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| India 1000 Rupees coin |
Gangaikonda Cholapuram: Marking a rare moment that bridged India’s present with its ancient maritime legacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled a ₹1,000 commemorative coin to honor the millennium of King Rajendra Chola I’s legendary naval campaign.
The ceremony was held at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the capital built by Rajendra Chola I after his victorious Southeast Asian campaign a symbol of Tamil maritime power and cultural influence. The event was attended by historians, scholars, dignitaries, and local citizens, who witnessed a rare tribute to one of India’s greatest emperors.
While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi remarked that Rajendra Chola’s foresight and bold leadership played a defining role in establishing India’s influence across the seas and shaping its early maritime legacy. His naval expedition not only showcased our seafaring capabilities but also spread India’s cultural and spiritual values across Asia.” He emphasized that the Chola legacy is a proud chapter in India’s civilizational journey and deserves national and global recognition.
The newly released ₹1,000 coin features a detailed engraving of King Rajendra Chola I, his royal insignia, and the iconic Chola naval fleet. The reverse side bears the inscription honoring the 1,000th anniversary of the historic expedition. It is not a circulation coin but a limited-edition commemorative issue for collectors and history enthusiasts.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of reviving and preserving India’s maritime heritage, referencing recent government initiatives to promote coastal development, naval strength, and historical research.
Rajendra Chola I, who ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, is celebrated for his remarkable naval expedition across the Bay of Bengal, reaching as far as present-day Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Thailand. Through his far-reaching naval expedition, Rajendra Chola opened new avenues of trade and carried Tamil heritage across Southeast Asia, which led to him being honored with the title “Kadaram Kondan,” meaning the conqueror of Kadaram.
The event concluded with a cultural performance showcasing Chola-era music and dance, bringing alive the spirit of the empire that once dominated the Indian Ocean.
This commemoration stands as a reminder of India’s rich maritime past and its enduring influence beyond borders. It also reinforces the government’s broader effort to acknowledge unsung heroes and lesser-known epochs of Indian
