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Chola Imperial Navy

Type Object Region South India Time 1071–1080

The Chola imperial navy was the core armed force by which 11th-century South India's Chola dynasty maintained maritime dominance over the Bay of Beng…

Timeline

  1. 1071–1073Thanjavur · ThanjavurAfter uniting the Chola and Eastern Chalukya thrones, Kulottunga I reorganized the coastal fleet at the capital Thanjavur, restored direct control over Coromandel Coast ports, and reaffirmed military guarantees for merchant-ship escort and customs collection.
  2. 1074–1077Bay of Bengal routes · Indian OceanChola warships patrolled the Bay of Bengal–Malay Peninsula routes during monsoon windows, protecting fleets carrying spices, cotton cloth, and pearls, and maintaining diplomatic pressure on Srivijaya's remnants and Sri Lankan ports.
  3. 1078–1080Nagapattinam · NagapattinamThe navy kept permanent squadrons at ports such as Nagapattinam and signed escort contracts with local chiefs and merchant guild leaders; copper-plate inscriptions show the crown supported temples and merchant associations with the fleet, consolidating the maritime empire's fiscal and military ties.

Sources