This is basic Presentation Prepared for the BA first year (Graduate) Students to have basic idea regarding the political history of South India.

1. The Cholas
Cholas
By
Dr. Virag Sontakke

3. Introduction
• Great antiquity.
• 300 CE to 800 CE
• Rose to prominence again in 9th cent CE.
• Known as: Chola, Choda, Cholda, Chodda
• Held sway over a large empire in south India.
• Patrons of Art & Architecture.
• Growing Trade & Commerce
• India’s contact with south east Asia.
• Great administrators: Election system & Local self governance.
• Became a military, economic and cultural power in Asia.

4. Antiquity of Cholas: Citations
• Referred to in Sangam literature.
• Manimekhalai: Hometown of protagonist = Puhar.
• Ashokan inscription: Mentions Chola, Chera, Pandya.
• Katyayana: Aware of Cholas.
• Jatakas: Story of one Akitti leaving for Kaverpattanam from Benaras.
• Periplus of the Erythraean Sea: Mentions Pandyas, Cheras but not Cholas.
• Ptolemy: Mentions ports & inland cities Uraiyur, Kaveripattanam, Arcot
• Milindpanh: Out of best known ports in India, Cholapattanam figures.
• Mahvamsa: Chola-Ceylon relations.

5. Origin myth
• Tiruvalangadu: Name of mula purush = Chola
• Kanyakumari inscription: Avent of one Choda to south India who
summoned brahmans from Aryavarta and settled them on banks
of Kaveri. He then cleared the forests, plated areca groves and
made the county hospitable.
• Original Homeland: The dynasty originated in the fertile valley of
the Kaveri River

6. Origin
• Mythical ancestry + Legendary pedigree.
• Tracing descent from sun though some kings of lunar genesis also mixed up in
it.
• Names of legendary kings: Manu, Ikshkvaku, Pruthu, Yuvanashav, Mandhata
etc.
• Anbil copper plate: Names of 15 such kings before Vijayalaya including
Karikal, Killi, Koccenganan.
• Tiruvalangadu copper plate: 44 names.
• Kanyakumari inscription: 52 names.
• No 2 lists are same.
• K.A.N. Shashtri: Some of the names of the list are historical.

7. Caste of Cholas
• Titles of Rajendra Chola.
• Kshatriyashikhaman
• Cholamartanda
• Ravikulamartanda

8. Chola capitals
• Initially Uraiyur
• Vijayalaya shifted capital to Tanjore.
• Rajendra chola shifted capital to Gangaikondacholapuram.
• Mundikondsholapuram = Special Capital in Srilanka
• Kanchi was their sub capital.

9. Sources
• Tiruvalangadu copper plates, Kanyakumari inscription, Lyden
copper plates, Uttarmerur inscription, Brihadishwara temple
inscriptions.
• Ashokan inscription.
• Coins.
• Sangam literature, Jatakas, Milindapanh, Periyapuranam,
Chullavamsa, Mahavamsa
• Accounts of Periplus, Ptolemy, Chinese & Arab travellers, Marcopolo.
• Art & Architectural remains.

10. Tiruvalangadu copper plates
The Tamil portion of the grant consists of 524 lines engraved on twenty-one copper-plates

11. Uttarmerur inscription
The earliest recorded inscription
referring to the election system around
1000 C.E

12. Brihadishwar Temple Inscriptions

13. Coins

18. Brihadeshwar temple, Tanjore

20. Brihadeshwar painting

21. Gangaikondacholapuram

24. Keeladi excavations: 6th century BCE and 1st cent CE

25. Geographical-
Political regions
1. Initially they situated in
Tamil area near Kaveri
River.
2. Subsequently they annexed
Northern and southern
part.
3. Tungbhadra was dividing
line between Chola and
Chalukya.

26. Chola Genealogy
Vijayalaya (850-871)
Aditya (871-907)
Parantaka I (907-953)
Parantaka II/ Sundar
Chola (973-973) Uttam
Chola (973-985)
Rajraja I (985-1014)
Rajendra I (1014-1044)
Rajadhiraj (1044-1052)

28. Vijayalaya c.850-870CE
• Vijayalaya was a founder of the Chola
Dynasty.
• Pallava vassal
• Took advantage of rivalry between Pandya and
Pallava
• Udayendrium Plates: Battle Between Pallavas
& Pandyas.
• Pandyas crushed.
• Pallavas aided by Gangas & Cholas.
• Pallavas through victorious, owed it more to
their allies than to their own strength.

