Rajendra Chola I led successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya

Previous Year Questions: This question has been asked in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 – Prelims – General Studies Paper I, held on Sunday, 25 May 2025.

Question: 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) Prataprudra (Kakatiya)

(c) Rajendra I (Chola)

(d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

प्रश्न: इनमें से किसने शक्तिशाली समुद्रवर्ती राज्य श्रीविजय के विरुद्ध, जिसका शासन मलय प्रायद्वीप, सुमात्रा, जावा और निकटवर्ती द्वीपों पर था, एक सफल सैन्य अभियान का नेतृत्व किया था?

(a) अमोघवर्ष (राष्ट्रकूट)

(b) प्रतापरुद्र (काकतीय)

(c) राजेंद्र प्रथम (चोल)

(d) विष्णुवर्धन (होयसल)

Answer: (c) Rajendra I (Chola)

Topic: Medieval Indian History

Explanation:
A. Amoghavarsha I (Rashtrakuta Dynasty):
Amoghavarsha I, one of the most distinguished rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, is remembered more for his contributions to culture and governance than for military conquests. His reign, which spanned the 9th century CE, is often cited as a period of peace and scholarly activity. Although he maintained diplomatic relations with several regions, there is no historical evidence indicating any military engagement or campaign directed toward the Srivijaya kingdom in Southeast Asia. His legacy is marked by support for literature, religion, and administrative reforms within the Indian subcontinent.

B. Prataparudra II (Kakatiya Dynasty):
Prataparudra II, the last significant monarch of the Kakatiya dynasty, ruled over parts of the Deccan region during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. While he is known for resisting invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and for his efforts to preserve the sovereignty of his kingdom, there is no documented military expedition led by him against the Srivijaya kingdom. His campaigns were largely regional, focusing on threats within the Indian subcontinent.

C. Rajendra Chola I (Chola Dynasty):
Rajendra Chola I, the illustrious son and successor of Rajaraja Chola I, significantly expanded the influence of the Chola Empire through both land and naval campaigns. In 1025 CE, he orchestrated a powerful naval expedition targeting the Srivijaya empire, a dominant maritime power in Southeast Asia at the time. This campaign is extensively recorded in Chola inscriptions and stands out as a landmark event in South Asian military history. The Chola forces successfully attacked key Srivijayan ports and cities, demonstrating their naval capabilities and asserting control over vital trade routes across the Bay of Bengal and beyond.

rajendra_chola_empire

Also read: India Today article

D. Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala Dynasty):
King Vishnuvardhana, a prominent ruler of the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th century CE, is primarily known for consolidating Hoysala power in South India. His military achievements include successful campaigns against neighboring kingdoms and the expansion of his territory within the Indian peninsula. However, there is no historical indication that his military ventures extended into Southeast Asia or included any conflict with the Srivijaya kingdom. His reign is more closely associated with architectural patronage and the strengthening of regional dominance.


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