Chola dynasty facts for kids

Chola Empire at the height of its power (c. 1050)

The Chola dynasty (சோழர் குலம்) was a Tamil dynasty that ruled in southern India until the 13th century. The dynasty came from the fertile valley of the Kaveri River. Karikala Chola was the most famous among the early Chola kings, while Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I were famous emperors of the medieval Cholas.

The Cholas were at the height of their power during the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries. Under Rajaraja Chola I (Rajaraja the Great) and his son Rajendra Chola, the dynasty became a military, economic and cultural power in Asia. The Chola territories stretched from the islands of the Maldives in the South to as far North as the banks of the Ganges River in Bangladesh.

Images for kids

South India in BC 300, showing the Chera, Pandya and Chola countries
An early silver coin of Uttama Chola found in Sri Lanka showing the tiger emblem of the Chola and in Nagari script.
Detail of the statue of Rajaraja Chola at Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur.
Gopuram Corner View of Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple.
A Siamese painting depicting the Chola raid on Kadaram (Kedah).
Airavateswara temple, Darasuram in Thanjavur District.
Later Chola Kingdom under Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 C.E)
Portrait of Rajaraja Chola and his guru Karuvurar at Brihadeeswarar Temple.
The mandalams of the Chola Empire, early 12th century CE
This is the Anchor of an Unknown LOLA class Chola ship, excavated by the Indian Navy divers off the coast of Poombuhar.
Detail of the main vimanam (tower) of the Thanjavur Temple.
With heavily ornamented pillars accurate in detail and richly sculpted walls, the Airavateswara temple at Darasuram is a classic example of Chola art and architecture.
Chola bronze from the Ulster Museum
Bronze Chola Statue of Nataraja at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Standing Hanuman, Chola Dynasty, 11th century.
Reconstruction of the hull of a Chola ship (200—848 CE), built by the ASI and based upon a wreck discovered 19 miles off the coast of Poombuhar. Model currently displayed in a Museum in Tirunelveli.