Answer: A - Rajaraja I
Rajaraja I and the Supremacy of Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea:
- Rajaraja I was a great Chola emperor who ruled from 985 CE to 1014 CE.
- He is credited with establishing the supremacy of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea.
- During his reign, Rajaraja I built a strong naval force and expanded the Chola Empire to include many territories in South India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Key factors contributing to Rajaraja I's naval supremacy:
1. Strategic location: The Chola Empire was located on the southeastern coast of India, which provided an advantageous position for controlling maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
2. Naval advancements: Rajaraja I invested in the development of advanced naval technologies, including warships and navigational equipment, to ensure the dominance of the Chola Navy.
3. Trade and diplomacy: Rajaraja I recognized the importance of maritime trade and established diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms and empires, allowing the Chola Navy to have access to strategic ports and resources.
4. Conquests and annexations: Rajaraja I expanded the Chola Empire through a series of conquests and annexations. He captured the island of Sri Lanka and established control over the Maldives, effectively securing control over crucial maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea.
5. Effective administration: Rajaraja I maintained a strong and efficient administration system, which facilitated the smooth functioning of the navy and allowed it to remain a dominant force in the Arabian Sea.
In conclusion, Rajaraja I's strategic vision, investment in naval advancements, focus on trade and diplomacy, and effective administration allowed him to establish the supremacy of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea during his reign.Rajaraja Chola I created a powerful standing army and a considerable navy, which achieved even greater success under his son Rajendra Chola I. One of the last conquests of Rajaraja was the naval conquest of the 'old islands of the sea numbering 12,000', the Maldives. Chola Navy also had played a major role in the invasion of Lanka.