Chola Empire & Navy | How India Built a Maritime Superpower 1,000 Years Ago

In 1025 AD, Emperor Rajendra Chola I executed one of the most ambitious overseas naval invasions in world history. Over 100 Chola warships crossed 2,000 km across the Bay of Bengal without maps or compasses to attack the Sri Vijaya Empire in modern-day Malaysia and Indonesia. In this investigative historical documentary, we break down: The Strait of Malacca choke point & Sri Vijaya's trade monopoly The diplomatic insult in Song Dynasty China Rajendra Chola's leadership & living in the shadow of Raja Raja Chola I The alliance with the 'Ayyavole 500' Merchant Guild The Ganga Water Campaign & the founding of Gangaikonda Cholapuram The 1025 AD naval raid on Kedaram (Malaysia) & 12 Sri Vijaya ports Early democracy in Chola villages (Kudavolai ballot system) The long-term geopolitical impact on Southeast Asian trade routes --------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction: The 1025 AD Overseas Naval Raid 03:02 - Malacca Strait: The Ancient Geopolitical Choke Point 04:43 - The Diplomatic Insult in Song Dynasty China 06:44 - Rajendra Chola vs Raja Raja Chola's Legacy 11:41 - The Alliance with the 500-Merchant Guild 13:28 - The Ganga Campaign & Gangaikonda Cholapuram 16:06 - The 1025 AD Invasion of Kedaram (Malaysia) 20:20 - Kudavolai: Early Democracy in Chola Villages 22:50 - Demise of Rajendra Chola & Final Takeaways --------------------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this investigative documentary, SUBSCRIBE to RajyaGatha for more epic stories of Indian Kings and Maritime Empires! #RajendraChola #CholaEmpire #RajyaGatha #IndianHistory #CholaNavy #Kedaram #SriVijaya #HistoryDocumentary #TamilHistory