Chola Period – Sources – Rulers | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


UNIT – I
The Cholas and their contributions find significant place in the
history of South India. The early Cholas ruled during the Sangam period.
Karikala was the greatest king among the early Chola kings. After a
long period, when the Pallava dynasty declined, the Chola kingdom
began to shine once again. The greatness of the later Chola rule was
revived by the Chola king V ijayalaya. The later Chola kings ruled from
850 A.D to 1279 A.D for nearly 430 years.
AD  –  Anno Domini
BC  –  Before Christ
Sources: History of any society or kingdom can be written only with
the help of available relevant source materials. Lot of inscriptions,
archaeological and literary sources are available for the study of the
history of the Cholas. Great literature like  Mahavamsam talk about the
early Cholas. Foreign visitors like Megasthenes, give useful informations
about the early Cholas. The inscriptions of Ashoka and many
contemporary sources talk about the early Chola kings and also about
the early Chola rule.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions are the main sources of information for the
history of the Chola period. Inscriptions talk about the life of the rulers,
Page 2


UNIT – I
The Cholas and their contributions find significant place in the
history of South India. The early Cholas ruled during the Sangam period.
Karikala was the greatest king among the early Chola kings. After a
long period, when the Pallava dynasty declined, the Chola kingdom
began to shine once again. The greatness of the later Chola rule was
revived by the Chola king V ijayalaya. The later Chola kings ruled from
850 A.D to 1279 A.D for nearly 430 years.
AD  –  Anno Domini
BC  –  Before Christ
Sources: History of any society or kingdom can be written only with
the help of available relevant source materials. Lot of inscriptions,
archaeological and literary sources are available for the study of the
history of the Cholas. Great literature like  Mahavamsam talk about the
early Cholas. Foreign visitors like Megasthenes, give useful informations
about the early Cholas. The inscriptions of Ashoka and many
contemporary sources talk about the early Chola kings and also about
the early Chola rule.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions are the main sources of information for the
history of the Chola period. Inscriptions talk about the life of the rulers,
3
Trichy , T anjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam.
The stone inscriptions give us useful informations about the
administration of the Chola rulers. Thiruvandhipuram inscriptions speak
about the reign of Rajendra III. The Uttaramerur inscriptions give
informations about the kudavolai system, village administration, taxation
and land revenue. Meikirthis are also found in inscriptions. Anbil plates,
the Kanyakumari stone inscription, Karanthai plates and Thiruvalangadu
copper plates give useful informations about the Cholas. The T anjore
Peruvudaiyar temple inscriptions talk about the existence of saivism.
The inscriptions of contemporary rulers like Cheras, Pandyas,
Rashtrakutas and Gangas speak about the Cholas.
Monuments:  Monuments are important sources for the history of the
Cholas. Monuments are part of the temples. The Brahadeeswarar
temple of Tanjore, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,
Airavateesvarar temple of Dharasuram and the Kambagareswarar
temple in Thirupuvanam are some of the important monuments of the
Cholas.
Figure of tiger was engraved as the Chola emblem on every
Chola coin issued during that period. Names of the Chola Kings were
also engraved on chola coins. King Rajaraja issued a new Ceylon type
of coins Chola coins are useful to fix the chronology of the Chola rulers.
Coins are also useful to study the social and economic condition of the
Chola period.
Numismatics means a study of coins.
Literature: Literary sources are very useful for the study of
both Sangam Cholas and later Cholas. Sekkilar’s Periyapuranam deals
with the life of Saiva devotees. Sekkilar was a contemporary of
Kulothunga – II. Kalingathuparani of Jayamkondan, three Ulas and the
Kulothungan pillai tamil of Ottakoothar give useful informations
about the Cholas. Other literary works like Veerasoliyam,
Sthalapuranam, Navachola charitham and Cholavamsa charitham speak
about the early Cholas.
administration, political, economic,
religious, social and cultural conditions
during the Chola period. Inscriptions
were placed on the walls of the
temples and pillars. This is amply
illustrated in the Brahadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore known as “Big
temple”. Many important inscriptions
are found in Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Numismatic Sources:
The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Specimen
of gold coins are extremely rare. Silver and copper coins are found in
plenty .
Karandhai Plate
Page 3


UNIT – I
The Cholas and their contributions find significant place in the
history of South India. The early Cholas ruled during the Sangam period.
Karikala was the greatest king among the early Chola kings. After a
long period, when the Pallava dynasty declined, the Chola kingdom
began to shine once again. The greatness of the later Chola rule was
revived by the Chola king V ijayalaya. The later Chola kings ruled from
850 A.D to 1279 A.D for nearly 430 years.
AD  –  Anno Domini
BC  –  Before Christ
Sources: History of any society or kingdom can be written only with
the help of available relevant source materials. Lot of inscriptions,
archaeological and literary sources are available for the study of the
history of the Cholas. Great literature like  Mahavamsam talk about the
early Cholas. Foreign visitors like Megasthenes, give useful informations
about the early Cholas. The inscriptions of Ashoka and many
contemporary sources talk about the early Chola kings and also about
the early Chola rule.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions are the main sources of information for the
history of the Chola period. Inscriptions talk about the life of the rulers,
3
Trichy , T anjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam.
The stone inscriptions give us useful informations about the
administration of the Chola rulers. Thiruvandhipuram inscriptions speak
about the reign of Rajendra III. The Uttaramerur inscriptions give
informations about the kudavolai system, village administration, taxation
and land revenue. Meikirthis are also found in inscriptions. Anbil plates,
the Kanyakumari stone inscription, Karanthai plates and Thiruvalangadu
copper plates give useful informations about the Cholas. The T anjore
Peruvudaiyar temple inscriptions talk about the existence of saivism.
The inscriptions of contemporary rulers like Cheras, Pandyas,
Rashtrakutas and Gangas speak about the Cholas.
Monuments:  Monuments are important sources for the history of the
Cholas. Monuments are part of the temples. The Brahadeeswarar
temple of Tanjore, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,
Airavateesvarar temple of Dharasuram and the Kambagareswarar
temple in Thirupuvanam are some of the important monuments of the
Cholas.
Figure of tiger was engraved as the Chola emblem on every
Chola coin issued during that period. Names of the Chola Kings were
also engraved on chola coins. King Rajaraja issued a new Ceylon type
of coins Chola coins are useful to fix the chronology of the Chola rulers.
Coins are also useful to study the social and economic condition of the
Chola period.
Numismatics means a study of coins.
Literature: Literary sources are very useful for the study of
both Sangam Cholas and later Cholas. Sekkilar’s Periyapuranam deals
with the life of Saiva devotees. Sekkilar was a contemporary of
Kulothunga – II. Kalingathuparani of Jayamkondan, three Ulas and the
Kulothungan pillai tamil of Ottakoothar give useful informations
about the Cholas. Other literary works like Veerasoliyam,
Sthalapuranam, Navachola charitham and Cholavamsa charitham speak
about the early Cholas.
administration, political, economic,
religious, social and cultural conditions
during the Chola period. Inscriptions
were placed on the walls of the
temples and pillars. This is amply
illustrated in the Brahadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore known as “Big
temple”. Many important inscriptions
are found in Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Numismatic Sources:
The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Specimen
of gold coins are extremely rare. Silver and copper coins are found in
plenty .
Karandhai Plate
3
Trichy , T anjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam.
The stone inscriptions give us useful informations about the
administration of the Chola rulers. Thiruvandhipuram inscriptions speak
about the reign of Rajendra III. The Uttaramerur inscriptions give
informations about the kudavolai system, village administration, taxation
and land revenue. Meikirthis are also found in inscriptions. Anbil plates,
the Kanyakumari stone inscription, Karanthai plates and Thiruvalangadu
copper plates give useful informations about the Cholas. The T anjore
Peruvudaiyar temple inscriptions talk about the existence of saivism.
The inscriptions of contemporary rulers like Cheras, Pandyas,
Rashtrakutas and Gangas speak about the Cholas.
