Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

1. A. Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)
2. B. Prataparudra (Kakatiya)
3. C. Rajendra I (Chola)
4. D. Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

Answer: C

Explanation

Rajendra I, the illustrious Chola emperor who reigned from 1014 to 1044 CE, is credited with leading a remarkable overseas naval expedition against the powerful maritime kingdom of Srivijaya. Srivijaya controlled key trade routes in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and neighboring islands. Rajendra I’s campaign, launched around 1025 CE, was a strategic move to assert Chola dominance over lucrative maritime trade and to counter Srivijaya’s influence. This successful military venture demonstrated the formidable naval power of the Cholas and expanded their sphere of influence across Southeast Asia. Understanding the Chola dynasty’s maritime prowess and its interactions with Southeast Asian kingdoms is important for UPSC Medieval History.