SF Prep Notes

PM releases Rajendra Chola I coin at Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

On 27 July 2025 at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival and released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I.

Summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu on 27 July 2025 and released a commemorative coin honouring Emperor Rajendra Chola I. The Ministry of Culture held the festival from 23 to 27 July 2025 to mark 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and of the start of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. Rajendra Chola established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital, and the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rajendra Chola's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), began on 23 July. The Prime Minister announced that grand statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola I will be installed in Tamil Nadu. Ilaiyaraaja performed a musical tribute.

Key facts

Date / place
27 July 2025, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu
Released
Commemorative coin on Rajendra Chola I
Festival
23-27 July 2025, Ministry of Culture
Marks
1,000 years of the SE Asia maritime expedition and the temple's construction
Temple status
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Birth star
Thiruvathirai (Ardra)
Announced
Statues of Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola I in Tamil Nadu

Practice MCQs 5 questions

Q1

On 27 July 2025, PM Modi released a commemorative coin honouring which ruler at Gangaikonda Cholapuram?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rajendra Chola I

PIB (27 July 2025): the PM released a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra Chola I at the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival.

Q2 Advanced

The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival 2025 marked 1,000 years of which events?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the start of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple

Ministry of Culture / PMIndia: the festival marked 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the commencement of construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.

Q3 Advanced

Rajendra Chola I's birth star, which gives the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival its name, is:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Thiruvathirai (Ardra)

PMIndia: Rajendra Chola's birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), begins on 23 July.

Q4 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. Rajendra Chola I established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital after his victorious campaigns. 2. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival 2025 was held from 23 to 27 July by the Ministry of Culture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PMIndia: Rajendra Chola I established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the imperial capital and the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ministry of Culture: the festival ran from 23 to 27 July 2025. All correct.

Q5 Advanced

At Gangaikonda Cholapuram on 27 July 2025, the Prime Minister announced that grand statues of which two rulers will be installed in Tamil Nadu?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola I

PIB: the PM announced that grand statues of Rajaraja Chola and his son Rajendra Chola I will be installed in Tamil Nadu.

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