[Solved] Kulottunga I and Sri Lanka Freedom | Chola History

Who was the Chola monarch who gave complete freedom to Sri Lanka and got his daughter married to the Sinhala Prince?

[U.P.P.C.S. Pre 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

While the early Cholas (Rajaraja I and Rajendra I) pursued aggressive expansion into Sri Lanka, the later Cholas adopted more pragmatic diplomatic stances to ensure internal stability.

Authentic Source Evidence

Kulottunga I (1070–1122 CE) realized the difficulty of maintaining direct rule over Sri Lanka. He recognized the independence of Vijayabahu I and cemented the peace by marrying his daughter to a Sinhala prince.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Kulottunga I shifted the Chola policy from conquest to consolidation and diplomacy.

Logic 2: He was a prince of the Eastern Chalukya line who succeeded to the Chola throne, beginning the Chalukya-Chola period.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did Kulottunga I bear the title 'Sungam Tavirtta'?"

He was known as 'Sungam Tavirtta Chola' (the Chola who abolished tolls) because he removed internal customs duties to promote trade.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Kulottunga I's reign represents a shift toward economic prosperity and diplomatic realism over costly trans-oceanic military occupations."

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