In the context of the Chola empire, Rajendra I was the son of which famous Chola ruler who expanded the kingdom through naval and territorial conquests.

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to the imperial Chola dynasty of South India, which played a major role in medieval Indian history. It focuses on the family lineage of Rajendra I, one of the greatest Chola rulers, known for his successful naval expeditions and extension of Chola power across the Indian Ocean. Understanding who his father was helps students connect dynastic succession, political stability, and the growth of the Chola empire. Many history questions in competitive exams test this type of relationship between important kings and their predecessors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ruler mentioned is Rajendra I of the Chola dynasty. • He is described as a significant emperor of the medieval Chola empire. • The question asks for the name of his father. • Options include rulers from different dynasties, not all of them Chola.

Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to identify which of the listed names belongs to the Chola dynasty and then to recall the exact father son relationship for Rajendra I. Bindusara, Devabhuti, and Skanda Gupta are associated with other dynasties such as the Mauryas, the Shungas, and the Guptas. Only Rajaraja I is correctly associated with the Cholas in the given options. Standard history references clearly mention that Rajendra I was the son and successor of Rajaraja I, who laid the foundations of Chola naval power and temple building on a grand scale.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Rajendra I as a prominent king of the imperial Chola dynasty who ruled in the early eleventh century. Step 2: Recall that his predecessor and father was a mighty Chola ruler famous for conquering large parts of South India and Sri Lanka and for building the Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur. Step 3: This ruler was Rajaraja I, also known as Rajaraja the Great. Step 4: Examine the options and note that Bindusara I, Devabhuti I, and Skanda Gupta I are not associated with the Cholas. Step 5: Conclude that the only correct and relevant choice is Rajaraja I.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard text or reliable online resource on South Indian history confirms that Rajendra I was the son of Rajaraja I. Rajaraja I expanded the Chola kingdom and created a strong military and administrative base. Rajendra I then built on this inheritance and led successful campaigns to the Ganges and overseas regions. Genealogical tables of the Chola dynasty clearly show Rajaraja I followed by Rajendra I in succession. None of the other options fit this family line or the South Indian regional context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bindusara I: Bindusara was a Mauryan ruler, the son of Chandragupta Maurya and father of Ashoka, and belonged to a completely different and much earlier dynasty. Devabhuti I: Devabhuti was the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty and has no connection with the Chola rulers of South India. Skanda Gupta I: Skanda Gupta was a notable ruler of the Gupta dynasty in North India, again unrelated to the Chola line. Pulakeshin II: Pulakeshin II was a famous Chalukya ruler from the Deccan, not the father of Rajendra I.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse different dynasties because of similar sounding names or because all these kings appear in the same broad medieval timeline. Another common error is to pick a well known king like Pulakeshin II or Skanda Gupta simply because the name is familiar, without checking which dynasty he belonged to. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to associate each king with a particular region, dynasty, and time period. For Rajendra I, always remember the Chola chain of Rajaraja I followed by Rajendra I.

Final Answer:
In Chola history, Rajendra I was the son of the great Chola ruler Rajaraja I.