Monuments:  Monuments are important sources for the history of the
Cholas. Monuments are part of the temples. The Brahadeeswarar
temple of Tanjore, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,
Airavateesvarar temple of Dharasuram and the Kambagareswarar
temple in Thirupuvanam are some of the important monuments of the
Cholas.
Figure of tiger was engraved as the Chola emblem on every
Chola coin issued during that period. Names of the Chola Kings were
also engraved on chola coins. King Rajaraja issued a new Ceylon type
of coins Chola coins are useful to fix the chronology of the Chola rulers.
Coins are also useful to study the social and economic condition of the
Chola period.
Numismatics means a study of coins.
Literature: Literary sources are very useful for the study of
both Sangam Cholas and later Cholas. Sekkilar’s Periyapuranam deals
with the life of Saiva devotees. Sekkilar was a contemporary of
Kulothunga – II. Kalingathuparani of Jayamkondan, three Ulas and the
Kulothungan pillai tamil of Ottakoothar give useful informations
about the Cholas. Other literary works like Veerasoliyam,
Sthalapuranam, Navachola charitham and Cholavamsa charitham speak
about the early Cholas.
administration, political, economic,
religious, social and cultural conditions
during the Chola period. Inscriptions
were placed on the walls of the
temples and pillars. This is amply
illustrated in the Brahadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore known as “Big
temple”. Many important inscriptions
are found in Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Numismatic Sources:
The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Specimen
of gold coins are extremely rare. Silver and copper coins are found in
plenty .
Karandhai Plate
Page 4


UNIT – I
The Cholas and their contributions find significant place in the
history of South India. The early Cholas ruled during the Sangam period.
Karikala was the greatest king among the early Chola kings. After a
long period, when the Pallava dynasty declined, the Chola kingdom
began to shine once again. The greatness of the later Chola rule was
revived by the Chola king V ijayalaya. The later Chola kings ruled from
850 A.D to 1279 A.D for nearly 430 years.
AD  –  Anno Domini
BC  –  Before Christ
Sources: History of any society or kingdom can be written only with
the help of available relevant source materials. Lot of inscriptions,
archaeological and literary sources are available for the study of the
history of the Cholas. Great literature like  Mahavamsam talk about the
early Cholas. Foreign visitors like Megasthenes, give useful informations
about the early Cholas. The inscriptions of Ashoka and many
contemporary sources talk about the early Chola kings and also about
the early Chola rule.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions are the main sources of information for the
history of the Chola period. Inscriptions talk about the life of the rulers,
3
Trichy , T anjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam.
The stone inscriptions give us useful informations about the
administration of the Chola rulers. Thiruvandhipuram inscriptions speak
about the reign of Rajendra III. The Uttaramerur inscriptions give
informations about the kudavolai system, village administration, taxation
and land revenue. Meikirthis are also found in inscriptions. Anbil plates,
the Kanyakumari stone inscription, Karanthai plates and Thiruvalangadu
copper plates give useful informations about the Cholas. The T anjore
Peruvudaiyar temple inscriptions talk about the existence of saivism.
The inscriptions of contemporary rulers like Cheras, Pandyas,
Rashtrakutas and Gangas speak about the Cholas.
Monuments:  Monuments are important sources for the history of the
Cholas. Monuments are part of the temples. The Brahadeeswarar
temple of Tanjore, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,
Airavateesvarar temple of Dharasuram and the Kambagareswarar
temple in Thirupuvanam are some of the important monuments of the
Cholas.
Figure of tiger was engraved as the Chola emblem on every
Chola coin issued during that period. Names of the Chola Kings were
also engraved on chola coins. King Rajaraja issued a new Ceylon type
of coins Chola coins are useful to fix the chronology of the Chola rulers.
Coins are also useful to study the social and economic condition of the
Chola period.
Numismatics means a study of coins.
