• King Rajendra Chola I (reigned 1014-1044 CE) was one of the most powerful rulers of the Chola Empire.
• He expanded the Chola kingdom to its greatest territorial extent, leading military expeditions as far north as the Ganges River.
• The construction of Gangaikonda Cholapuram was a commemoration of his victories, particularly his expedition to the Ganges. The name itself, 'Gangaikonda Cholapuram', translates to 'The city of the Cholas who conquered the Ganges'.
• It served as the imperial capital of the Cholas for about 250 years.
