The Cholas were very powerful rulers who ruled over South India. The Chola kingdom was located on the Coromandel Coast and extended from present day Nellore to Pudukottai. The Cholas came to power after defeating the Pallavas in the ninth century. The first Chola king was Aditya I. His son and successor Parantaka ruled the kingdom for 42 years. During his reign, he defeated the Pandya king and exiled him. Additionally, he also invaded Ceylon and captured Mathura.
The Chola kingdom reached its highest point of glory under Rajaraja Chola who ruled from 985 to 1014 AD. He pursued a policy of conquest and conquered Vengi, the Cheras and the Pandyas. Additionally, other territories along the Malabar coast and in Ceylon were also annexed. He married the daughter of the Vengi kingdom and this promoted unity among the Cholas and the Chalukyas.
After Rajaraja, the Chola throne was ascended by Rajendra Chola. He ruled for 28 years during which he expanded the territories further by occupying Andaman Nicobar islands, Sumatra and Malaya. He also defeated the Pala king of Bihar and Bengal in 1023. In commemoration of his victories, he built a new city known as "Gangaikonda Cholapuram". The city had a magnificents palace, temple and a lake.
Rajendra Chola was succeeded by Rajadhiraja. He was killed fighting the Chalukyas and was succeeded by Adhiraja. Adhiraja was assassinated in 1074 AD. He was followed by Rajendra Kulottunga I who formed the line of rulers from the Chalukya cholas.
The Chola kingdom declined in the 13th century. After the decline of the Chola kingdom, South India saw the rise of Viajayanagara kingdom.
source: http://www.indianmantra.com/mantras-pages/indian-history/the-cholas.html
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