Chola dynasty

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/chola-dynasty

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is Chola dynasty known for?Chola bronze sculptures, particularly the Nataraja
2. What is the territorial extent at peak?Covered most of South India and parts of Sri Lanka
3. What is the key maritime trade partners?China (Song Dynasty), Srivijaya Empire, Roman Empire (earlier)
4. What were the Chola kings famous for building?They built huge temples like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, with a giant tower made from a single granite stone. These temples were places of worship and also homes for beautiful art and carvings.
5. Why did the Chola navy sail across the sea?The Chola navy sailed to trade spices, textiles, and precious gems, and also to protect their kingdom. They even sailed to Sri Lanka and won battles there to keep their southern borders safe.

Dravidian Architecture: A distinctive style of temple architecture originating in South India, characterized by pyramidal towers.
Sangam Period: An ancient period of Tamil literature and culture, preceding the Chola imperial era.
Vimana: The pyramidal tower or spire that forms the roof of a South Indian temple.
Sabha and Ur: Types of village assemblies in ancient South India, crucial for local governance under the Cholas.