One of the great kings of southern India during the mediaeval period was Raja Raja Chola (985-1014). During his 30-year reign he extended and consolidated an empire that spanned the seas. In fact, his reign witnessed the beginning of Chola maritime power with interests in Lanka and Sri Vijaya, which comprises modern Java, Sumatra and a few other islands. He was also reputed to have sent trading envoys to China by land. His claims to greatness are many. He was a patron of art and letters. Some of the finest Tamil poetry was written during his reign. Philosophers of all religions were encouraged with the result that many literary masterpieces of the Buddhist, Jain and Vaishnava faiths were penned during his rule. Being a devotee of Shiva, he paid special attention to the Shaiva philosophers and poets, the most notable of whom was Namri Andar Nambi. Under his patronage, Chola bronze sculpture and architecture too were at their best. The grand Raja Rajeswari, temple in Tanjavur, as well as other smaller temples of great beauty were built to commemorate his coronation. Raja Raja Chola was a king who was peerless as a soldier and a scholar.

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