Raja Raja Chola I conquered the northern half of Sri Lanka during his reign. Rajendra invaded Ceylon in 1017 CE and annexed the entire island. As a result of the campaign, Rajendra captured the regal jewels of the Pandyas, which Parantaka I tried to capture and the crown of the Sinhala king.

Rajaraja1 was highly successful chola king who for first time in history of chola dynasty brought half of Ceylon under his control....

Chola King who brought half of Ceylon under his control: Rajendra Chola

Introduction
The Chola dynasty was a powerful South Indian dynasty that ruled over a large part of the southern peninsula from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Rajendra Chola, the son of Rajaraja Chola, was one of the greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty. He expanded the empire's territory and extended his influence beyond the Indian subcontinent.

Rajendra Chola's Conquest of Ceylon
Rajendra Chola embarked on several military campaigns to expand the Chola Empire. One of his major conquests was the invasion and annexation of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). He achieved this feat by defeating the reigning king of Ceylon, Mahinda V, and bringing half of the island under his control.

Military Strategy and Tactics
Rajendra Chola was a brilliant military strategist who employed innovative tactics and strategies to achieve his military objectives. He had a powerful naval fleet that played a crucial role in his conquest of Ceylon. The Chola navy, known as the "Kadaram Kondan" (Conqueror of Kadaram), was one of the most formidable naval forces of its time.

Naval Invasion
Rajendra Chola launched a naval invasion of Ceylon, utilizing his superior naval strength. The Chola navy sailed across the Palk Strait and landed on the shores of Ceylon. The Chola forces, led by Rajendra Chola himself, swiftly defeated the Ceylonese army and captured important cities and regions.

Administration of Conquered Territory
After the successful conquest of Ceylon, Rajendra Chola established an efficient administrative system to govern the newly acquired territory. He appointed loyal Chola officials to oversee the administration and collect taxes. The conquered region became an integral part of the Chola Empire, and its resources contributed to the economic prosperity of the empire.

Impact of the Conquest
The conquest of Ceylon by Rajendra Chola had a significant impact on the region. It brought half of Ceylon under Chola control, increasing the empire's territorial extent. The Chola influence spread across the island, leading to the introduction of Chola art, architecture, and culture.

Conclusion
Rajendra Chola's successful conquest of Ceylon played a crucial role in expanding the Chola Empire's influence beyond the Indian subcontinent. His military prowess and strategic acumen allowed him to bring half of Ceylon under his control and establish an efficient administration. The conquest left a lasting impact on the region's culture and architecture, showcasing the Chola dynasty's power and influence.