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Eternal India
encyclopedia
LURE - THRU THE AGES
Raja Raja Chola was the most powerful
king; a great conqueror, empire builder and
able administrator; under him the Chola
power became solidly established and within
50 years the Chola kingdom could be
consolidated and extended. His conquests
included the Chera and Pandya Kingdoms,
Vengi, Kalinga and Ceylon. By means of a
powerful fleet he annexed the Laccadive and
Maldive Islands. He tried to curb Arab
competition in the South East Asian trade by
bringing Malabar under his control. His
empire included the whole of South India upto
the Tungabhadra, the Maldives and a part of
Ceylon.
Administration
*
Cholas had highly efficient system of
administration; empire was divided into
Provinces called
Mandalams
under a
"Viceroy".
*
The King was the head of the administra-
tion assisted by the ministerial council.
*
Land revenue was the main source of
income, taxes were also collected; tolls
and customs (other types of revenue).
*
They had as many as 70 army regiments;
commanders were variously
called as
Nayakas, Senapatis,
Maha-dandanayakas.
*
The development of village
autonomy
(local
self-
government) was the most
unique feature.
*
Had trade contacts with Burma,
Ceylon, Malaya Archipelago.
*
Hinduism was the main
religion, based on the caste
system; religious toleration was
practised.
Strengths
*
Raja Raja Chola was one of
the greatest sovereigns of
South India; the Tanjore in-
scription
mentions
his
achievements.
Achievements
*
Consolidation
of
political
power in South India for a
period of 3 centuries.
*
Tamil literature made a lot of
progress. The Book
CHOLA KINGDOM 900-1216 A.D.
"
Periyapuranam"
called as the 5th Veda,
was written during this period.
*
Improved the Dravidian style of architec-
ture (creation of huge gateway called "the
Gopuram" to the temple).
Weakness
*
Weak and inefficient successors.
*
Failed to control the power of the feudato-
ries.
*
Political stability could not be maintained
due to frequent military campaigns; failed
to control the Chalukyas and their feuda-
tories.
Decline
*
After the reign of Raj adiraj a III, due to do-
mestic strife and attacks from all corners
by the Pandyas, Hoysalas and the Kaka-
tiyas, the Chola power began to decline. In
1243, the Pallava Chief Kopperunjimga,
declared his independence; Hoysalas and
Kakatiyas distributed the Chola territories
among themselves and thereafter the Chola
Empire ceased to exist.