Chola Dynasty (300 BCE–1279 CE)

Description

• The Chola Dynasty was a powerful Indian dynasty that ruled over the southern part of India from 300 BCE to 1279 CE. The Cholas were a Tamil dynasty that rose to power in the 9th century CE and ruled over a vast empire that included parts of present-day India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The Chola Dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in Indian history and was known for its military prowess, political stability, and cultural achievements.

• The Chola Dynasty was founded by Vijayalaya Chola, who established the Chola kingdom in the 9th century CE. He was succeeded by his son Aditya I, who expanded the kingdom and conquered the Pallavas. Aditya I was succeeded by his son Parantaka I, who further expanded the kingdom and defeated the Pandyas. Parantaka I was succeeded by his son Rajaraja I, who is considered to be the greatest Chola ruler. Rajaraja I conquered the Cheras and the Pandyas and established the Chola Empire. He also built the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.

• Rajaraja I was succeeded by his son Rajendra I, who further expanded the Chola Empire and conquered the Chalukyas and the Gangas. He also invaded Sri Lanka and established the Chola rule there. Rajendra I was succeeded by his son Rajadhiraja I, who was a great warrior and a patron of art and literature. Rajadhiraja I was succeeded by his son Rajendra II, who was a great administrator and a patron of art and literature.

• The Chola Dynasty reached its peak under the rule of Rajaraja Chola II and Kulothunga Chola I. Rajaraja Chola II was a great warrior and a patron of art and literature. He also built the famous Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. Kulothunga Chola I was a great administrator and a patron of art and literature. He also built the famous Airavatesvara temple in Darasuram.

• The Chola Dynasty was known for its military prowess, political stability, and cultural achievements. The Cholas were great patrons of art and literature and were responsible for the development of the Tamil language. They also built many temples and monuments, which are still standing today.

• The Chola Dynasty declined in the 13th century CE due to internal conflicts and invasions by the Pandyas and the Hoysalas. The last Chola ruler was Rajendra Chola III, who was defeated by the Pandyas in 1279 CE.

• The Chola Dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in Indian history and was known for its military prowess, political stability, and cultural achievements. The Cholas were great patrons of art and literature and were responsible for the development of the Tamil language. They also built many temples and monuments, which are still standing today. The Chola Dynasty left a lasting legacy in India and its influence can still be seen in the culture and architecture of the region.

Rulers from Chola Dynasty (300 BCE–1279 CE)

• Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE): Rajaraja Chola I was the most powerful ruler of the Chola Dynasty. He was the son of Parantaka Sundara Chola and Vanavan Mahadevi. He was a great conqueror and expanded the Chola Empire to its greatest extent. He also built the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur.

• Rajendra Chola I (1012–1044 CE): Rajendra Chola I was the son of Rajaraja Chola I. He was an able administrator and a great conqueror. He extended the Chola Empire to the Ganges in the north and the Pahang River in the east. He also built the famous Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple.

• Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE): Kulothunga Chola I was the son of Rajendra Chola I. He was a great patron of art and literature and built many temples. He also built the famous Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

• Rajaraja Chola II (1163–1178 CE): Rajaraja Chola II was the son of Kulothunga Chola I. He was a great conqueror and expanded the Chola Empire to its greatest extent. He also built the famous Rajarajeswaram Temple at Thanjavur.

• Kulothunga Chola III (1178–1218 CE): Kulothunga Chola III was the son of Rajaraja Chola II. He was a great patron of art and literature and built many temples. He also built the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Timeline of Chola Dynasty (300 BCE–1279 CE)

• 300 BCE - The Chola Dynasty is founded in South India.

• 200 BCE - The Chola Dynasty begins to expand its power and influence in the region.

• 100 BCE - The Chola Dynasty reaches its peak, controlling much of South India.

• 300 CE - The Chola Dynasty begins to decline due to internal conflicts and invasions from other powers.

• 800 CE - The Chola Dynasty is weakened by invasions from the Pallavas and Pandyas.

• 1070 CE - The Chola Dynasty is defeated by the Western Chalukyas.

• 1279 CE - The Chola Dynasty is finally defeated by the Pandya Dynasty, ending its rule in South India.