29. Conquest of Tanjore
• Pallava overlord asked Vijayalaya to conquer Tanjore.
• Tanjore under a samant family of Pandyas (Mutraiyyae).
• He instead acquired Tanjore for himself.
• Tiruvalangadu copper plates: Vijayalay Acquired Tanjore.
• Tirukoyilloor inscription: Title Tanjaikonda, Parkesari
• Also conquered the valley of Kolsana and the lower Valley of Kaveri.
• With a single stroke struck Pallavas and Pandyas.
• Constructed Durga temple at Tanjore.
• Accepted Pallava supremacy

30. Aditya I (c.871-907 CE)
• S/O Vijayalaya.
• First independent monarch of Chola.
• Administrative-military exposure as Yuvaraja
• Initially helps Aparajit in war against Pandya
• Tiruvalandgadu copper plates: Overthrew Pallava
Aparajita.
• Kanyakumari inscription: Slew Aparajita.
• Title: Kondanrama, Tondainaaddu
• K.A.N.shashtri: Did so in 890 CE.
• Took Tondamandalam.
• Helped by Ganga king who later became his
feudatory.
• Chola boundaries touching Rashtrakuta kingdom.

31. Other Achievements
• Won Kongu from Ganga king Prithvipati II.
• Matrimonial alliance with Pallavas: Married a Pallava princess.
• Matrimonial alliance with Rashtrakutas: Married daughter of Krishna II
• Strengthened his political position.
• Friendly relations with Cheras.
• Ardent worshipper of Shiva.
• Got hold of Tadkkakaad city
• Titles: Rajkesari, Rajakesarivarman.
• Constructed a temple at Tanjore.

32. Parantak I (907-955 CE)
• S/0. Aditya I
• A great militarist who had made extensive conquests.
• Received a stable kingdom in succession: : Chennai to Kalhasti, Kaveri to Mysore.
• Pallavas had declined: Pandayas busy in internal politics.
• Attacked Cylon, defeted Banas, Vaidumbas of the Ravadu etc.
• Extended his empire
• Utilized the spoils of war to donate to numerous temple charities.
• Able administrator: Took measures to increase agricultural produce, constructed
canals for irrigation.
• Titles: Veeranarayana, Panditvatsala, Kunjarmalla, Parikesharivarman,
Vidyanuraga etc

33. Chola-Rashtrakuta conflict
• Father of Parantaka I (Aditya I) had also married daughter of
Krishna II Rashtrakuta.
• Kannardeva = step brother of Parantaka I
• Attempt by Rashtrakuta Krishna II to place his grandson
Kannardeva on Chola throne.
• Rashtrakuta + Bana (samanata) armies reached Tanjore.
• Parantaka with the help of his Ganga samanta, successfully
diffused Rashtrakuta threat.
• Kanyakumari inscription: Parantak took the title of Veerachola
after defeating Krishnaraja.

34. Chola-Pandya conflict: Stage I
• Udayendriyum copper plates: Defeated Pandya king Rajsimha II &
occupied Madurai.
• Extended his boundaries to Kanyakumari.
• Tiruvalandgadu inscription: Took the title Maduraikonda,
Madurantaka.

35. Chola-Pandya conflict: Stage II
• Mahavamsa: Pandaya king sought help from Sri Lankan king
Kassap V.
• Kassap V, send an army in support of Rajasimha Pandya.
• 915 CE: Pandya + Srilankan army vs. Cholas
• Parantaka defeated the combined army & took the title
Sangramraghava.
• Mahavamsa: Pandya army was destroyed due to a pandemic &
Kassap V called back his army.
• Chullavamsa: Took a decade to acquire whole of Pandya
kingdom.

36. Chola-Pandya conflict: Stage III
• Mahavamasa: Pandya king Rajasimha went to Sri Lanka.
• Sri Lankan king Dappul IV promised to help him against Cholas:
Could not do so.
• Rajasimha had to flee Srilanka leaving behind his crown and other
precious belongings.
• Took shelter in Kerala.
• Reason: ?
• 920 CE: Parantaka attacked Madura & defeated & outsted Rajasimha
from his kingdom.
• Parantaka decided to coronate himself in Madura: Sent army to
Srilanka to bring back Pandya crown.
• Sri Lankan king defeated this army.

37. Battle of Takkolam (949 CE)
• Climax of the confrontation between the two imperials powers, the Cholas and the
Rashtrakutas, for mastery of south India.
• Parantak + his son Rajaditya Vs. Rashtrakuta Krishna III + Butuga II (western
Ganga) + Banas + Vaidumbas
• Leiden Grant + Tiruvalangadu Plates: war resulted in death of Rajaditya on the
battlefield.
• Atakur inscription: Butuga II killed Rajaditya.
• Krishna III occupied Tondamandalam.
• Total collapse of Chola resistance after the battle of Takkolam.
• The defeat at Takkolam reversed the substantial political gains made by Parantaka
Chola in previous decades.
• Opened the way for a period of multiple & disputed Chola accessions.
• The Chola royals remained in confusion and perhaps continued a precarious
political existence under the threat of Rashtrakuta invasion

38. Other victories
• Bana’s sided with Rashtrakutas during the early
struggle of Parantaka.
• So Paranataka defeated Banas.
• Helped by Gang samant Prithvipati.
• Bestowed title Banadhiraj, Hastimaharaja on
Ganga king for his help.
• Also defeated Vaidumbas of Renaad who were
friends of Bana’s.
• Vaidumads ruled : North Arcot, Guddapah and
Nellore districts
Vaidumbas of Renaad

39. Extent
•Dominions comprised
almost the whole of the
Tamil country.
• North: Pennar
•South: Kanyakumari.
•Area of influence:
extended ill Nellore in
A.P.

