Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

The Shekhawat sub-clan of Kachwaha dynasty ruled for more than 400 years in the region of Shekhawati. It was founded by Rao Shekha who declared himself as an independent and established an independent province. This sub-clan has built several forts and palaces in the province of Shekhawati. 

The Sisodiya dynasty of Mewar, led by Maharana Pratap, famously refused to submit to the Mughal Emperor Akbar, maintaining their independence despite significant pressure.

Vijayalaya's grandson Parantaka I  became the king after Vijayalaya's death. He was an ambitious ruler and engaged himself in wars of conquest from the beginning of his reign. He conquered Madurai from the Pandya ruler Rajasimha II. He assumed the title of Maduraikonda (captor of Madurai).

Rajendra Chola's army marched up to the east coast of India, through Orissa, and up to the Ganga river. Rajendra Chola himself led the army up to the Godavari. The Chola army defeated Mahipala, king of Bengal. To commemorate this victory, he adopted the title of Gangaikonda and built a new capital called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram. 

Rajendra I was a Chola emperor who is considered one of the greatest rulers and military generals of India. He succeeded his father Rajaraja Chola I in 1014 CE. During his reign, he extended the influence of the Chola empire to the banks of the river Ganga in North India and across the Indian ocean to the West, making the Chola Empire as one of the most powerful empires of India.

Rajaraja was aware of the importance of controlling the sea. He decided to show his strength along the coasts of South India. So, he took out a naval expedition and attacked both Sri Lanka and the Maldive Islands. However, he did not succeed in controlling them. 

For centuries, Indian merchants had been trading with various parts of South-East Asia and southern China, through the Straits of Malacca, which was held by the kingdom of Shrivijaya (modern day Indonesia). As the merchants of Shrivijaya began creating problems for the Indian merchants, the Indian merchants appealed to Rajendra Chola for help. He sent out a huge navy and defeated the Shrivijaya king. 

 Rajendra assumed the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ (The Chola who took the Ganges) after defeating the Gangas, Chalukyas, Cheras, Pallavas, Pandyas, Kalinga and other rulers.

Rajendra I was a Chola emperor who is considered one of the greatest rulers and military generals of India. He succeeded his father Rajaraja Chola I in 1014 CE.

The Central Government  under the headship of the King. Council of ministers and officials took active part in running the administration of Central Government. The higher officials were called Peruntaram and the lower officials were called Siruntaram.

Rajadhiraj was the last great ruler of the Chola dynasty who successfully maintained the honour and extent of the Chola empire. 

Rajaraja’s son Rajendra Chola I raided the Ganga valley, Sri Lanka and regions of Southeast Asia such as Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia developing a navy for these expeditions.

Rajaraja I, considered the most powerful Chola ruler, became king in 985 AD. Rajaraja invaded Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 993 AD. The Thiruvalangadu copper-plate inscriptions mention that Rajaraja’s army crossed the ocean by ships and destroyed Anuradhapura, the 1400-year-old capital of Sinhalas.

Rajendra Chola I was a Chola emperor of South India who succeeded his father Rajaraja Chola I in 1014 CE.  He assumed the title of Gangaikondachola because he conquered the kingdoms near Ganga and built a new capital city called Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Rajaraja Chola 1 invaded Northern Sri Lanka in 993 AD. Cholas made the city of Polonnurawa as their capital and renamed it Jananathamangalam. Rajaraja Chola 1 built a Siva temple in Polonnaruwa to commemorate the victory.