Chola Dynasty
- September 21, 2022
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Chola Dynasty
Subject : Art and Culture
Context:
Inspired by the grandeur of the mighty Chola Dynasty, Tanishq on Tuesday unveiled The Chozha, an exclusive jewellery collection to celebrate the thalassocratic empire and to unravel the treasure trove of divine splendour.
About the medieval Chola Dynasty:
- The Chola Dynasty was a Tamil thalassocratic empire of southern India and one of the longest-ruling dynasties in world history.
- The medieval Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya. He took over the Tanjore kingdom in the 8th century and led to the rise of the mighty Cholas by defeating the Pallavas.
- Aditya I succeeded Vijayalaya to become the ruler of the empire. He defeated kingAparajita and the empire gained massive power under his reign. He conquered the Pandya Kings along with the Vadumbas and established control over the Pallavas’ power in the region.
- Rajendra Cholasucceeded the mighty Rajaraja Chola. Rajendra I was the first to venture to the banks of Ganges. He was popularly called the Victor of the Ganges. His new empire capital was called the Gangaikondacholapuram where he received the title of ‘Gangaikonda’. This period is referred to as the golden age of the Cholas. After his rule, the kingdom witnessed a widespread downfall.
Society and culture:
- The medieval Cholas under Rajaraja and his successors developed a highly organized administrative structure with central control and autonomous village assemblies.
- For the purpose of administration, the empire was divided into convenient areas such as valanadu, mandalam, nadu,
- Chola rule saw the maturity of the Tamil Temple architecture.
- Rajaraja built the great Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. His son Rajendra imitated this effort by building the temple at his new capital Brihadisvara temple, the Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara temples.
- Sculpting and art were also at an all-time high in this reign. Sculptures of gods and goddesses like Shiva, Vishnu and Lakshmi have been carved out of bronze and serve as a golden reminder of this period.