40. Matrimonial alliances
• Names of his 11 queens known from inscriptions.
• Assumed to have married two distinct Chera princesses .

41. Political Condition

42. Gandaraditya (953-956 CE)
• Defeated some enemies at Veerasholiyam.
• K.A.N.Shastri: They were samantas of Krishna
III.
• Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi: one of the most
powerful queens of Chola empire who over a
period of sixty years constructed numerous
temples and gave generous gifts to many
temples.
• Highly respected patron of the arts
• Succeeded by Arinjai who died quickly.

43. Sundar Chola (Parantaka II) 957-973CE
• S/O Arinjai & Vaidumba Princess.
• Took Tondamandalam back from Rashtrakutas.
• Arcot + Chingelput district: Chola inscriptions in greater number than
Krishna III.
• Revolt of Pandyas : Veerpandya + Sri Lankan king vs. Sundar chola.
• Sundar chola defeated the combined armies.
• Pandya king forced to flee.
• Sunadar chola then attacked Sri Lanka.
• Result ?
• Helped in his conquests by Kodumbaloor king.
• Patron of Tamil & Sanskrit Language and Literature.
• Queen Vaanvanmahadevi performed Sati upon his death.

44. Phase II

47. Rajaraja I (985-1014CE)
• S/O Sundar chola and Vaanvanmahadevi.
• First great ruler of Chola dynasty.
• Called as Rajraja the Great
• Functioned as Yuvaraj during his father’s reign.
• Exposure to administrative and military
responsibilities.
• The credit of reviewing the lost glory of the Chola goes
to Rajraja I.
• He pursued the policy of war and conquest for empire
extension.
• Made Cholas a superpower.
• Period of cultural accomplishments as well.

48. Imperial conquests of Rajraja I
1. Information from his Tanjore inscription.
2. Defeated the Western Chalukyas
3. Defeated the Vengi of Eastern Chalukyas
4. Triumph over Pandyas of Madura
5. Victory Against Cheras of Kerala
6. Conquered Kurga (Coorg)
7. Annexed some parts of Ceylon
8. Conquered Maldives Islands

49. Imperialistic campaign: Chera (Kerala)
• Somewhere between 989-992CE:
Attacked Kerala.
• Tanjore inscription: Defeated Kerala
king Bhaska Raravivarman in
Kaandloor (Trivandrum).
• Destroyed the Chera navy in
Trivandrum.
• He also destroyed Vilinam and
Kollam towns.
• Took the title Kaandloor-
Shalaikkalmarutta.

50. Imperialistic campaign: Pandyas
• Around 992 CE
• Tiruvalandgadu copper plates: Won
Pandya capital, captured Vilinda fort &
imprisoned Pandya ruler
Amarbhujanga.
• Rajraja then turned towards Kudmalai
Nadu or Coorg and took control over
strategically important Udagai to watch
over Pandyas and Cheras.

51. Imperialistic campaign: Srilanka
• c.981 CE: Mahendra V king of Sri Lanka faced internal conflicts:
fled his capital.
• Tiruvalangadu copper plates: Mighty Chola naval force crossed
the sea & destroyed the power of Sri Lankan king.
• Tirumagal inscription: Verifies.
• Brihadishwar temple inscriptions: Rajaraja I gave several villages
in Sri Lanka in grant for Brihadeshwar temple.
• Northern Sri Lanka became a part of Chola kingdom.
• Northern Sri Lanka renamed as Maamundisholamandalam.
• Rajraja I plundered Ceylon and ruined Anuradhapur city.
• Rajaraja I made Polonnaruva as his capital and constructed many
temples there.
• Donated many villages of Ceylon for maintenance of
Rajrajeshwar temple.
• Mahavamsa: doesn’t refer to this victory.

52. Imperialistic
campaign: Srilanka

53. Rajaraja I’s coins from
Sri Lanka

54. Imperialistic
campaign: Western
Gangas

56. Imperialistic campaign: Western
Gangas
• Rajaraja’s inscription of 6th regnal
year: Defeated kings of Gangawadi,
Nolamwadi, Tadigaipaadi.
• These were under western Gangas.
• These remained under Chola dominion
till 1117 CE. (126 years)

57. Imperialistic campaign:
Kalyani (Western)
Chalukyas

58. Imperialistic campaign: Kalyani Chalukyas
• 992 CE inscription of Tailap: Kalyani Chalukya king Tailap defeated Chola emperor &
took 150 Chola elephants.
• 1003 CE inscription of Rajaraja I: Rajaraja acquired Rattapadi (Kalyani Chalukya
area).
• No evidence for Chola control of Rattapadi.
• Tiruvalangadu copper plate: Chalukya king scared of mighty army of Rajaraj, fled the
battlefield and became Kashtashraya instead of Satyashrya.
• Satyashraya = Kalyani Chalukya king.
• Karandai copper plate: Bloody battle fought at Tungbhadra banks. Chalukya
commander captured.
• Hottur inscription: Rajendra, S/O Rajaraja attacked & looted Donur (Bijapur) with an
army of 9 lakh soldiers.
• He killed Brahmins, females & children & raped maidens = blurring the moralities of
war as laid out in the Dharmashastras.
• Chola control extended till Tungabhadra.

