📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.16 | Classroom Explanation

(Medieval History)

📌 Question

Q.16) 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) Pratapa Rudra (Kakatiya)
(c) Rajendra I (Chola)
(d) Vishnuvardhan (Hoysala)

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question tests understanding of Chola naval power, maritime expansion, and India–Southeast Asia relations during the early medieval period.

🔍 Key Concept: Srivijaya and Chola Naval Expansion

• Srivijaya was a powerful maritime empire
• Controlled:

• Malay Peninsula
• Sumatra
• Java
• Key sea routes of the Straits of Malacca

• Dominated trade between:

• India
• China
• Southeast Asia

🔍 Why Rajendra Chola I?

✅ Statement Validation

• Rajendra Chola I:

• Reigned from 1014–1044 CE
• Son of Rajaraja Chola I
• Assumed titles such as Gangaikonda Chola and Kadaram Kondan

• He launched a major naval expedition (c. 1025 CE) against Srivijaya
• Targets included:

• Kadaram (Kedah)
• Srivijayan ports in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula

➡️ Hence, option (c) is correct.

🔍 Significance of the Srivijaya Campaign

• Demonstrated Chola naval supremacy
• Secured Indian merchant interests in Southeast Asia
• Did not aim at territorial annexation, but:

• Control of trade routes
• Political dominance
• Diplomatic leverage

• Enhanced India’s prestige in the Indian Ocean world

🧮 Logical Elimination (UPSC Style)

• Amoghavarsha → Rashtrakuta ruler, no overseas campaigns
• Pratapa Rudra → Kakatiya ruler, land-based power
• Rajendra Chola I → Strong navy, overseas expeditions ✅
• Vishnuvardhan → Hoysala ruler, regional power

➡️ Correct option: (c)

🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (c) Rajendra I (Chola)

📦 Info Box — Extra Points (Prelims Value Add)

• Rajendra Chola I:

• Sent expeditions to the Ganges valley
• Brought Ganga water to his capital
• Founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram

• Maintained strong diplomatic and commercial relations with China
• Chola navy was among the most advanced in the medieval world
• Srivijaya campaign marks the peak of Indian maritime power

🔗 Bridge Points (Future Questions)

• Chola administration and overseas trade
• Indianisation of Southeast Asia
• Comparison: Chola navy vs later European naval powers

📍 GS Mapping

GS Paper I
Subject: Medieval Indian History
Theme: Cholas — Political & Maritime Expansion
Nature: Factual + Conceptual