Gangaikonda Cholapuram: From glory to decline

POMP and Ganety marked the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival held every year at Gangaikonda Cholapuram to celebrate the anniversary of Rajendra Chola I (1012 to 1044 Ce).

The festival, where the DMK government in the province began since 2022, has become a high -profile event thanks to the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the valuation ceremony. The festival also coincided with the completion of the maritime expedition of the Chola emperor to Southeast Asia and the construction of the iconic temple.

In his book, History of Southern India: from prehistoric times to the fall of VijayaagarHistorian Ka Nilacanta Sastri says that Rajendra Chola’s empire is the “most comprehensive and most respected Hindu state of time”. Gangaikonda Cholapuram, founded by the ruler of Chola, served as the capital of the Imperial Cholas for about 250 years (CE-1279 Ce-1279). Together with the Temple of Brahadeeswara in Thanjavur, built by Rajendra Chola’s father Rajaraja Chola I, the temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram in 2004 took part in the ‘Living Chola Temples’ category and announced a World Heritage District.

On July 27, Mr. Modi spent about two hours in the temple. Unlike most public activities characterized by the opening of official speeches and projects and plans, this event was different. A white dhoti, a half -sleeved shirt and a Angavastram (upper fabric), the Prime Minister took advantage of the dedication rendering by a group Ovar (Divine singers) and by music director and composer Ilaiyaraja. In his speech, Modi praised Cholas’ contributions and explained what inspiration for modern India.

Cholas has undoubtedly set a criterion in various aspects of my governance. However, their old capital today is one of the backward regions of Tamil Nadu, Ariyalur. It is difficult to believe that once for 250 years it was the seat of the power of a great empire.

N. Dhanapal, a resident of the Thyrumanur village in the Ariyalur region, said, “The prime minister’s announcement of the establishment of sculptures for the two Chola Emperor. “From Kumbakonam to Namakkal, we thought that it would make a statement about the approval of the two railway projects that have been going on for a long time.

Aryalur, which is mainly an agricultural region, has cement factories. These were established by large companies considering the presence of quality limestones in the region. About five years ago, after severe pest attacks, farmers almost stopped growing sugar cane. “The sugar factory we have,” a resident complained. Küçük Industries Development Corporation found a few buyers, even if an industrial zone course in Mallur in the region about 10 years ago.

There is a fossil tree park in the region and a fossil museum with paleo-zoology examples. In fact, the geological community sees the Ariyalur region, which is as important as the Great Canyon in the United States, and the ground is barely visible.

In fact, even though it has been a world heritage site for more than 20 years, even the Gangaikon Cholapuram Temple does not attract as much international visitors as it should be due to connection problems and lack of possibilities.

There is no effort to improve the region. On the eve of the festival, Prime Minister MK Stalin announced that Lake Chola Gangam, known as Lake Ponner Lake, will be developed at 12 crore costs and will be improved for tourists with the cost of 7.25 crore. He also said that the channels around the tank and other maintenance works will be renewed. The State Government also planned to build a museum over 10 acres at the cost of 22.10 Crore.

However, these plans are not enough. Today, the people of the district, which is the seat of the old capital of Cholas, are constantly focusing on the economic development of the region. In the end, this is what is important to them.