Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Chōḻapuram is a village located near Jayankondam in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The Chola emperor Rajendra I established it as the capital of the Chola dynasty in c. 1025, and it remained the capital for approximately 250 years. The village is situated approximately 125 kilometres (78 mi) northeast of Tiruchirapalli International Airport. The ancient site is designated as a heritage town within the Ariyalur district. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is second in scale only to the Brihadisvara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil) in Thanjavur, while featuring distinct architectural and sculptural details. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. == Etymology == The name translates as 'the city of the Chola who took the Ganges', derived from Gangai (River Ganga), konda (obtained), chola (Chol), and puram (city). The name commemorates Rajendra I's victory, and his expedition to bring water from the Ganges river to establish his new capital. == History == The city was founded by Rajendra I to commemorate his victory over the Pala dynasty.