About Chola Gangam Lake:
- Location: It is a prominent water body situated within the vicinity of Gangaikonda Cholapuramin the Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu, India.
- It is locally known as Ponneri lake.
- Background
- This historic lake owes its existence to Rajendra Chola I, a famous ruler of the Chola Dynasty
- It was dug by King Rajendra Chola I to celebrate his northern campaign, according to Tiruvalangadu Copper Plates.
- To ensure a continuous water supply to Cholagangam Lake, a meticulously planned canal was constructed at a distance of sixty stones` throw from the Kollidam River.
- This canal served as a vital waterway, connecting the Kollidam River to Cholagangam Lake, ensuring the consistent replenishment of the reservoir.
- The lake depends on surface water collected during the rains.
- According to some records the tank once irrigated 1,564 acres of land, its primary purpose being to supply drinking water to Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Who was Rajendra Chola I?
- He is often described as Rajendra the Great, was a Chola emperor who ruled between 1014 and 1044 CE.
- Rajendra succeeded his father, Rajaraja I, in 1014 CE.
- He was also known as Gangaikonda Cholan, meaning “Bringer of the Ganges River”. Another title was Kadaram Kondan, which means “Conqueror of Kedah”.
- In order to commemorate his victory to the Ganges and over the northern kings, Rajendra Chola I assumed the title of ‘Gangaikondachola’ and had a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built, which he named ‘Gangaikondacholeshwaram Mahadev’.
- He also founded the city of ‘Gangaikondacholapuram’ and shifted his capital there from Thanjavur.
