In a significant move to honors India’s illustrious past and reinforce its cultural unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the upcoming construction of magnificent statues dedicated to the iconic Chola emperors, Rajaraja Chola and his son, Rajendra Chola I, in Tamil Nadu. The announcement, made during the auspicious Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, aims to solidify these historical figures as “modern pillars of India’s historical consciousness,” a testament to the nation’s enduring legacy.
The festival itself commemorated the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I and celebrated the monumental 1,000-year mark of his legendary maritime expedition to Southeast Asia. It also recognized the commencement of the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, a breathtaking example of Chola architectural prowess that continues to inspire awe globally.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi underscored the profound impact of the Chola era on India’s trajectory. “The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today,” he stated, specifically highlighting Rajaraja Chola’s establishment of a powerful navy, which his son Rajendra Chola I further fortified. This emphasis on naval strength resonates with India’s contemporary strategic ambitions.
The Prime Minister’s latest initiative builds upon a series of “Tamil-centric” endeavours, including the highly successful Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which fosters cultural exchange, and the translation of the classic Tamil text, Thirukkural. These efforts underscore a conscious push to integrate Tamil heritage into the national narrative. Modi also recalled his 2019 address to the UN General Assembly, where he invoked the wisdom of Tamil poet Kaniyan Poonkundranar and his unifying verse, ‘Yaadum Oore’ (All places are one).
Following prayers at the revered Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur, PM Modi released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I. Deeply moved by the spiritual hymns of Odhuvamurthys (Saivite gurus) and a Shiva-chant concert by music maestro Ilaiyaraja, the Prime Minister spoke of the profound influence of the Shaivite tradition. “Our Shaivite tradition has played a vital role in shaping India’s cultural identity. The Chola emperors were key architects of this legacy. Even today, Tamil Nadu remains one of the most significant centres where this living tradition continues to thrive,” he affirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveil statues for the iconic Tamil Kings, he reiterated that the “legacy of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola is synonymous with India’s identity and pride,” asserting that the Chola Empire’s history and heritage proclaim India’s true potential. Historians widely regard the Chola period as a “golden era” for India, distinguished by its formidable military might.
Beyond military strength and architectural grandeur, the Prime Minister highlighted the Chola Empire’s often-overlooked contributions to democratic traditions. While the Magna Carta is frequently cited in global discussions on democracy, Modi pointed out that the Chola Empire had implemented sophisticated democratic election practices, such as the “Kudavolai system,” centuries earlier.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveil statues for the iconic Tamil Kings, The Prime Minister also drew parallels between contemporary global discourse on water management and ecology preservation and the ancient wisdom of India’s ancestors. He particularly lauded Rajendra Chola I for his unique achievement of transporting sacred Ganga water from North India to the South, establishing it in the Chola Ganga Lake (now Ponneri lake) – a feat immortalized in the phrase “Ganga Jalamayam Jayastambham.” This historic act, celebrated by the establishment of the architectural marvel of Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, symbolizes the “celebration of Ganga on the land of Mother Kaveri,” a testament to the Chola Empire’s foresight.
In a symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Modi revealed that Ganga water had once again been brought from Kashi to Tamil Nadu, with a formal ritual conducted at the site, further solidifying the historical connection. As an elected representative from Kashi, the Prime Minister expressed his deep emotional bond with Mother Ganga, stating that efforts associated with the Chola kings are a “sacred endeavour” symbolizing “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India).
“The Chola emperors had woven India into a thread of cultural unity. Today, our government is carrying forward the same vision of the Chola era,” Modi declared, citing initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam as modern manifestations of strengthening these centuries-old bonds.
The Prime Minister also highlighted recent events that emphasise the resurgence of India’s ancient cultural and spiritual identity. He recalled the installation of the sacred Sengol, deeply rooted in Tamil culture, in the new Parliament building during its inauguration in May 2023, with Shaivite Adheenams leading the ceremony. Furthermore, he noted the prominent placement of a Lord Nataraja idol at Bharat Mandapam during the G-20 summit in 2023, showcasing India’s heritage on a global stage.
Modi concluded by emphasizing that India’s heritage and the influence of Shaiva philosophy are transcending geographical boundaries, citing the naming of the lunar South Pole landing site as “Shiv-Shakti” – a globally recognized symbol of India’s scientific and spiritual prowess.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited an exhibition by the Archaeological Survey of India titled ‘Shaiva Siddhanta & Chola Temple Arts,’ which showcased the grandeur of Tamil history, culture, and spiritual heritage. The planned statues in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta region, are set to become powerful symbols of India’s continuous journey to recognize and celebrate its rich, diverse, and interconnected past.