Which of the following Chola kings was the first to capture Maldives? 

The correct answer is Rajaraja Chola.

Key Points

• Rajaraja Chola I was the first Chola king to capture the Maldives, marking a significant expansion of the Chola Empire.
• His reign spanned from 985 CE to 1014 CE, during which he significantly expanded the Chola influence across South Asia.
• The capture of the Maldives was part of his broader naval campaigns that also included the conquest of Sri Lanka.
• Rajaraja Chola's successful naval expeditions established the Chola dominance over the Indian Ocean trade routes.

Additional Information

• Chola Dynasty:
  • The Chola Dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in South Indian history, with a history spanning more than a millennium.
  • The Cholas were known for their significant contributions to art, architecture, and literature, particularly during the medieval period.
  • Their capital was initially located at Uraiyur, and later at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
• Rajaraja Chola I:
  • He is often regarded as one of the greatest rulers of the Chola Empire due to his military conquests and administrative reforms.
  • Rajaraja Chola I is credited with the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Chola Naval Power:
  • The Cholas had a formidable navy that played a crucial role in their expansionist policies and control over maritime trade routes.
  • Naval expeditions were a key aspect of Chola military strategy, enabling them to exert influence over distant regions.
• Conquest of Sri Lanka:
  • Rajaraja Chola I's conquest of Sri Lanka led to the subjugation of the Anuradhapura Kingdom and significant control over the island.
  • This conquest further consolidated Chola power in the region and enhanced their maritime dominance.