Identifying the Builder of Nishumbhasudini Devi Temple

The question asks us to identify the ruler responsible for building the 'Nishumbhasudini' Devi Temple.

Let's examine the options provided:

• Vijayalaya Chola
• Rajraj-I
• Rajendra-II
• Pulakeshin-II

To answer this, we need to recall the history of the Chola dynasty, specifically its founders and early rulers, and their contributions to temple architecture.

Vijayalaya Chola is known as the founder of the medieval Chola dynasty. He captured Thanjavur (Tanjore) from the Mutharaiyar chiefs in the mid-9th century CE and made it the capital. He is credited with consolidating Chola power in the region.

Historical sources and inscriptions attribute the construction of the 'Nishumbhasudini' Devi Temple in Thanjavur to Vijayalaya Chola. This temple is considered one of his significant constructions after establishing his reign in Thanjavur.

Let's look at the other options:

• Rajraj-I (Rajaraja Chola I) was a much later and very powerful Chola ruler (reigned 985–1014 CE). He is famous for building the grand Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, also known as Rajarajeshwaram.
• Rajendra-II (Rajendra Chola II) was another later Chola emperor (reigned 1051–1063/1063–1070 CE). He was a successor to Rajendra I and continued the expansion of the Chola empire. His major temple construction is related to Gangaikondacholapuram, built by his father Rajendra I.
• Pulakeshin-II was a ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami (reigned 610–642 CE), not the Cholas. He is known for his conflicts with rulers like Harshavardhana and the Pallavas.

Based on historical evidence, the construction of the 'Nishumbhasudini' Devi Temple in Thanjavur is attributed to the founder of the medieval Chola line, Vijayalaya Chola, following his conquest of Thanjavur.

Therefore, the ruler who built the 'Nishumbhasudini' Devi Temple is Vijayalaya Chola.