Literature: Literary sources are very useful for the study of
both Sangam Cholas and later Cholas. Sekkilar’s Periyapuranam deals
with the life of Saiva devotees. Sekkilar was a contemporary of
Kulothunga – II. Kalingathuparani of Jayamkondan, three Ulas and the
Kulothungan pillai tamil of Ottakoothar give useful informations
about the Cholas. Other literary works like Veerasoliyam,
Sthalapuranam, Navachola charitham and Cholavamsa charitham speak
about the early Cholas.
administration, political, economic,
religious, social and cultural conditions
during the Chola period. Inscriptions
were placed on the walls of the
temples and pillars. This is amply
illustrated in the Brahadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore known as “Big
temple”. Many important inscriptions
are found in Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Numismatic Sources:
The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Specimen
of gold coins are extremely rare. Silver and copper coins are found in
plenty .
Karandhai Plate
3
Trichy , T anjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam.
The stone inscriptions give us useful informations about the
administration of the Chola rulers. Thiruvandhipuram inscriptions speak
about the reign of Rajendra III. The Uttaramerur inscriptions give
informations about the kudavolai system, village administration, taxation
and land revenue. Meikirthis are also found in inscriptions. Anbil plates,
the Kanyakumari stone inscription, Karanthai plates and Thiruvalangadu
copper plates give useful informations about the Cholas. The T anjore
Peruvudaiyar temple inscriptions talk about the existence of saivism.
The inscriptions of contemporary rulers like Cheras, Pandyas,
Rashtrakutas and Gangas speak about the Cholas.
Monuments:  Monuments are important sources for the history of the
Cholas. Monuments are part of the temples. The Brahadeeswarar
temple of Tanjore, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,
Airavateesvarar temple of Dharasuram and the Kambagareswarar
temple in Thirupuvanam are some of the important monuments of the
Cholas.
Figure of tiger was engraved as the Chola emblem on every
Chola coin issued during that period. Names of the Chola Kings were
also engraved on chola coins. King Rajaraja issued a new Ceylon type
of coins Chola coins are useful to fix the chronology of the Chola rulers.
Coins are also useful to study the social and economic condition of the
Chola period.
Numismatics means a study of coins.
Literature: Literary sources are very useful for the study of
both Sangam Cholas and later Cholas. Sekkilar’s Periyapuranam deals
with the life of Saiva devotees. Sekkilar was a contemporary of
Kulothunga – II. Kalingathuparani of Jayamkondan, three Ulas and the
Kulothungan pillai tamil of Ottakoothar give useful informations
about the Cholas. Other literary works like Veerasoliyam,
Sthalapuranam, Navachola charitham and Cholavamsa charitham speak
about the early Cholas.
administration, political, economic,
religious, social and cultural conditions
during the Chola period. Inscriptions
were placed on the walls of the
temples and pillars. This is amply
illustrated in the Brahadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore known as “Big
temple”. Many important inscriptions
are found in Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Numismatic Sources:
The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Specimen
of gold coins are extremely rare. Silver and copper coins are found in
plenty .
Karandhai Plate
4 5
Foreign sources: Mahavamsam the Ceylon literature talks
about the relationship between the early Chola country and Ceylon
kingdom. It also speaks about the Chola rule in Ceylon. European
travellor Marcopolo and foreign writer Megasthanese give interesting
informations about the Cholas. Al-beruni a muslim historian writes about
the Cholas.
Later Chola Dynasty:  King Vijayalaya was the founder of the later
Chola dynasty. He captured T anjore from the Muttaraiyas and made it
his capital in 850 A.D. He defeated the Pallava King Aparajitha and
conquered his Kingdom. He also annexed the Kongu country. He was
a worshipper of Siva. He built Siva temples in many places.
Parantaka–I:-     907AD–953 AD:   Uttaramerur inscriptions speak
about Parantaka – I. He was son of Aditya. He conquered many parts
of Southern India and extended his boundary. He captured Madurai.
He took up the title Maduraikondan to commemorate his victory over
the Pandya king. After defeating the combined armies of the Pandyas
and Ceylon kings, he assumed the title “Maduraiyum Ezhamum Kondan”.
He extended his empire upto Nellore in north.
Parantaka improved village administration. He was a devotee
of Lord Siva. He provided golden roof to the Nataraja temple at
Chidambaram and came to be called as “Pon V eintha Cholan”. Parantaka
was succeeded by Kandaraditya, Arinjaya, SundaraChola alias
Parantaka II and UttamaChola.
