Chola Empire Rajaraja Chola 1st – 1 Massa Copper Coin Southern India

Rajaraja Chola I was one of the greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty, reigning from 985 to 1014 AD. He greatly expanded Chola power across southern India through successful military campaigns against the Cheras, Pandyas and other regional powers, while also extending Chola influence into Sri Lanka. He developed a powerful navy and strengthened the empire’s administrative and revenue systems. Rajaraja was also a major patron of architecture and religion, commissioning the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, completed in 1010 AD. His reign marked a period of substantial political expansion, economic development, temple building and cultural achievement for the Chola Empire.

Coinage Note: This copper 1 Massa represents the distinctive coinage of Rajaraja Chola I. The obverse combines the seated royal figure with the Devanagari legend “Sri Raja Raja,” while the reverse depicts a standing figure, oil lamp and the footprint of Vishnu. The Vishnu footprint is traditionally associated with the Chola conquest of Chera territory, making this type particularly significant in the study of early Chola coinage. Reference: MSI #344.