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Review key Imperial Chola Dynasty: Brihadisvara Temple & Epigraphy exam facts and rate your mastery to track revision.
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#1
Rajaraja I completed the Rajarajesvaram (Brihadisvara Temple) in 1010 CE in his 25th regnal year, dedicating it to Shiva as Adavallan.
#2
The temple features a 13-storey pyramidal vimana (sanctum tower) rising 66 meters, deliberately constructed taller than the entrance gopurams.
#3
The vimana is crowned by a monolithic octagonal granite sikhara (kumbam) weighing approximately eighty metric tons, hoisted using an earthen ramp from Sarapallam.
#4
The inner sanctum enshrines a colossal monolithic Shiva lingam carved from black granite, measuring 3.7 meters (12 feet) in height.
#5
A massive monolithic Nandi statue, sculpted from a single granite block measuring two meters high and six meters long, stands in the frontal pavilion.
#6
Rajaraja I introduced the standardized epigraphic practice of 'Meikeerthi' (eulogistic historical introduction), recording royal conquests in verse before administrative grants.
#7
The circumambulatory corridor (sandhara pradakshinapatha) around the sanctum contains Chola fresco paintings depicting Saint Sundarar and Shiva as Tripurantaka.
#8
Stone inscriptions on the temple plinths record the names, residential quarters, and land stipends of 400 'Talippendir' (temple dancers and courtesans).
#9
Royal guru Karuvur Devar played a prominent spiritual role during the consecration of the temple lingam, honored in murals within the sanctum.
#10
The temple's chief architect and master sculptor is recorded in inscriptions as Kunjaramallan Rajaraja Perunthachan.
#11
The plinth inscriptions list endowments in gold, silver, jewelry, and designated village revenues allocated for feeding priests, Vedic reciters, and musicians.
#12
The Rajarajesvara Natakam, a musical drama celebrating Rajaraja I's military triumphs and temple foundation, was staged annually during temple festivals.
#13
The Leyden (Leiden) copper plates of Rajaraja I record the royal tax exemption granted to the Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam.
#14
The Karandai copper plate charter of Rajendra I contains 55 plates recording an extensive land grant made to 1,080 Brahmins in Tribhuvanamadevi-chaturvedimangalam.
#15
Gangaikonda Cholapuram's Brihadisvara temple, constructed by Rajendra I in 1035 CE, adopted a concave curved vimana profile contrasting with Thanjavur's straight pyramid.
Subject Specialist Commentary
Analytical perspective & practical exam advice from the Master10 academic board
Completed in 1010 CE by Emperor Rajaraja I, the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur represents the peak of Chola Dravidian architecture. Built entirely of granite, its imposing thirteen-storey vimana rises 66 meters, intentionally overshadowing the gateway gopurams—a unique design choice that inverted standard South Indian temple layouts. Crowning this magnificent sanctum tower sits an eighty-ton octagonal granite cupola, hoisted along an inclined earthen ramp, while the interior corridors preserve vibrant Chola frescoes of Shiva as Tripurantaka.
For UPSC and State PSC history questions, temple epigraphy and architectural distinctions provide rich testing material. Pay special attention to 'Meikeerthi'—the standardized poetic prologues instituted by Rajaraja I to record royal military conquests before listing donations. Avoid the architectural trap: Thanjavur's vimana follows a sharp straight pyramid, whereas Rajendra I's temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram features a softer, concave curved profile. For quick revision, remember master architect Kunjaramallan Rajaraja Perunthachan, whose name is etched directly into the temple walls.
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