The Legacy of the Cholas on Coins and Banknotes of Republic India

The Chola dynasty, renowned for its architectural grandeur, naval power, administrative excellence, and patronage of arts and literature, continues to stand as a symbol of Tamil and Indian civilizational pride. Spanning over five centuries, the Cholas established one of the most powerful and culturally sophisticated empires in South India, with influence reaching Southeast Asia through maritime trade and conquest. This legacy has found meaningful representation in the coinage and banknotes of Republic India, serving as a lasting tribute to their enduring contributions to the subcontinent’s heritage.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, popularly known as the Tanjore Temple, stands as the finest architectural achievement of the Chola Empire. Constructed under the patronage of Raja Raja Chola I, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and remains a centrepiece of Dravidian temple design. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the “Great Living Chola Temples”, the foundation of the temple was laid in 1002 C.E., and it was completed in just seven years—a remarkable feat for its time. The temple’s towering vimana, rising to 66 meters (216 feet), was among the tallest structures in the world during the medieval period. The temple not only served as a spiritual center but also as a political and cultural landmark where coronations, festivals, and administrative ceremonies were held.

Built according to Vaastu Shastras and Agamic traditions, the Brihadeeswarar Temple exemplifies spiritual geometry and symmetry. The temple complex includes a massive Nandi bull statue—2 meters in height and 6 meters in length—sculpted from a single stone, symbolizing strength and devotion. The sanctum sanctorum houses a lingam measuring 3.7 meters in height, reinforcing the spiritual vision of Chola kings as protectors of Shaivism. The upper structure of the temple features carvings of 108 Bharatanatyam dance postures, emphasizing the dynasty’s role in promoting classical art forms. Over the centuries, the temple complex saw contributions from successive rulers: the Pandyas added the shrine for Goddess Brihannayaki in the 13th century, the Vijayanagara Empire built the Subramanya shrine, and the Marathas restored the Vinayaka shrine, thus preserving the continuity of the site’s sacred status.

The influence of the Cholas transcended architecture and entered the realm of Indian numismatics through paper currency. The ₹1000 banknote, first issued on April 1, 1954, under the governorship of B. Rama Rau, featured a detailed engraving of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in its central panel. This banknote, popularly known as the “Temple Note”, became a collector’s item and a visual homage to Chola grandeur. It remained in circulation until its demonetization on January 16, 1978. Among all Indian banknotes that feature architectural monuments, this remains a standout for its historical depth and regional representation. The temple’s appearance on currency marked an early step toward including South Indian heritage in the national narrative through numismatic art. 

In 2010, to celebrate 1000 years of the Brihadeeswarar Temple’s completion, the Government of India issued a commemorative coin that included, for the first time, a non-circulating ₹1000 coin alongside a circulating ₹5 coin. These coins featured the temple’s iconic vimana and a statue of Raja Raja Chola I facing front, making it one of the very few instances where a historical monarch—especially from South India—was officially honoured in Republic coinage. These issues were minted by the India Government Mint, Mumbai, and were warmly received by both collectors and historians. The issuance of these coins marked a formal recognition of the Chola dynasty’s immense contribution to Indian history, temple architecture, and cultural renaissance during the medieval period.

In 2025, the Chola legacy was further deepened through the release of another ₹1000 commemorative coin, this time to honour Emperor Rajendra Chola I, the son and worthy successor of Raja Raja Chola I. The occasion marked the 1000th anniversary of his northern expedition, which extended the Chola Empire beyond the Vindhyas to the Ganges, and commemorated the founding of Gangaikonda Cholapuram—a city that symbolized imperial might and religious inclusivity. This non-circulating coin, is minted by the India Government Mint, Mumbai, featured Rajendra Chola’s portrait on the reverse, adding another powerful figure from Tamil history to India’s numismatic canvas. The issuance not only highlighted his military conquests, including naval campaigns across Southeast Asia, but also celebrated his vision of governance, temple patronage, and diplomacy.

Although Chola-themed coins and banknotes remain limited in number, their historical and cultural significance is profound. They serve as tangible links between the glorious past and the present, allowing collectors, scholars, and citizens alike to engage with history in a meaningful way. These numismatic pieces honour the spirit of a dynasty that once united the southern peninsula and shaped India's maritime footprint across Asia. As India continues to diversify its commemorative coin program and paper currency themes, the recognition of regional dynasties like the Cholas sets a precedent for balanced and inclusive historical representation.

The celebration of Chola emperors and their monumental creations through coins and banknotes is not just an exercise in nostalgia—it is a reaffirmation of India's plural past. Their inclusion in modern currency forms a vital thread in the broader tapestry of national identity, ensuring that the achievements of the South stand proudly alongside the well-known figures of the North. In the world of Indian numismatics, the legacy of the Cholas continues to shine—etched in metal, engraved in ink, and embedded in memory.