THE CHOLA EMPIRE

The Chola empire, which arose in the South in the 10th century AD, was

founded by Vijayalya by capturing Tanjore. However, the greatest Chola rulers were Rajaraja Chola (985-1014 AD) and his son Rajendra Chola I. Rajendra carried forward the annexationist policy of his father by conquering the Pandays, the Cheras and even Sri Lanka. He assumed the title angaikondchola (The Chola Conqueror of the Ganga). The remarkable features of the Chola rule include a strong navy, village self-government and construction of beautiful temples to commemorate victories. Rajraja I even sent a naval expedition against Malaya to overcome their interference in his trade with China. The Cholas also sent a number of embassies to China.

Temple architecture reached a climax in the South under the Cholas. The main feature of this style called the Dravida, was the building of storey upon storey above the chief deity room (garbhgriha). The entire structure was surrounded by high walls having lofty gates called gopurams. One of the finest examples of this style is the Brihdeeshwara Temple at Tanjore built by Rajaraja I. This is also called the Rajraja Temple.

The art of sculpture attained a high standard during this phase. One befitting example is the Gomteshwara Statue at Shravanbelgola in Karnataka, the highest statue in India. Another aspect was the image-making, which peaked a new high in the dancing figure of the Shiva, called the Natraja. A number poof popular Bhakti saints called the nayanars and alvars, devotees of Shiva, flourished in this area between the 6th and the 9th centuries. The writings of these saints called Tirumurai, are considered sacred and are known as the Fifth Veda.