59. Imperialistic campaign: Chalukyas of Vengi

60. Imperialistic campaign: Chalukyas of Vengi
• Geographical situation of Vengi was very significant.
• Rajraja I got himself involved in internal politics of
Vengi.
• Friendly relation with Chalukyas of Vengi.
• Bhim I + Kalyani Chalukyas vs.
• Shaktivarman + Rajaraja
• Helped king Shaktivarman to ascend Vengi throne not
once but twice.
• Brother of Shaktivarman = Bhim I
• Rajaraja I victorious.
• Also won Kalinga.
• Rajaraja I married his daughter with brother of
Shaktivarman.
• Vengi became a subordinate kingdom under Cholas.

61. Victory over Kalinga
• Rajraja I defeated the Kalinga
king with the help of Vengi ruler
Shaktivarman I.

62. Imperialistic campaign:
Maldives
• A naval campaign led to the conquest
of the Maldives Islands.
• Demonstration of the Chola naval
power in the Indian Ocean.
• Not much details available.
• Jhon Keay: Rajaraja is supposed to
have conquered 12000, old islands... a
phrase meant to indicate the Maldives.
• Romila Thapar: Essential to the Chola
control over trade with Southeast Asia
and with Arabia and eastern Africa.

63. Other Achievements
• Efficient centralized and local self governance.
• 1000 CE: Survey for agricultural lands & arrangements for irrigation.
• Strict + high taxation policy: Rate 1/3 of produce
• Generous justice system.
• Patron of art and architecture
• Religiously tolerant:
• Constructed temples for Shiva, Vishnu, Buddha.
• Supported Buddhist Monastry at Nagapattanam (Chudamani Vihar)
• Issued many coins.
• Titles: Srilankaveer, Shivapadshekhar, Keralantak, Telingkulkaal,
Cholanityavinoda, Ravikulamanikya etc

64. Rajraja I’s Achievements
• Rajaraja I developed the naval strength of Cholas.
• He re-organised the Chola administrative system.
• He is credited with starting the Chola land survey.
• Rajaraja I also started the practice of associating
Yuvaraja or crown Prince with the administration.
• This practice may have been adapted initially to remove
disputed on succession.
• He adopted the practice of inscribing historical
inscriptions.

67. Rajendra Chola (1014-1044 CE)
• Rajendra was the only son of Rajraja I
• 1012 CE: Appointed as co regent.
• 1014 CE: Accession
• 1018 CE: Installed his eldest son Rajadhiraja Chola I as the crown prince.
• Well exposed and well versed in royal responsibilities and duties.
• Led military campaigns during the reign of his father.
• Turned the mighty empire he received in succession to even greater
empire.
• Established Indian power in Sri Lanka and South East Asia.
• Titles: Parakesari, Yuddhamalla, Mummudi, Gangai Kondan, Kadaram
Kondan

68. Inscriptions issued by Rajendra
• Thiruvalangadu copper plates were
issued by him in his 6th regional
year (1017 CE).
• This copper plate contained 31
plates and provided detailed
information about Rajendra I’s rule.
• Tirumalai rock inscription was
issued in his 13th regional year. It
gives information about Rajaraja I.

69. Imperialistic
campaigns
Rajendra Chola in Battle, Kolaramma Temple, Kolar
• Rajendra extended the Chola empire
to the banks of the Ganga in the
north and across the ocean.
• Rajendra’s territories extended to
coastal Burma, the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep,
Maldives.
• He conquered the kings of Srivijaya
(Sumatra, Java, and Malaya in South
East Asia).
• He defeated Mahipala, the Pala king
of Bengal and Bihar.
•Ceylon
•Pandya
•Chera
•Chalukya of Kalyani
•North India
•Overseas

70. Rajendra’s Campaign as a Yuvraj
• Rajendra’s early expeditions on behalf of his father was conducted in
1012.
• This included conquest of Rashtrakuta and areas surrounding north-
western Karnataka, and southern Maharashtra till Kolhapur.
• Rajendra also led campaigns against the Western Chalukyan King
Satyasraya and crossed the river Tungabhadra, carried the war into
the heart of the Chalukya country and attacked their capital.
• According to Inscription, he looted and plundered the city,
mercilessly killed women, children and Bramhanas.
• He recovered a good amount of bounty in these wars.

71. Imperialistic campaign:
Kalyani Chalukyas:
Stage I (1019 CE)
• Kalyani Chalukya king = Satyashraya,.
• When Rajendra was busy is his south
expedition, Chalukya took some of the
area of Cholas empire.
• Acquired Raichur, Banavasi, Southern
Hyderabad, Manyakheta, Pattapaadi.
• Rajendra Won them as Yuvaraja?

