Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which of the following South Indian state was famous for its naval power:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: A
Concept
The Chola Empire was a thalassocratic power, meaning its strength was derived from its control over the seas. Their navy was the most sophisticated in pre-colonial Indian history.Explanation
Nilakanta Sastri and other historians highlight the Chola naval raids on Srivijaya (Indonesia) and the annexation of Sri Lanka as proof of their trans-oceanic capabilities.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Cholas used their navy to protect merchant guilds like the *Manigramam* and to eliminate piracy in the Bay of Bengal.
Logic 2: While Cheras and Pallavas had ships, only the Cholas maintained a blue-water navy capable of long-distance imperial conquest.