The practice of beginning royal inscriptions with a 'historical introduction', detailing the king's achievements and lineage, was a significant development in Chola administration.
This tradition was notably initiated by the prominent Chola king, Rajaraja.
Rajaraja I (reigned c. 985–1014 CE) introduced this detailed preamble to his inscriptions, setting a precedent for subsequent rulers.
This provided a narrative context for the royal decrees and records.