72. Imperialistic campaign: Kalyani Chalukyas:Stage II (1021 CE)
• Kalyani Chalukya king = Jaisimha II
• Rajaraj defeated Jaisimha II
• Belgaanve inscription 1019 CE: Jaisimha II called conqueror of Cholas.
• Verified by finds of his inscriptions from Bellari & Mysore.
• 1021CE inscription: Rajendra defeated Jaisimha II & took 7 lakhs from his
treasury & control of Rattapaadi.
• Tiruvalangadu inscription: Rajendra Chola called as one who uprooted
Tailvamsha (= Family of Tailap, Kalyani Chalukya).
• Later Jaisimha II defeated Cholas and followed Chola army till Gangawadi
and Chera kingdom.
• Tungbhadra river = boundary between Kalyani Chalukya and Chola
kingdom.

73. Imperialistic campaign: Kalyani Chalukyas: Stage III
• Kalyani Chalukya king = Someshwar I.
• Someshwar I attacked Vengi.
• Rajendra sent Chola army under his son and Yuvraja Rajadhiraj to
Vengi.
• Rajadhiraj defeated Someshwar I.
• He then plundered Capital of Chalukyas = Kalyani.
• Brought an idol from Kalyani to Tanjore.

74. Imperialistic campaign: Kalyani Chalukyas: Stage IV (1042 CE)
• Kalyani Chalukya king = Vikramatiya IV
• Chola-Kalyani Chalukyas fought at Dhannad
• Chola army under Rajadhiraja emerged victorious:
Chalukya commander of army killed and
• Vikramatiya IV and Vijayaditya VII fled from battle
ground
• Chola army took numerous elephants, horses, and
property & burned the city of Kulpak.

75. Relations with Chalukyas of Vengi: Stage I
• Cholas and Kalyani Chalukyas: Both interested in Vengi.
• Vengi king Vimaladitya married daughter of Rajaraja I:
• Rajendra Chola = Mama of prince Rajaraja-narendra.
• Kalyani Chalukya king Jaisimha II supported Rajarajanarendra’s
step brother Vishnuvardhan VII for position of Vengi king.
• Rajendra sent chola army to support accession of
Rajarajanarendra as Vengi king.
• Defeated Kalyani king + Vishnuvardhan VII
• Took titles of Veerbhushan, Jaisimhakulkaal etc.
• Rajendra Chola performed coronation of Rajarajanarendra &
married his daughter with him

76. Relations with Chalukyas of Vengi: Stage II
• King of Vengi = Rajaraja Narendra
• He ended relations of Vengi Chalukyas with Cholas.
• Befriended Kalyani Chalukya king Someshwar instead.
• As a result, Cholas lost their hold in Vengi.

77. Imperialistic campaign: Pandyas
• Tiruvalangadu copper plate mentions that Rajendra started war against Pandyas and
defeated Pandyan King and seized his Crown.
• 1018 CE: Sent Chola army to Pandya kingdom.
• Pandya king fled.
• Rajendra I, appointed his son as the viceroy of Pandya region.
• After this victory, his son get the title of Jatavarman Sundara Chola-Pandya.
• Rajendra also made Madurai as the headquarters of the Vice royalty.
• Constructed a palace in Madura.
• Pandyas defeated by Rajaraja I also.
• Probably they tried to won back their independence or Rajendra attacked them to crush
their power.

78. Imperialistic campaign: Kerala
• After defeating Pandyas, Rajendra marched towards Chera kingdom.
• 1018 CE: Attacked Kerala.
• Tiruvalangadu copper plate: Defeated Kerala king.
• Took his crown and properties.
• Kerala king defeated by Rajaraja I also.
• Probably Kerala king tried to won back his independence or Rajendra attacked
them to crush his power.
• Rajendra’s son become the viceroy of Chera kingdom wherein he built a palace.
• Subsequently Cheras were annexed with Chola Kingdom.

79. Imperialistic campaign: Sri Lanka
• Mahavamsa: Rajendra’s attack in 36th regnal year of
Mahendra V = 1018 CE.
• Complete success.
• Karandai copper plate: Rajendra snatched the crown of
Sri Lankan king and queens + crown of Pandya king.
• Chola armies destroyed Buddhist viharas in Sri Lanka.
• Sri Lanka became a province of Chola kingdom.
• Rajendra Chola constructed many temples near
Polonnurva in Sri Lanka.
• Defeated Sri Lankan king sought shelter in Tanjore
:Resided for 12 years (1029 CE).
• After death of his father, Kassap, S/O Mahendra V, took
back Rohan province from Cholas

80. Imperialistic campaign: Eastern India
• Tiruvalangadu copper plates: Rajendra sent Chola army to east India to bring back water from
pious Ganges to sanctify his kingdom.
• Tamil Prashasti: Rajendra I send Chola army under Vikram Chola for east Indian campaign.
• The expedition traversed the states of Vengi, Kalinga, Oddra and Bengal and the river Ganges.
• Rajendra’s forces marched through Kalinga towards the river Ganga.
• Where Chola forces defeated Indraratha the ruler of the Somavamsi Dynasty.
• The Chola army eventually reached Pala kingdom of Bengal where they defeated Mahipala.
• Chola army also defeated the ruler of Kamboja Pala dynasty Dharmapala of Dandabhukti.
• The Chola army went on to raid East Bengal and defeated Govindachandra of the Chandra
dynasty and invaded Bastar region.
• After this successive expedition Rajendra took upon the title ‘Gangaikonda Chola’ (the Chola
who took over the Ganga) and
• Moved his capital from Thanjavur to Gangaikondacholapuram, where he built a huge Shiva
temple.

