Question

Which one of the Chola Kings Conquered Ceylon?
A) Aditya I
B) Rajendra
C) Rajaraja I
D) Vijayalaya

Answer 1

Hint: The most powerful Chola king Rajaraja I became ruler in 985 AD. The reign of Chola rule in Srilanka started when Rajaraja I first conquered the northern half of Srilanka and then in 1018, Rajendra invaded the Ceylon in Srilanka and finally annexed the entire island.

Complete answer:
Rajaraja I was the father of Rajendra Chola. After the death of Rajaraja in 1014 AD, Rajendra succeeded the throne of his father in 1014 CE. Rajaraja invaded Anuradhapura between 991-991 AD and incorporated it into his kingdom named "Mummudi-sola-mandala". First Rajaraja I conquered the northern half of Srilanka in 993 when he started his conquest by attacking the confederation between the rulers of Krala Kingdom and the Pandyas and of Ceylon. He sent his large army which conquered the northern half of Srilanka. After this invasion, his son Rajendra Chola I annexed the entire island by invading Ceylon in 1018 AD and Rajendra also abducted the Crown of Sinhala king. In Srilanka, this Chola rule lasted for eight decades. It is believed that Rajendra Chola I completed the conquest of Anuradhapura, by sending a large army into Anuradhapura and conquered the whole including the South-eastern part of Ruhuna, and incorporated it into the Chola empire.
So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: During the rule of Rajaraja, when he conquered north Anuradhapuram issued gold coins with the inscription of legend "Sri Rajaraja" on them. These gold coins were taken equivalent to ten kalonji. During the rule of Rajendra, he issued gold coins having the inscriptions of the legend "Yuddha Malla" on them.