Why in the News?
The Prime Minister will attend a function in Tamil Nadu marking 1000 years since King Rajendra Chola I’s conquest of the Gangetic plains.
About Rajendra Chola I:
- Reign & Dynasty: Ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, succeeding his father Rajaraja Chola I.
- Titles:
- Gangaikonda Cholan (“Bringer of the Ganges”) – adopted after his victorious northern campaign.
- Kadaram Kondan (“Conqueror of Kedah (Malaysia)”) – earned following his Southeast Asian naval expeditions.
- Capital Foundation: Established Gangaikonda Cholapuram, shifting the capital from Thanjavur to the Kollidam River area.
- Temple Building: Built the Gangaikondacholeshwaram (Shiva) Temple to commemorate his conquests.
- Succession: Succeeded by his son, Rajadhiraja I.
- Religious Policy:
- Devout Shaivite, but practiced religious pluralism—patronised Buddhism, including building stupas in South India and Southeast Asia.
- Diplomacy & Trade: Strengthened international ties with Song Dynasty China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Pioneered local self-governance, showcasing notable administrative sophistication.
His Legend:
- Northern Conquest: Rajendra led a military campaign to the Gangetic plains, defeating the Pala ruler Mahipala of Bengal and Bihar, and commemorated this victory by bringing Ganga water to his capital.
- Overseas Expeditions: He commanded what is considered the largest blue-water navy in Indian history. Successfully conducted naval expeditions to:
- Srivijaya Empire (covering parts of modern-day Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia)
- Burma, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Pegu Islands
- Extracted tribute from Thailand and the Khmer kingdom of Cambodia.
- First Indian king to undertake large-scale overseas military campaigns.
- Trade and Diplomacy: Established trade and diplomatic links with Song China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Promoted local self-governance, showcasing the Cholas’ administrative efficiency.
- Wealth and Power: Under his reign, the Chola Empire became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires of the time.
| [UPSC 2025] 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?
Options: (a) Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta) (b) Prataprudra (Kakatiya) (c) Rajendra I (Chola) * (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala) |
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