Who found the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram?

The correct answer is Rajendra-I.

Key Points

• Rajendra-I
  • Rajendra Chola I founded the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate his victory over the Gangetic region.
  • After defeating the Pala dynasty (Bengal), he brought Ganges water to the city, naming it "Gangaikonda Cholapuram" (The City of the Chola who Conquered the Ganges).
  • It served as the capital of the Chola Empire for over 250 years, replacing Thanjavur.
  • The city housed the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mirroring Raja Raja I's Thanjavur temple.
  • Rajendra I's reign (1012–1044 CE) marked the peak of Chola military and architectural achievements.

Additional Information

• Raja Raja-I
  • Raja Raja Chola I was one of the greatest Chola emperors, ruling from 985–1014 CE.
  • He built the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
  • His reign laid the foundation for the Chola Empire's expansion but he did not build Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
  • He conducted naval campaigns but Rajendra I (his son) expanded further north, including the Ganges expedition.
  • Thanjavur remained the capital during his rule, while Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established later.
• Kulothungan-I
  • Kulothunga Chola I ruled from 1070–1122 CE, much later than Rajendra I.
  • He was a Chalukya-Chola ruler who merged the Eastern Chalukya and Chola kingdoms.
  • His reign focused on administrative reforms rather than major military conquests like Rajendra I.
  • By his time, Gangaikonda Cholapuram was already an established city, not founded by him.
  • He is known for his patronage of literature (like the Tamil epic Kamba Ramayanam) and temple renovations.
• Karikalan
  • Karikala Chola was an early Chola king (around 2nd century CE), long before Rajendra I.
  • He is famed for constructing the Grand Anicut (Kallanai), one of the world's oldest water-diversion structures.
  • His reign belonged to the Sangam period, predating the medieval Chola Empire's golden age.
  • Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built centuries later during the imperial Chola period.
  • Early Cholas like Karikala had no connection to the city's founding or later Chola capitals.