The Imperial Cholas – A Reign of Power and Prosperity (c. 850 – 1200 CE)

The Cholas are believed to have overpowered the Pallavas in South India. Their rise to prominence began in the 9th century, and they established a vast empire that covered a significant part of South India. Their influence also extended to Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula , earning them the title of ‘Imperial Cholas’ . Thousands of inscriptions discovered in temples provide a detailed account of the administration, society, economy, and culture during the Chola period. The Imperial Chola dynasty was founded by Vijayala.

The Rulers of the Chola Dynasty

The Chola dynasty was ruled by a succession of powerful leaders. Let's delve into the reigns of some of these rulers.

Vijayala (c. 850 CE)

• Initially, he was a feudatory of the Pallavas.
• He seized control of Tanjore and built a temple dedicated to Durga.

Aditya (c. 871 – 907 CE)

• Aditya ended the Pallava kingdom by defeating Aparajita and annexed Tondaimandalam (southern Tamil country).

Parantaka Ⅰ (c. 957 – 973 CE)

• He defeated the Pandyas and the ruler of Ceylon at the renowned Battle of Vellur.
• He suffered a defeat at the hands of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna Ⅲ in the famous battle of Takkolam. The Rashtrakuta army overran Tondaimandalam.
• Parantaka Ⅰ was a prolific builder of temples. He also provided the vimana of the famous Nataraja temple at Chidambaram with a golden roof.
• The two famous Uthiramerur inscriptions that provide a detailed account of the village administration under the Cholas belong to his reign.

The Chola dynasty continued under several other rulers, each contributing to the growth and prosperity of the empire. However, the empire gradually declined and was eventually replaced by the Pandyas and the Hoysalas in the south, and the later Chalukyas by the Yadavas and the Kakatiyas. These states were in a constant state of war with each other, which weakened them. Finally, in the 14th century, they were overthrown by the Sultans of Delhi.

The Administration of the Chola Empire

The king was at the helm of the Chola administration. Chola inscriptions often referred to the king as Ko, Perumal Adigal (the great one), and Ko-Konmai Kondan (king of kings). The inscriptions depict the king as a valiant warrior, a conqueror, a generous patron of the arts, a destroyer of evils, and a protector with an appealing personality. The king often embarked on royal tours to enhance the efficacy of the administration.