Understanding Chola Kingdom Expansion by Successors

The question asks about the territories located to the south and north that were incorporated into the Chola kingdom by the rulers who succeeded Vijayalaya. Vijayalaya is known for establishing the imperial Chola dynasty by capturing Thanjavur in the 9th century CE. His successors significantly expanded the kingdom, transforming it from a small principality into a vast empire.

Chola Expansion Under Vijayalaya's Successors

After Vijayalaya, rulers like Aditya I and particularly Parantaka I played crucial roles in expanding the Chola dominion. The expansion occurred in different directions, incorporating neighbouring kingdoms and territories.

• Expansion to the South: The major power to the south of the early Cholas was the Pandyan kingdom. Parantaka I (reigned c. 907–955 CE) is credited with a major victory against the Pandyas, conquering their territories and even invading Sri Lanka (though control there was temporary initially). This brought the southern regions under Chola control.
• Expansion to the North: To the north, the Pallava dynasty, though powerful earlier, was in decline during the rise of the Cholas. Aditya I, Vijayalaya's son, defeated the last Pallava king, Aparajitavarman, in the late 9th century CE. This victory brought the northern parts of Tamil Nadu, which were under Pallava influence, into the Chola kingdom. The successors continued to consolidate control over these areas.

Therefore, the significant territories to the south and north that became part of the Chola kingdom under Vijayalaya's successors were the Pandyan territories and the Pallava territories, respectively.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the given options based on historical facts about Chola expansion:

Based on the historical evidence, the Pandyan kingdom to the south and the Pallava kingdom to the north were the key territories incorporated by the successors of Vijayalaya, particularly during the reigns of Aditya I and Parantaka I.

Conclusion on Chola Territory Incorporation

The rulers following Vijayalaya were successful in expanding the nascent Chola state into a dominant power in South India. Their military campaigns brought the Pandyan kingdom in the south and the remnant territories of the Pallava kingdom in the north under Chola rule, laying the foundation for the vast Chola empire.

Revision Table: Chola Expansion Highlights

Additional Information on Chola Expansion

The expansion under Vijayalaya's successors was not just about conquest; it involved establishing administrative control, collecting revenue, and integrating these new territories into the Chola political and economic system. This era saw the development of robust administrative structures, including local self-governance systems like village assemblies (सभा - sabha and उर - ur). The wealth and resources from the expanded territories fueled ambitious building projects, such as large temples, which are iconic symbols of the Chola empire's power and prosperity.

While the question specifically asks about territories made part of the kingdom by successors of Vijayalaya, it's worth noting that the expansion continued under later, more famous rulers like Rajaraja I and his son Rajendra I, who extended the Chola influence much further, including parts of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and even launching a famous naval expedition towards Southeast Asia.