New Delhi: Hailing the Chola empire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 said that while historians speak of Britain’s Magna Carta in the context of democracy, the Cholas had implemented democratic election practices centuries earlier through the ‘Kudavolai Amaippu’ system.
“The historians consider the Chola period to be among the golden eras of India, an era distinguished by its military strength. While historians speak of Britain’s Magna Carta in the context of democracy, the Chola Empire had implemented democratic election practices centuries earlier through the Kudavolai Amaippu system,” PM Modi said, addressing a public event during the celebration of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu.
PM Modi pointed out that global discourse today often centres around water management and ecology preservation, emphasising that India’s ancestors understood the importance of these issues long ago. He cited that while many kings are remembered for acquiring gold, silver, or livestock from other regions, King Rajendra Chola is recognised for bringing sacred Ganga water to South India.
The Prime Minister recalled that Rajendra Chola transported Ganga water from North to South India. He referred to the phrase “Ganga Jalamayam Jayastambham,” explaining that the Ganga water was channelled into the Chola Ganga Lake, now known as the Ponneri Lake.
Further, the Prime Minister emphasised that the Chola rulers had established diplomatic and trade relations with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. He noted the coincidence of having returned from the Maldives just yesterday and today being part of this program in Tamil Nadu.
Quoting scriptures stating that those who meditate upon Lord Shiva become eternal like Him, PM Modi remarked that India’s Chola heritage, rooted in unwavering devotion to Shiva, has attained immortality. “The legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola is synonymous with India’s identity and pride,” exclaimed the Prime Minister, stating that the history and heritage of the Chola Empire proclaim the true potential of India.
Prime Minister on the occasion released a commemorative coin honouring one of the greatest emperors of India, Rajendra Chola I. This special celebration also commemorates 1,000 years of the legendary maritime expedition of Rajendra Chola I to Southeast Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a magnificent example of Chola architecture.
He emphasised that this heritage inspires the national aspiration of building a developed India, paying tribute to Rajendra Chola the Great, acknowledging his enduring legacy. Noting that the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival was recently celebrated, PM Modi stated that today’s grand program marks its conclusion and congratulated all those who contributed to the event.
Highlighting that Rajendra Chola established the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, which continues to be recognised globally as an architectural wonder, PM Modi remarked that the celebration of Ganga on the land of Mother Kaveri is also a legacy of the Chola Empire.
He expressed his delight that, in memory of this historic episode, Ganga water has once again been brought from Kashi to Tamil Nadu, noting that a formal ritual was conducted at the site.
As the elected representative from Kashi, the Prime Minister shared his deep emotional connection with Mother Ganga. He stated that the efforts and programs associated with the Chola kings are akin to a sacred endeavour–symbolic of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” giving the initiative a new and fresh momentum.
“The Chola rulers had woven India into a thread of cultural unity. Today, our government is carrying forward the same ideals from the Chola era,” stated the Prime Minister. Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) was one of the most powerful and visionary rulers in Indian history. Under his leadership, the Chola Empire expanded its influence across South and Southeast Asia. He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital after his victorious campaigns, and the temple he built there served as a beacon of Shaiva devotion, monumental architecture, and administrative prowess for over 250 years. Today, the temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions.
MM Modi highlighted that programs like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam are reinforcing centuries-old bonds of unity. PM Modi added that ancient temples such as Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu are being preserved through the Archaeological Survey of India.
Recalling that during the inauguration of the new Parliament building, saints from the Shiv Adheenam led the ceremony with spiritual guidance, the Prime Minister noted that the sacred Sengol, associated with Tamil tradition, has been ceremonially installed in Parliament, a moment that he still remembers with immense pride.
Noting the significance of the holy month of Sawan and the historic occasion marking 1,000 years since the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Shiva Temple, PM Modi expressed his privilege in being present at the feet of Lord Brihadeeswarar Shiva during such an extraordinary moment and performing worship at the revered temple.
