Note: Rajendra Chola I, the son of the great Raja Raja Chola I, ascended the Chola throne in 1014 CE, continuing his father’s legacy. Born Madhurantaka Chola, he adopted the name Rajendra upon becoming king. His military career began as early as 1002, when he joined his father on campaigns against Kalinga, the Western Chalukyas, and Vengi. By 1014, Rajendra had solidified his rule and named his eldest son, Rajadhiraja Chola I, as co-regent.

In his early conquests, Rajendra expanded the Chola Empire, capturing the Rashtrakuta kingdom and territories in present-day Karnataka, Pandharpur, and Southern Maharashtra. His military prowess saw victories over both the Western and Eastern Chalukyas and the defeat of King Kassapa of Sinhala, extending Chola rule over Ceylon. Rajendra’s campaigns also extended beyond India, bringing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Maldives, and coastal Burma under Chola control. His naval victories, particularly against the Srivijaya Empire, established the Chola navy as a formidable force, securing vital maritime trade routes. His reign also saw advancements in governance, including the promotion of local self-government, a key feature of the Chola dynasty.

Rajendra’s most celebrated achievement was his conquest of the Gangetic valley, where he defeated King Mahipala of Bengal (Pala Rulers), earning him the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ - "the Chola who took the Ganges." To commemorate this victory, Rajendra issued coins inscribed with the legend ‘Gangai Konda Chola,’ featuring tiger and fish emblems, symbolizing the power and cultural dominance of his reign.

This rare variant inscribed with "Sri Rajendra" in Devanagari script stands out as one of the only surviving examples of its type, with fewer than 5-6 known to exist.

This unique coin, offered for the first time in an Indian auction.
A rare and extraordinary opportunity for collectors to acquire a remarkable piece of Chola history.

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