Rajendra Chola's Gangetic Expedition: A Journey Through Ancient India

Rajendra Chola's Gangetic expedition was led by a general, not the king himself, according to Tiruvalangadu copper plates. The army marched from Venginadu, traversing eastern and northern India, defeating powerful kingdoms, including the Pala dynasty in Bengal. Historical accounts reconstruct the path taken by the Chola forces, which began in the northeast of Venginadu, covering regions such as Chakrakottam, Masuna Desam, Indraratha, Odda, Kosala, and Dandabhukti.

The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tamil Nadu has brought renewed attention to the state's rich historical and cultural heritage, particularly the millennial anniversary of Rajendra Chola's Gangetic expedition. This expedition, led by one of the king's ablest generals rather than the king himself, showcased the military prowess and strategic acumen of the Chola dynasty [1].

The expedition began in the northeast of Venginadu, covering regions such as Chakrakottam, Masuna Desam, Indraratha, Odda, Kosala, and Dandabhukti. Historical accounts reconstruct the path taken by the Chola forces, detailing their victories over powerful kingdoms, including the Pala dynasty in Bengal [2].

The campaign began not from the Chola's capital in the South, but from the northeast of Venginadu, spreading across the Godavari and Krishna rivers. The first conquest was Chakrakottam, situated eight miles from Rajapura on the southern bank of the Indravati River, now known as Chitrakootam in the Bastar region of present-day Chhattisgarh. The Chola army then marched towards Masuna Desam, defeating the rulers of the Chindaka family.

The campaign continued northeast, defeating Indraratha at Adinagara and capturing the regions of Odda (Odisha). The Chola forces then turned westward, capturing the Kosala kingdom, which referred to the region of Dakshina (southern) Kosala, also known as Mahakosala. Consolidating control over central-eastern India, the next target was Dandabhukti to the east, ruled by Dharmapala, which likely stretched along both banks of the Subarnarekha River in Bengal.

The Chola forces advanced towards Bengal, defeating Dharmapala and capturing Dakshinaradha (Takkana Ladam in Tamil), ruled by Ranasura. The commander then passed eastwards, crossed the Ganges, and reached Vangala Desam (Eastern Bengal), which was then ruled by Govindachandra. Following the conquest of Eastern Bengal, the commander defeated Mahipala and reached the Ganges, fetching water from the river and bringing it to Rajendra Chola.

The expedition marked an exhibition of the Chola empire's power and a demonstration of its strength to the rulers of northern India. Upon his return, Rajendra Chola erected a 'liquid pillar of victory' in his capital with the waters of the Ganges, in the form of the tank Cholagangam [2].

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Tamil Nadu, particularly to the historic Brihadeeswarar temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and the launch of several key development initiatives, have underscored the state's enduring significance in India's history and culture. The expedition of Rajendra Chola, led by his general, is a testament to the Chola dynasty's military and strategic acumen, which continues to captivate scholars and historians alike.

References:
[1] https://www.mangalorean.com/pm-modis-visit-to-tn-showcases-states-spiritual-heritage-bjp/
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tracing-the-route-of-tamil-king-rajendra-chola-1000-year-old-gangetic-expedition/article69871095.ece