2.9 Ancient India Part IX, A primer on Cholas, Imperial Cholas and the Kalabhras

While Mauryas, Shungas, Kanvas and Kushanas ruled northern India one after the other over several centuries. Deccan came under the rule of the Satavahanas(Andhras) from 1st century BC to 3rd century AD. From 3rd century BC to 3rd century AD we see the rule of Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas in deep south of Indian Peninsula. But these dynasties were soon taken over by the Kalabhras, whose rule some historians have called a dark age. But soon we see a return of Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas. Were these the same or different? The new Cholas expanded and built a massive empire with many subordinate kingdoms paying obeisance. They were thus called the Imperial Cholas who ruled a vast stretch of islands and land masses in the Indian Ocean stretching from modern day Maldives to Indonesia and even reached Phillipines where a Chola prince laid the foundation of the Kingdom of Cebu (Cebu Rajahnate). While the Imperial Cholas are said to have had their heydays from 850AD to 1279 AD. In 1279, the last Chola Emperor, Rajendra Chola III, was defeated by Kulasekara Pandyan I. Chola members and successors persisted for a few more centuries.