By Usha Muthusamy
INDIA, 30 July 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Tamil Nadu, where he extensively praised the historical and cultural contributions of the mighty Chola dynasty, emphasizing its enduring relevance for modern India. During his visit, he announced plans to erect statues of the legendary emperors Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola in the state, celebrating them as “modern pillars of India’s historical consciousness.”
Modi’s visit included a commemoration of Rajendra Chola I’s birth anniversary at the historic Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The Prime Minister highlighted the Cholas’ remarkable advancements in various fields, including Shaivism, their distinctive temple architecture, their astute strategic vision, and their formidable naval prowess. He described their era (roughly 300 BCE-1300 CE) as a “golden age” for India, noting their significant influence on art, administration, and maritime trade across Southeast Asia. As a symbolic gesture, Modi released a commemorative coin and poured Ganga water at the temple, echoing Rajendra Chola’s historic expedition to bring the sacred river’s waters south.
Beyond historical accolades, Modi also addressed contemporary efforts to reclaim India’s cultural heritage. He noted that since 2014, over 600 ancient artifacts looted from India have been successfully repatriated, with 36 of these valuable items originating from Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister also used the occasion to mark the death anniversary of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, calling upon the nation’s youth to draw inspiration from figures like Kalam and the Chola kings to lead India towards becoming a developed nation. He stressed that understanding India’s rich history, including the Chola period, provides a valuable “road map” for the nation’s future development.
