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UPSC CSE Prelims 2001

Chola Imperial Expansion

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Chola expansion into Sri Lanka (Ceylon) occurred in phases. While Rajaraja I began the process, his son Rajendra I achieved a complete conquest.

Explanation Historical chronicles and the *Mahavamsa
record that Rajendra I captured the Sinhalese king Mahinda V and brought the entire island under Chola rule for several decades.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Rajaraja I (985-1014 CE) conquered the northern half of Ceylon and established Polonnaruwa as a capital.
Logic 2: Rajendra I (1014-1044 CE) launched a full invasion, defeating the Sinhalese resistance in the south and annexing the entire island.

Active Recall

Question

Why was the Chola conquest of Ceylon significant?

Answer

It secured Chola control over the trade routes passing through the Palk Strait and integrated Sri Lanka into the Indian cultural sphere for nearly a century.

Core Insight

The conquest of Ceylon demonstrates the Cholas' superior naval logistics and their ability to maintain overseas provinces.

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