Chola Rulers and Famous Titles 

The question asks to identify the Chola ruler who was popularly known as the ‘Victor of the Ganges’. This title is significant in the history of the Chola dynasty and indicates a major military achievement.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Vijayalaya Chola
• Gandaraditya Chola
• Parantaka Chola I
• Rajendra Chola I

The title 'Victor of the Ganges' (often translated from the Tamil title 'Gangaikondan' or 'Gangaikonda Chola') was bestowed upon a Chola ruler who led a successful military campaign all the way to the Ganges River in North India.

Rajendra Chola I: The Victor of the Ganges

Historically, the Chola ruler who undertook a major expedition to the North and reached the Ganges River was Rajendra Chola I. This campaign, launched around 1025 CE, was a remarkable feat of military strategy and logistics. Rajendra Chola I's forces marched through Kalinga (modern Odisha), Bengal, and Magadha, defeating several kingdoms along the way and collecting tribute, including water from the sacred Ganges river. This campaign solidified the Chola empire's influence and reputation across the Indian subcontinent.

Upon his successful return, Rajendra Chola I commemorated this victory by founding a new capital city named Gangaikonda Cholapuram (meaning "the city of the Chola who brought the Ganges") and building a magnificent temple dedicated to Shiva, mirroring the Brihadeeswarar Temple built by his father, Rajaraja Chola I.

Therefore, Rajendra Chola I is the Chola ruler popularly called the ‘Victor of the Ganges’.

Analysis of Other Options

• Vijayalaya Chola: He was the founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty in the 9th century. While important, his reign was primarily focused on re-establishing Chola power in the Tamil region, capturing Thanjavur (Tanjore). He is not associated with expeditions to the Ganges.
• Gandaraditya Chola: He was a Chola king who ruled in the mid-10th century. His reign was relatively short and marked by conflicts, and he is more known for his devotional hymns than major military expansions, especially not to North India.
• Parantaka Chola I: He was a powerful Chola king who ruled in the 10th century, preceding Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I. He is known for defeating the Pandyas and invading Sri Lanka. He also successfully defended the kingdom against Rashtrakuta invasions initially but suffered a defeat at Takkolam towards the end of his reign. While a great conqueror, his campaigns did not extend to the Ganges river.

Based on historical records and achievements, Rajendra Chola I is the correct answer.

Conclusion

The Chola ruler famously known as the ‘Victor of the Ganges’ due to his successful North Indian campaign reaching the Ganges river is Rajendra Chola I.

Revision Table: Important Chola Rulers

Reviewing the major Chola rulers helps distinguish their contributions and understand why Rajendra Chola I earned the title 'Victor of the Ganges'.

Additional Information: Rajendra Chola I's Ganges Expedition

Rajendra Chola I's expedition to the Ganges was a strategic and symbolic move. It aimed to demonstrate the power of the Chola empire to the northern kingdoms and assert dominance. The campaign was led by one of his generals, and the water from the Ganges was brought back to consecrate the new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, signifying the Chola's control over a vast territory stretching from the south to the north of India. This expedition is a significant event in Indian history, highlighting the reach and military prowess of the Chola dynasty under Rajendra Chola I.