Cultural Development – Literature, Art and Architecture under the Cholas | Tamil Nadu State PSC (TNPSC): Preparation - TNPSC (Tamil Nadu) PDF Download

 Page 1


24 25
4) This Queen was known as patron of temples
     a) V anavan mahadevi b) Sembian Mahadevi
     c) Kundavi
5) V alangi and Idangai groups were named as such during the period of
      a) King Karikala b) Rajaraja-I c) Kulothunga-III
III. Fill in the blanks:
1. Weavers of Kanchi had the privilege of making royal robes to
________.
2. The Cholas had foreign trade relations with _________.
3. _______  King covered the Siva temple with gold at Chidambaram.
4. Raja raja – I built the famous, _______ temple at  _______
IV . Match the following:
1. V alangai & Idangai - Port
2. V anavan Mahadevi - W eavers of Kanchi
3. Patron of temples - Sundara Chola
4. Kaveripoompattinam - Kundavi
5. Royal robes - Karikala Cholan
V . Answer briefly:
1. What were the four castes created by varnasrama?
2. Write about the social conditions of the Cholas
3. Write about the foreign trade during the Chola period.
4. Write about the festivals of the Chola period.
5. Which cities were known as temple cities?
VI. Answer in detail:
1. Write about the status of women during the Chola rule.
2. Write in detail about the temples of the Cholas.
UNIT-I
The development of literature, art and architecture of the Chola
period promoted the cultural value of the Chola rule. The Cholas made
lot of improvements in these fields. The temples built by the Cholas
increased the value of the bakthi culture of Tamil country. The
development of the Chola literature, art and architecture created a
profound impact on the cultural development of the T amil country .
“I have more respect for the Tamils and T amil literature”
“Mahathma Gandhi”
Literature:  The Chola rule marked a milestone in the history of T amil
literature. The Chola kings gave many concessions and patronage to
T amil scholars and writers. Many great T amil poets namely , Kalladanar,
Kambar , Pugalandhi,  Ottakoothar , Sekkilar, A vvaiyar, Thirutakkadevar
lived during the period of Chola period. Literary styles like epics, parani,
kovai, ula, kalambakam, pillaitamil and  new works on grammar were
famous during that period. Writing meikkirthis, narration of historical
incidents, singing songs on religious heros, were new literary trends of
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24 25
4) This Queen was known as patron of temples
     a) V anavan mahadevi b) Sembian Mahadevi
     c) Kundavi
5) V alangi and Idangai groups were named as such during the period of
      a) King Karikala b) Rajaraja-I c) Kulothunga-III
III. Fill in the blanks:
1. Weavers of Kanchi had the privilege of making royal robes to
________.
2. The Cholas had foreign trade relations with _________.
3. _______  King covered the Siva temple with gold at Chidambaram.
4. Raja raja – I built the famous, _______ temple at  _______
IV . Match the following:
1. V alangai & Idangai - Port
2. V anavan Mahadevi - W eavers of Kanchi
3. Patron of temples - Sundara Chola
4. Kaveripoompattinam - Kundavi
5. Royal robes - Karikala Cholan
V . Answer briefly:
1. What were the four castes created by varnasrama?
2. Write about the social conditions of the Cholas
3. Write about the foreign trade during the Chola period.
4. Write about the festivals of the Chola period.
5. Which cities were known as temple cities?
VI. Answer in detail:
1. Write about the status of women during the Chola rule.
2. Write in detail about the temples of the Cholas.
UNIT-I
The development of literature, art and architecture of the Chola
period promoted the cultural value of the Chola rule. The Cholas made
lot of improvements in these fields. The temples built by the Cholas
increased the value of the bakthi culture of Tamil country. The
development of the Chola literature, art and architecture created a
profound impact on the cultural development of the T amil country .
