Significance: Expanded Chola territory significantly, defeating the Pandyas and conquering parts of Sri Lanka.

Contribution: Known for the Uttiramerur inscription, detailing sophisticated village self-governance.

Rajaraja I (r. c. 985–1014 CE):

Significance: Consolidated the Tamil country, established a powerful centralized administration, and initiated major overseas ventures.
Contribution: Built the magnificent Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, conducted extensive land surveys, and expanded the navy.

Rajendra I (r. c. 1014–1044 CE):

Significance: Son of Rajaraja I, he took the Chola Empire to its greatest territorial and maritime extent.
Contribution: Led the famous northern campaign to the Ganges and the unprecedented naval expedition to Srivijaya (Southeast Asia). Founded the new capital city and temple at Gangaikondacholapuram.

Kulothunga I (r. c. 1070–1122 CE):

Significance: A Chalukya-Chola king (son of an Eastern Chalukya king and a Chola princess), reuniting the two lines. Maintained stability and prosperity for a long reign.
Contribution: Sent a large trade embassy to China, focused on internal administration, and abolished several oppressive taxes.

Later Cholas (e.g., Kulottunga III, Rajaraja III, Rajendra III):

Significance: Period of gradual decline in power from the late 12th to mid-13th centuries.
Challenges: Faced increasing pressure from resurgent Pandyas, Hoysalas, and Kakatiyas, leading to territorial losses and eventual collapse. Continued temple building, but on a smaller scale.

The Chola period was a golden age for Tamil culture, marked by the flourishing of Bhakti traditions, monumental temple art, and rich literary output.

Religion:
- Hinduism Dominant: Primarily Shaivism (worship of Shiva) and Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu) were prevalent.
- Bhakti Movement: Continued to flourish, with temples serving as centers for devotional singing (Tevaram for Shiva, Nalayira Divya Prabandham for Vishnu) by saints (Nayanmars, Alvars).
- Royal Patronage: Kings were devout Hindus, building grand temples and making lavish endowments. Rajaraja I was a fervent Shaivite, while others like Kulothunga I showed broader patronage.
- Jainism & Buddhism: Co-existed, though less dominant. Nagapattinam was a notable Buddhist center with a large vihara (monastery) supported by Chola kings and Srivijayan rulers.
Literature:
- Tamil Literature: A period of significant literary production.
  - Kambar’s Ramayanam (Kambaramayanam): A celebrated Tamil epic retelling of the Ramayana, considered a masterpiece.
  - Sekkizhar’s Periyapuranam: A collection of the life histories of the 63 Shaiva Nayanmar saints.
  - Jayankondar’s Kalingattupparani: A war poem celebrating Kulothunga I’s victory in Kalinga.
  - Ottakoothar: A prominent court poet.
- Sanskrit Literature: Many royal inscriptions (prashastis) were composed in elegant Sanskrit, showcasing the bilingual nature of the court.
Art & Architecture: (See Section 9)
- Dravidian Temple Architecture: Reached its zenith, characterized by multi-storied vimanas, elaborate gopurams, and intricate sculptures.
- Bronze Sculpture: