Rajaraja Chola the first is considered the greatest of all Chola kings. During his reign the empire expanded to Sri Lanka in the south, and Gangas and Kalingas in the north. He established the Great Temple in Tanjavur. While he was an ardent Saivite, he was also secular. He established detailed stone engravings which explain his victories and religious works.

Life

He was born to Paranthaha Chola-II and Vaanavan Maathevi. His birth name is Arunmozhi Varman. He styled himself as Rajaraja while taking the reign, which means king of kings.

He lost his parents at a young age and was brought up by his grand mother Chembian Maathevi and elder sister Kundavai Piratti. It is said that on his father's death, he sacrifised the throne to his uncle Uththama Chola.

Wars

Rajaraja won most of the wars that he undertook. His stone engravings contain a detailed list of his many victories, and the titles he added to himself after these victories.

• Vengi war to help his friendly Vengi king Thaanavarman
• Gangappaadi against Gangas in which he won and made Gangas his subordinate rulers.
• Vizhinam war against Pandyas, against Amarapuyankan(?).
• Kalinga
• Eelam
• Itamalai
• NuLampaadi
• Kanthaloor

Philanthropy

Most of his philanthropy was aimed towards Saivite temples, though he also donated to Vaishnavite temples and Buddha institutions. There isn't much evidence that he supported Tamil poets as is done by rulers of Sangam era.

Temple works

• Big Temple of Tanjavur

References in Contemporary Culture

• Rajaraja Cholan - Movie.
• Ponniyin Selvan'' - a novel by Kalki in which he is the lead character.