Rajaraja I (947-1014) was probably the greatest ruler of the Chola Empire in southeastern India. He reigned from 985 to 1014. The center of his empire was the delta of the Kaveri River (also spelled Cauvery), in what is now the modern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. During his reign of nearly 30 years, Rajaraja expanded his kingdom into an extensive empire with a powerful standing army and navy.
Rajaraja began by conquering the neighboring Pandiya and Kerala kingdoms. Later he invaded the island of Sri Lanka to the east. He also annexed the Maldive Islands to the west of India.
Rajaraja’s chief monument is the temple of the Hindu god Shiva as Brhadisvara. The temple is in Thanjavur, in the Kaveri River delta. This temple, completed in 1014, has a tower 150 feet (64 meters) high, capped with a massive carved stone.
Rajaraja was born Arulmozhi Varman in 947. After coming to the throne, he took the name Rajaraja, meaning king of kings. He died in 1014.
See also Chola Empire.
