Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, released a special commemorative coin honouring Emperor Rajendra Chola I on Sunday. The unveiling took place on Sunday during the grand 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' celebrations at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, commemorating the Chola king's legacy and the temple's millennial anniversary.

The celebrations specifically commemorate Rajendra Chola I's renowned Southeast Asian naval expedition.

Features of the Commemorative Coin

The newly released coin, with a denomination of Rs 1000, features intricate designs reflecting India's rich heritage and the Chola dynasty's grandeur.

Obverse Side: The front of the coin prominently displays the Lion Capital of Ashoka, symbolizing India's sovereignty, with the national motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) inscribed beneath it. The word 'Bharat' is etched in Devanagari script on the left periphery, while 'INDIA' appears in English on the right. Below the Ashoka pillar, the Rupee symbol and the numerical value "1000" are engraved in international numerals.

Reverse Side: The opposite side features an expertly crafted figure at its centre, depicting the majesty of Emperor Rajendra Chola I's naval expedition. This side also bears the inscription "1000 YEARS OF NAVAL EXPEDITION OF EMPEROR RAJENDRA CHOLA - I" in both English and Devanagari script.

According to the Gazette notification (G.S.R. 494(E)), the coin has a circular shape with a diameter of 44 millimeters. It is composed of 99.9% pure silver (999 fineness), weighs a standard 40 grams (with a tolerance of ±0.005 grams), and features 200 serrations on its edge.

Legacy of Rajendra Chola I

Emperor Rajendra Chola I, who reigned in the 11th century, is celebrated for his extensive conquests across Southern India and his ambitious naval expedition into Southeast Asia.

His vision led to the construction of Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his new capital, envisioned to be adorned with sacred water from the River Ganga. His army, having defeated numerous kingdoms en route, brought back water from the holy river, which was used to establish this new city.

The Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola in honor of his father, Raja Raja Chola (who constructed the famous Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur), is an ASI-protected monument. Locals have been actively advocating for the restoration of a compound wall around the centuries-old structure and the installation of a sound and light show to attract more tourists.

The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is one of India's largest, with Shiva as its principal deity. Its main temple tower stands at an imposing 55 meters, and the entire complex is adorned with rich art and sculptures, reflecting the grandeur of the Chola era.

 

The event also highlighted the role of traditional Adheenams (monasteries) in Tamil Nadu, which have a rich history of spiritual activities, including the preservation and promotion of Tamil hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. These mutts often control numerous temples and run educational institutions, besides possessing vast tracts of land, exemplified by the Perur Mutt near Coimbatore and the Dharumapuram mutt established in the 16th century.