Urethan was the capital of the Chola kingdom located along the Kaveri River in South India. It contained important temples like the Swarajes temple built by King Jararaca Chola. Besides temples, the town also had palaces and mandalas or pavilions where the kings held court. Urethan exemplified temple towns which were an important form of urbanization where rulers built temples to demonstrate devotion and attract pilgrims and donations. The town had markets, shops, and residences for traders and artisans who provided services and goods needed for construction of temples and palaces. Guilds formed by traders helped protect interests as they traveled between kingdoms.