Essays on the Chola history. Write about the maritime and naval activities of the Cholas

a. The Chola History:

Of the ruling dynasties of south India the Cholas were the oldest. The kingdom of the Cholas lay north and south between the two rivers, Pennar and Veller.

Despite the antiquity the Cholas could not play an important political role prior to 9th century AD. In fact, it was Vijayalaya, who revived the greatness of the Chola dynasty.

From that time onwards the Cholas became an important political power not only in South India but also in the entire peninsular region.

With Rajaraja’s accession began the most glorious epoch of the Chola history. As results of his conquer the Chola kingdom of South India had been gradually taking the shape of an empire.

Rajaraja’s fame did not rest on conquests almost He also devoted himself to cultural activities. Rajaraja’s son and successor Rajendra was a greater conqueror than his father.

Like his father Rajendra I was also a great builder and a patron of art and learning. The greatest achievement of Rajendra I was to transform the Bay of Bengal into a Chola-lake as it were.

The Chola power decline after Rajendra I. However, the Cholas continued to maintain their existence for another two hundred years in a inglorious manner.

b. Maritine Activities:

It is known from various sources that the Cholas had trade relations with China and South-east Asia countries.

The presence of the Indian traders in the Chinese Sea i also referred to in the Japanese records. Particularly, under Rajaraj and his son Rajendra I (or Rajendra ChGladeva) the Cholas has regular commercial intercourse with South-east Asia and China During their rule.

Mamallapuram (present Mahabalipuram) was the principal port before the rise of a new one at Negapattam. Still late emerged the port of Visakhapattam on the coast of Vengi.

c. Naval Activities:

With the help of a strong navy the Chola rulers dominated the Malabar and Coromondal coasts. Even for some time Chola supremacy was firmly established in the Bay of Bengal.

Rajaraja successfully invaded Sri Lanka and annexed its northern part the Chola Empire.

Rajaraja is also credited with the conquest of Maldive islands. Rajendra I, following the footsteps of his father, carried further the naval expedition with remarkable success.

Rajendra I invaded the Sailendra Empire (which included Java, Malay, Peninsula, Sumatra, etc.) and brought it under his control.

The expedition was motivated by the removal of interference in the flourishing Chola trade by China. Such were, in short, the story of the naval activities of the Chola kings.