Capture of Tanjore (Thanjavur, Tamilnadu) from the Muttarayar, an ally of the Pandyas around 850 AD by Vijayalaya and his founding of the temple of NISHUMBHASIDINI (Durga) marked the beginning of Chola dynasty. Thus, Vijayalaya (848-871) can be considered as the founder of Chola dynasty and the empire. However, the Chola dynasty existed even prior to this period in Tamilnadu specially around down south but were localized. The most notable among them was Karikala Cholan. His notable contribution, specially for agriculture, was the construction of a dam across river Kaveri, called the KALLANAI DAM, during the I century AD, standing over today the passage of time, is a testimony to the knowledge about construction technique.

ADITYA I (871-907) - He defeated Pallava's overlord Aparijitha and occupied the entire Thondamandalam, a region mostly under a clan called "Thondaman". He also conquered Kongu region.
PARANTAKA I (907-950) - He invaded the Pandyas territory and assumed the role of "Maduraikondan" - conqueror of Madurai . He suffered a major defeat at the hands of Krishna III of Rashtrakutas in a battle at Takkolam (near Arakkonam, Tamilnadu) in 949 and some territories too. After him for three decades the Chola empire successors were inefficient and lacked the valour. They were Gandaraaditya (950-957)., Arinjaya (956-957)., Sundara (957-970) also known as Parantaka II., and Uttama (970-985). Of these, Sundara (Parantaka II), restored some glory and territories that were held by the Rashtrakutas.
RAJARAJA I (985-1014) - Original name Arulmozhivarman, son of Parantaka II. Chola empires greatness begins with him. He defeated the Pandya, Kerala and Ceylon confederation and occupied their territories. Anuradhapura the then capital of Ceylon was destructed after the defeat of Mahinda V and established a Chola province in the north Ceylon with Polonnaruva as its capital. He annexed the modern Mysore from the Gangas and the result was more intense conflict with Chalukyas of Kalyani. He forced the Chalukyas to flee Vengi whose ruler was a Cholan ally. He also annexed the Maldives to facilitate trade route over Indian Ocean. His notable contribution was the construction of the famous "Brihadeeswara Temple" at Tanjore. He helped Sri Mara Vijayaottungavarman , the Sailendra ruler of Sri Vijaya of South East Asia (Sumatra), to build a Buddhist vihara at Nagapattinam. Raja Raja was gifted with a chariot by the Cambodian ruler in 1012 AD.
RAJENDRA I (1012-1044) - During his tenure he raised the Chola empire to greater heights on land and stature. He completed the conquest of Ceylon by defeating Mahinda V, captured the region of Pandyas, Kerala and made Madurai as Capital. He defeated the western Chalukyas and installed his nephew Raja Raja in the Vengi throne. He punished Madhukauarnava, the eastern Ganga ruler of Kalinga, who was siding the western Chalukyas. He captured the Gangetic region by defeating Mahipala of the Pala dynasty and annexed Bengal and Bihar. . He also made Gangaikondacholapuram as his new capital in celebration of his victory over the Palas and constructed one of the biggest temples. The famous Sri Kalahasti Temple, now in Andhra Pradesh was also his contribution.
RAJADHI RAJA (1018-1054) - He was successful in quelling the rebellion from Kerala, Pandyas and Ceylon. He also defeated the western Chalukyas most notably at the Pundhur Battle on the banks of Krishna.Later he captured Kalyani, assumed the title of "Vijayarajendira". At the end of his career, he again ventured into a battle at Koppam (Kopbal - on the banks of river Krishna) and was killed in the battle against the Chalukyans.
RAJENDRA II (1051-1063) - He turned the defeat of his father and won over the western Chalukyas in the same battle in which his father was killed. His tenure was short as he passed away.
VIRARAJENDRA (1063-1070) - He foiled the attempt of Sinhalese King Vijayabalu I to overthrow Chola rule in Ceylon.
ADIRAJENDRA (1067-1070)KULOTTUNGA I (1070-1120) - Originally known as Rajendra II. He was actually the son of Rajaraja Narendra and Chola princess Ammangadevi, assumed the Chola throne taking advantage of Virarajendra's death. He united the Vengi and Chola kingdom. During his period he lost the Ceylon to Vijayabalu but consolidated the mainland kingdom. However, towards the end of his career, he lost the Vengi and Mysore to the Chalukyas Vikramaaditya VI.The later Cholas - Vikrama (1118-1135), Kulottunga II (1133-1150),Raja Raja II (1146-1173), Rajadhi Raja II (1166-1178), Kulottunga III (1178-1218), Raja Raja III (1216-1256) and Rajendra III (1246 -1279). During their periods the Chola empire slowly disintegrated and they more or less became chieftains in the later periods. The last of these rulers, Rajendra III was defeated by Pandyas Maravaramban Kulasekara and thus ended the Chola dynasty.