[Cancelled] The Age of Rajaraja Chola: Kamini Dandapani with Navina Haidar

Join author Kamini Dandapani as she discusses her book Rajaraja Chola: King of Kings with Navina Haidar, art historian and curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This event will take place in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on the 7th Floor.

Rajaraja I, often described as Rajaraja the Great, was an emperor from the Chola dynasty who reigned the southern parts of India from 985 CE to 1014 CE. An iconic figure, often regarded as the King of Kings, he was the most powerful emperor in India during his reign and is remembered for reinstating the Chola influence and ensuring its supremacy across the Indian Ocean. His kingdom expanded from Sri Lanka in the south to Kalinga (Orissa) in the northeast. The southern part of India was united for the very first time in Indian history under his rule.

By dividing the country into several districts and standardizing revenue collection through systematic land surveys, he streamlined the administrative system. He built the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, one of a group of Chola-era temples designated as a World Heritage Site. His achievements spanned the gamut from battlefield victories to administrative organization and stunning architectural works. 

Kamini Dandapani’s book was published on the heels of Mani Ratnam’s megastar film Ponniyin Selvan, also based on the Chola king Raja Raja Cholan (Amazon Prime). Rajaraja Chola: King of Kings chronicles the history of the Chola dynasty from its very earliest Sangam days until its demise. At this event, Kamini Dandapani will discuss the book with Navina Haidar.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Kamini Dandapani was born and raised in (once) sleepy Madras (Chennai), in India. She now lives in the city that never sleeps, New York. She has had extensive training in Carnatic music, Bharata Natyam, and Western Classical music (Pianoforte). A longer-than-desired stint in the corporate world that included Chase Manhattan Bank and McKinsey & Co. was followed by a complete change in direction back to her true loves, top among which are music and writing. Her book, Rajaraja Chola: King of Kings, was published recently by Aleph Book Company in New Delhi, India.

Navina Najat Haidar is an art historian and curator, and currently serves as the chief curator of Islamic art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. During her career as a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Haidar has curated a number of well-received exhibitions, and in addition to her curatorial work, she has made contributions on art history to many publications around the world.

GET THE BOOK

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

CONNECT WITH US

Sign up for our e-newsletters to stay up to date on upcoming events and Library offerings.

Please submit all press inquiries to Amy Geduldig at least 48 hours before the event: email amygeduldig@nypl.org.
 

SUPPORT THE LIBRARY

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

All programs are subject to change or cancellation. 

The 7 Stories Up Series at SNFL is made possible by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).