Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which Chola King started Naval Army?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
The Cholas were unique among Indian dynasties for their blue-water naval capabilities. Under Rajaraja I, the navy became a systematic arm of the state, used for both territorial expansion and securing trade routes.Explanation
Historical records from the reign of Rajaraja I (985–1014 CE) show that he initiated the naval expeditions to northern Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Lakshadweep islands. He realized that a powerful navy was essential to dominate the Indian Ocean trade and protect the Coromandel coast.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Rajaraja I (Option C) provided the structural foundation for the Chola navy, building merchant and warships capable of long-distance oceanic travel.
Logic 2: While his son Rajendra Chola (Option A) expanded these naval raids to Southeast Asia (Srivijaya), the formalization and 'starting' of the naval military machine is credited to Rajaraja I.