“I have more respect for the Tamils and T amil literature”
“Mahathma Gandhi”
Literature:  The Chola rule marked a milestone in the history of T amil
literature. The Chola kings gave many concessions and patronage to
T amil scholars and writers. Many great T amil poets namely , Kalladanar,
Kambar , Pugalandhi,  Ottakoothar , Sekkilar, A vvaiyar, Thirutakkadevar
lived during the period of Chola period. Literary styles like epics, parani,
kovai, ula, kalambakam, pillaitamil and  new works on grammar were
famous during that period. Writing meikkirthis, narration of historical
incidents, singing songs on religious heros, were new literary trends of
26 27
that time. Kalladanar wrote Kalladam about lord Siva. Thiruttakkadevar
wrote Seevagasinthamani to spread the idea of Jainism among the T amil
people. This work is respected and ranked as one of the mahakaviyams
in T amil. Jayamkondan composed Kalingathuparani during the period
of Kulothunga-I. It talks about second kalinga war.
Ottakoothar: Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings
namely V ikrama Chola, Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja-II. He wrote poems
in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga
Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written
Kulothungan Pillai T amil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga-II and
Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning.
Kambar:Kambar wrote Kambaramayanam. King Kulotunga-III
donated Kambanadu to Kambar. The king also conferred the title
Kavichakkravarthi on Kambar. Kambar had also written Sadagopar
andhadhi, Mummani kovai. Sekkilar wrote Periya puranam during the
period of Kulothunga-II. Pugalendhi composed Nalavenba. A vvaiyar
wrote Aathichudi and Kondrai vendan. Thirugnanasambandar wrote
Thevaram.
Literary Works: Kulothungan kovai and Thanjaivanan kovai are
famous T amil literature of that period. Great epics namely V alayapathi,
Kundalakesi, V iracholiyam, Nannool belong to this period.  Thevaram,
Nandikalambagam, Bharatha venba and Sivgnanabodam are important
literary works of this period. The Chola literature increased the cultural
values of the Chola society .
Parani is a form of war poem. Parani explains the
circumstances which led to the war .
It also gives details about war.
Art and architecture:  The Chola kings built many temples throughout
their kingdoms. The temples of early Cholas are found in large number
in the former Pudukottai region. These Chola temples reveal the gradual
evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The Chola kings earlier
built stone temples. Later they built brick temples.
Brahadeeswarar T emple at T anjore
The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at
Narttamalai. This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of
the early Chola temple architecture. Balasubramaniya temple of
Kannanur in Pudukottai region and Thirukkatalai temple were built during
the period of Aditya-I. Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam is famous
for sculptural work. King Parantaka-I built Koranganatha temple at
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24 25
4) This Queen was known as patron of temples
     a) V anavan mahadevi b) Sembian Mahadevi
     c) Kundavi
5) V alangi and Idangai groups were named as such during the period of
      a) King Karikala b) Rajaraja-I c) Kulothunga-III
III. Fill in the blanks:
1. Weavers of Kanchi had the privilege of making royal robes to
________.
2. The Cholas had foreign trade relations with _________.
3. _______  King covered the Siva temple with gold at Chidambaram.
4. Raja raja – I built the famous, _______ temple at  _______
IV . Match the following:
1. V alangai & Idangai - Port
2. V anavan Mahadevi - W eavers of Kanchi
3. Patron of temples - Sundara Chola
4. Kaveripoompattinam - Kundavi
5. Royal robes - Karikala Cholan
V . Answer briefly:
1. What were the four castes created by varnasrama?
2. Write about the social conditions of the Cholas
3. Write about the foreign trade during the Chola period.
4. Write about the festivals of the Chola period.
5. Which cities were known as temple cities?
VI. Answer in detail:
1. Write about the status of women during the Chola rule.
2. Write in detail about the temples of the Cholas.
UNIT-I
The development of literature, art and architecture of the Chola
period promoted the cultural value of the Chola rule. The Cholas made
lot of improvements in these fields. The temples built by the Cholas
increased the value of the bakthi culture of Tamil country. The
development of the Chola literature, art and architecture created a
profound impact on the cultural development of the T amil country .
