#Thread
Chol Dynasty: most remarkable cultural growth in South India
Vijyalaya was the founder of Chol Empire, he captured Tanjore in 850. By the end of 9th century they defeated Pallavs and Padyas but could not win over Rashtrakuts.
Krishna III defeated Chols and took over

over their northern empire, but after death of Krishna III in 965 Chols revived again.
Rajaraja I( 985-1014) and his son Rajendra I(1014-1044) captured Trivendrum and Madurai.They annexed northern Srilanka and conquered it capital Anuradhapuri, Srilanka could not free itself

for 50 yrs. Thi lead to active trade with South Asian countries. Malabar was made center of trade.
Rajaraja I and Rajendra I marked their victory by building Shiv and Vishnu Temples in South in which Birhadeshwar is most remarkable. Brihadeshwara at Tanjorr was built in 1010.

The temple narrated victories of Chol carved in their walls.Later Rajendra I crossed Kailng to Bengal and defeated local rulers in 1022.Rajendra got the epithet of "Gangaikondacholapura",the one who conquered Ganga. Chol navy became strongest and called Bay of Bengal " Chol Lake"

Chols embassies reached China in 1077 and recieved more than 4laks as a price for glassware, camphor, brocade, rhino horns etc. By this time Chols clashed with Chalukys for lordship of Vengi, Tungbhadra but neither side got victory, but this lead to plunder of Chlunkya.

Chol empire continued flourish till 12th century but start declining by 13th century. Chols were taken over by Chalunkya, and later chalikya by Yadavs and Kartikeys.
During the Chols Bhakti Andolan was at its peak, and Chols actively participated in movement.
Their temple

Architecture included multiple storeys above the Garbhgriha. Devdasi who were in service came into existence.
Kamban was great Tamil poet in court of Chols who wrote Kamban Ramayan. They also Tamil version of Mahabharat and many other ancient scriptures.

Ref-History of South India: K A Nilakant
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