Why did Chola kings send 'embassies' to China?

These embassies were essentially trade missions designed to secure merchant safety and favorable tax rates for Indian goods in Chinese ports.

International Trade in Medieval South India

UPSC Archival Analysis

King Kulottunga I of the Chola Empire sent a trade mission of 72 merchants to the Chinese court in 1077 CE to strengthen maritime trade.

Exam Year

1992

Evidence Source

UPSC Level

ID: HIS_MED_1992_113 Ref: K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, The Cholas