He prayed at the historic Brihadeeswarar Shiva Temple for the welfare of 140 crore Indians and the continued progress of the nation and expressed his wish that Lord Shiva’s blessings reach everyone, invoking the sacred chant of Bhagwan Shiva.
The Prime Minister added that a similar Ananda Tandava idol of Bhagwan Nataraja adorns Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where global leaders had gathered during the G-20 summit in 2023.
“India’s Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping the nation’s cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects in this cultural development and Tamil Nadu continues to be an important center of vibrant Shaivite heritage,” said the Prime Minister, highlighting the legacy of the revered Nayanmar saints, their devotional literature, Tamil literary contributions, and the spiritual influence of the Adheenams. He stated that these elements catalysed a new era in both social and spiritual spheres.
Noting that the world today is facing challenges like instability, violence, and environmental crises, PM Modi emphasised that Shaivite philosophy offers pathways to meaningful solutions. He cited the teachings of Tirumular, who wrote ‘Anbe Sivam,’ meaning “Love is Shiva.” The Prime Minister remarked that if the world embraced this thought, many crises could resolve on their own, stating that India is advancing this philosophy through the motto ‘One World, One Family, One Future.’
“Today, India is guided by the mantra of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,’ and modern India takes pride in its history,” said PM Modi, remarking that over the past decade, the nation has worked in mission mode to preserve its cultural legacy. He noted that ancient statues and artefacts, which had been stolen and sold abroad, have been brought back to India.
The Prime Minister pointed out that since 2014, more than 600 ancient artefacts have been repatriated from various countries around the world, with 36 of these artefacts specifically from Tamil Nadu. He highlighted that many valuable heritage items–including Nataraja, Lingodbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanarishwara, Nandikeswara, Uma Parameshwari, Parvati, and Sambandar–are once again adorning the land.
“The economic and strategic advancements achieved during the Chola era remain a source of inspiration for modern India; Rajaraja Chola established a powerful navy, which was further strengthened by Rajendra Chola,” cited the Prime Minister, remarking that the Chola period witnessed key administrative reforms, including the empowerment of local governance systems and implementation of a robust revenue structure.
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He noted that India progressed swiftly in all directions through commercial advancement, utilisation of maritime routes, and the promotion of art and culture, emphasising that the Chola Empire serves as an ancient roadmap for building a new India.
He further stated that to become a developed nation, India must prioritize unity, strengthen its navy and defense forces, seek new opportunities, and safeguard its core values. He expressed satisfaction that the country is moving forward, inspired by this very vision.
Underscoring that today’s India places the highest priority on its national security, the Prime Minister, citing Operation Sindoor, stated that the world witnessed India’s firm and decisive response to any threat against its sovereignty. He affirmed that the operation has sent a clear message–there is no safe haven for terrorists and enemies of the nation. He further added that Operation Sindoor has raised new confidence in the people of India, and the whole world is witnessing it.
PM Modi then drew a thoughtful parallel to the legacy of Rajendra Chola, highlighting the construction of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Out of deep respect, its temple gopuram was built lower than that of his father’s Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. Despite his achievements, Rajendra Chola exemplified humility. “Today’s New India embodies this same spirit–becoming stronger, yet rooted in values of global welfare and unity”, stated the Prime Minister.
On this occasion, PM Modi announced that grand statues of Rajaraja Chola and his son, the illustrious ruler Rajendra Chola I, will be installed in Tamil Nadu in the near future. He stated that these statues will serve as modern pillars of India’s historical consciousness.
Noting that today marks the death anniversary of former President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister remarked that to lead a developed India, the country needs millions of youth like Dr Kalam and the Chola kings. He concluded by emphasising that such youth–filled with strength and devotion–will fulfil the dreams of 140 crore Indians. He added that together, we will advance the resolve of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion.
The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently supported by the Cholas and immortalized by the 63 Nayanmars–the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism. Notably, Rajendra Chola’s birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on July 23, making this year’s festival all the more significant. (With inputs from ANI)
