The Cholas had a powerful navy that enabled them to:

Conquer Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia
Control trade routes in the Indian Ocean
Defend their coastal territories
All of the above

The correct answer is: d) All of the above.

The Chola navy was one of the most powerful navies in the world during the 11th and 12th centuries. It was used to conquer Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia, control trade routes in the Indian Ocean, and defend their coastal territories.

The Chola navy was built on a foundation of strong shipbuilding and maritime traditions. The Cholas were skilled shipbuilders and sailors, and they developed a number of innovative technologies, such as the use of catamarans and the construction of large, ocean-going ships.

The Chola navy was also well-equipped with a variety of weapons, including cannons, rockets, and incendiary devices. These weapons were used to great effect in the Chola conquests of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

The Chola navy also played a vital role in defending the Chola kingdom from its enemies. The Cholas were constantly at war with their neighbors, and the navy was used to protect the Chola coast from invasion.

The Chola navy was a powerful and effective force that played a major role in the Chola empire’s rise to power. It was used to conquer new territories, control trade routes, and defend the Chola kingdom from its enemies.

Here is a brief explanation of each option:

  • a) Conquer Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia. The Chola navy was used to conquer Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia. In 1017, the Chola king Rajendra Chola I invaded Sri Lanka and captured the capital city of Polonnaruwa. The Cholas also conquered parts of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra.
  • b) Control trade routes in the Indian Ocean. The Chola navy was used to control trade routes in the Indian Ocean. The Cholas established a number of trading posts along the Indian coast and in Southeast Asia. They also used their navy to protect their trade routes from pirates and other threats.
  • c) Defend their coastal territories. The Chola navy was used to defend their coastal territories from invasion. The Cholas were constantly at war with their neighbors, and the navy was used to protect the Chola coast from invasion.