Question

Which of the following dynasty was famous for Naval Power?
1. Satvahana
2. Chola
3. Chalukyas
4. Maurya

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Chola

The correct answer is Chola.

• The Chola dynasty was a Tamil thalassocracy empire of southern India, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world's history.
• The earliest datable references to the Chola are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE left by Ashoka, of the Maurya Empire.   
• The Chola Navy comprised the naval forces of the Chola Empire (4th Century BCE – 1279 CE), a Tamil thalassocracy empire of southern India, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world.
• The Chola Navy grew in size and status during the Medieval Cholas reign.
• Between 900 and 1100 CE, the navy grew from a smaller entity to a potent maritime and diplomatic force across Asia, with maritime trade links extending from Arabia to China.
• The Cholas were at the height of their power from the latter half of the 9th century CE through the early 13th century CE. 
• Under Rajaraja Chola I (reign c.  985 – c. 1014), Chola territories in South Asia stretched from the Maldives to the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. 
• Between 1010 and 1153 CE, Rajaraja's successors continued the expansion, making the Chola Empire a military, economic and cultural power in South and South-East Asia. 
• During this period, the Chola Navy helped expand the empire with Naval expeditions to the Pala of Pataliputra, along the Ganges and the Chola invasion of Srivijaya (present-day Indonesia) in 1025 CE, as well as repeated embassies to China. 
• The Chola Navy declined in the 13th century when the Cholas fought land battles with the Chalukyas of the Andhra-Kannada area in South India, and with the rise of the Pandyan dynasty.