I loved it so much when it comes to chola topics as it inspires me in all the way.The Chola Dynasty is a Tamil dynasty ruled in southern India until the thirteenth century. The dynasty is actually originated from the Kaveri River. Karikala Chola are one of the most famous among the Chola kings, whereby Rajaraja Chola, Rajendra Chola are another set of powerful emperors of the Cholas.As what I have understand,Southern India and Sri Lanka were home to three Tamil dynastic kingdoms where each ruled by kings we called “muvendar.” which is Pandya, Chera, and Chola dynasties are so powerful during the tenth, eleventh and twelfth centuries. Because of Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola, the empire became such mighty from the aspect of military, economic and cultural back in those days.The power of the Cholas falls towards the end of the thirteenth century with the rise of the Pandyas and the Hoysala .I personally felt that some of the prominent pillars of the Chola Empire is Vijayalaya, Aditya I and Rajendra Chola.
As we all know history is alluring. It teaches all of us about the culture, people, and traditions of an era gone by. I can say the Chola Empire gifted us the biggest contribution by building the most magnificent temples of all times. It is constructed between 11th- and 12th-century. There are 3 temples which is made by the Chola kingdom are a list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and are labelled as, “Great Living Chola Temples”. How proud we should feel.
The first temple would be the Brihadesvara Temple in Thanjavur which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva .It was was built by Raja Raja Chola I and it is known as one of the largest temple in South India.The speciality in the temple was the architect uses the principles of symmetrical geometry rules.It also have five sections which were carved and painted magnificently.The second temple is called Gangaikonda Cholapuram which is located in ariyalur district.It was built by Rajendra Chola I .Gangaikonda Chola this name was inspired by him as he is the conqueror of the Ganges.The design of the temple is square in shape inspired by the dravidian kind of architecture. The third great temple is called Airavatesvara Temple which is located in Darasuram built by Rajaraja Chola II .Same as the Chola temples this temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva.What i loved about this temple is it resembles a chariot being pulled by a horse and an elephant.Another great view is where Shiva and Parvati seated on a blooming lotus inside the temple.
Tiger flag was used as the falg of chola dynasty.The royal flag can be seen all over coins, seals and banners.Paintings back in those dynasty especially in the temples are painted with realism hiding thousands of meaning.The sculpture of chola bronze represents Nadaraja(Lord Shiva)as if he tramples Apasmara(the demon of human ignorance) underfoot.The Cholas followed the architecture style of Pallavas.Sanctum of the temples were bulit circular and square in size.Sculptures(stone carving) and inscriptions(written history) are also fixed on the walls of these temples.
Overall,the power and history of chola dynasty was massive. Thus, their rulling were marked as a very remarkable period of medieval history .Their huge success and history is meant to look back and learn from.I personally felt so proud to address me myself as a Tamilan because of their contribution to the history.
Leave a comment