The Enduring Legacy of the Cholas: Love for Tamil and Faith in Shiva
The absence of the Cholas in NCERT textbooks should not diminish their significance, as their legacy continues to thrive through the love for Tamil culture and faith in Lord Shiva. While Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan highlights the war-mongering aspects of Chola history, it is important to recognize their aesthetic and administrative achievements as well.
According to Benedict Anderson, nations are "imagined" communities, and this notion applies to ancient kingdoms and empires as well. Just as Scotland was imagined by writers like Walter Scott and Rajasthan owes its existence to Colonel James Tod, the Cholas too find their place in our collective imagination. Recent portrayals of the Cholas in works like Thiruvaduthurai Sengol and Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan demand a deeper understanding of their significance.
It is intriguing to ponder why the Cholas hold such a firm and enduring presence in our collective imagination. Even Israeli scholar David Shulman once remarked that all South Indian art after the Cholas represents an attempt to flatter and emulate their legacy. There is a captivating allure surrounding the Cholas that compels us to revisit their history time and again.
The Cholas have left behind a rich cultural heritage that resonates with the people. Their love for Tamil language, literature, and arts has played a significant role in keeping their legacy alive. The Cholas nurtured and patronized Tamil culture, contributing to its growth and development. Their support for the arts, such as music, dance, and literature, continues to inspire and influence the artistic expressions of South India.
Additionally, the Cholas' deep-rooted faith in Lord Shiva has contributed to their enduring presence in the collective consciousness. Their devotion to Shiva, as seen in their magnificent temples and sculptures, showcases their spiritual and religious beliefs. The grandeur and architectural brilliance of the Chola temples, such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, stand as testaments to their devotion and artistic mastery.
The Cholas' administrative accomplishments should not be overlooked either. Their efficient governance, well-organized bureaucracy, and extensive trade networks made them a prosperous and influential empire. Their administration left a lasting impact on subsequent kingdoms and empires in South India.
Despite their exclusion from mainstream textbooks, the Cholas remain an integral part of Tamil culture and heritage. The love for Tamil language and the faith in Shiva have helped preserve their memory and ensure that their legacy continues to thrive. Their artistic and architectural achievements, administrative prowess, and devotion to Tamil and Shiva worship are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of South India.
In conclusion, the Cholas may not be prominently featured in NCERT textbooks, but their enduring presence in our collective imagination is sustained by the love for Tamil culture and the unwavering faith in Lord Shiva. Their aesthetic and administrative accomplishments, as well as their devotion to Tamil and Shiva worship, have left an indelible mark on South Indian history and continue to captivate our fascination. The Cholas are not merely a historical entity; they are a vibrant and cherished part of our cultural heritage.
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