During the reign of which Chola king was the first trade delegation sent to…

Concept

Long-distance trade in the Chola period was supported by merchant networks and royal embassies.

To identify the ruler, match the earliest recorded Chola mission in Song sources with the reign during which it was dispatched.

Application

Song-period records place the first Chola mission to China in 1015. It had left the Chola realm near the end of Rajaraja I’s reign and carried his communication; later missions are associated with Rajendra I in 1033 and Kulottunga I in 1077.

Contrast

• Rajendra I is associated with the later mission recorded in 1033.

• Vikrama Chola ruled in the early twelfth century, well after the first mission.

• Rajamahendra was a mid-eleventh-century prince and co-regent, not the ruler linked to the first recorded mission.

Result

Therefore, the ruler sought is Rajaraja I.