The Chola dynasty is one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India.
The earliest datable references to this Tamil dynasty are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE left by Asoka, of the Maurya Empire.
As one of the Three Crowned Kings, the dynasty continues to govern over varying territory until the 13th century CE.The heartland of the Cholas is the fertile valley of the Kaveri River, but they rule a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the later half of the 9th century until the beginning of the 13th century.
The whole country south of the Tungabhadra us united and held as one state for a period of two centuries and more.
Under Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola I, the dynasty becomes a military, economic and cultural power in South Asia and South-East Asia.
The power of the new empire is proclaimed to the eastern world by the expedition to the Ganges which Rajendra Chola I undertakes and by the occupation of cities of the maritime empire of Srivijaya, as well as by the repeated embassies to China.
During the period 1010–1200, the Chola territories stretch from the islands of the Maldives in the south to as far north as the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.
Rajaraja Chola conquers peninsular South India, annexes parts of which is now Sri Lanka and occupies the islands of the Maldives.
Rajendra Chola sends a victorious expedition to North India that touches the river Ganges and defeats the Pala ruler of Pataliputra, Mahipala.
He also successfully invades cities of Srivijaya.
The Chola dynasty goes into decline at the beginning of the 13th century with the rise of the Pandyas, who ultimately cause their downfall.
The Cholas leave a lasting legacy.
Their patronage of Tamil literature and their zeal in the building of temples has resulted in some great works of Tamil literature and architecture.
The Chola kings are avid builders and envision the temples in their kingdoms not only as places of worship but also as centers of economic activity.
They pioneer a centralized form of government and establish a disciplined bureaucracy.
According to the Malay chronicle Sejahrah Melayu the rulers of the Malacca sultanate claim to be descendants of the kings of the Chola Empire.
