Gangaikonda Cholapuram |The story of the Chola king who conquered the Gangetic plains

Gangaikonda Cholapuram was the capital city of Rajendra Chola, the greatest Chola king that ever lived. Born to an illustrious father, Raja Raja Chola, this mighty king ruled over large parts of south India over 1000 years ago. He wanted to anoint his new capital city with water from River Ganga. So he sent his army on a long expedition from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu all the way to modern-day Bangladesh. His army defeated many kingdoms en route, and brought back water from the holy river Ganga. He poured this water into a lake he built, the Chola Gangam, one of the largest manmade lakes in India till date. Gangaikonda Cholan literally means 'the Chola king who conquered the (plains of) River Ganga'. Rajendra Chola commanded the largest blue water navy in Indian history, and used it effectively to subdue Srivijaya, a southeast Asian kingdom that lay 3000 kilometres away. The magnificent Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was built by him and it still stands tall as a charming celebration of his might and power.

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Editing credits: Studio A, Chennai

Image credits-
All images and video footage of Gangaikonda Cholapuram by Studio A

Brihadisvara Temple inscription reading "Rajaraja"

Rajendra Chola in Battle, Kolaramma Temple, Kolar

Brihadeeswarar Temple from the right side

A Siamese painting depicting the Chola raid on Kedah.

Ornamented pillar Darasuram


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[elder]

Vannakkam and “epadi suham, as Tamils in Sri Lanka say. I lived in Sri Lanka over 50 years ago for 3 years and learned some Tamil. I went to Madurai frequently and spent much time at the Meenakshi Amman Koyil, one of my favorite places in the world. You all are doing a wonderful job of revealing the history of India. I still remember a verse from the Tirukulam. I love you guys.

[DrJerryJean]

I'm a South Indian who doesn't know much of its history. Pls do more videos on South Indian history

[SheranAslam]

Emperor of Indian Ocean & Real Father of Indian Navy ⚓

[rainbowthamizhan]

Father of Indian Navy💥💥💥 Raja Raja chozha& rajendra chozha

[விஷ்ணு_கார்த்திக்]

He's not a "king" he's an Emperor. He's called the RAJA RAJA Cholan for a reason.

[digingeorge]

During the chola era they used to mention present day bay of bengal as Cholai thadakam which means chola lake ... Because it was surrounded by the chola empire

[aptcombos-bypranavmanohaur]

South India's history is sternly ignored by the great NCERT Textbooks!

[elder]

Yes, of course.I stand corrected. I think my computer may have changed the spelling and I didn't notice. However, it has been over 50 years since then and my memory isn't to be trusted. Anyway, "the flute is sweet, the flute is sweet, but none surpasses the sounds of little children". And I can still recite this in Tamil...at least half of it. I taught Shakespeare at Jaffna College in Sri Lanka and soaked up the wonderful culture. My son was born at a rural hospital and my daughter went to school in Tamil.

[privinkarananethi]

Wow it's well narrated by explaining clearly about South Indian Tamil King. Arul Mozhi Varman(Raja Raja Cholan) who started to expand Chola Dynasty, while his son Maduranthagan(Rajendra Cholan) who literally conquered ever place in Southeast Asia. Chola also brought their business and trading into various of country. I recommend everyone to read and learn about these great Kings. The history will make you goosebumps ❤️

[dondixon]

I think, Rajedhra Chola is actually the father of Indian navy instead of Chhatrapati Shivaji

[ngulminthang]

I really appreciate you guys for all these wonderful contents. South Indian Tamil Kings really were wonderful.

[wokemaster]

Half Tamil half Sinhalese from Sri Lanka here. I learned of the great kings of both my heritage. My father taught me about Our Sinhalese kings and their 2000+ year historical acheivements and of the Chola, Chera and Pandyan kings as well

You guys have done a great job with this video, well done. Hoping to watch more of your videos.

[expt]

Amazing ! He constructed a lake than a monument. Vision

[sivaniam]

When I has a chance to visit Tami Nadu, I made a visit to this temple, but most unfortunately the caretakers prevented visitors from taking photographs. This must change. Taking photos is one way to promote both Tamil history and to promote tourism for the local economy.

[stephenponraj]

4:15 hear kids
For those who screaming chatrapathi shivaji is called father of navy

[shubhadeepsarkar]

Anyone will fall in love with history with the wonderful story and the ease with which its narrated. Thanks a ton for bringing it to us!!

[leodass]

A wonderful down to earth true and honest account of the Chola Empire.

[karthiksivakumar]

Your guys are awesome, thanks for promoting our tamil culture in English

[slakshmi]

Brillant. There's not much about the Pandya Kings. Request a few episodes in these great kings also

[DevanshuArya]

The world needs to know the greatness of south India.