Parantaka I

Parantaka I invaded the Pandya kingdom and captured its capital Madurai, taking the title 'Maduraikonda' (conqueror of Madurai). He also seized the Pandya crown and other regalia, establishing Chola supremacy over the southern Tamil region.

Parantaka I is credited with building the golden roof (vimanam) over the sanctum of the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram. This act of patronage to the Shaiva tradition enhanced the temple's prestige and became a symbol of Chola devotion.

Parantaka I launched a naval invasion of Sri Lanka, capturing the northern part of the island. This campaign extended Chola influence across the Palk Strait and demonstrated the Chola navy's capability, though the conquest was not permanent.

Parantaka I suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Takkolam against the Rashtrakuta king Krishna III and his Ganga allies. The Chola army was routed, and the Rashtrakutas occupied the northern Chola territories, including the capital Thanjavur temporarily.