Question

The chief feature(s) of the Chola architecture was/were_________.

Answer 1

Hint:The three Chola temples in India were built by using the Dravidian style of temple architecture.
The Brihadisvara Temple, designed by the renowned architect Sama Varma, was built by King Rajaraja Chola in the 10th century A.D. In Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola kings, the Brihadisvara temples are located.

Complete answer:
An era of continuous improvement and refinement of Dravidian art and architecture was the time of the Imperial Cholas (850 CE-1250 CE) in South India. In the construction of long-lasting stone temples and exquisite bronze sculptures, in an almost entirely Hindu cultural context, they used the wealth gained through their extensive conquests. In the traditional way of the Pallava dynasty, who were themselves inspired by the Amaravati School of architecture, the Cholas constructed their temples. Furthermore the Chola artists and artisans drew their influences from other schools of modern art and architecture and developed the design of the Dravidian temple to new heights. The main features of Chola architecture:-
At the entrance to the mandapa, or hall, the dvarapalas or guardian figures became a unique feature of the Chola Temples.
Following a transition from the rock cut structures of the Pallava Period, the Dravidian Style was completely developed.
In contrast to the colossus buildings of the Imperial Cholas, early Chola temples at the Bank of the River Kaveri were smaller and brick-made.
The Imperial Cholas temples are covered with beautiful sculptures and frescoes that are well-composed.
The biggest and tallest of all temples in India. For example, the Siva Temple of Tanjore was constructed in the Chola Era.
Ganas, among the temple sculptures, are the most memorable figures created in the temples of Chola.
On the upper side of the shrine room where the idol of God was installed, special vimanas were constructed. Also, dome-shaped Kalash and Shikhara were mounted on top of the Gopuram.

Note:The Chola dynasty is considered as southern India's Tamil thalassocratic dynasty, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of the world.
The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile Kaveri River valley, but they ruled a much larger region from the late half of the 9th century until the starting of the 13th century at the height of their control.
The dynasty became a political, economic and cultural power in South Asia and South-East Asia under Rajaraja Chola I and his successors, Rajendra Chola I, Rajadhiraja Chola, Virarajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola I.