The Cholas- How did the Cholas rise to power?

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The Cholas- How did the Cholas rise to power?

The Cholas (9th to 13th Century)

Introduction: The Chola dynasty was one of the most popular dynasties of south India which ruled over Tamil Nadu & parts of Karnataka with Tanjore as its capital.

Early Chola rulers: The Karikala Cholas ruled in the 2nd century.

Vijayalaya’s accession: In 850, Vijayalaya captured Tanjore during the Pandya-Pallava wars. To commemorate his accession, he built a temple at Tanjore. The giant statue of Gomateswara at Shravanbelagola was also built during this period.

Aditya I: Vijayalaya’s son Aditya I (871-901) succeeded him to the throne.

Rajaraj I: During Rajaraj I’s (985-1014) reign, the Cholas reached their zenith. He snatched back lost territories from the Rashtrakutas and became the most powerful of the Chola rulers. Rajaraja’s beautiful Shiva temple, constructed at Thanjavur (TN), is called Rajarajeswara after his name.

Rajendra Chola: Rajendra Chola (1014-1044), son of Rajaraja I, was an important ruler of this dynasty who conquered Orissa, Bengal, Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Sri Lanka. The Chola dynasty was at its zenith during his reign.

Kulottunga I: Kulottunga I (1070-1122) united the two kingdoms of the eastern Chalukyas of Vengi and the Cholas of Thanjavur. After a long reign of about half a century, Kulottunga I passed away sometime in 1122 and was succeeded by his son, Vikrama Chola, surnamed Tyagasamudra.

Other notable Chola rulers: Other notable Chola rulers include Parantaka I, Gandaraditya, and Rajadhiraja Chola.

Decline of the Chola dynasty: The last ruler of the Chola dynasty was Rajendra III (1246-79), a weak ruler who surrendered to the Pandyas. Later, Malik Kafur invaded this Tamil state in 1310 and extinguished the Chola empire.

Overall, the Cholas’ rise to power was a gradual process, marked by the conquest of neighboring kingdoms and the construction of grand temples and statues. Their naval fleet played a crucial role in their expansion and trade relations with other countries. The Cholas left behind a lasting legacy in the fields of art, literature, and architecture, making them an important part of Indian history.

Why did the Cholas build a strong naval fleet?
The Cholas were one of the most prominent dynasties of ancient India, known for their impressive military prowess and maritime achievements.

One of the key reasons why Cholas built a strong naval fleet was to expand their trade and commerce across the Indian Ocean.

By controlling the sea routes and establishing trade relationships with foreign countries, the Cholas were able to accumulate immense wealth and resources.

In addition, the Cholas also used their navy to launch military campaigns and conquer new territories.

They built warships equipped with advanced weaponry, which helped them to dominate the seas and establish their supremacy in the region.

Overall, Cholas recognized the strategic importance of naval power and invested heavily in building a formidable navy to achieve their political and economic objectives.

Note on ‘The Cholas and Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra’:
The Cholas and Hoysalas were two prominent dynasties that ruled Dwarasamudra, located in the present-day state of Karnataka in South India. The Cholas ruled over Dwarasamudra from the 10th to the 12th century CE and were succeeded by the Hoysalas, who ruled from the 12th to the 14th century CE.

Under Cholas, Dwarasamudra grew into a prominent center of trade and commerce, with the dynasty establishing its supremacy over the region through a combination of military conquests and strategic alliances. The Cholas also built several temples and other religious structures, which helped to promote the growth of art and culture in the region.

The Hoysalas continued the tradition of building impressive temples and monuments, with Dwarasamudra becoming a major center of architectural excellence during their rule. Some of the famous temples built by the Hoysalas include the Chennakesava Temple, the Hoysaleswara Temple, and the Kedareshwara Temple.

Overall, the Cholas and Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of South India, leaving behind a rich legacy of art, architecture, and military achievements.

How did the Cholas rise to power?

The Cholas were a Tamil dynasty that rose to power in South India during the 9th century CE.

The early Chola rulers established their power base in the fertile delta region of the Kaveri River, which provided them with abundant resources for agriculture, trade, and commerce.


Under the reign of King Rajaraja Chola I (r. 985-1014 CE), the Cholas began to expand their territories through a series of military conquests. Rajaraja Chola I’s successful campaigns in the southern Indian peninsula, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, helped to establish the Cholas as a major naval and military power in the region.

The Chola Empire reached its zenith under the reign of Rajendra Chola I (r. 1012-1044 CE), the son of Rajaraja Chola I. Rajendra Chola I continued his father’s military campaigns and launched expeditions against the kingdoms of Southeast Asia, including the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia.

The Cholas also had a sophisticated administrative system, with an efficient bureaucracy and a network of local officials who helped to maintain law and order throughout the empire. They also patronized arts and culture, which helped to foster a rich tradition of literature, music, and dance.

Overall, the Cholas‘ rise to power can be attributed to their strategic location, fertile land, military prowess, and efficient administration. They left a lasting impact on South Indian history and culture, and their legacy can still be seen in the many architectural marvels and cultural traditions of the region.

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