“I have more respect for the Tamils and T amil literature”
“Mahathma Gandhi”
Literature:  The Chola rule marked a milestone in the history of T amil
literature. The Chola kings gave many concessions and patronage to
T amil scholars and writers. Many great T amil poets namely , Kalladanar,
Kambar , Pugalandhi,  Ottakoothar , Sekkilar, A vvaiyar, Thirutakkadevar
lived during the period of Chola period. Literary styles like epics, parani,
kovai, ula, kalambakam, pillaitamil and  new works on grammar were
famous during that period. Writing meikkirthis, narration of historical
incidents, singing songs on religious heros, were new literary trends of
26 27
that time. Kalladanar wrote Kalladam about lord Siva. Thiruttakkadevar
wrote Seevagasinthamani to spread the idea of Jainism among the T amil
people. This work is respected and ranked as one of the mahakaviyams
in T amil. Jayamkondan composed Kalingathuparani during the period
of Kulothunga-I. It talks about second kalinga war.
Ottakoothar: Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings
namely V ikrama Chola, Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja-II. He wrote poems
in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga
Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written
Kulothungan Pillai T amil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga-II and
Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning.
Kambar:Kambar wrote Kambaramayanam. King Kulotunga-III
donated Kambanadu to Kambar. The king also conferred the title
Kavichakkravarthi on Kambar. Kambar had also written Sadagopar
andhadhi, Mummani kovai. Sekkilar wrote Periya puranam during the
period of Kulothunga-II. Pugalendhi composed Nalavenba. A vvaiyar
wrote Aathichudi and Kondrai vendan. Thirugnanasambandar wrote
Thevaram.
Literary Works: Kulothungan kovai and Thanjaivanan kovai are
famous T amil literature of that period. Great epics namely V alayapathi,
Kundalakesi, V iracholiyam, Nannool belong to this period.  Thevaram,
Nandikalambagam, Bharatha venba and Sivgnanabodam are important
literary works of this period. The Chola literature increased the cultural
values of the Chola society .
Parani is a form of war poem. Parani explains the
circumstances which led to the war .
It also gives details about war.
Art and architecture:  The Chola kings built many temples throughout
their kingdoms. The temples of early Cholas are found in large number
in the former Pudukottai region. These Chola temples reveal the gradual
evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The Chola kings earlier
built stone temples. Later they built brick temples.
Brahadeeswarar T emple at T anjore
The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at
Narttamalai. This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of
the early Chola temple architecture. Balasubramaniya temple of
Kannanur in Pudukottai region and Thirukkatalai temple were built during
the period of Aditya-I. Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam is famous
for sculptural work. King Parantaka-I built Koranganatha temple at
26 27
that time. Kalladanar wrote Kalladam about lord Siva. Thiruttakkadevar
wrote Seevagasinthamani to spread the idea of Jainism among the T amil
people. This work is respected and ranked as one of the mahakaviyams
in T amil. Jayamkondan composed Kalingathuparani during the period
of Kulothunga-I. It talks about second kalinga war.
Ottakoothar: Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings
namely V ikrama Chola, Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja-II. He wrote poems
in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga
Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written
Kulothungan Pillai T amil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga-II and
Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning.
Kambar:Kambar wrote Kambaramayanam. King Kulotunga-III
donated Kambanadu to Kambar. The king also conferred the title
Kavichakkravarthi on Kambar. Kambar had also written Sadagopar
andhadhi, Mummani kovai. Sekkilar wrote Periya puranam during the
period of Kulothunga-II. Pugalendhi composed Nalavenba. A vvaiyar
wrote Aathichudi and Kondrai vendan. Thirugnanasambandar wrote
Thevaram.
Literary Works: Kulothungan kovai and Thanjaivanan kovai are
famous T amil literature of that period. Great epics namely V alayapathi,
Kundalakesi, V iracholiyam, Nannool belong to this period.  Thevaram,
Nandikalambagam, Bharatha venba and Sivgnanabodam are important
literary works of this period. The Chola literature increased the cultural
values of the Chola society .
Parani is a form of war poem. Parani explains the
circumstances which led to the war .
It also gives details about war.
Art and architecture:  The Chola kings built many temples throughout
their kingdoms. The temples of early Cholas are found in large number
in the former Pudukottai region. These Chola temples reveal the gradual
evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The Chola kings earlier
built stone temples. Later they built brick temples.
