Southern Indian dynasty whose original birthplace was the Tanjore region of Tamil Nadu (9th–13th centuries C. E.).
The first Chola capital was at Tanjore itself, but under Rajendra I (r. 1014–1042 C.E.) it was transferred to Gangaikondacholapuran.
Tanjore is located in the Cauvery River delta and is known for its rice-growing potential.
The Chola kings built their kingdom on the basis of their agricultural might.
The Cholas were formerly vassals of the Pallava dynasty, but by the late ninth century, they had gained independence.
- The Cholas ruled southern India in the 10 and eleventh century, dominating most of peninsular India and Sri Lanka and conducting naval expeditions as far as Malaysia.
- The Cholas were known for their public works, especially the building of large temples in the Tanjore region and other parts of Tamil Nadu; one of the most spectacular was Raja Raja's (r. 985–1014 C.E.) Brhadeshvar temple.
- The Chola dynasty, on a lesser scale, was also a patron of beautiful artworks, particularly bronzes.
- The quick ascent of this dynasty was followed by an equally precipitous fall.
- They had been invaded many times by the Pandya dynasty by the middle of the thirteenth century, and were ultimately captured in 1279.