Meikirthis are life history or Biographies of Kings
with details of their achievements
Rajaraja defeated Mahinda V the king of Ceylon and occupied
Anuradhapuram and the northern part of Ceylon. He made Polonnaruva
city a new capital. Rajaraja got the title  “Mummudi Cholan” after the
conquest of three southern kingdoms of Cheras, Pandyas and Ceylon.
He captured Gangapadi, T adigaipadi and Nolambapadi in the Mysore
region. He successfully completed digvijayam with the conquest of
vilignam. He conqured Kalinga and Maldives island. He also had titles
‘Arunmozhi’,  ‘Rajakesari’.  Rajaraja was ably assisted by his efficient
son Rajendra.
Rajaraja the Great:
985AD–1014 AD:  Rajaraja – I
was son of Parantaka – II and
V anavan Mahadevi. Thiruvalangadu
plates speak about Rajaraja-I. He
was the most powerful king of the
Chola dynasty. The greatness of
Rajaraja brought glory not only to
the Chola kingdom, but also to the
Tamil country. He issued several
inscriptions. Rajaraja had a strong
army. He defeated the Chera army
at Thiruvanathapuram. He also
defeated Baskara Ravi the Raja of
Kollam. He assumed a title
“Kandalur salai Kalamarutharuliya”.
He defeated the Pandya king
Amarabhujangan.
Page 5


UNIT – I
The Cholas and their contributions find significant place in the
history of South India. The early Cholas ruled during the Sangam period.
Karikala was the greatest king among the early Chola kings. After a
long period, when the Pallava dynasty declined, the Chola kingdom
began to shine once again. The greatness of the later Chola rule was
revived by the Chola king V ijayalaya. The later Chola kings ruled from
850 A.D to 1279 A.D for nearly 430 years.
AD  –  Anno Domini
BC  –  Before Christ
Sources: History of any society or kingdom can be written only with
the help of available relevant source materials. Lot of inscriptions,
archaeological and literary sources are available for the study of the
history of the Cholas. Great literature like  Mahavamsam talk about the
early Cholas. Foreign visitors like Megasthenes, give useful informations
about the early Cholas. The inscriptions of Ashoka and many
contemporary sources talk about the early Chola kings and also about
the early Chola rule.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions are the main sources of information for the
history of the Chola period. Inscriptions talk about the life of the rulers,
3
Trichy , T anjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam.
The stone inscriptions give us useful informations about the
administration of the Chola rulers. Thiruvandhipuram inscriptions speak
about the reign of Rajendra III. The Uttaramerur inscriptions give
informations about the kudavolai system, village administration, taxation
and land revenue. Meikirthis are also found in inscriptions. Anbil plates,
the Kanyakumari stone inscription, Karanthai plates and Thiruvalangadu
copper plates give useful informations about the Cholas. The T anjore
Peruvudaiyar temple inscriptions talk about the existence of saivism.
The inscriptions of contemporary rulers like Cheras, Pandyas,
Rashtrakutas and Gangas speak about the Cholas.
Monuments:  Monuments are important sources for the history of the
Cholas. Monuments are part of the temples. The Brahadeeswarar
temple of Tanjore, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,
Airavateesvarar temple of Dharasuram and the Kambagareswarar
temple in Thirupuvanam are some of the important monuments of the
Cholas.
Figure of tiger was engraved as the Chola emblem on every
Chola coin issued during that period. Names of the Chola Kings were
also engraved on chola coins. King Rajaraja issued a new Ceylon type
of coins Chola coins are useful to fix the chronology of the Chola rulers.
Coins are also useful to study the social and economic condition of the
Chola period.
Numismatics means a study of coins.
Literature: Literary sources are very useful for the study of
both Sangam Cholas and later Cholas. Sekkilar’s Periyapuranam deals
with the life of Saiva devotees. Sekkilar was a contemporary of
Kulothunga – II. Kalingathuparani of Jayamkondan, three Ulas and the
Kulothungan pillai tamil of Ottakoothar give useful informations
about the Cholas. Other literary works like Veerasoliyam,
Sthalapuranam, Navachola charitham and Cholavamsa charitham speak
about the early Cholas.
administration, political, economic,
religious, social and cultural conditions
during the Chola period. Inscriptions
were placed on the walls of the
temples and pillars. This is amply
illustrated in the Brahadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore known as “Big
temple”. Many important inscriptions
are found in Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Numismatic Sources:
The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Specimen
of gold coins are extremely rare. Silver and copper coins are found in
plenty .
