Who among the following built the Brihadeshwara temple in Thanjavur dedicated to lord shiva?

Who among the following built the Brihadeshwara temple in Thanjavur dedicated to lord shiva? Correct Answer Rajaraja Chola I

The correct answer is Rajaraja Chola I.

Key Points

• Rajaraja Chola I (985 - 1014 AD):
  • He was one of the greatest emperors of the Chola empire.
  • In his reign, the Cholas expanded beyond South India stretching from Klinga in the north to Sri Lanka in the south.
  • He fought many battles with the Chalukyas in the north and the Pandyas in the south.
  • He built the Brihadishwara temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • He also helped in the construction of a Buddhist monastery at Nagapattinam.
  • He was succeeded by his son Rajendra Chola I in 1014 AD.
• Rajendra Chola I (1014-44 AD):
  • He was considered as one of the greatest rulers and military generals of south India.
  •  He continued his father's policy of aggressive conquests and expansion.
  • Apart from reaching northwards to river Ganga and moving overseas to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, he also invaded the Southeast Asian territories.
  • He defeated Jayasimha II of the western Chalukyas and consequently, River Tungabhadra was recognized as the boundary between the Cholas and Chalukyas.
  • He founded the city Gangaikondacholapuram and constructed the famous Rameshwaram temple in the city.
  • He also excavated a large irrigation tank called Cholagangam on the western side of the city.
  • He assumed many titles, the most important ones being Mudikondan, Gangaikondan, Kadaram Kondan and Pandita Cholan.
  • He built shiva temple at Gangaikondacholapuram 
• Vijayalaya Chola (848-871 AD):
  • He was the founder of the Chola Empire.
  • He ruled over the region to the north of the river Kaveri.
  • He built a temple of Goddess Nishumbhasudini (Durga).
  • He also undertook the renovation of the city of Thanjavur.
• Sundara Chola (857-970 AD):
  • He was also known as Parantaka Chola II.
  • He was crowned as the Chola King despite the presence of Uttama Chola, the son of Gandaraditya.
  • He also encouraged Tamil and Sanskrit literature.