The Early Medieval history
- So many things have occurred in the South Indian peninsula over the years. The Deccan plateau, the region north and south of Krishna-Tungabhadra region is historically important.
- The Rashtrakutas were a prominent dynasty that ruled India around 8th to the close of 10th
- These Rashtrakutas were overthrown by the Chalukyas who established their independent kingdom.
- Some of the important dynasties of the region were The Rashtrakutas, the Chalukyas of Kalyani, the Pallavas of Kanchi and the Cholas of the Thanjavur.
The Cholas
Ø Together with the Chēras and the Pāndyas, the Cholas formed the three main Tamil dynasties of Iron Age India, who were collectively known as the Three
Crowned Kings.
Ø Then in history, another great Cholas are coming. The famous dynasty sometimes known as the medieval Cholas.
Ø The great empire of the Chola was founded by Vijayalaya. Began his rule around 850 AD. He was previously under the Pallava kings.
Ø He was led by his son ‘Aditya’ I. He overthrew the Pallava ruler Aparajitavarman.
Ø Later on Parantaka I came to the throne.
Ø After Parantaka I many others succeeded them like Gandaraditya, Sundara Chola, Karikala and Uttama Chola.
Ø Rajaraja Chola (AD 985-1014) was the son of Sundara Chola. Succeeded the throne and was a great ruler.
Ø He had the titles Mummadi Choladev, Jayangonda, Martanda etc.
Ø Rajaraja Chola was militarily very powerful and made Cholas very powerful.
Ø He conquered Kalinga and the ‘Old islands of the sea’ which can be
Laccadives and Maladives.
Ø He constructed the famous ‘Brihadeshwara Temple, the Shiva temple at Thanjavur. It is also called Rajarajeshvara.
Ø Rajendra I Gangaikonda (AD 1014-44) was the son of Rajaraja I.
Ø He brought the Chola empire to its glory .He annexed the whole of Sri Lanka. Ø He regained the power over Kerala and Pandyan kings.
He founded the capital ‘Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Made a huge temple there with brilliant granite sculptures.