Q. Consider the following statements with respect to the Chola Empire:
- The founder of Chola empire was a feudatory of the Pandyas
- Tondaimandalam was the core area of Chola Empire.
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
Neither 1 nor 2
Notes: Founder of the Chola Empire was Vijayalaya, who was at first a feudatory of the Pallavas. He captured Tanjore in 850 CE. By, the end of 9th century, the Cholas had defeated both the Pallavas and Pandyas, bringing the southern Tamil country under their control. So, statement 1 is incorrect. Tondaimandalam refers to southern Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu. Pallavas of Kanchipuram were based out of the Tondaimandalam i.e. it was their core area. Cholas were based out of the Cholamanadalam- comprising modern districts of Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, etc. in southern Tamil Nadu. From this core region, their Empire expanded outward. So, statement 2 is also incorrect.