[MR] BBC: Chola Dynasty

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble friends,

The SCA is generally euro-centric, with occasional dips into Islamic or
East Asian themes. Interest in other cultures is a rarity, and often
hampered by a lack of information.

Welcome to the Chola empire of India centered in what is today the state of
Tamil Nadu. The Chola dynasty created a vibrant civilization on the Indian
sub-continent between 848 and 1279. This resulted in a flowering of
culture, architecture and trade. Using a network of Tamil traders, Chola
rulers spread their culture and power across southeast Asia, and had links
with China, Africa and the Middle East.

Like all empires, the Cholas eventually declined. Rajendra III, the last
Chola emperor, was defeated and probably killed by forces of the rival
Pandya empire in 1279. Many of the great Chola temples and other works
survive as a reminder of their power and influence.

And in the SCA? At my first Pennsic I remember seeing two warriors dressed
in regal Indian garb, but that was the only evidence I have ever
encountered of anything South Asian in the SCA.

Just for fun, check out this statue of Valvil Ori, a pre-Chola Tamil
warrior (great mustache!):
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Valvil_Ori_Statue_Kolli_Hills_JEG3055.JPG/640px-Valvil_Ori_Statue_Kolli_Hills_JEG3055.JPG

The BBC offers an interesting feature on the Chola empire at
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm27zn0vl33o .

More about the Cholas is at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola_Empire .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep the original Merry Rose relevant and in
business.