By Soumya Ranjan The Chola dynasty’s historical and cultural significance was praised by PM Modi, who also announced plans to install statues of Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu. PM Modi highlighted the Cholas’ contributions to Shaivism, temple architecture, and strategic advancements while celebrating the anniversary of Rajendra Chola I’s birth at the Brihadisvara temple.
ARIYALUR: With plans to install statues of emperors Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Chola dynasty as a brilliant example of India’s historical and cultural heritage.
“These statues will serve as modern pillars of India’s historical consciousness,” Modi declared on Sunday during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, which was held at the Brihadisvara temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur district, to commemorate the anniversary of Rajendra Chola I’s birth.
Modi, dressed in a traditional dhoti and angavastram, cited the Cholas’ contributions to temple architecture and Shaivism, calling their time period (300 BCE–1300 CE) one of India’s golden ages, characterized by naval skill, cultural accomplishment, and strategic vision.
Echoing the emperor’s renowned journey to bring the river’s waters southward a millennium ago, Modi ceremoniously poured Ganga water at the temple and released a commemorative coin in Rajendra Chola’s honor.
“The Chola era’s strategic and economic achievements continue to be an inspiration,” Modi stated. “One of the most important places where this living tradition is still flourishing is Tamil Nadu.”
He also emphasized efforts to return India’s stolen cultural heritage. He stated, “More than 600 ancient artifacts have been returned from overseas since 2014, including 36 from Tamil Nadu.”
The PM also noted that the day was the anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s passing. “To lead a developed nation, India needs millions of young people like Kalam and the Chola kings,” he stated. Dozens of Congress workers in Trichy were arrested for protesting Modi’s visit and waving black flags while he spoke.