Chola dynasty

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== Chola Dynasty ==

The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India. The earliest datable references to the Chola are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE left by Ashoka, the Maurya emperor. As one of the three crowned kings of Tamilakam, the Chola dynasty was a significant power in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Origins

The origins of the Chola dynasty are shrouded in antiquity. The Cholas are mentioned in Sangam literature, which dates back to the early centuries of the Common Era. The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River, but they ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power, including the present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Early Cholas

The early Cholas were contemporaries of the Cheras and the Pandyas. The Chola kingdom was known for its naval strength, which enabled it to establish trade links with distant lands. The early Chola kings were known for their patronage of Tamil literature and culture.

Imperial Cholas

The Chola dynasty reached its zenith during the reigns of Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola I. Rajaraja Chola I expanded the Chola territory by conquering the Pandya and Cheras kingdoms and parts of Sri Lanka. His son, Rajendra Chola I, extended the empire further to the north and even launched naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, including the conquest of the Srivijaya kingdom.

Administration

The Chola administration was highly organized and efficient. The empire was divided into provinces called mandalams, which were further subdivided into valanadus and kottams. The Cholas are also known for their well-planned cities and grand temples, such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Economy

The Chola economy was based on agriculture, trade, and commerce. The fertile Kaveri delta was the rice bowl of the Chola kingdom. The Cholas also had a thriving maritime trade network, with trade links extending to China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Culture

The Chola period is considered a golden age of Tamil culture. The Cholas were great patrons of art and architecture. They built numerous temples, which are known for their architectural grandeur and intricate sculptures. The Chola bronze sculptures, particularly the Nataraja (dancing Shiva), are considered masterpieces of Indian art.

Decline

The decline of the Chola dynasty began in the 13th century with the rise of the Pandya dynasty and the invasions by the Delhi Sultanate. The last Chola king, Rajendra Chola III, was defeated by the Pandya king, and the Chola dynasty came to an end.

Related Pages

• Rajaraja Chola I
• Rajendra Chola I
• Brihadeeswarar Temple
• Tamilakam
• Pandya dynasty
• Cheras
• Kaveri River
• Sangam literature

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