Uththama Cholan ruled Tamil Nadu from 973 to 985. He came to power after Aditya Karikalan, the eldest son of Paranthaga Cholan was assassinated in Kadambur. The people wanted to give the throne to Rajaraja Cholan but at the time of swearing-in ceremony, Rajaraja himself made his uncle Uththama Cholan king since Uththama was the elder and the son of Kandathittha Chola.

He wasn a relative unknown before the death of Aditya Karikalan but during his 12 year rule, he was able to manage the Chola kingdom very well.