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The Chola Empire or the Imperial Cholas also known as the Indian maritime Empire was a medieval empire based in Southern India that was ruled by the Chola dynasty. At its greatest extent it covered much of the southern and eastern India along with many territories in Southeast Asia.
The Government of the Chola Empire was monarchical. The empire consisted of various principalities which acted as subordinates to the emperors, but still had some degree of autonomy.
During the reign of Rajendra Chola I (i.e. 1016–1033 AD) and Kulothunga Chola I (i.e. in 1077 AD), commercial and political diplomats were sent to China.