{"id":29777,"date":"2026-09-11T18:14:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T12:44:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=29777"},"modified":"2026-09-11T18:14:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T12:44:28","slug":"chola-dynasty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/chola-dynasty\/","title":{"rendered":"Chola Dynasty, Founder, Capital, Map, Time Period, Rulers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>The Chola Dynasty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> was a prominent South Indian dynasty that rose to imperial power under Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century CE, with its core region in the Kaveri delta of Tamil Nadu. Under rulers such as Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, they expanded across South India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Cholas were significant for their efficient administration, village self-government, irrigation, maritime trade, naval expeditions, temple architecture, and Tamil cultural patronage. Their power gradually declined from the 12th century due to the rise of the Pandyas and Hoysalas and internal political weakening.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Origin<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Cholas were an ancient Tamil dynasty that ruled parts of southern India for several centuries. They are mentioned in early Tamil literature and in sources dating to the Sangam period. The early Cholas were one of the three major Tamil ruling houses, along with the Chera and Pandya dynasties.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Cholas later declined in political importance but re-emerged as a major imperial power in the 9th century CE.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The rise of Vijayalaya Chola marked the beginning of the Imperial Chola phase. He captured Thanjavur around the middle of the 9th century and established the foundation for Chola imperial expansion.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty History<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chola dynasty was an ancient Tamil dynasty whose early history is traced to the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/sangam-literature\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sangam Age<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Among the prominent early Chola rulers was Karikala Chola, who is traditionally associated with the expansion of Chola power and the construction of the Kallanai (Grand Anicut) across the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/kaveri-river-system\/\" target=\"_blank\">Kaveri River<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Founder<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After the decline of the early Cholas, the dynasty was revived in the 9th century CE by Vijayalaya Chola, who captured Thanjavur around 850 CE from the Muttaraiyars. This marked the rise of the Imperial Cholas, whose power reached its zenith under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Capital<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chola Dynasty had several important capitals over different periods. <\/span><b>Uraiyur<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> was an early Chola centre, while <\/span><b>Thanjavur<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> became the principal imperial capital after Vijayalaya Chola\u2019s rise. Later, <\/span><b>Rajendra Chola I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> established <\/span><b>Gangaikondacholapuram<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> as his capital after his northern campaigns. These cities were important centres of administration, culture and architecture.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Time Period<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chola dynasty has a long history, with early Chola rulers dating back to the 3rd century BCE, but the Imperial Chola period is generally associated with approximately the 9th century CE \u2013 13th century CE. The Imperial Cholas rose under Vijayalaya in the 9th century and remained a major political force until the 13th century.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Symbol<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The tiger was the principal symbol of the Chola Dynasty, representing its royal authority and military power. It appeared on Chola emblems, coins and inscriptions. The tiger distinguished the Cholas from other major Tamil dynasties: the Chera symbol was the bow, while the Pandya symbol was the fish.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Rulers<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Imperial Chola period witnessed a succession of powerful rulers who transformed the Cholas from a regional Tamil power into a major South Indian empire. Among them, Rajaraja I and Rajendra I were particularly important for territorial expansion, administration, naval power, and cultural achievements.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Vijayalaya Chola (c. 850\u2013871 CE): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By seizing Thanjavur from the Muttaraiyars, restored Chola sovereignty and laid the groundwork for the Imperial Chola kingdom.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Aditya I (c. 871\u2013907 CE): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By vanquishing the Pallava king Aparajita, increased Chola dominance over northern Tamil Nadu and expanded Chola territory.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Parantaka I (c. 907\u2013955 CE): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">He greatly increased the size of the empire and took Madurai, but he was soundly defeated at Takkolam by the Rashtrakutas<\/span><b>.<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rajaraja I (985\u20131014):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> He built the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur and expanded the Chola kingdom into Sri Lanka and the Maldives.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rajendra I (1014\u20131044 CE): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By undertaking a renowned naval expedition against Srivijaya in Southeast Asia, he carried out the Ganga expedition, founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and continued imperial development.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kulottunga I (1070\u20131122 CE): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">He consolidated the empire and improved marine and commerce ties, especially with China and Southeast Asia.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rajendra III (c. 1246\u20131279 CE): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The final notable Chola emperor, saw a collapse in Chola political authority and an increase in Pandya domination.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Map<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Empire was centred on the Kaveri delta of Tamil Nadu. Its territorial influence extended broadly northwards into Andhra Pradesh and parts of the Deccan, and later much of Sri Lanka, eastwards across the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/bay-of-bengal\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bay of Bengal<\/strong><\/a> towards Southeast Asia, and westwards into parts of Kerala and Karnataka.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-29778\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/11105914\/Gemini_Generated_Image_msgxlcmsgxlcmsgx-scaled.png\" alt=\"Chola Dynasty Map\" width=\"680\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/11105914\/Gemini_Generated_Image_msgxlcmsgxlcmsgx-scaled.png 2048w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/11105914\/Gemini_Generated_Image_msgxlcmsgxlcmsgx-768x580.png 768w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/11105914\/Gemini_Generated_Image_msgxlcmsgxlcmsgx-1536x1160.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Administration<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola administration was a highly organised system combining strong royal authority with extensive local self-government. The empire was divided into administrative units, while village assemblies such as the Ur, Sabha, and Nagaram played an important role in managing local affairs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Central Administration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ministers and officials in charge of taxation, justice, military affairs, and other departments supported the king, who was the ultimate authority.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Provincial Administration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mandalam \u2192 Valanadu \u2192 Nadu \u2192 Kurram\/Village comprised the empire. These territorial entities were controlled by governors and local authorities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Village Administration: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The village served as a crucial administrative hub. While Sabha\/Mahasabha represented Brahmadeya villages and dealt with issues like irrigation, land management, and taxation, Ur represented regular village assemblies.