Q. Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?
(A) Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)
(B) Prataparudra (Kakatiya)
(C) Rajendra I (Chola)
(D) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)
✅ Correct Answer: (C) Rajendra Chola I
🧭 About Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE) for UPSC Prelims
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Chola Dynasty |
| Father | Rajaraja Chola I |
| Titles | Gangaikonda Cholan (Conqueror of the Ganges), Kadaram Kondan (Conqueror of Kadaram), Mudikondan, Pandita Cholan |
| Reign Period | 1014 CE – 1044 CE |
| Capital | Gangaikonda Cholapuram (in modern Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu) |
| Religion | Shaivism (but tolerant towards Vaishnavism and Buddhism) |
| Language and Culture | Patron of Tamil and Sanskrit learning |
| Legacy | Established the Chola naval supremacy and extended Indian influence across the Bay of Bengal |
🌊 Rajendra Chola I’s Naval Expedition to Srivijaya
🔹 Context
Rajendra Chola I was the first Indian ruler to launch overseas military expeditions. His goal was not only territorial expansion but also to protect and dominate maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
🔹 The Campaign
- Around 1025 CE, Rajendra Chola I sent a powerful naval expedition across the Bay of Bengal.
- His forces attacked and defeated the Srivijaya Empire, which controlled crucial sea routes between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
- Kadaram (modern Kedah, Malaysia) was among the key conquests.
- This victory earned him the title Kadaram Kondan.
🔹 Significance
- The campaign marked the peak of Chola naval power and the first recorded Indian naval expedition beyond the subcontinent.
- It showcased India’s ancient maritime strength and diplomatic reach.
- The Chola Empire thereafter became a dominant commercial and cultural force in Southeast Asia.
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🛕 Legacy and Cultural Achievements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital City | Founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate his victory over the Pala rulers of Bengal (he brought Ganges water to his new capital). |
| Architecture | Built Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site — an architectural marvel following his father’s Thanjavur temple. |
| Festival | The Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival celebrated 1000 years of his maritime conquest and his Shaiva devotion. |
| Trade & Guilds | Encouraged powerful merchant guilds like Manigramam and Ayyavole to trade with China, Srivijaya, and the Middle East. |
| Administration | Efficient governance with strong naval, revenue, and local self-rule systems (inherited from his father). |
| Military Power | Commanded one of the world’s earliest blue-water navies, controlling routes to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Sumatra, and Burma. |
🏺 Chola Dynasty – A Quick Overview
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | One of the Three Tamil Dynasties (along with Cheras and Pandyas). Founded by Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century CE. |
| Peak Rulers | Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I. |
| Capital Cities | Tanjavur → Gangaikonda Cholapuram |
| Religion | Predominantly Shaivism but tolerant of all faiths. |
| Decline | Began in the 13th century CE due to Pandya resurgence. |
⚖️ Chola Administration Highlights
| Administrative Unit | Function / Governance |
|---|---|
| Mandalams | Provinces |
| Valanadus | Divisions under Mandalams |
| Nadus | Subdivisions under Valanadus |
| Urs | Villages |
| Sabha (Brahmin Villages) | Managed land, revenue, and justice |
| Ur (Non-Brahmin Villages) | Local assemblies |
| Kudavolai System | Early democratic election system — candidates’ names drawn from a pot publicly by a child |
| Puravuvarithinaikkalam | Revenue department |
| Main Revenue Source | Land tax (1/6th of produce), customs, and tolls |
| Military | Infantry, Cavalry, Elephants, and Navy — with elite troops Velaikkarar and Kaikkolaperumpadai |
⚖️ Comparison of Rulers in the Question for UPSC CSE
| Ruler | Dynasty | Reign Period | Key Feature / Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amoghavarsha I | Rashtrakuta | 9th century CE | Known for literature (Kavirajamarga), peace, and administration — not for military conquests. |
| Prataparudra II | Kakatiya | 1289–1323 CE | Last ruler of the Kakatiyas; fought against Delhi Sultanate; lost Warangal. |
| Rajendra I | Chola | 1014–1044 CE | Led successful naval expedition against Srivijaya; expanded Chola maritime dominance. |
| Vishnuvardhana | Hoysala | 1108–1152 CE | Expanded Hoysala power; patronized temple art and architecture (Belur, Halebidu). |
🧠 Mnemonic to Remember
“A Powerful Sea King” → Amoghavarsha (Art), Prataparudra (Perished), Vishnuvardhana (Vishnu temples), Rajendra (Ruled Seas)
So, when asked “Who ruled the seas?” → Rajendra Chola I
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📘 Prelims Practice Questions on Rajendra Chola I
- Which of the following titles was assumed by Rajendra Chola I after his northern and overseas conquests?
(a) Vikramaditya
(b) Kadaram Kondan
(c) Simhavishnu
(d) Jayamkonda Chola
✅ Answer: (b) Kadaram Kondan - The capital city of Rajendra Chola I, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, was established to commemorate:
(a) His conquest of Sri Lanka
(b) His victory over Srivijaya
(c) His expedition to the Ganges Valley
(d) His alliance with the Pallavas
✅ Answer: (c) His expedition to the Ganges Valley
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❓ FAQs
Q1. What was the main objective of Rajendra Chola I’s naval expedition?
→ To establish control over international trade routes in the Bay of Bengal and weaken Srivijaya’s monopoly over Southeast Asian maritime trade.
Q2. Why is Rajendra Chola I called Gangaikonda Cholan?
→ Because he brought sacred Ganges water after his successful northern campaign and built a new capital named Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Q3. What makes the Chola administration unique?
→ Its local self-governance system through village assemblies and early democratic Kudavolai elections.
Q4. What is the significance of the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival?
→ It celebrates 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola I’s maritime achievements and the Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition.
Q5. What does the Srivijaya campaign tell us about Indian history?
→ It reveals that ancient India had strong naval capabilities and extensive international trade and cultural networks centuries before the European maritime age.
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