Karandhai Plate
3
Trichy , T anjore, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam and Nagapattinam.
The stone inscriptions give us useful informations about the
administration of the Chola rulers. Thiruvandhipuram inscriptions speak
about the reign of Rajendra III. The Uttaramerur inscriptions give
informations about the kudavolai system, village administration, taxation
and land revenue. Meikirthis are also found in inscriptions. Anbil plates,
the Kanyakumari stone inscription, Karanthai plates and Thiruvalangadu
copper plates give useful informations about the Cholas. The T anjore
Peruvudaiyar temple inscriptions talk about the existence of saivism.
The inscriptions of contemporary rulers like Cheras, Pandyas,
Rashtrakutas and Gangas speak about the Cholas.
Monuments:  Monuments are important sources for the history of the
Cholas. Monuments are part of the temples. The Brahadeeswarar
temple of Tanjore, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,
Airavateesvarar temple of Dharasuram and the Kambagareswarar
temple in Thirupuvanam are some of the important monuments of the
Cholas.
Figure of tiger was engraved as the Chola emblem on every
Chola coin issued during that period. Names of the Chola Kings were
also engraved on chola coins. King Rajaraja issued a new Ceylon type
of coins Chola coins are useful to fix the chronology of the Chola rulers.
Coins are also useful to study the social and economic condition of the
Chola period.
Numismatics means a study of coins.
Literature: Literary sources are very useful for the study of
both Sangam Cholas and later Cholas. Sekkilar’s Periyapuranam deals
with the life of Saiva devotees. Sekkilar was a contemporary of
Kulothunga – II. Kalingathuparani of Jayamkondan, three Ulas and the
Kulothungan pillai tamil of Ottakoothar give useful informations
about the Cholas. Other literary works like Veerasoliyam,
Sthalapuranam, Navachola charitham and Cholavamsa charitham speak
about the early Cholas.
administration, political, economic,
religious, social and cultural conditions
during the Chola period. Inscriptions
were placed on the walls of the
temples and pillars. This is amply
illustrated in the Brahadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore known as “Big
temple”. Many important inscriptions
are found in Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Numismatic Sources:
The Chola kings issued gold, silver and copper coins. Specimen
of gold coins are extremely rare. Silver and copper coins are found in
plenty .
Karandhai Plate
4 5
Foreign sources: Mahavamsam the Ceylon literature talks
about the relationship between the early Chola country and Ceylon
kingdom. It also speaks about the Chola rule in Ceylon. European
travellor Marcopolo and foreign writer Megasthanese give interesting
informations about the Cholas. Al-beruni a muslim historian writes about
the Cholas.
Later Chola Dynasty:  King Vijayalaya was the founder of the later
Chola dynasty. He captured T anjore from the Muttaraiyas and made it
his capital in 850 A.D. He defeated the Pallava King Aparajitha and
conquered his Kingdom. He also annexed the Kongu country. He was
a worshipper of Siva. He built Siva temples in many places.
Parantaka–I:-     907AD–953 AD:   Uttaramerur inscriptions speak
about Parantaka – I. He was son of Aditya. He conquered many parts
of Southern India and extended his boundary. He captured Madurai.
He took up the title Maduraikondan to commemorate his victory over
the Pandya king. After defeating the combined armies of the Pandyas
and Ceylon kings, he assumed the title “Maduraiyum Ezhamum Kondan”.
He extended his empire upto Nellore in north.
Parantaka improved village administration. He was a devotee
of Lord Siva. He provided golden roof to the Nataraja temple at
Chidambaram and came to be called as “Pon V eintha Cholan”. Parantaka
was succeeded by Kandaraditya, Arinjaya, SundaraChola alias
Parantaka II and UttamaChola.
