Chola Dystany (800-1200 CE)

One of the oldest and ruling dynasties in the history of the world is Chola Dynasty. It was a Tamil Empire of Southern India. The oldest capital city of Chola Kingdom was Thanjavur. Chola Dynasty originates in the Kaveri river valley, and its territories stretched from the islands of the Maldives to the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.

Powerful rulers of the Chola Dynasty

Vijayalaya

He was the founder o the Chola dynasty. He came into power by defeating In the 8th century, Vijayalaya took control over the Tanjore kingdom and made Tanjore, the first capital of the Chola Empire.

Aditya 1

After Vijayalaya, Aditya1 become ruler of the Chola dynasty. During his rule, Chola kingdom gained massive power. He defeated king Aparajita and also establish control over Pallavas.

Rajaraya Chola ( 985-1016 CE )

Rajaraya Chola was among the great king at that time. He defeated Cheras and capture Udagai. He expanded his territory in the north by capturing Nolambapadi, Gangapadi, and Tadigaipadi, and also occupies parts of Sri Lanka. His navy was strong and the best of its time. He killed ruler Bheema, during the war of Vengi. Brihadisvara temple was constructed during his empire.

Rajendra Chola ( 1016- 1044 CE )

He was the son of Mighty Rajaraja Chola, popularly called Victors of the Ganga. Rajendra Chola defeated Cheras, Chalukyas, Pandyas, and rulers of Sri Lanka. He changed his capital to new city "Gangaikondacholapuram" ( Gangai - River Ganga, Konda - brought, Chola- Cholas, Puram- City ), People regard him as "Gangaikonda". His ruling period was considered as Golden age of Cholas and after his rule, the Chola dynasty witnessed its downfall.

Temples

Sculptures of God and Goddess craved on Gold and Bronze were the remainder of that period. Several temples were built during the Chola dynasty across the river Kaveri. The tallest temple amongst all the temples in India of its time was Thanjavur. UNESCO classified Brihadisvara temple, the Gangaikondacholisvaram, and the Airavatesvara temple as World Heritage Sites.

Cholas were defeated in their homeland by pandyas in 1257, and their last ruler died in 1279, ending the dynasty.

Also read: Bhangarh Fort: A Haunted Place