The Raja of Big Things

An eminently readable book by Carnatic music-loving corporate honcho, Kamini Dandapani, delves into the life and influence of Rajaraja Chola and why the 11th century ruler still has a cult following

Rajaraja Chola – King of Kings 

Author: Kamini Dandapani 

Publisher: Aleph 

Pages: 348 

Price: Rs 999

If there’s a monument in India that suggests that size does matter, it is the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur. Built in 1010 AD, it is called the Periya Kovil in Tamil or Big Temple and shines as a towering architectural achievement of Rajaraja Chola, one of the greatest emperors of medieval India. In the wake of his many military conquests in south India, his maritime successes in parts of Southeast Asia, and influence extending to Guangzhou in China, the time seemed fitting for Rajaraja Chola to build a