Brahadeeswarar T emple at T anjore
The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at
Narttamalai. This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of
the early Chola temple architecture. Balasubramaniya temple of
Kannanur in Pudukottai region and Thirukkatalai temple were built during
the period of Aditya-I. Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam is famous
for sculptural work. King Parantaka-I built Koranganatha temple at
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24 25
4) This Queen was known as patron of temples
     a) V anavan mahadevi b) Sembian Mahadevi
     c) Kundavi
5) V alangi and Idangai groups were named as such during the period of
      a) King Karikala b) Rajaraja-I c) Kulothunga-III
III. Fill in the blanks:
1. Weavers of Kanchi had the privilege of making royal robes to
________.
2. The Cholas had foreign trade relations with _________.
3. _______  King covered the Siva temple with gold at Chidambaram.
4. Raja raja – I built the famous, _______ temple at  _______
IV . Match the following:
1. V alangai & Idangai - Port
2. V anavan Mahadevi - W eavers of Kanchi
3. Patron of temples - Sundara Chola
4. Kaveripoompattinam - Kundavi
5. Royal robes - Karikala Cholan
V . Answer briefly:
1. What were the four castes created by varnasrama?
2. Write about the social conditions of the Cholas
3. Write about the foreign trade during the Chola period.
4. Write about the festivals of the Chola period.
5. Which cities were known as temple cities?
VI. Answer in detail:
1. Write about the status of women during the Chola rule.
2. Write in detail about the temples of the Cholas.
UNIT-I
The development of literature, art and architecture of the Chola
period promoted the cultural value of the Chola rule. The Cholas made
lot of improvements in these fields. The temples built by the Cholas
increased the value of the bakthi culture of Tamil country. The
development of the Chola literature, art and architecture created a
profound impact on the cultural development of the T amil country .
“I have more respect for the Tamils and T amil literature”
“Mahathma Gandhi”
Literature:  The Chola rule marked a milestone in the history of T amil
literature. The Chola kings gave many concessions and patronage to
T amil scholars and writers. Many great T amil poets namely , Kalladanar,
Kambar , Pugalandhi,  Ottakoothar , Sekkilar, A vvaiyar, Thirutakkadevar
lived during the period of Chola period. Literary styles like epics, parani,
kovai, ula, kalambakam, pillaitamil and  new works on grammar were
famous during that period. Writing meikkirthis, narration of historical
incidents, singing songs on religious heros, were new literary trends of
26 27
that time. Kalladanar wrote Kalladam about lord Siva. Thiruttakkadevar
wrote Seevagasinthamani to spread the idea of Jainism among the T amil
people. This work is respected and ranked as one of the mahakaviyams
in T amil. Jayamkondan composed Kalingathuparani during the period
of Kulothunga-I. It talks about second kalinga war.
Ottakoothar: Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings
namely V ikrama Chola, Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja-II. He wrote poems
in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga
Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written
Kulothungan Pillai T amil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga-II and
Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning.
Kambar:Kambar wrote Kambaramayanam. King Kulotunga-III
donated Kambanadu to Kambar. The king also conferred the title
Kavichakkravarthi on Kambar. Kambar had also written Sadagopar
andhadhi, Mummani kovai. Sekkilar wrote Periya puranam during the
period of Kulothunga-II. Pugalendhi composed Nalavenba. A vvaiyar
wrote Aathichudi and Kondrai vendan. Thirugnanasambandar wrote
Thevaram.
Literary Works: Kulothungan kovai and Thanjaivanan kovai are
famous T amil literature of that period. Great epics namely V alayapathi,
Kundalakesi, V iracholiyam, Nannool belong to this period.  Thevaram,
Nandikalambagam, Bharatha venba and Sivgnanabodam are important
literary works of this period. The Chola literature increased the cultural
values of the Chola society .
Parani is a form of war poem. Parani explains the
circumstances which led to the war .
It also gives details about war.
Art and architecture:  The Chola kings built many temples throughout
their kingdoms. The temples of early Cholas are found in large number
in the former Pudukottai region. These Chola temples reveal the gradual
evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The Chola kings earlier
built stone temples. Later they built brick temples.
