Chola Gangam Lake Latest News
In view of the birth anniversary of the legendary Tamil king Rajendra Chola I Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced that the ‘Chola Gangam’ lake would be developed.
About Chola Gangam Lake
- Location: It is a prominent water body situated within the vicinity of Gangaikonda Cholapuram in the Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu, India.
- It is locally known as Ponneri lake.
Historical Background
- This historic lake owes its existence to Rajendra Chola I, a famous ruler of the Chola Dynasty
- It was dug by King Rajendra Chola I to celebrate his northern campaign, according to Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates.
- To ensure a continuous water supply to Cholagangam Lake, a meticulously planned canal was constructed at a distance of sixty stones` throw from the Kollidam River.
- This canal served as a vital waterway, connecting the Kollidam River to Cholagangam Lake, ensuring the consistent replenishment of the reservoir.
- The lake depends on surface water collected during the rains.
- According to some records the tank once irrigated 1,564 acres of land, its primary purpose being to supply drinking water to Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Who was Rajendra Chola I?
- He is often described as Rajendra the Great, was a Chola emperor who ruled between 1014 and 1044 CE.
- Rajendra succeeded his father, Rajaraja I, in 1014 CE.
- He was also known as Gangaikonda Cholan, meaning “Bringer of the Ganges River”. Another title was Kadaram Kondan, which means “Conqueror of Kedah”.
- In order to commemorate his victory to the Ganges and over the northern kings, Rajendra Chola I assumed the title of ‘Gangaikondachola’ and had a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built, which he named ‘Gangaikondacholeshwaram Mahadev’.
- He also founded the city of ‘Gangaikondacholapuram’ and shifted his capital there from Thanjavur
Source: TH
Chola Gangam Lake FAQs
Q1: Which lake was built by Rajendra Chola?
Ans: Chola Gangam
Q2: What are the Thiruvalangadu copper plates?
Ans: These copperplates discovered in 1905 C.E. comprise one of the largest so far recovered and contains 31 copper sheets. The Thiruvalangadu plates contain text written in Sanskrit and Tamil. These two seem to have been written at least a decade apart.
