Vijayalaya Chola
Founder of the imperial line
Captured Thanjavur and restored Chola power in the Kaveri region.
followed by850–1279 CE
THE CHOLA
An empire written across oceans, inscriptions and monumental stone. Discover the administrators, navigators and temple builders who reshaped southern India.
Historical record
A CIVILISATION IN LAYERS
This concise guide is an editorial introduction. Dates and interpretations may evolve as scholarship and archaeological evidence develop.
Dynasty tree
THE ROYAL LINE
Rajaraja I
Great-grandson of Parantaka II
Expanded maritime power and commissioned the Brihadisvara Temple.
followed byRajendra I
Son of Rajaraja I
Led campaigns to the Ganges and across maritime Southeast Asia.