The Rise of Chola Empire - South India

The Rise of the Chola Empire

Founder and Early Conquests

Overview:

The Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya, a former feudatory of the Pallavas.
Vijayalaya captured Tanjore in 850 AD and later defeated the Pallavas and weakened the Pandyas.
Suffered setbacks against the Rashtrakutas but recovered quickly after Krishna III's death in 965 AD.

Age of Rajaraja and Rajendra I

Rajaraja I (985-1014):

Destroyed the Chera navy at Trivandrum and conquered the Maldives.
Annexed northern Sri Lanka and captured the Pandyan king.

Rajendra I (1014-1044):

Completed the conquest of Sri Lanka and led an expedition to Bengal.
Established Gangaikondacholapuram and launched naval expeditions against the Sri Vijaya empire.
Sent multiple embassies to China, including a notable embassy in 1077.

Chola Government—Local Self-Government

Centralized Authority:

Kings had centralized authority and conducted tours to oversee administration.
Maintained a large army and a strong navy.

Administrative Structure:

Divided into nadus grouped into valanadus, with provinces governed by royal family members.
Officials paid through revenue-bearing lands.
Village assemblies managed by elected committees, temples played a significant role.

Cultural Life

Bhakti Movement:

Significant contributions to Tamil literature from Nayanmars and Alvars.

Temple Architecture:

Dravida style with vimanas, mandapas, and gopurams.
Notable examples: Brihadiswara temple at Tanjore.

Literature:

Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu languages flourished.
Significant works: Kamban’s Ramayana, Kannada poetry by Pampa, Ponna, and Ranna.

Economic Prosperity:

Flourished trade and commerce, significant foreign trade with Java, Sumatra, and China.
Wealthy temples engaged in business and agriculture, contributing to economic growth.

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