Raja Raja Chola I , born Arulmozhivarman, popularly known as Raja Raja the Great, is considered the greatest among the kings of the Tamil Chola Empire.

He rules between 985 and 1014 CE.

By conquering numerous kingdoms in South India, he expands the Chola Empire as far as Sri Lanka in the south, and Kalinga (Orissa) in the northeast.

He fights many battles with the Chalukyas to the north and the Pandyas to the south.

By conquering Vengi, Rajaraja lays the foundation for the Later Chola dynasty.

He invades Sri Lanka and starts a century long Chola occupation of the island.

He streamlines the administrative system by dividing the country into various districts and by standardising revenue collection through systematic land surveys.

Being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, he builds the magnificent Peruvudaiyar Temple (also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple) in Thanjavur and through it enables the distribution of wealth amongst his subjects.

His successes enablehis son Rajendra Chola I to extend the empire even further.