Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
The Cholas had hostile relations with the Srivijaya Empire of the Malay Peninsula since the reign of Rajaraja I.
Statement II:
The Cholas' desire to expand trade with China was the primary reason for this hostility.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
(d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.

Question

Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
The Cholas had hostile relations with the Srivijaya Empire of the Malay Peninsula since the reign of Rajaraja I.
Statement II:
The Cholas' desire to expand trade with China was the primary reason for this hostility.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I.
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
(d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement I is not correct: The Srivijaya Empire, which experienced a revival in the 10th century, extended over the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and surrounding islands, controlling the vital maritime trade routes to China. The Sailendra rulers of Srivijaya were Buddhists and maintained friendly relations with the Cholas. As a sign of their cordial ties, a Sailendra ruler constructed a Buddhist monastery at Nagapattinam, and Rajendra I granted a village for its maintenance.

Statement II is correct: The primary cause of conflict between the Cholas and Srivijaya was the Cholas&rsquo; ambition to remove trade barriers for Indian merchants and expand commercial ties with China. This led Rajendra I to launch a naval expedition against the Srivijaya Empire. The campaign resulted in the conquest of Kadaram (modern-day Kedah) and several other regions in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. The Chola navy emerged as the dominant maritime force in the region, effectively transforming the Bay of Bengal into a &lsquo;Chola lake&rsquo; for a period of time.

Ancient Indian History

Chola Empire and its Relations

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements: Statement I: The Cholas had hostile relations with the Srivijaya Empire of the Malay Peninsula since the reign of Rajaraja I. Statement II: The Cholas' desire to expand trade with China was the primary reason for this hostility. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I. (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I. (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. (d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.