After his successful expedition to the Ganges region, Rajendra Chola I established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his new capital around 1025 AD. He commissioned the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a replica of the Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple built by his father, Rajaraja I. This temple served not only as a place of worship but also as the center of Chola power and administration. The city flourished for about 250 years, serving as the capital for several Chola rulers. However, after the decline of the Chola dynasty in the 13th century, the city fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. Today, only the temple remains as a significant reminder of its glorious past.