Chola dynasty was a Tamil
dynasty which was one of the longest-ruling
dynasties in southern India. The arliest datable
references to this Tamil dynasty are in
inscriptions from the 3rd century BC left by
Asoka, the dynasty continued to govern over
varying territory until the 13th century AD. The
heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of
the Kaveri River, butthey ruled a significantly
larger area at the height of their power from the
later half of the 9th century tillthe beginning of
the 13th century.