Question

What among the following is the correct chronological order of the Chola rulers ? \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{Rajadhiraja I} B.& \ \text{Rajendra I} C.& \ \text{Rajaraja I} D.& \ \text{Kulottunga I} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B, C and D
• B. D, B, C and A
• C. C, B, A and D
• D. C, A, B and D

Hint:

Remember: \[ \text{Rajaraja I} \rightarrow \text{Rajendra I} \rightarrow \text{Rajadhiraja I} \rightarrow \text{Kulottunga I} \] Rajaraja I built the Brihadeshwara Temple.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Cholas were among the most powerful dynasties of South India. They established:
• a strong military administration,
• naval supremacy,
• temple architecture,
• and overseas trade connections. Chronological order questions require identifying the succession of rulers.

Step 1: Identifying the earliest ruler. \[ \text{Rajaraja I} \] Rajaraja I greatly expanded the Chola Empire and built the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur. Thus: \[ C = \text{First position} \]

Step 2: Finding the next ruler chronologically. \[ \text{Rajendra I} \] Rajendra I was the son and successor of Rajaraja I. He expanded the empire further and conducted naval expeditions to Southeast Asia. Thus: \[ B = \text{Second position} \]

Step 3: Determining the next ruler. \[ \text{Rajadhiraja I} \] Rajadhiraja I succeeded Rajendra I. Thus: \[ A = \text{Third position} \]

Step 4: Identifying the final ruler. \[ \text{Kulottunga I} \] Kulottunga I ruled later and consolidated Chola administration. Thus: \[ D = \text{Fourth position} \]

Step 5: Writing the complete chronological sequence. Hence: \[ \boxed{C \rightarrow B \rightarrow A \rightarrow D} \] Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(3)\ C, B, A \text{ and } D} \]

Step 6: Importance of the Cholas. The Cholas contributed significantly in:
• temple construction,
• local self-government,
• maritime trade,
• and South Indian cultural expansion. Their inscriptions provide valuable administrative information.