Medieval Chapters

1. Early Medieval Period2. North India (Rajputana Period)3. South India (Cholas and Others)4. Sultanate Period I5. The Delhi Sultanate II6. Vijayanagar and Other Kingdoms7. Religious Movements (Medieval)8. Bhakti Movement9. Sufi Movement10. Mughal Period11. Maratha State and Maratha Confederacy12. The Advent of the Europeans

South India – Cholas & Other Dynasties

“South India witnessed the rise of powerful empires like the Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, and Chalukyas who contributed richly to Indian culture, administration, and architecture.”

The Chola Dynasty

  • Time Period: 9th to 13th Century AD
  • Capital: Thanjavur (Tanjore)
  • Founder: Vijayalaya Chola (c. 850 AD)

Notable Rulers:

  • Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 AD): Expanded empire to Sri Lanka, Kerala, and parts of the Maldives. Built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur.
  • Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 AD): Took naval expeditions to Southeast Asia; established Chola power overseas. Founded a new capital – Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Chola Administration

  • Well-structured and centralized monarchy.
  • Efficient village administration through sabhas and ur (village assemblies).
  • Land revenue was the primary source of income.
  • Maintained a powerful navy and trade links with Southeast Asia.

Chola Art & Architecture

  • Dravidian style temples – tall vimanas and intricate sculptures.
  • Brihadeshwara Temple (Thanjavur) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Bronze sculptures, especially of Nataraja, are world-renowned.

Other Dynasties of South India

Cheras

  • Ruled Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
  • Capital: Vanchi
  • Known for trade with Romans and Arabs.

Pandyas

  • Ruled Tamil Nadu with capital at Madurai.
  • Known for promoting Tamil literature and the Sangam assemblies.

Chalukyas

  • Western Chalukyas (Badami Chalukyas): Known for cave temples at Badami and structural temples at Pattadakal.
  • Eastern Chalukyas ruled over Andhra region.

Rashtrakutas

  • Ruled from Manyakheta (modern Malkhed).
  • Famous for the Kailasa Temple at Ellora.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2021: Who built the Brihadeshwara Temple?
  • → Rajaraja Chola I
  • RRB NTPC 2020: What was the capital of the Chola empire?
  • → Thanjavur
  • SSC CHSL 2019: Which Chola ruler conquered Sri Lanka?
  • → Rajaraja Chola I
  • RRB JE 2019: Name the famous South Indian bronze sculpture representing a dancing Shiva?
  • → Nataraja
  • HSSC 2018: Which South Indian dynasty had strong naval power and trade with Southeast Asia?
  • → Cholas
  • SSC MTS 2021: Which Chola king sent a naval expedition to Southeast Asia?
  • → Rajendra Chola I
  • SSC CGL 2017: The capital of the Pandyas was?
  • → Madurai
  • RRB NTPC 2016: Which dynasty ruled over Kerala in ancient times?
  • → Cheras
  • SSC GD 2018: What style of architecture is seen in Chola temples?
  • → Dravidian
  • SSC JE 2019: Where is the Kailasa Temple, built by the Rashtrakutas, located?
  • → Ellora
Did You Know? The Cholas were among the first Indian rulers to build a strong navy, and their influence reached as far as Sumatra, Java, and Cambodia.

Conclusion

South India during the Chola and other dynastic periods saw the rise of regional powers that left a lasting impact on India’s cultural, economic, and political legacy. Their contributions in art, architecture, and administration continue to inspire scholars and historians today.

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