Q. With reference to the imperial Chola dynasty, consider the following statements regarding Emperor Rajendra Chola I:
1.He assumed the title
2.He launched a historic naval expedition in 1025 CE that defeated the Srivijaya Empire, securing control over the strategic Malacca Strait.
3.He stopped the maritime expansion policies of his father, Rajaraja Chola I, to focus on land conquests in South India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: To commemorate his military march to the banks of the Ganges and his victory over Mahipala I of the Pala dynasty, Rajendra Chola I took the title Gangaikondachola and built the new capital city, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
- Statement 2 is correct: In 1025 CE, Rajendra Chola I sent a formidable naval fleet across the Bay of Bengal to defeat the maritime empire of Srivijaya (Indonesia/Malaysia), ensuring unhindered trade routes through the Strait of Malacca for Chola merchants.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Rather than abandoning his father’s policies, Rajendra Chola I significantly expanded upon the maritime blueprint laid down by Rajaraja Chola I, elevating the Chola navy to a dominant superpower in Southeast Asia.
