UPSC Prelims 2001 Q36: Ancient History – Post - Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties
Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon?
- (a) Aditya I
- (b) Rajaraja I
- (c) Rajendra
- (d) Vijayalaya
Answer: (c) Rajendra
Explanation
Chola king who conquered Ceylon
| Chola king | Link with Ceylon (Sri Lanka) |
|---|---|
| Rajendra I (1014-1044) | Conquered the whole island (about 1017), captured King Mahinda V and took the Sinhalese crown jewels |
| Rajaraja I (985-1014) | Invaded in 993, took Anuradhapura and annexed only the north of the island |
| Vijayalaya | Founder of the Chola line (9th century); took Thanjavur |
| Aditya I | Defeated the Pallavas; no Ceylon conquest |
Rajaraja I began the conquest in 993 but held only northern Ceylon. His son Rajendra I completed it around 1017, conquering the whole island and capturing its king. Published keys for this question give Rajendra. If a question asks who *first* invaded or annexed part of Ceylon, the answer would be Rajaraja I.
Answer: (c) Rajendra.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Aditya I fought the Pallavas, not Ceylon.
- (b) Incorrect. Rajaraja I took only northern Ceylon; the conquest of the island was completed by Rajendra I.
- (c) CORRECT. Rajendra I conquered the whole of Ceylon.
- (d) Incorrect. Vijayalaya founded the dynasty and took Thanjavur.
Key point
Rajaraja I: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur. Rajendra I: Gangaikondacholapuram; conquest of Ceylon; expedition to Srivijaya (1025).
Remember
Whole of Ceylon conquered by Rajendra I (about 1017); Rajaraja I took the north (993).
Common mistakes
- Choosing Rajaraja I, who took only the north of the island.
- Not knowing that Rajendra captured the Sinhalese king Mahinda V.
- Mixing up the Ceylon and Srivijaya campaigns.
Exam tip
Watch the wording: 'first invaded' points to Rajaraja; 'conquered Ceylon' to Rajendra.
Sources
- K. A. Nilakanta Sastri — The Colas, chapters on Rajaraja I and Rajendra I
- NCERT Class VII — Our Pasts II, chapter 'New Kings and Kingdoms' (the Cholas)