South India in the Early Medieval Age

Introduction

• The Early Medieval Period witnessed the emergence of several powerful kingdoms in South India that played a crucial role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural history of the subcontinent.
• Unlike North India, which experienced frequent political fragmentation and foreign invasions, South India witnessed the rise of stable and expansionist regional empires.
• The most prominent among these was the Chola Empire, which became one of the greatest maritime and imperial powers in Indian history.
• The Cholas established a vast empire extending across large parts of South India and maintained extensive commercial and cultural contacts with Southeast Asia.
• The period also saw the rise of other important dynasties such as the:
  
  • Western Chalukyas
  • Hoysalas
  • Kakatiyas
  • Yadavas
• South Indian rulers made significant contributions to:
  
  • Administration
  • Trade and commerce
  • Temple architecture
  • Sculpture
  • Literature
  • Local self-government
• The magnificent temples, bronze sculptures, and literary works produced during this period represent some of the finest achievements of Indian civilization.
• The Chola system of local administration, especially village self-government, is regarded as one of the most advanced administrative models of medieval India.
• Thus, the history of Early Medieval South India is marked by political stability, imperial expansion, maritime activity, cultural prosperity, and remarkable achievements in art and architecture.

The Chola Empire (850–1279 AD)

Capital

• The Chola Empire had two important capitals:
  
  • Tanjore (Thanjavur)
  • Gangaikondacholapuram

Founder

• The founder of the Chola Dynasty was Vijayalaya.
• Initially, he served as a feudatory of the Pallavas.
• He captured Tanjore in 850 AD, laying the foundation of an independent Chola kingdom.

Greatest Chola Rulers

• The two greatest rulers of the dynasty were:
  
  • Rajaraja I (985–1014 AD)
  • Rajendra I (1014–1044 AD)

Rajaraja I

     Architectural Contribution

• • Rajaraja I constructed the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Rajarajeswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, at Tanjore.
  • It remains one of the finest achievements of Dravidian architecture.

Rajendra I

    Military Conquests

• • Rajendra I expanded the Chola Empire by conquering:
    
    • Odisha
    • Bengal
    • Burma (Myanmar)
    • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • The Chola Empire reached its zenith during his reign.

    Achievements

• • He assumed the prestigious title “Gangaikondachola” after his northern campaigns.
  • He established a new capital named Gangaikondacholapuram.

    Last Chola Ruler

• • The last ruler of the Chola dynasty was Rajendra III.

Chola Administration

Central Administration

• The King was the supreme authority and was assisted by a Council of Ministers.
• Despite a strong monarchy, the Chola administrative system displayed democratic features, especially at the local level.

Administrative Divisions

The Chola Empire was divided into several territorial units:

• Mandalam – Province
• Valanadu – Commissionary
• Nadu – District
• Kurram – Group of Villages

Local Self-Government

• The system of local self-government is regarded as the most distinctive and advanced feature of Chola administration.

Revenue

• The principal sources of state income were:
  
  • Land Revenue
  • Trade Tax

Chola Art and Architecture

Architectural Style

• The dominant architectural style during the Chola period was the Dravida Style.

Important Temple

• The celebrated Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram is an important example of Dravidian architecture.

Sculpture

• Chola bronze sculpture reached its artistic peak in the famous dancing image of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, regarded as one of the masterpieces of Indian art.

Literature

Kamban

• The renowned Tamil poet Kamban composed the Ramavataram, popularly known as the Kamba Ramayana.

Three Gems of Tamil Poetry

The following poets are regarded as the “Three Gems of Tamil Literature”:

• • Kamban
  • Kuttana
  • Pugalendi

Features of Chola Temples

Vimana

• The Vimana, or the tall pyramidal tower above the sanctum, dominates the entire temple structure and gives it grandeur.

Other Important Components

• Gopuram – Monumental entrance gateway
• Garbhagriha – Sanctum Sanctorum housing the main deity

Notable Chola Temples

Some of the finest examples of Chola temple architecture include:

• • Temple of Vijayalaya
  • Choleswara Temple
  • Nageshwara Temple
  • Koranganatha Temple
  • Muvarakovil Temple

Other Kingdoms of South India

• The magnificent Hoysaleshwara Temple at Dwarasamudra (modern Halebidu) is regarded as the greatest achievement of Hoysala architecture and is famous for its intricate stone carvings and sculptural excellence.