UPSC Prelims 2003 Q30: Medieval History – South Indian Dynasties
Consider the following statements:
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular
India in early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against the Sailendra empire of South - East Asia and conquered
some of the areas.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
- (a) Only 1
- (b) Only 2
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Cholas and their conquests
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and dominated peninsular India | True — under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I |
| 2. Cholas sent an expedition against the Sailendra empire | True — Rajendra I against Srivijaya, about 1025 AD |
Both statements are correct.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) CORRECT. Both statements are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are correct.
Key point
Rajendra Chola: Gangaikonda Cholapuram, naval expedition to Srivijaya (Sailendra) c. 1025.
Remember
Rajendra Chola led an expedition against the Sailendras of South-East Asia.
Common mistakes
- Placing the expedition under Rajaraja I.
- Forgetting the Sailendra link with Srivijaya.
- Mixing the Cholas with the Pallavas.
Exam tip
Chola navy: conquest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Srivijaya.
Sources
- Romila Thapar — A History of India, Volume 1 (Penguin)
- NCERT Class VII History — Our Pasts II — New Kings and Kingdoms (the Cholas)