The archaeological examples of Dravidian art and architecture are visible from the 7th century AD to the 16th century AD and are contributed by the South Indian dynasties such as the Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Pandyas, Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara empires. It is said that the Dravidian art and architecture reached its zenith under the Cholas during the 9th-11th century AD. The Chola rulers continued with the early-stage structures and refined them further as discussed below:

• Temple Architecture: It evolved from the early rock cuts and structural temples of Pallavas rulers to magnificent and bigger temples under the Chola patronage. Brahadeeshwarar temple constructed by Rajaraja Chola at Thanjavur is the best example:
  • Magnificence: It is bigger in scale than anything built by their predecessors, the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, or the Pandyas.
  • Massive Vimana: Its pyramidal multi-storeyed vimana rises a massive, 70 metre (230 ft. approx) structure. Huge Nandi figures dot the corners of the shikhara. Hundreds of stucco figures decorate the vimana.
  • Elaborate gopurams: It is in this temple that one notices for the first time two large gopuras (gateway towers) with an elaborate sculptural program. The main deity of the temple is Shiva, who is shown as a huge lingam set in a two-storeyed sanctum.
• Sculpture: Both the bronze and the stone sculptures achieved a classic grace and grandeur during the Chola times. They were used extensively to decorate the walls, pillars, and roofs. The bronze sculptures of the Chola period, especially the statues of Nataraja are world-famous.
• Paintings: The Chola Kings Rajaraja I and Rajendra contributed to the development of painting. The walls surrounding the sanctum of their temples have extended mythological narratives which are depicted through painted murals and sculptures.
• Dance: Cholas patronized the art of dance in their temples. They promoted the devadasi culture which further supported the development of Bharatanatyam and Kathakali during this time.
• Literature: The Imperial Chola era the golden age of Tamil culture is marked by the importance of literature as well. Chola records cite many works, including the Rajarajesvara Natakam, Viranukkaviyam, and Kannivana Puranam. The famous writer, Kamban who wrote Ramavataram existed during this time.

The Chola kings were ardent followers of Shiva. Their conquests gave impetus to the temple building architecture and increased in magnanimity and grandeur of these temples. The Great Living Chola temples comprising the Brahadeeshwarar temple at Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, and Airavateshwar temple at Darasuram have been given the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. They are considered a testimony to the development of Tamil civilization in Southern India.