UPSC Prelims 2025 Q16: Ancient History – Ancient India
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?
- (a) Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)
- (b) Prataparudra (Kakatiya)
- (c) Rajendra I (Chola)
- (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)
Answer: (c) Rajendra I (Chola)
Explanation
Rajendra I Chola (1014–1044 CE) — the naval expedition to Srivijaya, c. 1025 CE
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Target | Srivijaya — maritime empire of Sumatra, Malay Peninsula and nearby islands |
| Reason | Control of the Strait of Malacca trade route to China |
| Places raided | Kadaram (Kedah), Palembang, Malaiyur, Tamralinga and others |
| Record | Tanjore (Thanjavur) inscription of Rajendra I lists the conquered ports |
| Title | Kadaram-kondan — "conqueror of Kadaram" |
| Other titles | Gangaikonda — after his northern march to the Ganga |
Rulers in the options:
| Ruler | Dynasty | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Amoghavarsha I | Rashtrakuta | Kannada work Kavirajamarga; a patron of Jainism |
| Prataparudra | Kakatiya | Last major Kakatiya king; defeated by the Delhi Sultanate |
| Rajendra I | Chola | Srivijaya expedition; capital Gangaikonda Cholapuram |
| Vishnuvardhana | Hoysala | Built Belur; converted from Jainism under Ramanuja |
Answer: (c) Rajendra I (Chola).
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Amoghavarsha I was a Rashtrakuta known for literature and peace, not overseas wars.
- (b) Incorrect. Prataparudra of Warangal fought the Delhi Sultanate; he had no navy in Southeast Asia.
- (c) CORRECT. Rajendra I sent a naval force against Srivijaya around 1025 CE and took Kadaram.
- (d) Incorrect. Vishnuvardhana was a Hoysala ruler of the Karnataka plateau, a land-based power.
Key point
Srivijaya expedition (c. 1025) = Rajendra I Chola, 'Kadaram-kondan', to control the Malacca trade route.
Remember
Rajendra I Chola raided Srivijaya by sea around 1025 CE.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Rajaraja I in similar questions; he took Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while his son Rajendra I attacked Srivijaya.
- Thinking the expedition aimed at lasting rule; it was a trade-route raid, not an occupation.
- Placing Srivijaya in Indochina; its centre was Palembang in Sumatra.
Exam tip
Rajendra = Ganga + Kadaram. His two famous titles mark his two great campaigns: north to the Ganga, east across the sea.
Sources
- NCERT Class VII — Our Pasts II (New Kings and Kingdoms)
- Tanjore inscription of Rajendra I
- K.A. Nilakanta Sastri — The Cholas