Why in news?
During the birth anniversary celebrations of Rajendra Chola I at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the Indian Prime Minister praised the Chola dynasty’s contributions to governance, maritime strength and cultural unity. Statues of Rajendra and his father Rajaraja Chola were announced along with a commemorative coin.
Historical background
- The Cholas were among the longest‑ruling dynasties in South India, flourishing from the 9th to the 13th century CE. Their empire covered most of present‑day Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala and extended to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
- Important rulers include Rajaraja Chola I (985–1014 CE), who strengthened naval power and built the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, and his son Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE), who led expeditions to the Ganga and Southeast Asia and founded the capital Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Political and administrative legacy
- Village assemblies and self‑governance: The Cholas developed decentralised local governance. Institutions like the Kudavolai system used palm‑leaf ballots to elect representatives, and assemblies such as Ur, Sabha and Nagaram managed land, revenue and justice.
- Efficient bureaucracy: They maintained detailed land surveys and revenue records and had clear roles for officials from ministers to village accountants.
Economic and trade achievements
- The Cholas expanded maritime trade across the Bay of Bengal, engaging with Southeast Asia, China and Arab regions. Ports like Poompuhar and Nagapattinam served as international trading hubs.
- They supported merchant guilds such as Manigramam and Ayyavole 500, granted charters for overseas trade and invested in irrigation. Large tanks and canals, such as the Cholagangam near Gangaikonda Cholapuram, increased agricultural surplus.
Foreign policy and maritime power
- Rulers like Rajendra Chola launched naval expeditions that brought Sri Lanka, the Maldives and parts of Southeast Asia under Chola influence. These campaigns demonstrate one of the earliest examples of Indian naval assertiveness.
- The dynasty maintained diplomatic relations with China, sending envoys to the Song court.
Cultural contributions
- Chola temples, especially the Brihadisvara at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, are masterpieces of Dravidian architecture with towering vimanas and intricately carved pillars.
- The Cholas perfected lost‑wax bronze casting, producing iconic sculptures such as the Nataraja. Temples served as centres for learning, art, granaries and courts.
- They patronised both Shaivism and Vaishnavism and supported Tamil literature. Works by poets like Kamban and Sekkizhar flourished under their rule.
Decline and relevance
- The Chola dynasty weakened after the 13th century due to internal strife, the rise of the Pandyas and invasions by the Delhi Sultanate. Later, the Vijayanagara Empire absorbed its territories.
- Nevertheless, Chola models of grassroots governance, maritime enterprise and temple culture remain significant. They inform contemporary discussions on decentralisation, India’s Blue Economy and cultural diplomacy in the Indo‑Pacific.