Chola Invasion of Sri Lanka

Timeline

1. c. 993Palk Strait · South AsiaRajaraja I organized a large-scale navy departing from South Indian ports, crossing the Palk Strait to land in northern Sri Lanka. With superior numbers and seafaring experience, the Chola fleet quickly seized coastal strongholds in the north, cutting off the Sinhalese kingdom's maritime supply lines.
2. c. 993–994Anuradhapura · Sri LankaChola forces besieged and captured the Sinhalese ancient capital of Anuradhapura, taking King Mahasena prisoner. According to inscriptions, Rajaraja I transported large quantities of spoils back to South India and established administrative and military garrisons in northern Ceylon.
3. c. 994–1000Northern Province · Sri LankaThe Chola established long-term rule in northern Ceylon, dispatching governors to manage local affairs and controlling pearl fisheries and trade resources. The Sinhalese royal family was forced to move south, and Sri Lanka entered a period of north-south division and Chola influence, until conditions changed again in the later 11th century.