In a historic and culturally rich ceremony at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a ₹1,000 commemorative coin on July 27, 2025, marking the 1,000th anniversary of Emperor Rajendra Chola I’s legendary naval expedition—a defining moment in Indian and Southeast Asian history.
Honoring a Maritime Empire
The event, held during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival—which also marks Rajendra Chola’s birth anniversary—paid tribute to one of India’s greatest emperors. Rajendra Chola I, the son of the iconic Rajaraja Chola, led the Chola dynasty to unprecedented heights through military and maritime conquests, stretching the empire’s influence from the Ganges River in the north to Southeast Asia via dominant naval campaigns.
It was in honor of these monumental achievements that the Prime Minister, standing at the symbolic heart of the Chola empire, unveiled the commemorative coin in front of a gathering of scholars, artists, priests, and state dignitaries.
A Coin of Historical Pride
The ₹1,000 coin—not intended for general circulation—was designed by R. Komagan, chairman of the Gangaikondacholapuram Development Council Trust, and approved by the central government. It features a regal depiction of Rajendra Chola I on horseback, with a naval ship in the background—capturing both his command of land and sea.
The coin not only represents numismatic pride but also serves as a symbol of India’s maritime heritage, a reminder that ancient Tamil rulers were among the world’s foremost naval powers during the 11th century.
A Cultural Celebration
The unveiling was accompanied by traditional Shaivite rituals, Vedic hymns, and a special musical tribute by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, weaving history, devotion, and Tamil culture into one grand celebration. Attendees included Governor RN Ravi, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu, Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar, and VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, among others.
The Prime Minister also announced plans to restore key Chola-era sites and construct a dedicated Chola Museum in Thanjavur, aiming to spotlight South India’s contribution to global heritage and cultural exchange.
A Legacy Rekindled
The Chola dynasty’s influence extended far beyond India’s borders, through temples, trade, and diplomacy. Their Dravidian architectural marvels, maritime strategy, and spiritual legacy left lasting imprints from Cambodia to Indonesia, and still echo through ancient inscriptions and temple ruins.
“In marking 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola’s greatness, we remember a time when Indian culture was global, fearless, and visionary,” the Prime Minister said. “It is an honor to pray at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and to celebrate the eternal flame of Tamil heritage.”
This commemorative coin is more than a token of the past—it is a call to rediscover and revalue a millennium of history, courage, and excellence that shaped not just a region, but an entire civilizational arc.