81. • Gangaikonda Cholapuram was
selected as a new capital of the
Cholas, which served as a
Capital of the later Cholas
until the Chola dynasty came
to an end.
• All the future princes of the
Chola dynasty were coronated
at the Gangaikonda
Cholapuram after Rajendra
Chola I.
• It is now a small village in
Tamil Nadu. There is a great
Shiva Temple at Gangaikonda
Cholapuram.

82. South east Asia

83. Imperialistic campaign: South east Asia

84. Relations with China
• The Cholas maintained good relations with the Chinese kingdoms.
• The earliest mission visit China was sent by king Rajaraja I to the Song
Dynasty in 1016 CE, with subsequent visits in 1033 CE and 1077 CE.
• The extensive trade between the Cholas and Chinese could have
triggered disputes from Srivijaya kingdom.

85. The Srivijaya Kingdom of Shailendra dynasty
• Srivijaya was a powerful Malayan state, which ruled most of the island of
Sumatra, Indonesia.
• Srivijaya had a powerful navy, they extended control over the sea which allow
them significant influence over any naval trade which happened through the
region.
• The Srivijaya kingdom was at its peak in 11-12th century, when its rule extended
over Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, Western Java and modern day Philippines.
• During the times of Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola, Srivijaya was ruled by the
Shailendra dynasty.
• The relationship between the Cholas and the Shailendra kings were not always
fraught – in 1006 (during the reign of Rajaraja Chola), King Maravijayattunga
varman of Srivijaya had constructed the Chudamani Vihara at Nagapattinam.

86. Conflicts of Chola – Srivijaya
• POSSIBLE REASONS BEHIND CONFLICTS…..
1. Rajendra’s desire to use his naval strength to expand his empire ?
2. The Khmer king Suryavarman I is said to have requested help from Rajendra
Chola in his conflict with the Tambralinga (Shailendra) kingdom.
3. R.C, MAJUMDAR & K A Nilakanta Sastri opined that Srivijaya’s attempts to limit
the Cholan trade with China could also have been a reason for the conflict.
4. K.R. Hal: Gain trade profit

87. Imperialistic campaign: South East Asia
• Karandai copper plates: King of Kambuj (=
Cambodia) requested for help of Rajendra to
save his royal treasury.
• Tamil Prashasti: won following kingdoms in
south east Asia.
• Srivijay, Panni, Malayayoor , Ilaamudidesham
= in Sumatra
• Maayurudingam , Madamalingalm,
Ilangshokam, Kadaram = in Malaysia
• Maankkavaaram = Nicobar island
• Mevilivangam, Valaippanduru = Unidentified

88. The War of Kadaaram
• Rajendra attacked the Srivijay from south, whereas Srivijayan forces expecting an
attack from the north-west.
• Chola forces laid siege first on Palembang the capital city of the Srivijaya Empire.
The Cholas captured the city and plundered the royal palace.
• In the attack, Rajendra Chola captured and imprisoned King Sangrama
Vijayatungavarman and taken over a large bounty of wealth, including the bejewelled
war-gate Vidhyadara Torana, as a prize for his victory.
• At the end of the war, Rajendra’s extended his supremacy over modern day Malaysia,
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and southern Thailand.
• His dominance over the sea also allowed him to extract tributes from the rest of
Thailand and the Khmer kingdom (modern day Cambodia).

89. Imperialistic campaign: Attack on
Kadaram (in Malaysia)
• 14th regnal year inscription of Rajendra: Rajendra’s naval
invasion in Kadaram.
• Tiruvalangadu copper plates: Powerful Chola navy won
Kedah/Kadaram.
• Tamil Prashasti: Many ships of Rajendra defeated king of
Kadaram & took his army elephants and treasury.

90. A Siamese painting
depicting the Chola
raid on Kadaram
(Kedah).

91. Revolts in Kerala, Madura & Simhala
• Practical difficulties in controlling such a vast empire.
• Revolts in various parts of Chola empire.
• Retaliation by Rajendra chola.
• Out of 3 Mitra kings who revolted, head of one was cut off in battle.
• Virkeralan was captured.
• Sundar Pandya was forced to retreat to Malalaiyoor.
• King of Venaad was killed.
• Chera king hid in jungle & Chola destroyed his ships at sea.
• Partial success in submission of Simhala revolt.

