Do You Know India’s New ₹1,000 Commemorative Coin Honoring Rajendra Chola I

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KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION

8/1/20252 min read

India has released a special ₹1,000 commemorative coin in mid‑2025, celebrating the 1,000‑year anniversary of Emperor Rajendra Chola I’s remarkable naval expedition. While not legal tender, the coin is a tribute to India’s maritime heritage and exceptional craftsmen leadership. Here’s the full story:

1. The Occasion: 1,000 Years of Chola Naval Power

The coin marks the millennium of Rajendra Chola I’s naval expedition to the Ganga River, extending his empire beyond Tamil Nadu into North India. To commemorate the campaign, he brought sacred Ganga water in golden vessels—a symbolic blend of conquest and devotion.

2. Unveiling by Prime Minister Modi

On July 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the coin at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, honoring both Rajendra Chola’s legacy and Tamil cultural heritage.

3. Coin Design and Specifications

Obverse (Front): Ashoka Lion Capital, “Satyameva Jayate,” denomination “1000” and RBI markings.
Reverse (Back): Portrait of Rajendra Chola I with a naval vessel and legend: “1000 YEARS OF NAVAL EXPEDITION OF EMPEROR RAJENDRA CHOLA - I” in English and Devanagari.
Composition: 99.9% pure silver, 40 g, 44 mm diameter, 200 serrated edge.
It is the 4th ₹1,000 denomination coin ever issued by the Government of India.

4. Commemorative — Not Currency

Though denominated ₹1,000, this coin is not meant for circulation—it is a commemorative collectible released on a limited scale for numismatists. Legal currency coins in India currently top out at ₹20 denomination.

5. Where to Buy It

Proof and Uncirculated (UNC) coin sets will soon be available via the India Government Mint website, along with booking and delivery details. This is the 16th commemorative coin release by the Ministry of Finance in 2025.

Conclusion

India’s new ₹1,000 coin is a blend of cultural pride, historical tribute, and numismatic artistry. While it cannot be spent as currency, it commemorates a thousand-year legacy and showcases India’s craftsmanship. Collectors and history enthusiasts alike will find it a rare and meaningful keepsake.