Scribd
Upload
205 views

cholas

The Chola dynasty, prominent from the 9th to 13th centuries, expanded its empire across South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia under notable rulers like Vijayalaya, Aditya I, and Rajendra Chola. Their administration was marked by efficient governance, a strong military, and a thriving economy based on trade, while also contributing significantly to art and architecture. Despite their eventual decline due to rival powers, the Cholas left a lasting legacy on Indian culture and history.

Uploaded by

RachiBro2431
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
205 views

cholas

The Chola dynasty, prominent from the 9th to 13th centuries, expanded its empire across South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia under notable rulers like Vijayalaya, Aditya I, and Rajendra Chola. Their administration was marked by efficient governance, a strong military, and a thriving economy based on trade, while also contributing significantly to art and architecture. Despite their eventual decline due to rival powers, the Cholas left a lasting legacy on Indian culture and history.

Uploaded by

RachiBro2431
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

THE CHOLAS

According to early medieval sources, five major regions


comprised the Tamil country: the Cholamandalam, the
Tondaimandalam, the Pandimandalam, the
Naduvilnadu, and Kongumandalam.
At the apex of its power between the late 10th and late
11th centuries, the Chola Empire extended over the
entire Andhra region, Mysore, and the northern-central
part of the island of Sri Lanka. Other islands in the
Indian Ocean such as the Lakshadweep and the
Maldives were also brought under its control.
Rajendra Chola (1012–1044), its power extended to the
Malay Peninsula and the eastern archipelago.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

The history of the Chola dynasty, like that of many


other great civilizations, is shrouded in mystery and
ambiguity. However, it is a fact that they rose to
prominence in the 3rd century CE and became a vassal
state of the Pallava dynasty in the 9th century. They
governed Tanjavur, which is now located in Tamil Nadu,
and pledged their loyalty to the Pallava rulers.
Eventually, in the mid-9th century, the Cholas began to
assert themselves and proclaimed Tanjavur as their
capital, marking the start of their political supremacy in
the region.
The Chola Empire was established under the
remarkable leadership of Aditya Chola (871-907), a
skilled diplomat and general.
Their rise to power in the region of Thanjavur and the
Kaveri River, as well as their expansion into Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu from the Pallava and Pandya
kingdoms. The speed and efficiency were remarkable.
Working alongside the Chera dynasty, who had
governed parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, they were
able to acquire land from the Ganga dynasty in the
north. Aditya Chola's leadership was truly exceptional,
and his legacy lives on in the history of the Chola
Empire.

Origin and History


The Chola dynasty originated at some unknown time where notable references were
found during the 3rd century BCE in inscriptions left by the Maurya empire. Authentic
evidence on early Cholas were mentioned in Sangam literature, religious texts, and
inscriptions. The Sangam literature has names of legends, kings, princes, and poets
along with a depiction of Chola life and work through rich literature. Karikala Chola,
one of the early rulers, fought to rule and won the battle of Venni. Karikala Chola was
renowned for constructing the grand Anaikut, a dam that is 30 meters wide and 330
meters long.
Despite these ancient references, the period of the Chola empire started in the
medieval period of the 9th century when they gained power by defeating the
Pallavas. This is when the imperial Cholas were founded by Vijayalaya. They
successfully managed to create an empire of their own that covered the major
portion of South India and extended their dominion in the Malay Peninsula and Sri
Lanka. By defeating the Pandyas, they gained supremacy and prominence under
King Aditya 1. They reached the height of their power when Rajaraja Chola 1
occupied the throne and enriched the kingdom by building a strong military base and
structured commerce.
The Cholas have benefitted from numerous overseas conquests. They conquered
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the islands of Sumatra, Bali and Java, Sri Lanka, and
the Malay Peninsula through several naval raids. Kulothunga Chola 1 was the ruler of
the later Chola dynasty. The supremacy of the later Cholas was not stronger than
their rivals and they were defeated by the Hoysala empire. Although the Chola
dynasty was recovering from the fall by getting back the province of Vengi and
Gangavadi from the Hoysalas, the decline of the Cholas started when they were
defeated by Maravarman Sundara Pandiyan II in 1216.

