Chola Kingdom: An Introduction

The Chola dynasty ruled from 300 BC until late 13th century AD, although their territories kept changing. Their ruling span can be divided into 3 parts namely Early Cholas, Medieval Cholas and Later Cholas.

Early Cholas
The most illustrious ruler among early Cholas is Karikala Chola. Early Cholas ruled from 300 BC to 200 AD. The Sangam literature reveals most of the information about early Cholas.

Medieval Cholas

The Chola power was re-established in South India under Vijayalaya Chola from 850 AD onwards.
The important rulers of these Cholas are as following:
Vijayalaya Chola
Aditya Chola I
Parantaka Chola I
Rajaraja Chola I
Rajendra Chola-I
Rajadhiraja Chola
Rajendra Chola II
Virarajendra Chola

Later Cholas

The period from 1070 AD till 1279 AD is known as later Cholas. This period was the golden one for the Chola Empire and it became the most powerful at that time. The Cholas had the most powerful army and the navy and they colonized the south Asian nations.
The important rulers of later cholas were as following:
Kulottthunga Chola-I
Vikrama Chola
Kulottthunga Chola II
Rajaraja Chola II
Rajadhiraja Chola II
Kulothunga Chola III
Rajaraja Chola III
Rajendra Chola III