Cholas — Ancient Indian History

Q.1

WBCS Prelims 2023

Name the Chola king who adopted the title of ‘Gangoikonda’.

A. Rajendra Chola I

B. Rajraj I

C. Rajadhiraj Chola

D. Rajendra Chola II

Explanation

Why Correct: Rajendra Chola I earned the title 'Gangoikonda' (conqueror of the Ganges) after his successful northern campaign that reached the Ganges river, commemorated by building Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his new capital.
Distractor Analysis: Rajaraja I was the father of Rajendra Chola I and expanded the Chola empire significantly but did not use this title. Rajadhiraja Chola was the son of Rajendra Chola I and fought major battles but was known as 'Jayamkonda Chola'. Rajendra Chola II was a later ruler who fought against the Western Chalukyas.
Takeaway: Rajendra Chola I also built the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to celebrate his Ganges campaign victory.

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Q.2

WBCS Prelims 2022

Which Chola king was known as Arumolivarman before his coronation?

A. Vira Rajendra

B. Rajendra Chola I

C. Kulottunga Chola I

D. Rajaraja Chola I

Explanation

Why Correct: Rajaraja Chola I (r. 985–1014 CE) bore the pre-coronation name Arumolivarman, meaning 'the virtuous one who wears the garland of virtues'.
Distractor Analysis: Vira Rajendra was the son of Rajendra I and ruled 1063–1070 CE. Rajendra Chola I was Rajaraja's son, known as Madhurantaka before coronation. Kulottunga Chola I was a Eastern Chalukya prince who merged the Chola throne, originally called Rajendra.
Takeaway: Rajaraja Chola I built the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, completed in 1010 CE, and introduced the land survey system for revenue administration.

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Q.3

WBCS Prelims 2018

Who assumed the title of ‘Gangaikondachola’?

A. Rajendra I

B. Rajaraja I

C. Rajadhiraja I

D. Kulotunga I

Explanation

Why Correct: Rajendra I earned the title 'Gangaikondachola' after his successful military expedition to the Ganges River region, where he defeated several northern kingdoms and brought Ganges water to his new capital Gangaikondacholapuram.
Distractor Analysis: Rajaraja I was Rajendra I's father who expanded the Chola empire significantly but did not conduct the Ganges expedition. Rajadhiraja I succeeded Rajendra I and continued military campaigns but inherited rather than earned this specific title. Kulotunga I belonged to a later Chalukya-Chola line and ruled during a period of Chola decline.
Takeaway: Rajendra I also launched a major naval expedition to Southeast Asia, attacking the Srivijaya empire and establishing Chola influence in the region.

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