Brahadeeswarar T emple at T anjore
The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at
Narttamalai. This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of
the early Chola temple architecture. Balasubramaniya temple of
Kannanur in Pudukottai region and Thirukkatalai temple were built during
the period of Aditya-I. Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam is famous
for sculptural work. King Parantaka-I built Koranganatha temple at
26 27
that time. Kalladanar wrote Kalladam about lord Siva. Thiruttakkadevar
wrote Seevagasinthamani to spread the idea of Jainism among the T amil
people. This work is respected and ranked as one of the mahakaviyams
in T amil. Jayamkondan composed Kalingathuparani during the period
of Kulothunga-I. It talks about second kalinga war.
Ottakoothar: Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings
namely V ikrama Chola, Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja-II. He wrote poems
in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga
Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written
Kulothungan Pillai T amil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga-II and
Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning.
Kambar:Kambar wrote Kambaramayanam. King Kulotunga-III
donated Kambanadu to Kambar. The king also conferred the title
Kavichakkravarthi on Kambar. Kambar had also written Sadagopar
andhadhi, Mummani kovai. Sekkilar wrote Periya puranam during the
period of Kulothunga-II. Pugalendhi composed Nalavenba. A vvaiyar
wrote Aathichudi and Kondrai vendan. Thirugnanasambandar wrote
Thevaram.
Literary Works: Kulothungan kovai and Thanjaivanan kovai are
famous T amil literature of that period. Great epics namely V alayapathi,
Kundalakesi, V iracholiyam, Nannool belong to this period.  Thevaram,
Nandikalambagam, Bharatha venba and Sivgnanabodam are important
literary works of this period. The Chola literature increased the cultural
values of the Chola society .
Parani is a form of war poem. Parani explains the
circumstances which led to the war .
It also gives details about war.
Art and architecture:  The Chola kings built many temples throughout
their kingdoms. The temples of early Cholas are found in large number
in the former Pudukottai region. These Chola temples reveal the gradual
evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The Chola kings earlier
built stone temples. Later they built brick temples.
Brahadeeswarar T emple at T anjore
The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at
Narttamalai. This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of
the early Chola temple architecture. Balasubramaniya temple of
Kannanur in Pudukottai region and Thirukkatalai temple were built during
the period of Aditya-I. Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam is famous
for sculptural work. King Parantaka-I built Koranganatha temple at
28 29
Srinivasanallur (Trichy District).  Muvarkoil of Kodumbalur. They are
good examples of the later Chola architecture and sculpture.
Besides all these temples of the Chola period, the greatest
landmark in the history of south Indian architecture is Brhadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore. This is also called as big temple. It has many
architectural significance. It was built by Rajaraja-I. This is the largest
and tallest temple Tamilnadu. Rajdendra Chola built a temple at
Gangaikonda Cholapuram which is also equally famous. King Rajendra
Chola added credit to the Chola art and architecture. King Kulothunga-
I built a temple for Sun God at Kumbakonam. This temple is first of its
kind in the south Indian architecture. Rajaraja-II built Airavatheeswarar
temple at Dharasuram.
Special features of Chola architecture:   The Cholas followed the
Pallava style of architecture. Sanctum of the Chola temples are both
circular and square in size. Inner side of the external walls and the
sanctum were beautified. On the upper side of the sanctum special
vimanas are built. Dome shaped sikhara and kalasa were also there on
the top of Gopurams. Chola temples are noted for the sculptures and
ornamental works. Gopurams of these temples were meaningful. Many
temples are having pillared mandapams namely arthamandapa,
mahamandapa and nandi mandpa. Sculptures and inscriptions are also
fixed on the walls of these temples.
Sculpture: Stone and metal sculputures are found in plenty in Chola
temples. They depict the socio religious ideas of the Chola period. The
Nataraja sculpture is world famous not only for its beauty but also for
its spirutual meaning. Vishnu idol is placed in V aishnava temples. A
spiritual calmness is depicted in sculptural representations of Alwars.
The Cholas made use of sculptures to decorate the walls, pillars and
roofs. The value of sculpture is very much felt on Chola works. The
decorative sculptures are still there. Realism dominated sculpture of the
Chola period. Scenes from Ramayanam Mahabharatam, Puranas and
lives of the 63 Nayanmars are sculptured in narrative panels on the
walls of temples.
