Explain briefly about the splendid temples …

The Chola rulers loved art and architecture. They build temples and palaces. Most of the Chola temples were build in the Dravidian style. Early Chola temples were simple structures but later on they became bigger.

The gateway of the temple was called 'gopuram' and the main shrine, ' garbhagriha'. The images of Gods and Goddesses were kept here, which were either made of stone or bronze. The 'mandapa' or the audience hall, was a place where people gathered for prayers. The chief features of Chola temples are their massive 'vimanas' or towers and spacious courtyards.

One of the best examples of Chola temple is the Brihadeshwara aka Rajarajeshwara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Thanjavur, it is one of the best specimens of Dravidian style of architecture.

The art of making stone and metal images had made rapid progress under the Chola rulers. The Cholas excelled in making images of Gods and Goddesses. The bronze image of Lord Shiva as 'Nataraja'— Lord of dance, is an excellent work of art and has also been described as the " cultural epitome" of the Cholas.