Question

Which statements are true regarding Rajaraja I, the greatest king of the Chola Empire?

1. He reigned between 985 and 1014 C.E.
2. Rajaraja laid the groundwork for the Chola kingdom's expansion into an empire.
3. His reign saw no conflicts with neighboring kingdoms.
4. Rajaraja initiated a century-long Chola occupation of Sri Lanka.

• A. All
• B. i, ii, iv
• C. ii, iv
• D. i only

Answer 1

Answer:

B. i, ii, iv

Rajaraja I

• Rajaraja I, also known as Arumolivarman, was one of the most prominent rulers of the Chola dynasty in South India.
• Rajaraja I's reign lasted for nearly three decades, from 985 CE to 1014 
• He is widely regarded as one of the greatest kings of the Chola Empire as his period marked one of the most significant and prosperous phases of the Chola Empire.

Expansion of the Chola kingdom

• Rajaraja I is credited with laying the foundation for the expansion of the Chola kingdom into an empire.
• During his rule, the Chola Empire saw significant territorial expansion and consolidation of power.
• one of Rajaraja I's most significant achievements was the conquest of the Vengi region, located in the eastern Deccan.
• By establishing control over Vengi, he created the Chalukya Chola dynasty, which marked a crucial phase in Chola history.

Military Campaigns

• During his reign, Rajaraja I engaged in numerous military campaigns.
• Notably, he waged wars against the Chalukyas in the north and the Pandyas in the south.
• These campaigns were instrumental in extending Chola dominance over a large part of South India.

Occupation of Sri Lanka:

• Rajaraja I initiated a Chola occupation of Sri Lanka during his reign in 993 AD.
• While Rajaraja initiated the  occupation of Sri Lanka, it was Rajendra Chola I the son of him who completed the conquest of Sri Lanka.
• This occupation lasted for approximately a century and had a profound impact on the island's history and culture.