Chola naval power

The Chola dynasty, thriving between the 9th and 13th centuries in southern India, built a formidable naval force that extended their influence across Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. Their powerful ships enabled successful overseas trade, military expeditions, and colonization of islands like Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This maritime strength helped secure economic prosperity, control key trade routes, and establish the Cholas as a dominant naval power in the region. Their innovative shipbuilding techniques and strategic naval deployments were crucial to maintaining their empire’s reach and influence across vast distances.