• Vijayalaya, a feudatory of the Pallava dynasty, took an opportunity arising out of a conflict between the Pandya dynasty and Pallava dynasty in c. 850, captured Thanjavur from Mutharaiyar, and established the imperial line of the medieval Chola Dynasty. Thanjavur became the capital of the Imperial Chola Dynasty.

The founder of the Chola dynasty was feudatory of the Pallavas before gaining power. Let's understand this in detail:

The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of South India. It had a significant influence on the political, cultural, and artistic developments of the region. The dynasty had its origins as a feudatory of the Pallava dynasty before establishing its own independent rule.

The Pallava dynasty was a powerful dynasty that ruled over parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE. The Pallavas were known for their architectural and artistic achievements, particularly in the form of rock-cut temples and monolithic sculptures.

During the reign of the Pallavas, the Cholas served as feudatories or vassals. As feudatories, they owed allegiance and paid tribute to the Pallava kings. The Cholas gradually gained power and influence over time and eventually became independent rulers.

The founder of the Chola dynasty was Vijayalaya Chola. He was a local chieftain and military leader who successfully challenged the authority of the Pallavas and established the Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE. Vijayalaya Chola's rise to power marked the beginning of the Chola dynasty's independent rule.

Under the Chola dynasty, the empire expanded its territories through military conquests and established a strong centralized administration. The Chola rulers were known for their administrative efficiency, maritime trade, and patronage of the arts and literature. The dynasty reached its peak during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, who extended the empire's boundaries as far as Southeast Asia.

In conclusion, the founder of the Chola dynasty, Vijayalaya Chola, was initially a feudatory of the Pallavas before gaining power and establishing the independent rule of the Chola dynasty.