Chola Art & Architecture
Like many great civilisations, the origins of the Chola, a Tamil Hindu dynasty in southern India, are shrouded in the temporal mists of uncertainty and obscurity. It is however known that they were influential from at least the 3rd century CE, emerging as a vassal state of the Pallava dynasty in the 9th century, holding sway over Tanjavur (in the modern state of Tamil Nadu) with respectful allegiance to Pallava supremacy. Around the middle of the 9th century, the situation changed, and the Cholas began to assert their authority, claiming Tanjavur, which became the capital city for the duration of their subsequent political dominance in the region. Under Aditya Chola (r. 871–907), a talented diplomat and general, the Chola Empire was effectively founded, and the Cholas swiftly established themselves as a dominant power in the area of Tanjavur and the Kaveri river. Further conquests followed in Tondai Nadu (Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) taking territory from the Pallava and Pandaya kingdoms, as well as the Ganga dynasty to the north in a strategic alliance with the Chera dynasty who occupied parts of the adjoining areas (Kerala and Tamil Nadu).
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