Medieval Cholas rose to prominence during the middle of the 9th century C.E. and established the greatest empire South India had seen. They successfully united
South India under their rule and through their naval strength extended their influence in the Southeast Asian countries such as
Srivijaya. They dominated the political affairs of
Lanka for over two centuries through repeated invasions and occupation. They also had continuing trade contacts with the Arabs in the west and with the Chinese empire in the east.