Chola Empire

Timeline

1. c. 850–985Kaveri Delta · Tamil NaduVijayaraja Chola recaptured Thanjavur from the Pandyas and rebuilt Chola rule; over subsequent generations rulers gradually integrated the Kaveri river basin agricultural zones and local chieftain powers, laying administrative and military foundations for later expansion.
2. c. 985–1070Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia · Southeast AsiaRajaraja I and Rajendra I conquered Sri Lanka, Kerala, and several Deccan strongholds, and dispatched fleets on expeditions to Southeast Asia, establishing a tributary and trade network across the Indian Ocean; imperial administration was centered on Thanjavur, operating through copper-plate charters and a system of local autonomy.
3. 1101–1110Thanjavur · Tamil NaduDuring the reign of Kulothunga I (r. 1070–1120), the Chola Empire, though somewhat contracted compared to Rajendra's era, still controlled the Tamil heartland and temple economic system, maintained suzerainty over Sri Lanka and some overseas ports, and continued its cultural output in South India.