Rajaraja Chola I
Rajaraja Chola I
Chola emperor who built the Brihadisvara Temple and expanded the empire.
Chola Dynasty
Tamil dynasty that built a maritime empire across South and Southeast Asia.
What you need to know
- Rajaraja I and Rajendra I were its greatest rulers
- Naval expeditions reached Southeast Asia
- Built the Brihadisvara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sophisticated local self-government
Notable Members
The Maritime Cholas
p>The Imperial Cholas (c. 848–1279 CE) built one of the most powerful maritime empires in Indian history from their heartland in the Kaveri delta. Under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I they conquered Sri Lanka, projected naval power to Southeast Asia, and developed a sophisticated system of local self-government.</p><p>Their patronage produced the monumental temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram and the celebrated Chola bronzes.</p>