The Chola Empire
A South Indian dynasty projects naval power across the Bay of Bengal.
- When
- —
- Duration
- 429 years
- Known to
- ± 20 years
- Era
- Post-Classical, Holocene
The Cholas rule from the ninth century with an unusual degree of local self-government through village assemblies whose procedures — including election by lot — are recorded in temple inscriptions. Rajendra Chola sends fleets against Srivijaya in Sumatra in 1025, a rare instance of an Indian state projecting force overseas. Their bronze sculpture, especially the dancing Shiva, is among the finest metalwork produced anywhere.