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Nagaram:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In trade and commercial hubs, Nagaram was a gathering place for merchants and city dwellers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Kudavolai System: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to the Uttaramerur inscriptions, committee members were chosen via the Kudavolai (pot-ticket) system in some Brahmadeya villages.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Revenue Administration: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The main source of funding for the state was land revenue. For tax purposes, the land was meticulously surveyed, categorised, and evaluated. For example:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Puravuvarithinaikkalam:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The central revenue department that maintained detailed registers of taxable lands, tax-exempt lands (iraiyili), and village-level liabilities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Kadamai &amp; Kudimai:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Kadamai was the primary land revenue paid to the king or state, while Kudimai represented customary dues paid towards the economic upkeep of the local village community or tenancy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Military<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Chola military<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> was a well-organised force that combined a strong <\/span><b>land army with a powerful navy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, enabling the empire to expand across South India and project influence overseas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kaikkolaperumpadai:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Royal army comprising infantry, cavalry and war elephants.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Velaikkarar:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Elite, highly trained bodyguards devoted to protecting the king.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Padimagalir:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Women who served as royal guards and attendants.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kadagams:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Military cantonments used for soldier training and regimental organisation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Large Standing Army:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Inscriptions mention around <\/span><b>70 regiments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, indicating a disciplined military structure.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Society<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola society was hierarchical and organised around caste, occupation and agrarian relations. Inscriptions show the presence of Brahmins, Vellalas, merchants, artisans and various occupational groups, while temples functioned as important social and religious institutions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Social Structure: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While several occupational communities made up the broader social structure, Brahmins and Vellalas held major places in the social hierarchy.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Occupational Groups: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Participating in local organisations and temple activities, farmers, merchants, artisans, and service communities played a significant role in Chola society and economic life.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Temple Women: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Singing and dancing were particularly important aspects of temple service for women known as Talicceri-pentukal\/Devaradiyar. Inscriptions in the Brihadisvara Temple document the settlement and compensation of these women under the reign of Rajaraja I.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Religious Life:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Shaivism was particularly prominent, supported by royal patronage and the construction of major temples such as the Brihadisvara Temple. Vaishnavism and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/jainism\/\" target=\"_blank\">Jainism<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> also continued, while the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/bhakti-movements-in-south-india\/\" target=\"_blank\">Bhakti Movements<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the Nayanars and Alvars strongly influenced religious and cultural life.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Temples as Social Centres:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In addition to being sites of worship, temples served as social and economic hubs by employing people, obtaining land grants, and promoting religious and cultural events.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Economy<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chola economy was well-organised and prosperous, with agriculture, irrigation, taxation, trade, and temple-based economic activity forming its major foundations.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Agriculture and Irrigation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The fertile Kaveri Delta was the core agricultural region, with paddy as the principal crop. Extensive tanks, canals, and channels ensured reliable irrigation and stable agricultural production.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eriayam was a tax earmarked for the maintenance of irrigation tanks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Agricultural produce was commonly measured in units such as Kalam.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Land and Revenue System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Puravuvari-thinaikkalam administered land assessment and revenue collection.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major taxes included Irai (land tax), Kanikadan (dues paid by cultivators), Kudimai (tax on tenants), and Opati (levy imposed by rulers or local authorities).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Land was measured using units such as Kuli, Ma, Veli, Patti, and Padagam.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Certain lands, particularly temple grants, enjoyed tax exemptions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Trade and Commerce: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ports such as Kaveripoompattinam and Nagapattinam supported maritime trade with Southeast Asia and China.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Urban centres functioned as commercial hubs and supported craft production and local industries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Taxes were collected both in kind, especially paddy, and in cash.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Art and Architecture of Chola Dynasty<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chola period represents a high point of South Indian Dravidian art and architecture, especially in temple building, sculpture, bronze casting, painting, and literature. Chola rulers used temples not only as religious centres but also as important spaces for artistic, cultural, and social expression.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dravidian Architecture: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tall vimanas, enormous stone constructions, mandapas, sculptures, and enclosed temple complexes are characteristics of Chola temples. Under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, the custom peaked.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Brihadisvara Temple:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The best example of mature Chola architecture is Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, which was constructed by Rajaraja I. It features a massive 59.82-meter vimana as well as numerous sculptures, inscriptions, and murals.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Gangaikondacholapuram:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Constructed by Rajendra I in Gangaikondacholapuram, this 53-meter vimana features remarkable sculptures and a more elegant, curved profile than the Thanjavur temple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Airavatesvara Temple: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rajaraja II<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">constructed the modest but extremely elaborate Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, which is especially famous for its sculptures and chariot-shaped front mandapa.