History of the Cholas: Kings, Temples and the Making of an Empire

From a modest chieftaincy to a mighty empire that thundered across oceans—and then, slowly, back to obscurity. History of the Cholas traces the remarkable journey of the Chola dynasty with colour, depth and feeling. Its kings and queens, princes and princesses, brave generals and ordinary subjects all walk through these pages like living figures. We see palaces glow under torchlight, temples rise skyward stone by stone, and endowments flow from monarchs, commanders and humble devotees alike. There are wars and conquests, yes—but also betrayal, loss and decline. M Rajamanikkanar gathers history, inscription, folklore and imagination into a narrative that is as powerful as it is human. This translation brings his masterpiece to a new audience, inviting readers to step into a world where ambition shaped kingdoms and faith carved monuments that still stand.