Notable Rulers in Chola Dynasty


The prominent pillars of the Chola Dynasty are:

 Vijayalaya - He was the founder of the Chola empire and caused the rise of
the powerful Cholas by taking over the Tanjore kingdom. The early Cholas lost
their supremacy and gradually disappeared but Vijayalaya Chola rebuilt the
Chola rule and set up a powerful empire with his authoritative and energetic
capabilities. He took this opportunity to create the royal line of medieval
Chola. He reestablished the temple of Lord Shiva and was honored with the
title Parakesarivarman.
 Aditya 1 - son of Vijayalaya, was his successor who played a major part in
extending the Chola dominion. He was the second monarch of the medieval
Chola and annexed the Pallava territories by defeating them. Moreover, he
also invaded the Kongu country and further extended his kingdom. According
to historical records, Aditya Chola I had many wives. In Spite of being a Hindu
and a worshipper of Lord Shiva, he encouraged people to fearlessly worship
whatever religion or God they believe in. He left a strong and powerful Chola
empire for the coming generations.
 Rajendra Chola - son of Rajaraja Chola extended the huge Chola empire by
venturing to the banks of the River Ganges. He stretched his influences to
Coastal Burma, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Southern Thailand. This period was
called the Golden period of the Chola empire because the Chola king was
successful in multiple invasions and also maintained friendly relations as well
as extensive trade with the Chinese kingdoms.

Chola Administration and Society


The administrative style of the Chola Dynasty was greatly efficient and organized.

 Chola territory - The kingdom that was based in the valley of the Kaveri river,
stretched its territories through TamilNadu, Karnataka covering the Southern
Deccan Plateau to the Bay of Bengal. The Chola empire not only controlled Sri
Lanka and Southern India but also took over the Islands of the Maldives.
 Government - The Chola empire followed the Monarchical system of
government where the kingdom is ruled by the king and the responsibilities of
the ruler are passed over to the offspring. Courts were held at the regional
capitals of Kanchipuram, Madurai, Thanjavur where verbal commands were
delivered by the King to officers in charge who acted accordingly. Justice and
final decisions were heard and made by the king himself where punishments
were either confiscation of land, paying fines, or execution.
 Economy - The Cholas built an efficient economy where they created policies
that were justifiable and maintainable for successful economic growth. Their
economy thrived mostly on trade throughout the Bay of Bengal and parts of
the Indian Ocean. The economy was prosperous with self-reliance and
appropriate land taxation for the village as a whole or individual peasants.
 Military and hospitals - The Chola military consisted of a strong army as well
as naval forces that were mostly organized by King Rajaraja Chola I and the
vast empire was mostly dependent on this powerful military force. There were
several regimens and the army consisted of bowmen, infantry, elephant
corps, and cavalry. It is also interesting to learn that the Chola kings were well
aware of medical services and provided them to the people of the kingdom.
There has been evidence found in inscriptions that kings have made
arrangements for hospital beds, paramedics, physicians, surgeons, medicines,
and food for the people in need.
 Foreign Trade - The Cholas were outstanding and skillful in maritime activity,
foreign trade, and commercial activity. They not only extended their influence
to Southeast Asia and China but were highly profitable in all their overseas
ventures.

Give me a research plan


1. Begin by conducting thorough research on the Cholas dynasty. 2. Look for reliable
sources of information, such as academic journals, books, and other reputable
publications. 3. Take detailed notes on important dates, events, and figures
associated with the Cholas dynasty. 4. Consider the cultural and historical context of
the Cholas, including their impact on art, architecture, and religion. 5. Analyze the
political and economic structures of the Cholas, including their governance and trade
practices. 6. Use your research to create an outline for your essay, including a clear
thesis statement and supporting arguments. 7. Write a draft of your essay, using
proper citation and referencing techniques to ensure academic integrity. 8. Edit and
proofread your essay carefully, paying close attention to grammar, syntax, and
spelling errors. 9. Submit your essay on time and in accordance with the assignment
guidelines.
Brainstorm topics for my assignment
1. The Legacy of the Cholas This essay could discuss the impact that the Chola
dynasty had on India and its culture. It could delve into their achievements in
architecture, art, and literature, and explore how these accomplishments have
influenced Indian culture to this day. 2. The Military Strategies of the Cholas This
essay could investigate the Chola dynasty's military tactics, including their use of
naval power and their conquests of surrounding kingdoms. It could also discuss the
impact of Chola military campaigns on the region and how their strategies influenced
later military leaders. 3. The Chola Economy A paper on this topic could explore the
economic system of the Chola dynasty, discussing their use of a decentralized
system of governance and their trade relationships with other regions. It could also
delve into the impact of Chola economic policies on the region and how they
influenced later economic systems in India

You might also like