Lords of Earth and Sea: A History of the Chola Empire

Introduction

Anirudh Kanisetti’s book addresses the underexplored subject of Southern Indian history, specifically focusing on the Chola Empire. His previous work, "Lords of the Deccan," highlighted the influence of the Chalukyas and now, with "Lords of Earth and Sea," he explores the rise of the Cholas in the fertile Kaveri floodplain around 850 CE.

The Chola Dynasty and Its Expansion

• The Cholas established a Tamil-speaking empire extending across the Tamil and Telugu coasts, reaching as far as Bengal, and influencing regions like the Malay peninsula.
• Famous Chola rulers include Rajaraja, Rajendra, Rajadhiraja, and Vira Rajendra, known for their expansion into Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia.
• The dynasty lasted over 400 years (850 to 1279 CE), longer than the Mughal Empire.

Legacy of the Chola Empire

• Contributed significantly to Hindu worship by promoting the image of Shiva Nataraja and the concept of congregational worship in temples.
• Transformed religious practices, shifting allegiance from their original war goddess to Shiva, aligning with rural gentry preferences.

Political and Social Dynamics

Kanisetti begins his narrative in the early 10th century, when the Rashtrakutas were a dominant power. The Cholas rose to prominence through strategic alliances and military prowess, exemplified by Parantaka's marriage alliances and political maneuvers.

Economic and Religious Influences

• The Cholas engaged in massive temple-building projects, which were not only religious but also strategies for wealth accumulation and power projection.
• Sembiyan Mahadevi, a prominent Chola queen, played a key role in religious and political dynamics, helping to solidify her son’s rule through temple endowments.

Chola Military Campaigns

• Rajaraja Chola's invasion of Sri Lanka around 991 CE exemplifies the Chola military expeditions, though often misrepresented as grand colonization efforts.
• These ventures were largely supported by merchant syndicates like the "Five Hundred," who profited from trade and conquests.

Trade and the Southeast Asian Connection

• The Cholas capitalized on Southeast Asian trade, notably Rajendra's attack on Kedah in Malaya, which disrupted existing power structures and benefited merchant syndicates.
• Despite no sustained imperial presence, these actions created opportunities for the "Five Hundred" to dominate trade in the region.

Downfall and Lessons

• Kanisetti highlights how the Chola's land policies, intended to appease the gentry, led to a decline in tax revenues as lands were converted into tax-exempt temple properties.
• This resulted in diminished royal power, serving as an early example of the consequences of cronyism and tax evasion.