Who among the following Chola kings encouraged the the Sailendra ruler of Sri Vijaya to build a Buddhist Vihara in Negapatnam?
Rajaraja I
The Chola king who encouraged the Sailendra ruler of the Sri Vijaya Empire to build a Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattinam was Rajaraja I. This episode, well-documented in historical inscriptions, illustrates the religious inclusivity and international diplomacy practiced by the Chola rulers during their imperial zenith.
🏛️ Historical Context of Rajaraja I and the Cholas
- Rajaraja I (reigned c. 985–1014 CE) was one of the most illustrious rulers of the Chola dynasty. Under his leadership, the Chola state transformed into a powerful maritime empire with strong political, cultural, and trade links across the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
- While Rajaraja I was a devout Shaivite, his reign is marked by patronage of multiple religions, including Buddhism and Jainism, which had significant followings in South India and Southeast Asia.
🌏 Diplomatic Ties with Sri Vijaya
- The Sri Vijaya Empire, ruled by the Sailendra dynasty, was a major center of Mahayana Buddhism, headquartered in what is today Sumatra, Indonesia. Rajaraja I maintained peaceful and cooperative relations with the Sailendra rulers, unlike his successor Rajendra I who later conducted military expeditions against Sri Vijaya.
- These diplomatic exchanges culminated in a religious-cultural alliance, where the Sailendra king sought and received permission to establish a Buddhist Vihara in Nagapattinam, a port city known for its Buddhist community and commercial significance.
🛕 Construction of the Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattinam
- The Vihara at Nagapattinam was constructed with financial assistance from the Sailendra king, but with royal sanction and land grants from Rajaraja I. This was not an isolated gesture but part of a larger pattern of religious generosity and state-supported cultural patronage during Rajaraja’s reign.
📜 Key Features of the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Chola Ruler Involved | Rajaraja I (reigned c. 985–1014 CE) |
| Foreign Patron | Sailendra ruler of the Sri Vijaya Empire (Indonesia) |
| Religious Structure | Mahayana Buddhist Vihara (Monastery) |
| Location | Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu |
| Purpose | Religious diplomacy and promotion of Buddhism |
| Documented Evidence | Copper-plate inscriptions from Rajaraja’s reign |
| Language of Inscription | Tamil and Sanskrit |
🧭 Strategic and Cultural Significance
- This incident underscores multiple aspects of Rajaraja I’s rule:
- Religious tolerance: Rajaraja supported the flourishing of Buddhism despite being a Shaivite king.
- Cultural diplomacy: Promoting Buddhist structures built by foreign rulers helped reinforce South India’s image as a pluralistic and culturally rich civilization.
- Maritime influence: Cooperation with Sri Vijaya also ensured safety and access to Southeast Asian maritime trade routes.
🌐 Comparative Overview of Chola Kings (in context)
| Chola Ruler | Reign Period | Relevance to Nagapattinam Vihara |
|---|---|---|
| Parantaka I | c. 907–955 CE | Too early for the documented event; no known Buddhist patronage |
| Rajaraja I | c. 985–1014 CE | ✅ Allowed and supported the Sailendra ruler’s vihara construction |
| Rajendra I | c. 1014–1044 CE | Known for naval expeditions against Sri Vijaya; not associated with vihara |
| Kulottunga I | c. 1070–1122 CE | Patronized trade but not directly connected with this vihara |
📚 Inscriptions and Historical Sources
- Inscriptions, such as those found in the Tirukkalukkunram copper plates, mention:
- Donations of land and wealth by Rajaraja I
- The involvement of Buddhist monks from Sri Vijaya
- The Mahayana Buddhist affiliation of the constructed Vihara
- An enduring legacy of Indo-Southeast Asian Buddhist connections
✅ Conclusion
In conclusion, it was Rajaraja I who encouraged and officially permitted the construction of a Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattinam by the Sailendra king of Sri Vijaya. This act symbolizes the religious openness and cross-cultural diplomacy of the Chola empire, affirming its status as not just a regional superpower but a significant player in the larger Indian Ocean cultural and economic networks of the early medieval world.
Similar Questions
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2. The Arthashastra mentions it as a centre of fine cotton textiles.
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Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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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 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:
