Rajaraja Chola: Interplay Between an Imperial Regime and Productive Forces of Society

The book is an enjoyable read of South Indian history dating back to the 10th and 11th century CE told through the reign of Raja Raja Chola, a pre-eminent emperor who ruled for 30 years. The book traces the preceding history to help us understand the conditions that led to Raja Raja Chola's ascension and paints a broad picture of that time, touching on the important socio economic aspects of that era. The reader gets a fascinating view of how the administrative and geographical structures were organized, the different strata of society, tax and revenue collection mechanisms of the time and the hierarchy of power with tribal chieftains and feudal kings. More importantly, the book describes what is recognized as Raja Raja Chola's key contributions in the advancement of architecture based on his administration's pioneering effort in constructing the Thanjavur temple which has stood the test of time and is recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, along with other temples constructed by the emperor. The vivid description of the central role played by this temple and how it acted as a fulcrum around which the society and its activities were organized, transports the reader back to those times. The book describes the many contrasting forces prevailing in that era -- the northern influence of Sanskrit and the people's language which was Tamil, between the coexistence and occasional friction between brahmanas, Vellalars and other classes organized based on trade and line of work, the Vedic ritualistic traditions and the burgeoning Bhakti movement as the challenger, between Saivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism and Jaina religious and other sects, the impulses of war, oppression and loot and the recognition on the need for peace among different groups required to advance the arts and literature -- and the emperor's skill in striking the right balance and leaving an indelible mark on the pages of history. The profusion of literal quotations from various sources throughout the narrative, far from intruding the flow, is a delight unto itself owing to the exquisite choice of words by the referenced authors that convey the full panorama of life and meaning in that era in a few words. The book is an accessible read for anyone and can be consumed cover to cover in a couple of days, although one may wish to enjoy in smaller increments leaving enough time in-between to pause, reflect and savor our shared heritage.

A very good, great read.I feel very satisfied reading this book. This has quenched my long term thirst to know about the great King Raja Raja Chola, the historical, socio- economic and political spheres during his time and the impact in the later years.The facts and incidents mentioned in the book make for a very interesting read. The painstaking research enlightens us on the grand administration during the period of the King RAJARAJA CHOLA and the practices that are effective until today. The Author has expressed both the merits and demerits about the great King. The book revolves around the whole Medieval Chola Dynasty.

We know Raja Raja Chola as perhaps the greatest Chola king who built the famous Brihadeeswara temple of Thanjavur. The Book by RAGHAVAN SRINIVASAN is very articulate and gives precisely the picture of the past glory and wisdom. It provides a most consummate satiation of reading a well researched description, with apt photos, that kindle our interest for an enchanting experience.

The book depicts the journey, power and reign of King rajaraja chola of chola dynasty. The World is already aware of the great samrat ashok for his ambitious and ruthless nature and how he conquered Aryavarta or India or Bharatvarsh. He ruled over the northern part of India where Chola dynasty ruled over the southern part of India. However there is more than 1000 years gap between the two. (Actually 1300 year gap).Rajaraja ascended through the throne recovering all the lands his ancestors had once lost. He ascended to power, crushing his enemies and made history through war and brutality, yet he is remembered for his good deeds throughout the history. Chola dynasty was the longest dynasty to have existed and reigned till date.The cholas raided Lanka and reigned over it. They defeated their enemies, the pandyas and cheras.The culture, politics, arts, crafts, religion, military, trade and economics which existed in that timeline and their improvement by time is portrayed.Cholas were great devotees of lord Shiva and erected multiple temples and stupas at various region some of which still exists. Many socio-cultural activities that took place would be near Temples and bhakti places became pilgrimage and political centres.What is disappointing is that the book is monotonous. This is not for those who aren't interested in history or doesn't have a good idea about historical figures and history. Vocabularies of south indian languages didn't help either. It felt like everything was mashed up together.However the writing style used was somewhere between moderate and high. Author made sure to explain almost every word taken from south indian language.Moreover, Introducing family tree/ lineage chart was helpful. Also, the author has shared real time Pictures of inscriptions and currency.

RajaRaja Chola is a grandeur attempt as the namesake to rethink the history and thereby shape the future. If you are a South Indian, you would have heard the legendary name many a times but this perspective was quite interesting for it has been perceived through different lenses at various aspects of that King's period such as the agricultural development, trade network, building of the cities and its governing bodies, and much more. It's surreal to even think the land we are living right now had gone through changes in the history to become what it is today.I particularly liked the way the author shed his light on treatment of women and other minorities during such period which goes unnoticed in most of the history texts.I also liked how the author balanced the glorifying history with it's bitter truth of injustices. I wouldn't be surprised even if this hits the history shelves in schools. In fact, I am looking forward to it. I can only imagine how much research the author has done by looking through all the footnotes. This is going to help many for their researches or even people who are craving to know the South Indian history during the Chola period.

Book:- Rajaraja CholaAuthor:- Raghavan SrinivasanFormat:- KindleRatings:- ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5"Rajaraja Chola" authored by Raghavan Srinivasan is an interplay amidst an imperial regime and productive forces of society.The book is divided into several chapters where each single chapter showcases a unique aspect of the Chola Dynasty. The Chola Dynasty was rhe first ever empire of the South India. And this fact is depicted in a lucid manner by the author.References to several facts that shows how Chola Dynasty had a sharp focus on the socio-political and economic scenario is also found in the context.Rajaraja Chola's life, his empire, his power and his reign are all historically presented within the chapters. Also, there is a comparison between Chola's empire and Maurayan Ashoka's empire.Seldom did I find an author scribbling honest context about Indian History, and luckily this book is one such gem! Readers will get a vast knowledge of the wide and rich Indian history via this book. Achievements, struggles, power and rule by Rajaraja Cholas are all detailed in the book.Highly recommended for such readers who love to read and experience Indian History in a glorious manner.Thank You.Happy Reading 📚

The book is a historical non-fiction book. As the title imparts, the book is all about the ruling of the Chola empire and the king Rajaraja Chola. He is considered as the greatest of all Chola rulers given the fact that he restored Chola supremacy in the Kaveri basin after several centuries. Rajaraja encouraged the system of thevaradiyars, by providing a monthly salary and provided living amenities.Born in 947 C.E, he built the largest empire that the people of Tamil country had ever seen. He was responsible for expanding trade, architecture and sculpture over vast areas. With the rise of the imperial Chola state, there was a broadening of the channels of literature and a more copious flow of literary effort.This book is for all history lovers out there. Very aptly written and well researched. I was interested about the rise of the Chola empire as I went through the book. I liked how the author includes picture and graphics at some points which makes the read more interesting. Overall, an intriguing read.Would rate the book 5 out of 5.

As the title suggests the story of this book revolves around the king Rajaraja Chola and about his ruling of the Chola empire. He is one of the great and strongest rulers of Southern India. The author has amazingly narrated the various aspects of the Chola empire like political relations, culture, trade, art, social life about army conquests etc during the reign of Rajaraja.The book is divided into many chapters and each chapter has given the detailed information about the Chola dynasty. Endnotes provided by the author are readers friendly which help to understand the facts.Language used is not so easy to understand but it's not so difficult. Some Tamil words are used in between but their meanings are explained by the author.Hats off to the author for his research work and providing the rich culture of Southern India through this book.Overall, an informative read about southern India history.I recommend this book to all specially to all history lovers out there.