Chola dynasty is one of the main dynasties that ruled South India. Under Rajaraja Choḷa I and his son Rajendra Choḷa I, the dynasty became a military, economic and cultural power in South Asia and South-east Asia. The Choḷas left a lasting legacy. Their patronage of Tamil literature and their zeal in building temples have resulted in some great works of Tamil literature and architecture. The Choḷa kings were avid builders and envisioned the temples in their kingdoms not only as places of worship but also as centres of economic activity. They pioneered a centralised form of government and established a disciplined bureaucracy.

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