Portraits:  The Cholas excelled the Pallavas in the art of portrait making.
The best specimens of portraits are found on the walls of Koranganatha
temple and Nageswarasamy temple. The portraits of Cholamadevi and
Kulothunga-III are there in Kalahasti temple. They are good examples
of Chola art of portrait making.
Paintings:  The art of paintings flourished. Figures were painted with
realism. The proficiency of the Chola painters are seen on their paintings.
Paintings in Big temple are good examples. Scenes of Periyapuranam
are beautifully depicted. Kailasanathar temple at Kanchipuram, V ishnu
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24 25
4) This Queen was known as patron of temples
     a) V anavan mahadevi b) Sembian Mahadevi
     c) Kundavi
5) V alangi and Idangai groups were named as such during the period of
      a) King Karikala b) Rajaraja-I c) Kulothunga-III
III. Fill in the blanks:
1. Weavers of Kanchi had the privilege of making royal robes to
________.
2. The Cholas had foreign trade relations with _________.
3. _______  King covered the Siva temple with gold at Chidambaram.
4. Raja raja – I built the famous, _______ temple at  _______
IV . Match the following:
1. V alangai & Idangai - Port
2. V anavan Mahadevi - W eavers of Kanchi
3. Patron of temples - Sundara Chola
4. Kaveripoompattinam - Kundavi
5. Royal robes - Karikala Cholan
V . Answer briefly:
1. What were the four castes created by varnasrama?
2. Write about the social conditions of the Cholas
3. Write about the foreign trade during the Chola period.
4. Write about the festivals of the Chola period.
5. Which cities were known as temple cities?
VI. Answer in detail:
1. Write about the status of women during the Chola rule.
2. Write in detail about the temples of the Cholas.
UNIT-I
The development of literature, art and architecture of the Chola
period promoted the cultural value of the Chola rule. The Cholas made
lot of improvements in these fields. The temples built by the Cholas
increased the value of the bakthi culture of Tamil country. The
development of the Chola literature, art and architecture created a
profound impact on the cultural development of the T amil country .
“I have more respect for the Tamils and T amil literature”
“Mahathma Gandhi”
Literature:  The Chola rule marked a milestone in the history of T amil
literature. The Chola kings gave many concessions and patronage to
T amil scholars and writers. Many great T amil poets namely , Kalladanar,
Kambar , Pugalandhi,  Ottakoothar , Sekkilar, A vvaiyar, Thirutakkadevar
lived during the period of Chola period. Literary styles like epics, parani,
kovai, ula, kalambakam, pillaitamil and  new works on grammar were
famous during that period. Writing meikkirthis, narration of historical
incidents, singing songs on religious heros, were new literary trends of
26 27
that time. Kalladanar wrote Kalladam about lord Siva. Thiruttakkadevar
wrote Seevagasinthamani to spread the idea of Jainism among the T amil
people. This work is respected and ranked as one of the mahakaviyams
in T amil. Jayamkondan composed Kalingathuparani during the period
of Kulothunga-I. It talks about second kalinga war.
Ottakoothar: Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings
namely V ikrama Chola, Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja-II. He wrote poems
in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga
Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written
Kulothungan Pillai T amil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga-II and
Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning.
Kambar:Kambar wrote Kambaramayanam. King Kulotunga-III
donated Kambanadu to Kambar. The king also conferred the title
Kavichakkravarthi on Kambar. Kambar had also written Sadagopar
andhadhi, Mummani kovai. Sekkilar wrote Periya puranam during the
period of Kulothunga-II. Pugalendhi composed Nalavenba. A vvaiyar
wrote Aathichudi and Kondrai vendan. Thirugnanasambandar wrote
Thevaram.
Literary Works: Kulothungan kovai and Thanjaivanan kovai are
famous T amil literature of that period. Great epics namely V alayapathi,
Kundalakesi, V iracholiyam, Nannool belong to this period.  Thevaram,
Nandikalambagam, Bharatha venba and Sivgnanabodam are important
literary works of this period. The Chola literature increased the cultural
values of the Chola society .