92. Extent of empire:
Rajendra Chola I

93. Achievements
1. Rajendra’s was a great son of a great Father.
2. Great conqueror and monarch.
3. Able administrator: Strict control
4. Powerful army and navy.
5. Strong economy : trade with south east Asia.
6. Constructed ponds for irrigation.
7. Constructed Gangaikondacholapuram city and temple.
8. Established Vedic Vidyalaya to promote Vedic studies.
9. Issued many coins.
10. Titles: Mundikonda (captured Pandya, Chera and Cylone Kings) Gangaikonda,
Kadarangonda (Great continental and overseas achievements) and Pandit Chola (as
per inscription at Ennayiram 1025 CE where he set up an Vedik learning
Institutions where Vedas were taught and teachers and students were living)
11. Rajendra built sixteen mile long and three mile wide artificial lake in the same city to
store the water of Ganges. It was one of the largest man-made lakes in India.

96. Rajadhiraj I (1045-1052 CE)
•Rajadhiraj I was the successor of his father Rajendra.
•He was also known as Kopparakesarivarman.
•Rajadhiraja I was declared crown prince / Co-regent during
time of his father in 1018 CE.
•During his long reign, he helped his father to conquer many
territories.
• He maintained the Chola authority over most of Lanka and
Vengi, Kalinga etc.

97. Rajadhiraj’s War as a Yuvraj
• In about 1029 CE struggle for independence started in Ceylon, which was put
down by Rajadhiraja I as a Yuvraja.
• Also rebellion started in Chera and Pandya Kingdom, which was suppressed by
Rajadhiraj I.
• In the last year of Rajendra’s rule ,Rajadhiraj defeated Western Chalukyas in the war
at Pundi on the bank of Krishna river.
• Rajadhiraja I sacked Kalyana and brought home the Dwarapala sculpture (door
keeper) which is now found in Darasuram temple in Tanjore district.
• He also conducted a minor campaign in Mysore which resulted in his victory.
Inscriptions mention his victory as “Cows were carried off and women’s griddle
were unloosed”.

98. Rajadhiraj’s War against Ceylon: Stage 1
•Inscriptions of Rajadhiraj : He defeated 4 Srilankan kings.
•Sri Lankan king = Kassap
•Revolt & anarchy due uprisings by Sinhalese subjects against
Chola reign.
•Ill-treatment, Looting & killing of traders-businessmen-visitors
from South India visiting Sri Lanka.
•Drastic steps were taken by Rajadhiraj against Cylone including
barbaric mutilation of the nose of the Ceylonese queen -mother.
•Subsequently, the most part of the Ceylonese island remained
intact.

99. Rajadhiraj’s War against Ceylon: Stage 2
• Mahavamsa: Kassap fought Cholas for 6 months. Killed many Tamilians, forced
others to retreat.
• Kassap took title of Vikrambahu & ruled Rohan area.
• Vikramabahu launched an all out attack on Chola armies to expel them.
• Assisted by a Pandya prince Vikarama Pandya (95,000)
• Rajadhiraja’s forces battled and defeated them
• Chola inscriptions: Chola army took the crown of Sri Lankan king Vikrambahu.
• Vikrambahu fled to southern Sri Lanka.
• Veershalameghan (Srilankan prince) came to avenge this: Fought but was killed.
• Next Sri Lankan king = King Kitti alias Vijaybahu , S/O Vikramabahu in 1058 CE.
• 1050 CE: King Kitti took title of Vijaybahu after revolting against Cholas.
• Despite these revolts, Srilankan remained under Cholas.

100. The war with the Chalukya’s of Kalyani
• Chalukyas of Kalyani King Someshwara I ascended the throne in 1042 CE and
reigned till 1068 CE.
• This was one of the brilliant periods for the Chalukyas of Kalyani.
• Someshwara I reign was known for continuous conflicts with the Cholas.
• The major conflict was for control over Vengi.
• Vengi kept moving between the hands of Western Chalukyas and Cholas, through
the history.
• In 1044 Someshwara I, launched a campaign to master Vengi, captured it and gained
short term control over it.
• Chola King Rajadhiraja Chola was also eager to restore Chola Power in Vengi.
• This led to inevitable conflict between Cholas and Kalyani Chalukyas.

101. Rajadhiraj vs. Kalyani Chalukyas:
Stage I (before 1048CE)
• Manimangalam inscription: Rajadhiraj defeated many Chalukya commanders in
battle & fell the royal palace at Kamipali city.
• Inscription of his 13th regnal year: took many as captive.
• Sacked the city of Pundoor.
• Burned the royal palace at Manndiyai and erected a chola victory pillar there.
• Chola inscriptions: when Rajadhiraj sent his messengers to court of Rajadhiraj for
treaty, Rajadhiraj ridiculed them, shaved one’s heads, dressed one as female &
inscribed “Aahavmall fled the battlefield in fear” on back of one messenger.
• Looted capital Kalyani. Consecrated himself & took the title of Veerarajendra.
• No lasting effect of this victory on Kalyani Chalukyas.
• Someshwar still controlling Tungabhadra region.

