[Solved] Chola Conquest of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) | Rajendra I

Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon?

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2001]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why was the Chola conquest of Ceylon significant?"

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.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

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