Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the glorious legacy of the Chola dynasty, calling it a beacon of administrative excellence, maritime power, and cultural depth that continues to inspire modern India. According to The Hindu, speaking during his visit to the famed Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, he emphasized how the ancient Tamil empire laid a strong foundation for nation-building principles relevant even today.
PM Modi described the Chola rulers as “visionaries who not only built grand temples but also systems of good governance, maritime trade, and urban planning,” adding that “today’s India must draw inspiration from their wisdom and vision.”
A Temple and a Testament
The Prime Minister offered prayers at the over 1,000-year-old Brihadeeswarar Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, the temple is revered not just as a place of worship but as a marvel of engineering and artistry.
“The architecture of this temple speaks volumes of India’s rich past. It tells us that when we talk of ‘Vikas’ (development), we must also talk about ‘Virasat’ (heritage),” the Prime Minister said.
Cholas and Global Vision
PM Modi praised the Cholas’ maritime strength and their expansive trade networks that extended as far as Southeast Asia. “The Cholas had a global outlook. Their fleets reached lands like present-day Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Even without modern technology, they had the vision and courage to expand India’s presence across the seas,” he stated.
He added that the dynasty’s example serves as a reminder that India has always been an outward-looking civilization — not one that invaded, but one that integrated and enriched other cultures.
Administrative Genius
Highlighting the administrative sophistication of the Chola empire, PM Modi said, “The Cholas introduced structured revenue systems, water management, and local governance centuries before modern democratic institutions were even conceptualized.”
The Prime Minister noted that inscriptions from the period reveal detailed records of property ownership, taxation, and civic responsibilities — a testament to the value the Cholas placed on transparency and accountability.
Cultural and Artistic Renaissance
Apart from their political and economic prowess, the Cholas were also prolific patrons of art, music, literature, and sculpture. Their bronze idols, including the world-renowned Nataraja, are considered masterpieces.
“Today when we talk about ‘Make in India’ or promoting Indian art and craft, we are essentially continuing the Chola tradition of excellence,” PM Modi remarked.
A Message for Today’s India
The Prime Minister’s visit to Tamil Nadu is seen as an outreach to the southern state ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. But beyond political undertones, the speech struck a cultural chord — connecting the past glory of the Tamil kings to the aspirations of a modern India.
“Let us build a future that our ancestors would be proud of. A future that blends progress with pride in our heritage,” he said in his concluding remarks.
Significance of the Visit
The visit also comes in the backdrop of the Modi government’s push for showcasing India’s civilizational pride — from restoring ancient temples to promoting regional languages and history. This narrative has particularly resonated with Tamil Nadu’s deep-rooted cultural identity.
Political analysts note that invoking the Chola legacy — one that is distinctly Tamil but also profoundly Indian — could serve as a unifying narrative at a time when regional pride and national identity are often seen as competing forces.
In Summary
PM Modi’s remarks on the Chola dynasty were not just a history lesson but a strategic blueprint — positioning India’s ancient past as an integral part of its future journey. By celebrating the Cholas’ contributions to governance, trade, culture, and innovation, the Prime Minister underscored how India’s historical wisdom can shape contemporary progress.
Photo Source: The Hindu
