The Cholas were noted for their successful overseas naval expeditions. Which of the following Chola rulers is especially known for leading a major naval campaign that extended Chola power to Sri Lanka and South East Asia, including an invasion of the kingdom of Srivijaya in Sumatra?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to the maritime achievements of the Chola dynasty of South India. The Cholas were among the few Indian powers to project naval strength far across the Indian Ocean. Two rulers in particular, Rajaraja I and his son Rajendra I, expanded Chola influence through overseas expeditions. One of them is especially famous for attacking the powerful kingdom of Srivijaya in Sumatra and asserting Chola influence over parts of South East Asia.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The dynasty is the imperial Cholas of South India.
• The question focuses on overseas naval campaigns, particularly to Sri Lanka and South East Asia.
• It mentions the invasion of Srivijaya in Sumatra as a key event.
• The options list Parantaka I, Rajaraja I, Rajendra I, both Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, and Kulottunga I.

Concept / Approach:
The main concept is to distinguish between Rajaraja I and Rajendra I. Rajaraja I successfully conquered parts of Sri Lanka and extended Chola control over the Maldives and coastal regions, laying the foundation for a strong navy. Rajendra I, his son, carried these achievements further by launching a famous naval expedition against the Srivijaya empire in South East Asia, attacking ports in present day Sumatra, Malaya and nearby regions. Because the question specifically mentions an invasion of Srivijaya in Sumatra, the ruler being referred to is Rajendra I.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Rajaraja I expanded Chola power through campaigns in South India, Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean islands.Step 2: Remember that Rajendra I not only continued his father’s policies but also mounted a dramatic expedition across the Bay of Bengal.Step 3: Identify the target of this expedition as the Srivijaya kingdom in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, which controlled important sea routes.Step 4: Note that the question emphasises the invasion of Srivijaya, which is a well known highlight of Rajendra I’s reign.Step 5: Therefore, choose Rajendra I as the correct answer from the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Parantaka I: An earlier Chola ruler who expanded influence in South India but is not known for major overseas naval expeditions to Sumatra.
• Rajaraja I: Conquered large parts of Sri Lanka and nearby islands, but the famous Srivijaya campaign in South East Asia is associated with his son Rajendra I.
• Both Rajaraja I and Rajendra I equally: While both were important, the specific invasion of Srivijaya mentioned in the question is linked to Rajendra I.
• Kulottunga I: A later Chola ruler with his own achievements, but not the main figure behind the classic Srivijaya campaign.

Common Pitfalls:
Because both Rajaraja I and Rajendra I were powerful rulers who used the Chola navy, candidates sometimes treat them as interchangeable in questions on overseas expeditions. This leads to choosing both or picking Rajaraja by habit. The best way to avoid confusion is to associate Sri Lanka and island conquests mainly with Rajaraja and the distant expedition to Srivijaya in Sumatra with Rajendra I.

Final Answer:
The Chola ruler especially known for leading a major overseas naval expedition that extended Chola power to Sri Lanka and South East Asia, including the invasion of Srivijaya in Sumatra, was Rajendra I.