The emergence of Chola power from obscurity, its rise to an imperial position, and its conflicts with the Rashtrakutas and later with the Chalukyas of Kalyani form the dominant features of South Indian history from 850 to 1200.

The whole region south of the Tungabhadra was united and held as one state for more than two centuries.

Räjendra I’s celebrated expedition to the Ganges, the overthrow of the maritime empire of Sri Vijaya, and repeated embassies to China proclaimed the power of the new empire.

In wars with enemies across the Tungabhadra, the Cholas were aided by the Eastern Chalukyas, a dynasty that came closer to the Cholas through marriage alliances, culminating in 1070, when one ruler occupied both the Chola and Vengi thrones.

The union between the Cholas and Eastern Chalukyas led to increased hostility with the Western Chalukyas.

By the close of the 12th century, both major powers (Cholas and Chalukyas) were exhausted by conflicts and were on the decline.

Smaller powers, such as the Pandyas, Hoysalas, Yadavas, and Kakatiyas, began to show new vigour and readiness to proclaim independence.

The Cholas established an efficient administrative system combining vigorous central control with significant local autonomy.

Chola architecture and sculpture are exemplified in the great temples of Tanjore, Gungai-kondašõjapuram, Darasuram, and Tribhuvani.

Fine arts like painting, music, and dancing were heavily patronized by the Cholas, leading to a flourishing of literature.

The rise of Chola power began with the capture of Tanjore by Vijayālaya (before 850), a possible Pallava feudatory, who wrested Tanjore from the Muttarayar.

Vijayālaya’s success weakened Pandya influence north of the Kaveri and strengthened the power of Nripatunga, who had already restored Pallava power.

The Pandya king Varagunavarman II invaded Chola territory to check the growing Pallava influence, reaching Idavai (c. 879).

Varagunavarman was met by a powerful combination of forces, including Aparajita (son of Nripatungavarman), Chola Aditya I (successor of Vijayālaya), and Ganga Prithvipati I.

A decisive battle at Sri Pusumbiyam near Kumbakonam in 880 resulted in a crushing defeat for the Pandya monarch, though Prithvipati I lost his life in the battle.

Aditya I expanded Chola territory beyond what his father had secured, with new land added by the Pallava overlord.

Aditya I’s victory over the Pallavas marked the end of Pallava rule in Tondaimandalam, and Chola territory extended to the Rashtrakūtas’ borders (897).

Ganga Prithvipati II, grandson of Prithvipati I, soon acknowledged Chola suzerainty.