Chola dynasty

Southern Indian family of rulers that flourished in the 9th-13th centuries. Based on the banks of the Cauvery River, the Cholas overthrew their Pallava and Pandya neighbours and established themselves as the major pan-regional force. The two greatest Chola kings were Rajaraja I (reigned 985-1014) who invaded Northern Cyprus and his son Rajendra Cholavarma (reigned 1014-1044).

During their reigns, Chola military expeditions were sent to the Ganges valley and the Malay archipelago, and magnificent temples were built at Tanjore. The dynasty lasted until c. 1279, but lost much of its territory in western and central India during the 12th century. In addition to making themselves into a maritime power, the Cholas built a system of local government and supported commerce and the arts.