Tracing the naval prowess of Rajendra Chola I — from Eelamandalam to Kadaram
The superiority of the sea led the Chola Empire to the height of victory. Under the dynamic leadership of Rajendra Chola I, rising to the throne in 1012 AD, reached the peak of the Chola navy power. Under the dominance of almost the entire Southern Peninsula of India, Cholas provided unhindered access to the seas in which they turned into an unprecedented political expansion theater.
Rajendra’s reign pointed to the most ambitious stage of Chola Overseas ambition. The sea campaigns initiated during this period led to an annexation of Sri Lanka and a daring expedition to the distant coast of the Malay Peninsula along the Gulf of Bengal. The defeat of the Malay Peninsula won the title of Rajendra Until the Kondan (Fatihi Fatih).
Well -organized fleet
Historians served the presence of a well -organized ship and the fleet of the boat in various classes in Chola’s Navy, both commercial and military purposes. Ka Nilacanta Sastri, in his book CōlasHe presented a detailed explanation of Rajendra’s maritime campaigns, especially Eeelamandalam (Sri Lanka) and Sadam, which is a strategic castle in the Kingdom of Srivijijaya. In 1017 AD, Rajendra launched a decisive campaign against Sri Lanka. This was the fifth year of his reign and the climax of the efforts initiated by his father Raja Raja Chola I, according to inscriptions and Seylonese Chronicle. MahavamsaChola Fethi coincided with the thirty -sixth regnal year of Sinhalee ruler Mahinda V. Sastri said the campaign was timed with precision and that he was with political instability in the island kingdom.
The participation of Chola in Sri Lanka extended from 907 to 955 to the reign of Chola I. However, Raja Raja, who annexed the northern parts of the island. Although some regions were under the control of local Sinhasese, Chola grip was steadily bored. Rajendra’s attack went further than that of his father. The forces seized Mahinda V and seized the Royal Regalia, including Crown. Sastri was comprehensive enough to turn his control over the island into a full -fledged Chola province.
Inscriptions bearing the title, Tirumanni VALARAHe was found near Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka, attributed to Rajendra. Temil Chola, dedicated to the gods like the historian, Shiva and Vishnu, underlined the influence of Chola.
Fresh wave of restlessness
Despite these gains, the resistance boiled under the surface. ME 1029, 12 years after the occupation, a new wave of unrest exploded. Kassapa, the son of Mahinda V, which was grown in secrecy, prevented a successful rebellion. After a six -month conflict, he regained control and re -established Sinhalese sovereignty and led Vikkamabahu as Vikkamabahu.
Rajendra’s imperial vision did not stop with Sri Lanka. In 1025 AD, shortly after the Ganges campaign, he turned his gaze towards the developing maritime kingdom of Srivijaya. This Southeastern Asian Empire controlled the vital marine strips connecting India to China and ruled on regions containing the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Java. Initially, the relations between Cholas and Srivijaya were sincere. Raja Raja Chola gave land to Mara Vijayottungavarman from Shailendra dynasty for the construction of Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam. Diplomatic tasks moved regularly between two kingdoms and China. Srivijaya sent ambassadors in 1003 and 1008, while Cholas 1015, 1033 and 1077 responded to the gestures Sastri.
Different views
The exact cause of the conflict remains uncertain. When the inscriptions on the Tiruvalangadu copper plates only talk about the conquest of Salam, a Tamil prasasti (praise of a ruler) provides some details. However, several academics presented different theories. One view connects the conflict to Srivijaya’s intervention in Chola maritime trade, while another sees Rajendra as a part of the passion of sea superiority and safe overseas prestige. For decades of commercial and diplomatic participation with Southeast Asia, it equipped cholas with familiarity to wandering in these waters.
Rajendra’s Southeast Asian campaign was fast and determinant. Chola ships crossed the Gulf of Bengal and hit the heart of the Srivijijan power. He was caught and Mara Vijayottungavarman’s successor was captured by Vijayottungavarman. While the campaign reflected Chola Might to the seas, there was no attempt to establish direct management on conquered regions. According to Sastri, local administrators were possibly restored after tribute payments and the superiority of the Chola emperor.
Until I was conquered again
However, this control was not permanent. Rajendra’s successor, Virarajendra, claimed that he conquered up and restored his ruler, which showed that previous gains were only temporary. A Tamil inscription dated CE 1088 from Sumatra offers more evidence in the region that continues its activity of Chola in the region.
Beyond military conquests, these expeditions emphasized the wider diplomatic access of the Chola Empire. The inscriptions on the Carlandic Copper Plates demanded the friendship of the King of Kambhoja (the Angkor Kingdom ruled by Sureavarman) by sending a victorious war charging of Rajendra’s enemy armies.
Rajendra’s sea discoveries became a bold section in history. They expanded the political and cultural access of the Chola Empire beyond the Lower of India. Although not all regional gains have not continued for a long time, these campaigns have left a legacy on intercultural participation.
Published – 01 August 2025 08:17