Parani is a form of war poem. Parani explains the
circumstances which led to the war .
It also gives details about war.
Art and architecture:  The Chola kings built many temples throughout
their kingdoms. The temples of early Cholas are found in large number
in the former Pudukottai region. These Chola temples reveal the gradual
evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The Chola kings earlier
built stone temples. Later they built brick temples.
Brahadeeswarar T emple at T anjore
The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at
Narttamalai. This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of
the early Chola temple architecture. Balasubramaniya temple of
Kannanur in Pudukottai region and Thirukkatalai temple were built during
the period of Aditya-I. Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam is famous
for sculptural work. King Parantaka-I built Koranganatha temple at
26 27
that time. Kalladanar wrote Kalladam about lord Siva. Thiruttakkadevar
wrote Seevagasinthamani to spread the idea of Jainism among the T amil
people. This work is respected and ranked as one of the mahakaviyams
in T amil. Jayamkondan composed Kalingathuparani during the period
of Kulothunga-I. It talks about second kalinga war.
Ottakoothar: Ottakoothar was a court poet of three Chola kings
namely V ikrama Chola, Kulotunga-II and Rajaraja-II. He wrote poems
in praise of these three kings namely Vikrama Cholan Ula, Kulothunga
Cholan Ula and Rajarajan Ula. Ottakoothar had also written
Kulothungan Pillai T amil in praise of Chola king Kulothunga-II and
Saraswathy Andhadhi in praise of Saraswathi the Goddess of learning.
Kambar:Kambar wrote Kambaramayanam. King Kulotunga-III
donated Kambanadu to Kambar. The king also conferred the title
Kavichakkravarthi on Kambar. Kambar had also written Sadagopar
andhadhi, Mummani kovai. Sekkilar wrote Periya puranam during the
period of Kulothunga-II. Pugalendhi composed Nalavenba. A vvaiyar
wrote Aathichudi and Kondrai vendan. Thirugnanasambandar wrote
Thevaram.
Literary Works: Kulothungan kovai and Thanjaivanan kovai are
famous T amil literature of that period. Great epics namely V alayapathi,
Kundalakesi, V iracholiyam, Nannool belong to this period.  Thevaram,
Nandikalambagam, Bharatha venba and Sivgnanabodam are important
literary works of this period. The Chola literature increased the cultural
values of the Chola society .
Parani is a form of war poem. Parani explains the
circumstances which led to the war .
It also gives details about war.
Art and architecture:  The Chola kings built many temples throughout
their kingdoms. The temples of early Cholas are found in large number
in the former Pudukottai region. These Chola temples reveal the gradual
evolution of the Chola art and architecture. The Chola kings earlier
built stone temples. Later they built brick temples.
Brahadeeswarar T emple at T anjore
The first Chola ruler Vijayalaya Chola built temple at
Narttamalai. This is a stone temple. It is one of the finest examples of
the early Chola temple architecture. Balasubramaniya temple of
Kannanur in Pudukottai region and Thirukkatalai temple were built during
the period of Aditya-I. Nageswarar temple at Kumbakonam is famous
for sculptural work. King Parantaka-I built Koranganatha temple at
28 29
Srinivasanallur (Trichy District).  Muvarkoil of Kodumbalur. They are
good examples of the later Chola architecture and sculpture.
Besides all these temples of the Chola period, the greatest
landmark in the history of south Indian architecture is Brhadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore. This is also called as big temple. It has many
architectural significance. It was built by Rajaraja-I. This is the largest
and tallest temple Tamilnadu. Rajdendra Chola built a temple at
Gangaikonda Cholapuram which is also equally famous. King Rajendra
Chola added credit to the Chola art and architecture. King Kulothunga-
I built a temple for Sun God at Kumbakonam. This temple is first of its
kind in the south Indian architecture. Rajaraja-II built Airavatheeswarar
temple at Dharasuram.