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bronze Sculpture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Chola artisans, especially those who followed the lost-wax method, were exceptionally skilled at casting bronze. Pictures of Nataraja came to symbolise Chola metal sculpture. Celebrated bronze statues like Bhogasakti and Subrahmanya are also preserved at the UNESCO complex.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Paintings: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The advanced painting tradition and sacred creative expression of the Cholas are evident in the surviving murals at the Brihadisvara Temple.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Stone sculpting: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Airavatesvara Temple is particularly well-known for its elaborate sculpting program. Shiva, Vishnu, Nayanar saints, and other deities are skilfully sculpted in Chola temples.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Literature:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sanskrit was still widely utilised throughout this period, while Tamil literary and spiritual traditions persisted.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ramavataram by Kamban and Periyapuranam by Sekkizhar are examples of works connected to the larger Chola literary context.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Uttaramerur Inscriptions<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttaramerur inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I, dating mainly to 919 and 921 CE, are among the most important sources for understanding Chola local self-government. Engraved on the walls of the Vaikunta Perumal Temple at Uttaramerur in present-day Kanchipuram district.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Village Assembly:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Sabha was the local administrative body of the Brahmadeya village, which is a village or land-grant settlement given to Brahmins, generally exempted from certain taxes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kudavolai System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Eligible candidates' names were placed on palm-leaf tickets in a pot, from which selections were made by lot.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Eligibility:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Candidates had to meet prescribed conditions such as owning taxable land, residing in their own house, and possessing knowledge of the Vedas and administrative matters. The inscriptions also laid down age requirements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Committees:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Different committees handled specific functions, including tanks, gardens, and annual administration.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Naval Expedition<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cholas developed one of the most powerful naval forces in medieval South Asia, using maritime power to protect trade routes, expand political influence, and project power across the Bay of Bengal.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Sri Lanka:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rajaraja I conquered northern Sri Lanka around 993 CE, while Rajendra I later extended Chola control over much of the island.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Maldives:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rajaraja I's naval power enabled the Cholas to bring the Maldives under their control, strengthening their position in the Indian Ocean.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Srivijaya Expedition (1025 CE):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rajendra I launched a major naval expedition against Srivijaya in Southeast Asia. Chola forces attacked several important ports and centres, including Kadaram (Kedah), demonstrating their ability to project military power across the Bay of Bengal.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Decline<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The decline of the Chola Dynasty began during the 12th century as its control over distant territories weakened and rival powers such as the Pandyas, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/hoysala-dynasty\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Hoysala Dynasty<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/western-chalukyas\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Western Chalukyas<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> grew stronger.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>End of Chola Rule:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rajendra III, the last significant Chola ruler, was defeated by Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I. By around 1279 CE, the independent Chola dynasty had effectively disappeared.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hoysalas' Expansion:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Hoysalas expanded into territories previously controlled by the Cholas, particularly in the western Deccan and northern Tamil regions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Internal Weakness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Succession disputes and political instability weakened central authority and made the empire increasingly vulnerable to rivals.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty Recent Recognitions<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chola legacy continues to receive national and international recognition, particularly for its architecture and living cultural traditions. The Great Living Chola Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage property.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The group includes:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikondacholapuram<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Thanjavur temple was inscribed in 1987, while the other two were added as extensions in 2004.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chola Dynasty UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period and the Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. <\/span><b>(UPSC Mains 2022).<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. <\/span><b>(UPSC Mains 2013).\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q3:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consider the following dynasties:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. \u00a0 \u00a0 Hoysala<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. \u00a0 \u00a0 Gahadavala<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. \u00a0 \u00a0 Kakatiyas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4. \u00a0 \u00a0 Yadav<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in the early eighth century AD? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2023)<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) Only one<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) Only two<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) Only three<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) None<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q4:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Term \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Description<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 Eripatti <\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">- \u00a0 Land revenue from which was set apart for maintenance of the village tank.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 Taniyurs\u00a0 -\u00a0 Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u00a0 \u00a0 Ghatikas\u00a0 -\u00a0 Colleges generally attached to the temples<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which of the pairs given above is\/are correctly matched?<\/span><b> (UPSC Prelims 2016)<\/b><b><br \/>\r\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(a) 1 and 2 only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(b) 3 only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(c) 2 and 3 only<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(d) 1 and 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chola Dynasty is a powerful South Indian dynasty known for administration and temples. Read about Chola Dynasty, Founder, Capital, Map, Time Period, Rulers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":29809,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,19],"tags":[2009,40,595],"class_list":["post-29777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-medieval-history-notes","tag-chola-dynasty","tag-quest","tag-upsc-medieval-history-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29777"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29777\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29802,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29777\/revisions\/29802"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}