Initial Rulers and Contributions

The Cholas, initially feudatories in Uraiyur, gained prominence in the 9th century. Their ascendancy marked the establishment of an empire across major parts of South India, Sri Lanka, and the Malay Peninsula.

Initial Rulers and Contributions

• Vijayalaya: Initiated the Imperial Chola line by capturing Tanjore from the Muttaraiyars in 815 A.D. He erected a temple dedicated to Durga.

• Aditya I: Significantly expanded Chola territories by terminating the Pallava kingdom and annexing Tondaimandalam.

• Parantaka I: Renowned for victories against the Pandyas, temple constructions, and the Takkolam battle against Rashtrakutas. He also provided the vimana of the famous Nataraja temple at Chidambaram with a golden roof. The two famous Uttiramerur inscriptions that give a detailed account of the village administration under the Cholas belong to his reign.

• After the reign of Parantaka I, the Chola empire lost its power and supremacy until the rise of Rajaraja Chola after thirty years.

LITERARY SOURCES FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHOLA EMPIRE

Quazi-historical texts: Kalingattupparani and Kulothungancholan Pillai Tamizh

Epics: Muvarula and Kamban Ramayana

Grammatical Texts: Neminatam, Viracholiyam and Nannual.

Other Literary Works: Paddikovai and Takkayagapparani

Sangam Literature mentions Imperial Cholas of Tanjore as the Muvendhar

In the copper plate inscriptions Cholas trace their lineage to the Karikala (famous Chola ruler during the Sangam Age). In their genealogy an eponymous ruler Chola is mentioned as a progenitor. The names Koc-cengannan, Karikalan and Killi are mentioned as members of the lineage in these copper plates