The Chola Empire (from Ninth to the Twelfth Century)

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the rise and expansion of the Chola Empire.
2. Identify the key rulers and their significant achievements.
3. Explore the military conquests and cultural developments under the Chola rule.

The Chola Empire’s Expansion and Naval Power

The Chola Empire emerged in the ninth century and dominated a vast part of the Indian peninsula. It developed a formidable navy, which was instrumental in:

1. Conquering Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
2. Influencing Southeast Asia through military prowess.
3. Establishing the Chola Empire as a pinnacle of South Indian history.

The Rise of The Chola Empire

The Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya, initially a feudatory of the Pallavas. Significant events in the rise of the Cholas include:

1. Vijayalaya captured Tanjore in AD 850.
2. By the end of the ninth century, the Cholas had defeated the Pallavas of Kanchi and weakened the Pandyas, consolidating control over southern Tamil regions.
3. Despite initial setbacks, such as the defeat by Krishna III of the Rashtrakutas, the Cholas recovered after Krishna III’s death in 965 and the fall of the Rashtrakuta Empire.

Age of Rajaraja and Rajendra I

The Chola Empire reached its zenith under Rajaraja (985–1014) and his son Rajendra I (1014–1044). Their notable achievements include:

1. Rajaraja destroyed the Chera navy at Trivandrum, attacked Quilon, and annexed northern Sri Lanka.
2. He aimed to control trade with Southeast Asia, conquering regions such as the Maldives.
3. Rajendra I continued his father’s expansionist policies, completing the conquest of Sri Lanka and annexing the Pandya and Chera territories.
4. To commemorate his victories, Rajendra I assumed the title Gangaikondachola and established a new capital, Gangaikondacholapuram.

Important Note:

Rajendra I’s expeditions also targeted the Sri Vijaya Empire in Southeast Asia, leading to the conquest of Kadaram and parts of Sumatra. This enhanced Chola dominance over the Bay of Bengal, often referred to as the ‘Chola Lake.’

Chola Government—Local Self-Government

Administrative Structure:

1. The king was the central authority, supported by a council of ministers.
2. The Chola state comprised regions under direct control and areas with local governance.
3. The basic unit of administration was the nadu, which consisted of multiple villages.

Local Self-Government:

1. Villages in the Chola Empire enjoyed a significant degree of autonomy.
2. The mahasabha, an assembly of adult men in Brahman villages, managed village affairs.
3. Committees within the mahasabha oversaw revenue assessment, law and order, and water distribution.

The Chola kings also invested in irrigation and infrastructure, ensuring the prosperity of their empire.

Cultural Life Under the Cholas

Temple Architecture:

1. Dravida style of architecture reached its peak under the Cholas, with structures like the Brihadiswara Temple at Tanjore being prime examples.
2. Temples were not just places of worship but also centers of economic activity, receiving substantial donations and participating in business enterprises.

Literature and Arts:

1. The Chola period witnessed the growth of Tamil literature, with poets like Kamban contributing significantly.
2. Kannada and Telugu literature also flourished, supported by the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, and Hoysalas.
3. The art of sculpture advanced, with the Nataraja bronzes being particularly renowned.

MCQ

Which of the following was a significant achievement of Rajendra I during his reign?

1. Construction of the Brihadiswara Temple.
2. Conquest of Kadaram and parts of Sumatra.
3. Establishment of the Chola capital at Tanjore.
4. Defeat of the Rashtrakutas in battle.

Answer: 2. Conquest of Kadaram and parts of Sumatra.

Comparison Table: Major Aspects of Chola Empire