2 – The Chola Dynasty (300 BC – 1279 AD)
The Chola Dynasty lasted for over 1,500 years and was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in Southern India’s history. Little is known about the early history of Chola Dynasty other than the fact it was probably formed sometime around 300 BC. There are a few mentions of the fledgling empire in Sangnam literature, and according to the Great Chronicle (Mahavamsa), a poem recounting the history of Sri Lanka, a Chola prince called Elara invaded Sri Lanka in 235 BC.
The so-called Interregnum period from 200 – 848 AD is filled with mystery, and more concrete evidence only becomes available upon the rise of a Chola leader named Vijayalaya who is credited with founding the Chola Imperial Dynasty in 848 AD. At some stage in the previous 600 years or so, Chola power was significantly reduced by rivals such as the Pandayas and Pallavas.
From the reign of Vijayalaya, the Cholas reached the zenith of their power and influence as he captured the city of Thanjavur which became the new dynasty’s capital. Rajaraja I (985 – 1014) and Rajendra I (1012 – 1044) are considered to be the two best Chola rulers. At this time, the empire stretched to Sri Lanka in the south, the Godavari-Krishna river basin in the north, the Maldives, Lakshadweep, most of Chera country, and up the Konkan coast in Bhatkal.
Rajaraja, in particular, was reputed to be a leader with remarkable energy as he created a tight administrative grid to keep his expanding empire in check. Rajendra continued the good work and created a new capital which he called Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The Chola’s level of expansion can be seen in the three diplomatic missions they sent to China during the eleventh century.
The period between 1150 and 1279 was marked by almost constant warfare with Pandya princes who wanted independence for their territories. During this time, the Cholas were attacked by other Indian kingdoms at a time when their military expertise was found wanting. The Cholas tried to focus on India’s east coast, but more attacks further weakened the kingdom; the Hoysalas proved to be a formidable foe. Ultimately, the Pandyas defeated both the Hoysalas and the Cholas. The last Chola ruler, Rajendra IV, died in 1279 and there is no further record of any Chola leaders.