RAS question
Rajendra I built which new capital to commemorate his northern victories?
Correct answer: (A) Gangaikondacholapuram.
Rajendra I built Gangaikondacholapuram as his new Chola capital to commemorate his victories over northern territories.
Explanation
Rajendra I's commemorative capital was Gangaikondacholapuram. The ASI account says Rajendra I, son of Rajaraja I, chose this location in the first quarter of the 11th century to build a new great capital city for the Chola Empire, most probably to commemorate his conquest over northern territories. In standard RAS framing, the capital celebrated his campaign reaching the Ganga, around 1025 CE. The same site also carried the architectural message of power: Rajendra built a great Siva temple there, and ASI notes that the Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur influenced its layout and massive elevation. That is why Gangaikondacholapuram, not an older Chola or Pallava centre, is the precise answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Thanjavur is linked here with Rajaraja I's Brihadisvara temple and as an architectural influence on Rajendra's temple, not as the new capital Rajendra built for his northern victories.
- (C) The Archaeological Survey of India page identifies Gangaikondacholapuram, not Mamallapuram, as the city Rajendra I chose for the new Chola capital commemorating northern conquests.
- (D) Uraiyur is not the commemorative capital; the relevant account points specifically to Gangaikondacholapuram.
Concept
This tests Chola political history through the link between conquest, capital-building, and temple architecture. RAS repeatedly asks such questions because major dynasties used capitals and monumental temples to project imperial achievement.