The Cholas turn for empire building came between 850 and 1270 AD and, at the height of their power, they controlled most of the Indian peninsula south of a line drawn between Mumbai and Puri, including parts of Sri Lanka. They rule in South India for nearly four centuries.
The mighty Cholas made Thanjavur their capital in the 9th century AD, following which their increased, through conquests, the size ad strength of their empire.
Finally, after realizing all his military ambitions, the Chola monarch Raj Raja Chola I decided to built a great temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Siva. It was built in about 1000 AD. It is the masterpiece of South Indian architecture. The city became important during the Vijayanagar, Maratha and British periods.
Thanjavur: Ancient City In India