102. Rajadhiraj vs. Kalyani Chalukyas:
Stage II : Battle at Koppam
• Rajadhiraja Chola and Rajendra Chola II vs. Chalukya king Someshvara I
• 1054 CE: Rajadhiraja + Rajadhiraja's brother and heir-apparent, Rajendra II led a huge
army and plundered the province of Rattamandalam.
• Cholas victorious. But Rajadhiraja I lost his life in the battlefield.
• Rajendra II: encouraged the Army and Someshvara I banished.
• Elephants, horses and camels of the Chalukyas, along with a huge booty and the queens
of Someshvara I fell into the hands of the Cholas.
• Rajendra II crowned himself on the battlefield and erected a victory pillar at Kolhapur
before returning to his country.
• Fleet: Koppam = In Kolhapur
• Shastri: Koppam = In Maski, Karnataka
• Sources: Inscription dated to 1054 and Rajendra Chola's Manimangalam record of 1055.
• In this battle Rajradhiraja I was killed while fighting on the back of the elephant.
• This lend him the title Anai-meru-thujina (The king who died on elephant).

103. Rajadhirajas Achievements
• Good Monarch
• Capable Administrator
• Brave warrior
• Rajadhiraja performed Ashvamedha Yajna in 1044 CE.
• Tribhuvani inscription mentions his economic support to the
Vedic College where 260 students and 12 teachers were
studying.

104. Phase III
Decline of Cholas

105. Chola succession after Rajadhiraj I
Rajendra II
28/05/1052 CE
12 years rule
Adhirajendra
Parkeshari
Ruled for seven
years.
Vir Rajendra
younger
brother
1062-63 CE
•After the death of Rajadhiraja his younger brother Rajendra II ruled from 1052-1064 AD.
•His elder son Rajmahendra become Yuvraj but he also died soon.
•Then Rajendra II’s younger brother Vir-Rajendra I became the King in 1064. He ruled for
seven years.

106. Genealogy of
Later Cholas

107. Kulottunga I
• Son of Chalukya king Rajaraja = Rajendra II alias Kulottunga I.
• Kulottunga I = great grandson of Rajendra Chola I.
• (Daughter of Rajendra I married Vengi king)
• Some: Battle for accession between Adhirajendra Chola & Kulottunga I.
• K.A.N.Shashtri: Doesn’t agree.
• Some: Adhirajendra Chola killed in a revolt.
• Revolt instigated by Kulottunga I ??
• Vikramankadevacharita: After his death, Chola throne was acquired Kulottunga I in 1070 CE.
• Kalikapurana: Kulottunga ascended Chola throne at a time of lawlessness and chaos &
protected it.
• From him onwards, Cholas also known as Chola Chalukya branch of kings + Later Cholas.

108. Decline of Cholas
Administrative
Reasons
Political Reasons Economic Reasons
• Fight for accession to
Chola throne
• Weak & incapable
rulers/successors.
• Decline in trade
• Weak centralised power
• Rise of powerful
contemporaries-
• Weak navy for maritime
trade.
• Conflict between central &
feudal power
• Pandya, Hoyasal,
Kakatiyas
• Rise of Chinese & Arab
influence in sea trade.
• Internal revolts
• No Diplomatic
relations.
• Loss of foreign holds.

109. Internal rebellions
• 5th regnal year of Rajaraja III (1220 CE).
• Loss of property and wealth.
• A temple also destroyed.
• Its idols safely transferred to other place.
• Donatory Copper plates destroyed.
• Such revolts became a common practise during his reign.

110. Fight for accession to Chola throne
• V. Venkaiyya: Rajaraja II and Rajendra III fought a civil war for
accession to throne which ultimately led to Chola decline
• But this theory is not well supported by facts.

111. Lack of foresight
• Violation of terms of treaty with Pandyas by Rajaraja III
• Battle between Chola & Pandyas.
• Cholas defeated.
• Uraiyur-Tanjore burnt, Queens captured.
• Pandya king Jatavarman Sundar Pandya coronated himself
in Chola capital.

112. Powerful contemporaries
• Rise in power of Pandyas, Hoyasals, Kakatiyas, Yadavas, Teluguchoda.
• Hoyasals who were initially Chola feudatory, shifted their allegiance to
Pandyas now.
• Hoyasalas took Srirangam from Rajendra III.
• Kakaityas took northern parts of Chola kingdom during reign of Rajendra III.
• Pandyas became a superpower at this time.
• Jatavarman Sundarpandya defeated Hoyasal king, ousted Kakatiyas from
Kanchi and forced Rajendra III to accept his sovereignty.
• Rajendra III ruled as Pandya samanta from 1258-1271 CE.
• With his death, Chola empire ended.

113. Contributions of Chola
• The Cholas and their reign mark a remarkable period of Indian history.
• Chola are longest ruling dynasties in the southern regions of India.
• Great Naval power
• Influence on South East Asia
• Provide Good Governance and Administrative system
• Patron of Art and Architecture
• Sculpting and Bronzes were also at an all-time high in this reign.
• Supported and education system

114. Any Questions ?