Special features of Chola architecture:   The Cholas followed the
Pallava style of architecture. Sanctum of the Chola temples are both
circular and square in size. Inner side of the external walls and the
sanctum were beautified. On the upper side of the sanctum special
vimanas are built. Dome shaped sikhara and kalasa were also there on
the top of Gopurams. Chola temples are noted for the sculptures and
ornamental works. Gopurams of these temples were meaningful. Many
temples are having pillared mandapams namely arthamandapa,
mahamandapa and nandi mandpa. Sculptures and inscriptions are also
fixed on the walls of these temples.
Sculpture: Stone and metal sculputures are found in plenty in Chola
temples. They depict the socio religious ideas of the Chola period. The
Nataraja sculpture is world famous not only for its beauty but also for
its spirutual meaning. Vishnu idol is placed in V aishnava temples. A
spiritual calmness is depicted in sculptural representations of Alwars.
The Cholas made use of sculptures to decorate the walls, pillars and
roofs. The value of sculpture is very much felt on Chola works. The
decorative sculptures are still there. Realism dominated sculpture of the
Chola period. Scenes from Ramayanam Mahabharatam, Puranas and
lives of the 63 Nayanmars are sculptured in narrative panels on the
walls of temples.
Portraits:  The Cholas excelled the Pallavas in the art of portrait making.
The best specimens of portraits are found on the walls of Koranganatha
temple and Nageswarasamy temple. The portraits of Cholamadevi and
Kulothunga-III are there in Kalahasti temple. They are good examples
of Chola art of portrait making.
Paintings:  The art of paintings flourished. Figures were painted with
realism. The proficiency of the Chola painters are seen on their paintings.
Paintings in Big temple are good examples. Scenes of Periyapuranam
are beautifully depicted. Kailasanathar temple at Kanchipuram, V ishnu
28 29
Srinivasanallur (Trichy District).  Muvarkoil of Kodumbalur. They are
good examples of the later Chola architecture and sculpture.
Besides all these temples of the Chola period, the greatest
landmark in the history of south Indian architecture is Brhadeeswarar
temple at Tanjore. This is also called as big temple. It has many
architectural significance. It was built by Rajaraja-I. This is the largest
and tallest temple Tamilnadu. Rajdendra Chola built a temple at
Gangaikonda Cholapuram which is also equally famous. King Rajendra
Chola added credit to the Chola art and architecture. King Kulothunga-
I built a temple for Sun God at Kumbakonam. This temple is first of its
kind in the south Indian architecture. Rajaraja-II built Airavatheeswarar
temple at Dharasuram.
Special features of Chola architecture:   The Cholas followed the
Pallava style of architecture. Sanctum of the Chola temples are both
circular and square in size. Inner side of the external walls and the
sanctum were beautified. On the upper side of the sanctum special
vimanas are built. Dome shaped sikhara and kalasa were also there on
the top of Gopurams. Chola temples are noted for the sculptures and
ornamental works. Gopurams of these temples were meaningful. Many
temples are having pillared mandapams namely arthamandapa,
mahamandapa and nandi mandpa. Sculptures and inscriptions are also
fixed on the walls of these temples.
Sculpture: Stone and metal sculputures are found in plenty in Chola
temples. They depict the socio religious ideas of the Chola period. The
Nataraja sculpture is world famous not only for its beauty but also for
its spirutual meaning. Vishnu idol is placed in V aishnava temples. A
spiritual calmness is depicted in sculptural representations of Alwars.
The Cholas made use of sculptures to decorate the walls, pillars and
roofs. The value of sculpture is very much felt on Chola works. The
decorative sculptures are still there. Realism dominated sculpture of the
Chola period. Scenes from Ramayanam Mahabharatam, Puranas and
lives of the 63 Nayanmars are sculptured in narrative panels on the
walls of temples.
Portraits:  The Cholas excelled the Pallavas in the art of portrait making.
The best specimens of portraits are found on the walls of Koranganatha
temple and Nageswarasamy temple. The portraits of Cholamadevi and
Kulothunga-III are there in Kalahasti temple. They are good examples
of Chola art of portrait making.
Paintings:  The art of paintings flourished. Figures were painted with
realism. The proficiency of the Chola painters are seen on their paintings.
Paintings in Big temple are good examples. Scenes of Periyapuranam
are beautifully depicted. Kailasanathar temple at Kanchipuram, V ishnu