Chola dynasty

Map showing the territory Chola empire in Blue during Rajendra Chola I (c. 1030 CE).

The Chola dynasty (சோழர் குலம்) was a Tamil dynasty that ruled in southern India until the 13th century. The dynasty came from the fertile valley of the Kaveri River. Karikala Chola was the most famous among the early Chola kings, while Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I were famous emperors of the medieval Cholas.

The Cholas were at the height of their power during the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries. Under Rajaraja Chola I (Rajaraja the Great) and his son Rajendra Chola, the dynasty became a military, economic and cultural power in Asia. The Chola territories stretched from the islands of the Maldives in the South to as far North as the banks of the Ganges River in Bangladesh.

Chola Dynasty Media

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  South India in BC 300, showing the Chera, Pandya and Chola countries

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  An early silver coin of Uttama Chola found in Sri Lanka showing the tiger emblem of the Chola and in Nagari script.

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  Detail of the statue of Rajaraja I at Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur.

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  Gopuram Corner View of Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple.

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  The sikhara of Brihadisvara Temple, a cupolic dome (25 tons), is octagonal and rests on a single block of granite, weighing 80 tons.

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  Airavateswara temple, Darasuram in Thanjavur District.

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  Map of the Chola Empire at its greatest extent under Emperor Rajendra I. c. 1030

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  Detail of the main vimanam (tower) of the Thanjavur Temple.

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  Chola bronze from the Ulster Museum