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Accession of Rajaraja Chola I

Type Event Region India Time c. 985

Around 985 CE, Rajaraja Chola I inherited the Chola throne, launching the dynasty's most brilliant era of expansion, unifying Tamil lands, building t…

Timeline

  1. c. 985–990Thanjavur · IndiaRajaraja Chola I acceded after his father Sundara Chola's death, swiftly subduing the Pandya, Chera, and other rival powers in South India, extending Chola influence over the entire Tamil region and establishing centralized rule.
  2. c. 990–1000Coromandel Coast · IndiaRajaraja Chola I reorganized the local administrative system, implemented land surveying and taxation systems, and vigorously built up the navy and merchant fleet. Coromandel ports became bases for Chola maritime trade and military expeditions, ensuring subsequent transoceanic expansion.
  3. 1003–1010Thanjavur · IndiaRajaraja Chola I built a grand Shiva temple at Thanjavur, with a tower over sixty meters high and inscriptions detailing his achievements and donations. The temple became a symbol of Chola prosperity, embodying the highest levels of Hindu art, engineering, and royal patronage culture.

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