Consider the following statements regarding the maritime and imperial conquests of Rajendra I Chola: 1. He led a triumphant military expedition across the Gangetic plains, earning him the prestigious title 'Gangaikonda Chola'. 2. His naval fleet crossed the Bay of Bengal, subjugated the Srivijaya Empire, and secured strategic maritime trade routes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements are correct. Rajendra I extended Chola imperial power both northward to the river Ganges and across the seas into Southeast Asia, defeating the Srivijaya king Sangrama Vijayatunggavarman. To commemorate his northern campaigns, he established a new capital city named Gangaikonda Cholapuram complete with an extensive irrigation lake called Cholagangam. His naval supremacy ensured unhindered merchant voyages across the Indian Ocean.