Empire 290. Medieval India’s Alexander The Great: The Cholas (Part 2)
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Sep 15, 2025 Anirudh Kanisetti, author of Lords of Earth and Sea and expert on the Chola dynasty, delves into the intriguing life of Queen Sembian and her role in shaping the Chola Empire's identity through temple branding. He explores the military strategies and cultural impacts of the Chola conquests in Southeast Asia, while addressing the complex realities faced by enslaved women in the court. The discussion also touches on the factors leading to the rise and eventual decline of the empire, showcasing its significant historical legacies.
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Temple Branding Created Political Legitimacy
- Sembian Mahadevi crafted a deliberate media strategy using temple-building and the Nataraja image to brand the Cholas.
- Her standardised, visible temples associated the dynasty with Shiva and generated local legitimacy and resources.
Military Recruitment Fueled Rapid Expansion
- Raja Raja combined Sambian's financial base with recruitment of professional martial leaders to expand territorially.
- He used single campaigns' loot to fund monumental projects and sustain imperial ambition.
Burning Ships To Win Merchant Support
- Raja Raja staged a preemptive strike on Kerala ports, burning enemy ships in harbour to win merchants' trust.
- Tamil merchant guilds then allied with Chola regiments and supplied ships and funds.
