In the historical geography of early medieval India, the Chola kingdom mostly ruled over which broad region of the Indian subcontinent?

Introduction / Context:
The Cholas were one of the most powerful and long lasting dynasties of early medieval India. Their empire and cultural influence are important topics in history as well as in regional geography. This question focuses on the broad region of the Indian subcontinent where the Chola kingdom mostly ruled and from where it expanded its power across seas and neighbouring regions.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The subject is the Chola kingdom and its main area of rule. • We are asked to identify the broad geographical region of India under their core control. • Options list eastern, western, northern, southern and north eastern India. • Standard school history and geography information is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
The Cholas arose in the Tamil region and centred their power in what is now Tamil Nadu, parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This area clearly falls within southern India, particularly along the Coromandel coast. The approach is to recall that the Cholas are associated with Tamil cultural traditions, Dravidian architecture and southern peninsular ports.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the famous Chola rulers such as Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola and their capitals at places like Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Step 2: Note that these locations are firmly in the southern part of the Indian peninsula. Step 3: The Chola navy dominated parts of the Bay of Bengal and controlled trade routes linking south India with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Step 4: None of the key Chola centres lie in northern, western or north eastern India. Step 5: Therefore, among the options, southern India is clearly the correct region.

Verification / Alternative check:
History textbooks describe the Chola kingdom as a south Indian empire with its heartland in the Kaveri delta region of Tamil Nadu. Maps of Chola expansion show control over much of southern India, including Sri Lanka and overseas territories, but always with a starting point in the south. General knowledge compilations about Indian dynasties consistently link Cholas with the south rather than other parts of India.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Eastern India: While Cholas conducted overseas expeditions towards Southeast Asia, their core region was not eastern India. Western India: This region was more associated with dynasties like the Rashtrakutas and later the Marathas, not the Cholas. Northern India: Dominated at different times by Rajputs, Delhi Sultanate and others, but not the main base of the Cholas. North eastern India: Linked with its own regional kingdoms and tribes, far from the Chola heartland.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes over focus on Chola overseas connections and forget their peninsular base. Some also confuse Cholas with other south Indian dynasties like Chalukyas and Pandyas and think of a more mixed region. A safe way to remember is that the Chola story begins in the Tamil region, firmly in southern India.

Final Answer:
The Chola kingdom mostly ruled over southern India.