Vijayalaya Chola was the founder of the Chola Dynasty. He established his kingdom in Thanjavur in 848 CE.

Rajaraja Chola I is known as the 'Great Chola' because of his military conquests and his patronage of art and architecture.

Rajaraja Chola I built the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur in 1010 CE. It is one of the largest and most impressive temples in India.

Rajaraja Chola I defeated the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas in a series of battles, expanding the Chola Empire to its greatest extent.

Rajaraja Chola I invaded Sri Lanka in 993 CE and conquered the island. He established a Chola viceroyalty in Sri Lanka.

Kulothunga Chola I was a great patron of art and literature. He supported the construction of many temples and commissioned the writing of several works of literature.

Rajaraja Chola I established the Chola navy and made the Chola Empire a maritime power. He conquered the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and his navy raided the coasts of Burma and Malaysia.

Parantaka Chola I was known as the 'Parakesari', which means 'lion among kings'.

Vijayalaya Chola was known as the 'Karikala', which means 'black tiger'.

Rajaraja Chola I was known as the 'Mummudi Chola', which means 'the Chola who wore three crowns'.

Kulothunga Chola I was known as the 'Solakon', which means 'the Chola who ruled over the whole world'.

Vikrama Chola was known as the 'Vikrama Chola', which means 'the Chola who was as brave as Vikrama'.

Rajaraja Chola I was known as the 'Jata Chola', which means 'the Chola who had matted hair'.

Rajaraja Chola I was known as the 'Gangaikonda Chola', which means 'the Chola who conquered the Ganges'.