Question Details

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? [Medieval History]

Options

A

Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)

B

Prataparudra (Kakatiya)

C

Rajendra I (Chola)

D

Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option C

Rajendra I (Chola)

Solution :

The correct option is Rajendra I (Chola).

Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Historical Context of the Chola Navy: During the medieval period, the Chola Dynasty of Southern India established a highly powerful empire with a formidable naval fleet. Rajendra Chola I (who reigned from 1014 to 1044 CE) succeeded his father, Rajaraja Chola I, and expanded the empire's reach beyond the Indian subcontinent.
2. The Srivijaya Empire: Srivijaya was a powerful maritime kingdom based on the island of Sumatra (modern-day Indonesia). It controlled key international sea-trade routes, particularly the Strait of Malacca and the Sunda Strait, which connected India and the West with China.
3. The Campaign of 1025 CE: In 1025 CE, Rajendra I launched a massive, unprecedented naval expedition across the Bay of Bengal against Srivijaya. The Chola forces successfully raided several strategic ports and cities belonging to the Srivijaya kingdom, including its capital at Kadaram (modern Kedah) and Palembang.
4. Outcome and Impact: The campaign resulted in the defeat of the Srivijaya king, Sangrama Vijayatungavarman, who was captured by the Chola forces. Although the Cholas did not establish direct territorial rule over Southeast Asia, the successful campaign temporarily broke the Srivijayan monopoly on trade routes, secured safe passage for Indian merchants, and asserted Chola maritime supremacy in the region.

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