Jan-Mar(2023)

Strategic Brilliance and Structural Strains of the Cholas

Dr. R. Rajeshwari

Assistant Professor, Department of History, Thanthai Periyar Govt. Arts and Science College (A), Tiruchirappalli.

The study critically examines the Chola Empire under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, highlighting the strategic motives behind their military expansions and economic policies. While their campaigns secured vital trade routes and bolstered economic prosperity, the dependence on expansionism led to administrative overreach and military exhaustion, contributing to the empire’s decline. The paper explores the paradox of Chola society—marked by economic and cultural advancements yet constrained by rigid hierarchies. Despite fostering trade and religious patronage, the benefits of prosperity were unequally distributed, with marginalized groups facing systemic barriers. The Chola state’s support for Saivism, while accommodating other traditions, was more a tool of political control than religious inclusivity.

Keywords: Chola Empire, military expansion, economic strategy, social hierarchy, religious patronage
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8. N. Sethuraman. The Cholas. Kumbakonam, 1977, p. 155.
9. T.V. Sadhasiva Pandaraththar. History of the Later Cholas. Puthukottai, 1974, p. 302.
10. M. Rajendran. Copper Plates of the Chola Period. Vandavasi, 2011, p. 246.
11. Vijay Sakhija and Sangeeta Sakhija. Rajendra Chola’s Naval Expedition to Southeast Asia. Chennai, 1987, p. 187.
12. Ibid.
13. George W. Spencer. The Chola Conquest of Sri Lanka and Sri Vijaya. Madras, 1983, p. 237.
14. Ibid.
15. K.A. Nilakanta Sastri. Foreign Notices on South India. Madras, 1967, p. 321.
16. K.V. Hariharan. The Chola Maritime Activities in Early Period. Madras, 1972, p. 123.


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Published: 26 MAR 2023

Issue: Jan-Mar(2023)

Section: Articles

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