Which Deccan Hindu king led a powerful naval expedition across the Bay of Bengal, conquering territories in regions like Sumatra, Java and parts of Malaysia?

Introduction / Context:
The Chola dynasty of South India is famous not only for its temple architecture and administration but also for its impressive naval power. At its height, the Chola navy undertook expeditions across the Bay of Bengal and established influence over parts of Southeast Asia. Competitive exams often test knowledge of which particular Chola ruler led these overseas expeditions and achieved conquests in regions such as Sumatra and Java. This question focuses on correctly identifying that Deccan Hindu king.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ruler in question is a Deccan or South Indian Hindu king.
• He led naval expeditions across the Bay of Bengal.
• He conquered or exerted influence over areas in Sumatra, Java and parts of Malaysia.
• The options list Rajendra Chola, Rajaraja I, Pulakesin, Mahipala II and Krishnadevaraya.

Concept / Approach:
Rajaraja I expanded the Chola empire within South India and established a strong navy, but it was his son Rajendra Chola I who famously sent naval expeditions against the Srivijaya kingdom in Southeast Asia. These expeditions attacked ports and trading centres in areas corresponding to modern Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and nearby islands. Pulakesin was an early Chalukya ruler, Mahipala was linked with the Pala dynasty, and Krishnadevaraya was a later Vijayanagara king. Therefore, among the options, Rajendra Chola is the ruler associated with successful overseas campaigns in Southeast Asia.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Chola dynasty, especially under Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola I, built a strong naval force. Step 2: Remember that Rajaraja I focused mainly on consolidating and expanding territories in South India and Sri Lanka, laying the foundation for later expansion. Step 3: Identify that Rajendra Chola I, his successor, carried the empire s influence further and is credited with naval expeditions against the Srivijaya kingdom controlling maritime trade in Southeast Asia. Step 4: Recognise that these expeditions reached places in present day Sumatra, Java and the Malay region, giving Rajendra Chola a reputation as a great conquering king across the sea. Step 5: Compare this with the given options and select Rajendra Chola as the king fitting this description.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts and inscriptions from the Chola period mention Rajendra Chola I s campaign against Srivijaya and his naval operations across the Bay of Bengal. He is described as having controlled sea routes and exerted influence over Southeast Asian trading centres. Rajaraja I is praised for his earlier conquests but not specifically for conquering Sumatra and Java. The other options are not even from the same dynasty or region, which confirms that only Rajendra Chola fits the description in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rajaraja I: A powerful Chola ruler who expanded the empire and built a strong navy, but the large scale overseas campaigns into Southeast Asia are more closely associated with his son Rajendra Chola. Pulakesin: An early Chalukya ruler from the Deccan who fought in peninsular India but is not known for naval expeditions to Southeast Asia. Mahipala II: A ruler associated with the Pala dynasty of eastern India, not a Deccan naval power. Krishnadevaraya: A famous Vijayanagara ruler of the sixteenth century, known for campaigns in South India, but not for conquering Sumatra or Java.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola I because both were powerful Chola kings and their names are similar. Another error is to pick Krishnadevaraya, as he is one of the most famous South Indian kings, even though he belonged to a different dynasty and era. To avoid this, remember that overseas naval expeditions towards Southeast Asia are specifically associated with Rajendra Chola I and his confrontation with the Srivijaya kingdom.

Final Answer:
The Deccan Hindu king whose fleet crossed the Bay of Bengal and conquered states in Sumatra, Java and Malaysia was Rajendra Chola.