Imperial Cholas: Maritime Power & Dravidian Art
One of the longest-ruling dynasties in world history. Under Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, the empire became a dominant maritime, military, economic, and cultural superpower spanning South India and Southeast Asia.
Mastered Dravidian stone temple engineering (such as the Great Living Chola Temples), introduced highly autonomous local village administration through the Kudavolai democratic election system, and created world-renowned lost-wax bronze sculptures of Nataraja.
Consecration of the Great Brihadisvara Temple
1010 CERajaraja Chola completes the monumental granite temple at Thanjavur with its 80-tonne monolithic cupola dome.
Chola Naval Expedition to Southeast Asia (Srivijaya)
1025 CERajendra Chola I sends an armada across the Bay of Bengal, capturing ports across Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula to secure international maritime trade routes.
Expedition to River Ganga & Gangaikonda Cholapuram
1023 CEVictorious northern expedition brings sacred water from the Ganga and establishes the grand new capital Gangaikonda Cholapuram.