2025 - Emperor Rajendra Chola - I | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹1000 will be issued to mark the 1000 Years of Naval Expedition of Emperor Rajendra Chola - I. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on July 24, 2025. 

One of the most remarkable chapters in Indian history unfolded in the 11th century under the leadership of the Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. Building on the foundations laid by his father, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra embarked on an ambitious northern military expedition that extended the reach of the Chola Empire beyond the Vindhyas and into the fertile Gangetic plains. This campaign not only demonstrated the military might of the Cholas but also solidified their position as a pan-Indian imperial force.

Rajendra Chola’s northern expedition, often referred to as the Gangaikonda Chola campaign, witnessed the Chola army advancing through central and northern India, overcoming several dynasties, and finally reaching the sacred Ganges River. As a symbol of this extraordinary achievement, Rajendra Chola took the title “Gangaikondan,” meaning “the one who conquered the Ganges.” He also brought back Ganga water in golden vessels, sanctifying the memory of his conquest and establishing spiritual symbolism alongside political domination.

To commemorate this historic victory, Rajendra Chola I founded a new capital—Gangaikonda Cholapuram—in present-day Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. There, he constructed the grand Brihadisvara Temple, a marvel of Chola architecture that rivaled the earlier temple built by his father at Thanjavur. This temple not only served as a spiritual center but also stood as a lasting monument to the glory of Rajendra’s reign and the expansive vision of the Chola dynasty.

In 2025, the 1000th anniversary of this legendary conquest is observed as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Rajendra Chola I—his strategic brilliance, his patronage of art and architecture, and his role in elevating the Tamil empire to unprecedented heights. The millenary stands not merely as a remembrance of a military victory, but as a celebration of a king whose legacy continues to shape South Indian identity and pride even a millennium later.