Which of the following Sailendra rulers are known to have had friendly relations with their contemporary Indian kings? (A) Samaragravira (B) Balaputradeva (C) Chudamanivarman (D) Sri-Maravijayottungavarman Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Sailendra Rulers and Their Friendly Relations with Indian Kings
The question asks about Sailendra rulers who maintained friendly relations with contemporary Indian kings. The Sailendra dynasty was a powerful kingdom, primarily associated with the island of Java and later the Srivijaya empire in Southeast Asia. Historical records indicate significant cultural, religious, and sometimes political interactions between the Sailendras and various kingdoms in India.
Let's examine the relations of the rulers mentioned:
| Sailendra Ruler | Known Interactions with Indian Kings | Nature of Relations |
|---|---|---|
| (A) Samaragravira | Son of Vishnupati or Samarottunga. Little specific information about direct, friendly interactions or grants with specific Indian kings compared to later rulers is widely documented. His reign is primarily noted for internal developments or perhaps expansion within Southeast Asia. | Less prominent specific instances of friendly interaction compared to others listed. |
| (B) Balaputradeva | Ruled in Srivijaya. Sent an envoy to the Pala king Devapala in Bengal. Requested and was granted five villages by Devapala for the upkeep of a Buddhist monastery at Nalanda. | Clearly friendly, involving religious and educational exchange and royal grants. |
| (C) Chudamanivarman | A Sailendra ruler of Srivijaya. Began the construction of a large Buddhist monastery at Nagapattinam in South India. He sought permission and likely received cooperation from the contemporary Chola ruler, Rajaraja I. | Friendly, involving religious endowments and cooperation between rulers. |
| (D) Sri-Maravijayottungavarman | Son of Chudamanivarman, also a Sailendra ruler of Srivijaya. Completed the monastery at Nagapattinam started by his father. Received grants from the Chola king Rajaraja I for the monastery's maintenance. | Friendly, continuing the cooperative relations established by his father and receiving royal patronage. |
Based on historical evidence, Balaputradeva, Chudamanivarman, and Sri-Maravijayottungavarman are well-documented for their friendly interactions, particularly involving the patronage of Buddhist monasteries in India through requests and grants from Indian rulers (Pala and Chola kings). Samaragravira, while an important Sailendra ruler, is not as prominently noted for specific instances of friendly reciprocal grants or requests involving Indian kings in the same manner as the others.
Therefore, the Sailendra rulers known to have had friendly relations with their contemporary Indian kings among the options are Balaputradeva, Chudamanivarman, and Sri-Maravijayottungavarman.
Analyzing the Options
- Option 1: (B) and (D) only - This includes Balaputradeva and Sri-Maravijayottungavarman, but omits Chudamanivarman who also had friendly relations.
- Option 2: (D) and (A) only - This includes Sri-Maravijayottungavarman and Samaragravira. Samaragravira's friendly relations are not as clearly documented as the others in the context of specific grants/requests from Indian kings.
- Option 3: (A) and (B) only - This includes Samaragravira and Balaputradeva. Samaragravira's friendly relations are less prominent compared to the others.
- Option 4: (B), (C) and (D) only - This includes Balaputradeva, Chudamanivarman, and Sri-Maravijayottungavarman, all of whom are known for significant friendly interactions with Indian kings involving religious and cultural exchange.
Option 4 correctly identifies the rulers known for these friendly relations.
Conclusion on Sailendra-Indian Relations
The interactions between the Sailendra rulers and Indian kings were often centered around the patronage of Buddhism and cultural exchange. The establishment and maintenance of monasteries in India by Sailendra rulers, facilitated by grants and permissions from Indian kings, are key examples of these friendly relations.
Revision Table: Sailendra Rulers and Indian Relations
| Sailendra Ruler | Friendly Relations with Indian Kings? | Key Indian Dynasty/King |
|---|---|---|
| Samaragravira | Less documented specific instances of friendly grants/requests | N/A |
| Balaputradeva | Yes | Pala dynasty, Devapala |
| Chudamanivarman | Yes | Chola dynasty, Rajaraja I |
| Sri-Maravijayottungavarman | Yes | Chola dynasty, Rajaraja I |
Additional Information on Sailendra-Indian Connections
The Sailendra dynasty ruled parts of Southeast Asia, including Java and Sumatra, where they were linked to the Srivijaya empire. Their connections with India were multifaceted:
- Religious Ties: Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, was prominent in both regions. Sailendra rulers were patrons of Buddhist learning and institutions, including those in India like Nalanda and Nagapattinam.
- Cultural Exchange: There was a significant exchange of scholars, artists, and religious figures between India and Southeast Asia. This influenced art, architecture (like Borobudur), and religious practices in the Sailendra domain.
- Economic Links: Maritime trade routes connected Southeast Asia with South and East India, facilitating not just commerce but also cultural and political interactions.
- Political Diplomacy: The grants of land and permissions for building religious structures demonstrate diplomatic ties and friendly political relations between the ruling houses.
These interactions highlight the vibrant network of connections across Asia during this period, driven by religious devotion, scholarship, and trade.
Important Questions from Chola Empire Cheras Pandyas
Which one of the following Chola Rulers made conquest in Sumatra and Malaya?
Which of the following rulers is the builder of 'Nishumbhasudini' Devi Temple?
The unique feature of whose administrative system was the development of village autonomy?
The temples of the Chola period are famous for their craftmanship and grandeur. The Chief Sculptor of the images of the temple deity was known as:
Which Chola ruler was popularly called ‘Victor of the Ganges’?
