The Chola kingdom is a subject of extensive study regarding the formation of states and their social and economic links. Some key theories regarding its political and economic structure are:
The integration of religious and economic functions in the Chola period demonstrates how ritual authority was intertwined with social and economic realities, impacting local governance and agricultural productivity.
Kingdom |
Significant Details |
Three Early Kingdoms of Southern India |
Timeline- 3rd century BC
- The southern end of the Indian peninsula was divided into three prominent kingdoms: Chola, Pandya, and Chera.
- First mentioned by Megasthenes, who says that the Pandyas kingdom was celebrated for pearls.
- He also speaks of its being ruled by a woman, suggesting a matriarchal society.
- All this suggests the society of the Pandya kingdom was matriarchal.
- The Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Cheras are mentioned in the inscriptions of Asoka in the third century BC.
- The Pandya territory occupied the southernmost and the southeastern portion of the Indian peninsula.
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Cholas |
Timeline- 9th century BC to 13th century AD
- Established significant political presence under King Karikala around 100 AD.
- Capital: Uraiyur and later Puhar (Kaveripattanam).
- Economy thrived on trade in cotton cloth and maintained an efficient navy.
- Known for their architectural prowess, constructing magnificent temples.
- Saw a flourishing of Tamil literature and culture.
- Undertook ambitious maritime expeditions, reaching Southeast Asia.
- Had a sophisticated legal system and emphasized justice and fair governance.
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Pandyas |
Timeline- 3rd century BC to 16th century AD
- Occupied the southernmost and southeastern portion of the Indian peninsula.
- Mentioned in Sangam literature, suggesting wealth and prosperity.
- Profited from trade with the Roman empire, known for trade in spices, ivory, pearls, and precious stones.
- Formidable warriors with a well-trained army.
- Patrons of the arts and literature, fostering a vibrant cultural environment.
- Known for religious tolerance and infrastructure development.
- Left a lasting legacy in South Indian history.
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Cheras |
Timeline- 3rd century BC to 12th century AD
- Situated to the west and north of the Pandya territory, covering a portion of modern Kerala State.
- Known for trade with the Romans and significant Roman presence at Muziris (Cranganore).
- Notable ruler Senguttuvan, known as the Red Chera.
- Traded spices, ivory, pearls, precious stones, muslin, and silk.
- Played a crucial role in the maritime trade networks of the Indian Ocean.
- Facilitated cultural exchange between India and foreign civilizations.
- Experienced dynastic politics and succession disputes.
- Left a lasting legacy in South Indian history.
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Cholas Additional Data |
Timeline- 9th to 13th centuries AD
- The Chola Empire was an illustrious dynasty that thrived in South India.
- Renowned for remarkable achievements in governance, art, architecture, and maritime trade.
- Capital at Thanjavur; established a flourishing realm spanning South India to Southeast Asia.
- Left indelible marks on the cultural and political landscape.
- More than 10,000 inscriptions and a flourishing of Tamil literature during this period.
- Saw political resurgence under Vijayalaya and expanded under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.
- Known for their naval expeditions, conquests, and architectural marvels like Brihadeswara Temple.
- Had a sophisticated administrative structure, legal system, and cultural patronage.
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