Gangaikonda Cholapuram: From Glory to Decline


Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu on July 27, 2025. Photograph: PMO by way of pti

POMP and Gaity Marked The Aadi Thiruvathirai Pageant, Which is Organized Each 12 months in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, About 105 Kilometres from Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu, to Mark The Start Anniversary of Ramery of Ramery of Ramery of Rame (1012 to 1044 Ce).

The competition, which the DMK authorities within the state started holding from 2022, grew to become a high-profile occasion this time due to prime minister narendra modi’s participation within the VALEDICTION CEREMONY. The festivals additionally coincided with the completion of 1,000 years of the Maritime Expedition of the Chola Emperor to Southeast Asia and the Graduation of the Development of the ICONIC TEMPLE.

In his guide, A historical past of south India: from prehistoric occasions to the autumn of VijayanagarHistorian ka nilakanta sastri states that Rajendra Chola’s Empire was “probably the most prolonged and most revered Hindu state of his time.” Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Establed by the Chola Ruler, Served because the Capital of the Imperial Cholas for About 250 years (1025 CE-1279 CE). Together with the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Constructed by Rajendra Chola’s Father, Rajaraja Chola I, The Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was Included by UNEDED by UNDER the Class of ‘Gratgory of’ Grat Dwelling Chola Temples’ and Declared a World Heritage Website.

On July 27, Mr. Modi Spent About two hours on the temple. Not like Most of his public occasions, that are characterised by formal speech and the inauguration of tasks and schemes, this occasion was totally different. Carrying a white dhoti, a half-sleeve shirt, and an angavastram (higher material), the Prime Minister Loved Devotional Renderings by a gaggle of Oduvars (Hymn singers) and by music director and composer ilaiyaraaja. In his speech, Mr. Modi praised the contributions of the cholas and defined how their rule stays an inspiration for contemporary India.

The cholas undoubtedly set a Benchmark in Numerous Elements of Governance. Nevertheless, their erstwhile capital is immediately some of the backward districts of tamil nadu, Ariyalur. It’s exhausting to consider that it was on the seat of energy of an excellent Empire for 250 years.

“It’s all fin for the prime minister to announs the set up of statues for the 2 chola emormers. However individuals within the District Had Anticipated Him to Unveil Plans for Infrastructure Improvement within the area,” Stated N. Dhanapal, a Resident of Thirumanur Village in Ariyalur District. “We expect he would make a press release on the approval of two long-pending railway projects-from Kumbakonam to Namakkal By Ariyalur and Perambalur, and One Connecting Pattukottai, and Aryiyaluri. We had been dissatisfied, “He added.

A predominantly Agraron District, Ariyalur has Cement Factories. These had been established by Giant Firms Given the Availability of Good High quality Limestone within the area. After a spell of Extreme Pest Assaults about 5 years in the past, Farmers just about stopped elevating sugarcane. “The Sugar Mill That We had Barely Capabilities,” a Resident Complained. Thought the Small Industries Improvement Company arrange an Industrial Property at Mallur within the District About 10 years in the past, it for discipline 5 takers.

The district has a fossil tree park and a fossil museum, that are examples of palaeo-zoology. In Reality, The Geological Neighborhood Regards the Ariyalur Area as Essential because the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Us But, The Place Barely Will get Any Visibility.

In Reality, Regardless of Being a World Heritage Website for greater than 20 years, even the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Does Not Entice as Many Worldwide Guests because it ought to, Primarily As a result of Connecttivity to Connecttivity of Facilities.

It’s not that there haven’t been efforts made to enhance the district. On the Eve of the competition, Chief Minister MK STALIN HAD Introduced That The Chola Gangam Lake, Regionally Often called the Ponneri Lake, can be developed at a value of ₹ 12 crore Be improved at a value of ₹ 7.25 Crore. He additionally mentioned that renovation work of channels Across the tank and different upkeep works can be undertaken. The state authorities has additionally deliberate to assemble a museum, Unfold over 10 acres, at the price of ₹ 22.10 Crore.

Nevertheless, these plans aren’t sufficient. What the individuals of the district, which was the seat of the traditional capital of the cholas, Need immediately is the sustained Consideration and deal with Financial Improvement of the area. That’s what lastly issues to them.

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