New Commemorative Coin: 1000 Years of Naval Expedition of Emperor Rajendra Chola - I

The Government of India will issue a ₹1000 commemorative coin to celebrate the 1000 Years of Naval Expedition of Emperor Rajendra Chola - I. The Ministry of Finance issued a gazette notification on July 24, 2025, confirming this coin.

In the 11th century, Rajendra Chola I led a remarkable northern military expedition that extended the Chola Empire to the Gangetic plains, earning him the title “Gangaikondan.” To commemorate this victory, he founded the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram in present-day Ariyalur district and built the majestic Brihadisvara Temple, symbolizing Chola power and architectural brilliance. The 1000th Anniversary of this historic conquest in 2025 stands as a tribute to Rajendra Chola’s enduring legacy and his pivotal role in shaping South India’s imperial and cultural identity.

The Ministry of Culture is set to celebrate the birth anniversary of the illustrious Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I with the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, scheduled from July 23 to 27, 2025. The grand finale on July 27 will be attended by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as the Chief Guest, along with the Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri R.N. Ravi, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan, and other dignitaries.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will host special exhibitions highlighting Chola Shaivism and temple architecture, complemented by heritage walks and guided tours that provide valuable insights into the era’s cultural and architectural brilliance.

The metal composition of the ₹1000 coin will consist of Pure Silver (99.9%). The coin will weigh 40 grams and have a diameter of 44 mm, featuring 200 serrations along the edge. The coin's description is as follows.

Obverse: The face of the coin shall bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the center with the legend "सत्यमेव जयते" inscribed below, flanked on the left periphery with the word “भारत” in Devanagari script and on the right periphery with the word “INDIA” in English. It shall also bear the Rupee symbol “₹” and denominational value “1000” in the international numerals below the Lion Capitol.

Reverse: This face of the coin shall bear the image of Naval Expedition of Emperor Rajendra Chola -I. The inscription “सम्राट राजेन्द्र चोल – I के नौसैनिक अभियान के 1000 वर्ष” shall be written in Devanagari script on the upper periphery of the coin and the inscription “1000 Years of Naval Expedition of Emperor Rajendra Chola - I” in English shall be depicted on the lower periphery of the coin. The year “2025” shall be written on the upper side of the image in international numbers.

This commemorative coin echoes the legacy of the Chola dynasty’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.  It draws a parallel with the historic 2010 release of India’s first ₹1000 coin, issued alongside a ₹5 coin to mark 1000 years of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, celebrating the achievements of Raja Raja Chola I. 

In a similar vein, the current coin honors the Chola Empire's lasting impact by commemorating another milestone—such as Rajendra Chola I’s conquest of the Gangetic plains or the founding of Gangaikonda Cholapuram—highlighting a millennium of South India’s imperial and cultural brilliance. The possibility and upcoming coins page have been updated for your reference.