Chola Naval Diplomacy and the Srivijaya Treaty

The Chola Empire: How South India Dominated the Indian Ocean — Fexingo History · Sep 23, 2026 · 7m · transcript

While we have covered Rajendra Chola’s dramatic naval expedition against Srivijaya, this episode shifts focus to the quiet power of diplomacy that sustained the Chola Empire for centuries. We explore how the Cholas managed their relationship with Southeast Asian thalassocracies not just through sword, but through sophisticated trade treaties, religious patronage, and diplomatic correspondence. Lucas walks us through the nuances of the Kollam inscription and the role of merchant guilds like the Manigramam in maintaining peace across the Indian Ocean. Luna helps unpack how a Hindu empire…