Legend "Chola, conqueror of the Gangas" in Tamil, seated tiger with two fish. The Chola dynasty[a] (Tamil: [t͡ʃoːɻɐr]) was a Tamil dynasty originating from Southern India. At its height, it ruled over the Chola Empire, an expansive maritime empire.
At Chola, the culinary journey begins in the kitchen, where every spice blend, chutney, and sauce are made from scratch in-house to ensure a rich tapestry of authentic Indian flavors.
The Chola kings were South Indian Tamil rulers of unknown antiquity, antedating the early Sangam poems (c. 200 ce). The dynasty originated in the rich Kaveri (Cauvery) River valley.
The Cholas formed one of three ruling families in Tamil-speaking south India during the first two centuries CE. In the mid-ninth century the family came to dominate the region, building an empire that would last more than four hundred years.
Know about the Chola Dynasty’s origin, rulers, administration, economy, military, art, and culture that shaped South India’s history and maritime power from 9th–13th century CE.
Under Rajaraja Chola I (r. 985 – 1014 AD) and his successor, Rajendra Chola (r. 1014 –1044 AD), the Chola Dynasty reached its pinnacle. Under these two rulers, the Cholas conquered Sri Lanka, expanded their territory to the north as far as the Ganges River, and even brought maritime Southeast India under their sphere of influence.
Karikala Chola was the most famous among the early Chola kings, while Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I were notable emperors of the medieval Cholas.
Originating in the fertile plains of the Tamil region, the Cholas ruled over vast territories that stretched from present-day southern Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. This article aims to study in detail the origins, rise, major rulers, and contributions of the Cholas, as well as other related aspects.