OPSC OAS 2024 PrelimsHistory, Art & CultureQuestion 9
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2024 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
The Chola navy was known for its expedition against:
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (C) Indonesia and Sri Lanka
The Chola navy was one of the most powerful maritime forces in medieval Asia, conducting major naval expeditions during the 11th century:
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
- Multiple naval campaigns launched by Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I
- Complete conquest of Sri Lanka, which remained under Chola control for several decades
- Strategic importance for controlling Indian Ocean trade routes
Indonesia (Srivijaya Empire)
- Rajendra Chola I’s famous naval expedition (c. 1025 CE) against the Srivijaya Empire
- Targeted Sumatra, Malay Peninsula, and Indonesian archipelago regions
- The expedition successfully disrupted Srivijaya’s monopoly over Southeast Asian maritime trade
- This is recorded in Chola inscriptions listing conquered territories including Kadaram (Kedah), and various ports in the Indonesian region
This naval prowess demonstrated the Chola Empire’s dominance over the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean trade networks.
