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)
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (c) Rajendra I (Chola)
Explanation:
Rajendra I, also known as Rajendra Chola I, was one of the greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty in South India. He ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, succeeding his father Rajaraja Chola I, who had laid the foundation of a powerful Chola empire.
One of Rajendra I’s most remarkable achievements was his naval expedition against the Srivijaya Empire in Southeast Asia. The Srivijaya Empire was a powerful maritime kingdom that controlled important trade routes through the Strait of Malacca, and it dominated regions like the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and nearby islands.
In 1025 CE, Rajendra I launched a well-organized and highly ambitious naval military campaign against Srivijaya. His fleet sailed across the Bay of Bengal and struck several key ports and cities under Srivijaya’s control. This military action was unprecedented for an Indian ruler and demonstrated the naval strength of the Cholas.
The reasons for this campaign were both economic and strategic. Srivijaya controlled the maritime trade routes between India and China. By defeating Srivijaya, Rajendra aimed to gain influence over these routes and establish Chola dominance in Southeast Asian maritime trade.
This successful expedition brought immense wealth and prestige to the Chola Empire. It also helped Rajendra I in establishing diplomatic relations with countries like China and Cambodia. The campaign is well documented in inscriptions like the Tamil inscriptions at the Brihadeeswarar Temple and in foreign records such as Chinese annals.
To commemorate his victory, Rajendra I assumed the title “Gangaikonda Chola” (the Chola who brought the Ganges) and built the city Gangaikonda Cholapuram, which became his capital.
This remarkable overseas military success made the Cholas a dominant naval power in the Indian Ocean and highlighted Rajendra I’s strategic vision and military prowess.
Hence, the correct answer is (c) Rajendra I (Chola).