Which dynasty ruled Venad, the southern kingdom, which later evolved into Travancore?

Ay Dynasty
Pallava Dynasty
Chola Dynasty
Chalukya Dynasty

The correct answer is: Chola Dynasty.

The Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled over southern India from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Cholas were one of the most powerful dynasties in Indian history, and they left a lasting legacy on the culture and architecture of southern India.

The Cholas were originally a small kingdom in the Chola Nadu region of Tamil Nadu. In the 9th century, they began to expand their territory, and they soon became one of the most powerful kingdoms in southern India. The Cholas were able to achieve this through a combination of military might and political acumen.

The Cholas were also patrons of the arts and sciences. They built many temples and palaces, and they supported many scholars and artists. The Chola period is considered to be a golden age in Tamil culture.

The Chola dynasty came to an end in the 13th century, when they were defeated by the Pandya dynasty. However, the Cholas left a lasting legacy on the culture and architecture of southern India.

The other options are incorrect because:

  • The Ay Dynasty was a small kingdom that ruled over parts of northern India in the 10th and 11th centuries.
  • The Pallava Dynasty was a Tamil dynasty that ruled over southern India from the 6th to the 9th centuries.
  • The Chalukya Dynasty was a Kannada dynasty that ruled over southern India from the 6th to the 12th centuries.