Golden Age of the Chola Empire: Rajaraja I and Rajendra I

The Chola Empire, spanning from the latter half of the 9th to the 13th century, was a formidable dynasty in Tamil Nadu. Starting with Vijayalaya’s conquest of the Kaveri delta, the Cholas rose to power and achieved significant territorial expansion. Known for their illustrious rulers like Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, the empire reached its zenith under their reigns, marked by military prowess, architectural marvels, and economic prosperity.

An Overview of Glorious Reign and Decline of the Chola Empire

1. The Rise of the Chola Empire

• Revival of the Chola Empire: The Cholas were one of the three mighty dynasties that ruled the Tamizh country in the early historical period. 
  • They have been described as one of the Muvendhar in Sangam literature and also mentioned in the rock edicts of Ashoka.
  • The Chola empire was revived in the mid-9th century under Vijayalaya (probably a Pallavas’ vassal) who conquered the Kaveri delta from Muttaraiyar. He built the city of Thanjavur.
• Ancestral Legacy: The later Cholas traced their ancestry to the Karikala, a well-known Chola ruler of the Sangam age.
• Expansion under Aditya and Parantaka I: Further expansion ensued under Aditya (Rajaditya) and Parantaka I (who took the title of Maduraikonda after conquering the land of Pandya), 
  • It resulted in confrontations with Rashtrakuta King Krishna II, culminating in defeat of Rajaditya (Chola) at the Battle of Takkolam in 949 A.D.

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2. Important Rulers

• Rajaraja I (985-1014)
  • Comparative Political Significance: His era has been compared with Samudraguta in its political significance.
  • Conquest: Engaged in naval expeditions and emerged victorious on the West Coast, Sri Lanka and conquered the Maldives.
    • He established direct control over the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka through military conquest.
  • Administrative Integration and Viceroy: Rajaraja I integrated conquered territories and appointed “viceroys”: 
    • Chola-Pandya in Pandinadu, Chola-Lankeswara in Sri Lanka, later renamed as Mummudicholamandalam, and Chola-Ganga in the Gangavadi region of southern Karnataka.
  • Architecture: He constructed the Brihadesvara temple at Thanjavur (known as Rajarajeswara temple after him). 
    • His various accomplishments are engraved on the walls of this temple. 
    • He also assisted the king of Java in constructing a Buddhist Vihara in Java.
• Rajendra I (1014-44)   
  • He was the son of Rajraja, and Chola’s power reached its pinnacle under him. 
  • Documentation of Conquests: The Tiruvalangandu copper plate inscription and Tirumalai rock inscriptions provide details of his conquests.
  • Expansionist Campaigns: Attacked the Western Chalukyas extending the boundary of the Chola Empire up to the Tungabhadra River. 
  • Confrontation with the Western Chalukyas: Attacked Madurai, after which the Pandyas escaped and took shelter in Sri Lanka. 
    • Thereupon, Rajendra I invaded Sri Lanka in their pursuit.
  • Gangaikonda: He assumed the title of Gangaikonda (conqueror of the Ganges) and founded the city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram after his victory over Mahipala (the king of the Pala dynasty). 
    • He led the expedition up to the Godavari River. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple was built to commemorate his victories in North India.
  • Naval Expedition: His naval operation was directed against Sri Vijaya kingdom (southern Sumatra), a prominent maritime and commercial state that flourished from 700-1300 AD in South-east Asia.
  • Titles of Conquest and Prestige: He adopted the titles of Mudikonda Cholan (the crowned Chola), Kadaramkondan (conqueror of Kadaram), and Pandita Cholan (scholarly Cholan).   
  • Maritime Expansion: He conquered Sumatra and promoted trade between the Malaya peninsula and South India.
  • Successful Invasions: The Chola invasions of Western Chalukya Empire, undertaken in 1003 by Rajaraja I and 1009 by Rajendra I, were also successful.
  • Succession and Continuity: Rajendra I was succeeded by Rajadhiraja and he was succeeded by Rajendra II.
• Kulottunga I (1070-1122)
  • Unification Efforts: He was the last important Chola ruler who united the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi with the Cholas.
  • Administrative Reforms: Initiated administrative reforms, including land surveys (coincides with the Domesday survey in England).
  • Religious Tolerance: Though a Shaivite, he made grants to Buddhist shrines at Nagapattam.
  • Decline and Challenges: He lost Vengi and faced the Hoysala invasion, resulting in the loss of Gangavadi province. 
    • He also faced challenges from Pandya and Chera. 
    • This led to the decline of the Chola empire, eventually overtaken by the Hoysalas and the Pandyas.

Decline of Chola

• Rise of Local Chiefs: By the end of the 12th century, local chiefs became prominent, which weakened the centre.
• Dependence on External Powers: With frequent invasions of Pandyas, the once mighty empire became dependent on the Hoysalas. 
• Sacking of Gangaikonda Cholapuram: In 1264, Jatavarman Pandyan I sacked the Chola’s capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
• The Fall of the Chola Dynasty: 1279 AD marks the end of Chola dynasty when King Maravarman Pandyan I defeated the last king Rajendra Chola III and established the rule by Pandyas. 

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Conclusion

As the Chola Empire reached its zenith under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, it stood as a beacon of political prowess and cultural richness. However, challenges such as territorial losses and external invasions led to its eventual decline. Nevertheless, the legacy of the Cholas endures through their monumental achievements in administration, architecture, and maritime trade, leaving an indelible mark on the history of South India.