. A report in the Gazetteer of South India in 1855 — later included in the book ‘The Colas’ by K.A. Nilakanta Sastri — compared Gangaikonda Cholapuram to ancient Babylon.
Chola Gangam tank, a millennium-old symbol of Rajendra Chola’s victory, lies in ruins in Ariyalur
“Immediately in its vicinity is a pagoda of a very large size and costly workmanship; and close by, surrounded by jungle, are some remains of ancient buildings, now much resembling the mounds and heaps which indicate the site of ancient Babylon, but in which the village elders point out the various parts of an extensive and magnificent palace,” the report states.
It also refers to the complete dismantling of the outer wall and the partial demolition of the inner wall by the British in 1832, during the construction of the Lower Kollidam Anaicut.
The four copper plate inscriptions that detail reign, deeds of King Rajendra Chola
“When the Lower Kollidam Anaicut was built, the structure was dismantled of a large part of the splendid granite sculptures which adorned it, and the enclosing wall was almost wholly destroyed in order to obtain materials for the work,” the report points out.
Given that the local people did their best to prevent the “destruction and spoliation of a venerated edifice,” they were punished for contempt.
The report adds that
a promise was made, indeed, that a wall of brick would be built in place of the stone wall that was pulled down, but unhappily it must be recorded that this promise has never been redeemed.
News Edit KV Raman
