Thanjavur, India: Brihadisvara Temple Midhun Built in the year 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja, it turns 1012 years this year. It took 34 years to complete the construction started by Cholas then the Pandians and the Marathas. The place is also known as Gangaikonda Cholapuram which served as the Chola capital for 250 years. The Brihadisvara Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, India. It was built during the 11th century by the Chola dynasty and is an example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its towering vimana (temple tower) and intricate carvings. Built in the year 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja, it turns 1012 years this year. It took 34 years to complete the construction started by Cholas then the Pandians and the Marathas. The place is also known as Gangaikonda Cholapuram which served as the Chola capital for 250 years. Chola dynasty ruled for 5 centuries making it longer than the Mughal and the British rule. At its peak, the thalassocracy Chola Empire stretched from the northern parts of Sri Lanka in the south to the Godavari-Krishna river basin in the north, the Konkan coast, the entire Coast of Malabar in addition to Lakshadweep, Maldives, and some parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. A TO Z INDIA ● MAY 2023 ● PAGE 30