Chola Gangam Lake

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.

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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