Meikirthis are life history or Biographies of Kings
with details of their achievements
Rajaraja defeated Mahinda V the king of Ceylon and occupied
Anuradhapuram and the northern part of Ceylon. He made Polonnaruva
city a new capital. Rajaraja got the title  “Mummudi Cholan” after the
conquest of three southern kingdoms of Cheras, Pandyas and Ceylon.
He captured Gangapadi, T adigaipadi and Nolambapadi in the Mysore
region. He successfully completed digvijayam with the conquest of
vilignam. He conqured Kalinga and Maldives island. He also had titles
‘Arunmozhi’,  ‘Rajakesari’.  Rajaraja was ably assisted by his efficient
son Rajendra.
Rajaraja the Great:
985AD–1014 AD:  Rajaraja – I
was son of Parantaka – II and
V anavan Mahadevi. Thiruvalangadu
plates speak about Rajaraja-I. He
was the most powerful king of the
Chola dynasty. The greatness of
Rajaraja brought glory not only to
the Chola kingdom, but also to the
Tamil country. He issued several
inscriptions. Rajaraja had a strong
army. He defeated the Chera army
at Thiruvanathapuram. He also
defeated Baskara Ravi the Raja of
Kollam. He assumed a title
“Kandalur salai Kalamarutharuliya”.
He defeated the Pandya king
Amarabhujangan.
4 5
Foreign sources: Mahavamsam the Ceylon literature talks
about the relationship between the early Chola country and Ceylon
kingdom. It also speaks about the Chola rule in Ceylon. European
travellor Marcopolo and foreign writer Megasthanese give interesting
informations about the Cholas. Al-beruni a muslim historian writes about
the Cholas.
Later Chola Dynasty:  King Vijayalaya was the founder of the later
Chola dynasty. He captured T anjore from the Muttaraiyas and made it
his capital in 850 A.D. He defeated the Pallava King Aparajitha and
conquered his Kingdom. He also annexed the Kongu country. He was
a worshipper of Siva. He built Siva temples in many places.
Parantaka–I:-     907AD–953 AD:   Uttaramerur inscriptions speak
about Parantaka – I. He was son of Aditya. He conquered many parts
of Southern India and extended his boundary. He captured Madurai.
He took up the title Maduraikondan to commemorate his victory over
the Pandya king. After defeating the combined armies of the Pandyas
and Ceylon kings, he assumed the title “Maduraiyum Ezhamum Kondan”.
He extended his empire upto Nellore in north.
Parantaka improved village administration. He was a devotee
of Lord Siva. He provided golden roof to the Nataraja temple at
Chidambaram and came to be called as “Pon V eintha Cholan”. Parantaka
was succeeded by Kandaraditya, Arinjaya, SundaraChola alias
Parantaka II and UttamaChola.
Meikirthis are life history or Biographies of Kings
with details of their achievements
Rajaraja defeated Mahinda V the king of Ceylon and occupied
Anuradhapuram and the northern part of Ceylon. He made Polonnaruva
city a new capital. Rajaraja got the title  “Mummudi Cholan” after the
conquest of three southern kingdoms of Cheras, Pandyas and Ceylon.
He captured Gangapadi, T adigaipadi and Nolambapadi in the Mysore
region. He successfully completed digvijayam with the conquest of
vilignam. He conqured Kalinga and Maldives island. He also had titles
‘Arunmozhi’,  ‘Rajakesari’.  Rajaraja was ably assisted by his efficient
son Rajendra.
Rajaraja the Great:
985AD–1014 AD:  Rajaraja – I
was son of Parantaka – II and
V anavan Mahadevi. Thiruvalangadu
plates speak about Rajaraja-I. He
was the most powerful king of the
Chola dynasty. The greatness of
Rajaraja brought glory not only to
the Chola kingdom, but also to the
Tamil country. He issued several
inscriptions. Rajaraja had a strong
army. He defeated the Chera army
at Thiruvanathapuram. He also
defeated Baskara Ravi the Raja of
Kollam. He assumed a title
“Kandalur salai Kalamarutharuliya”.
He defeated the Pandya king
Amarabhujangan.