Rajadhiraja Chola

Who was Rajadhiraja Chola?

Kōpparakēsarivarman Rājādhiraja Chōla I was one of the greatest emperors of the Chola empire succeeding his father Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century. During his long reign, he helped his father conquer many territories and maintained the Chola authority over most of Lanka, Vengi, Kalinga, etc. and the relations with overseas domains despite a series of revolts in the territory. Rajadhiraja Chola’s record shows that he was a born fighter who was very capable of maintaining a vast and expansive empire with territories even outside the shores of India. He was a great warrior who always led from the front. His life is a testimony to a king who fought his own wars standing shoulder to shoulder with his men on front lines. He performed the horse sacrifice and earned the title Jayamkonda Cholan. He was also known as Vijaya Rajendra Cholan. One of his predecessors, Rajaraja Chola I also assumed the title Jayangonda Chola towards the end of his reign.