🛕 Who Were the Cholas?
The Cholas were one of the longest-ruling dynasties in South India, known for their military conquests, rich culture, and monumental architecture. They rose to prominence as early as the 3rd century BCE, but their golden age came between the 9th and 13th centuries CE, during the Medieval Chola Empire.
📜 Origins:
The earliest references to the Cholas are found in Ashoka’s edicts (3rd century BCE).
Their heartland was the Cauvery delta, with Thanjavur (Tanjore) as a prominent capital.
Brilliant rulers like Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I expanded the empire across South India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
Master builders – The Cholas created massive temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Naval dominance – The Chola navy was one of the most powerful in the Indian Ocean, enabling them to conduct expeditions as far as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Efficient governance – They had a well-organized bureaucracy, village self-governance, and a strong revenue system.
Cultural patronage – The Cholas were patrons of Tamil literature, art, bronze sculpture, and Shaivism (devotion to Lord Shiva).
🌍 Why They Matter:
The Cholas didn’t just rule — they influenced trade, religion, and art across Asia. Their legacy lives on in temples, Tamil culture, and historical records like the Chola inscriptions.
FAQ
Q1: Who were the Cholas in Indian history?
A1: The Cholas were a dominant South Indian dynasty known for their military, temple architecture, and cultural influence from the 9th to 13th centuries CE.
Q2: What was the capital of the Chola Empire?
A2: Thanjavur (Tanjore) served as the primary capital during the Chola Empire’s peak.
Q3: What is the Chola dynasty famous for?
A3: The Cholas are famous for their architectural marvels like Brihadeeswarar Temple, strong navy, and Tamil cultural patronage.
Q4: Which Chola king expanded the empire the most?
A4: Rajendra Chola I, son of Rajaraja Chola I, expanded the empire to Southeast Asia through naval expeditions.
Publisher : Kaushik
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