The Extensive and Sometimes Mythical History of the Chola Empire

The Chola Empire was a southern Indian state that existed from around the middle of the 9th century AD until the 13th century AD. Although the Chola Empire was founded during the 9th century AD, the Chola Dynasty is said to have been in existence for a much longer period in time.

From the various poems of a Tamil work known as the Purananuru, a list of Chola kings has been constructed. According to this list, the Chola kings date as far back as around the end of the 4th millennium BC. (Although these kings have often been regarded as mythological figures.)

In the Sangam literature, reference to the early Chola kings can also be found. These early Chola kings (as opposed to those regarded as mythological) are said to have ruled parts of southern India from around the end of the 4th century BC.

Chola Empire Establishment

Although the Cholas were subdued by the Pallavas around 650 AD, they returned to power less than a century later. During the middle of the 9th century AD, the Chola Empire was established. Compared to the Chola kings from earlier periods, one is able to discuss about the rulers from this era with a little more certainty. Apart from the more reliable historical text (as opposed to mythology and literature), the Cholas of this period also left behind much material culture that can still be seen today.