I. Expression of Royal Authority:
 

1. Temples as Administrative Centers

   • Used for governance and public administration.

   • Temple walls contained inscriptions about land grants, trade agreements, and tax collection.

2. Divine Kingship

   • Kings portrayed themselves as divine representatives.

   • Titles like “Rajarajeshwara” (Lord of Kings) reflected this concept.
      

II. Religious Devotion and Architecture:
 

1. Temples as Centers of Devotion and Culture

   • Temples were not only places of worship but also hubs of cultural activity.

2. Bhakti Movement Influence

   • Sculptures of Nataraja, Shiva, Vishnu, and Goddesses reflected growing religious devotion.

   • These icons played a key role in spreading and shaping the Bhakti movement.
      

III. Role of Emperors in Architecture:
 

1. Rajaraja Chola I

   • Built the Brihadeeswarar Temple to showcase his imperial strength.

2. Rajendra Chola I

   • Constructed Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple symbolizing his conquests in the north.

3. Temple Construction as Royal Duty

   • Temple-building was considered a pious and royal responsibility.
      

IV. Economy and Cultural Patronage:
 

1. Support to Artisans and Craftsmen

   • Temples provided economic support to local sculptors, artisans, and performers.

2. Promotion of Agriculture and Arts

   • Donation inscriptions show temples promoted agriculture, education, and music.
      

V. Conclusion:
 

• Chola architecture wove together power and piety, symbolizing the king’s supremacy, the community’s faith, and the enduring strength of culture — all in a single grand expression.