page_title: Chola Navy
section_title: Organization and administration
hierarchical_section_title: Chola Navy / Organization and administration
caption_attribution_description: Trade route map of Southeast Asia around 12th to early 13th century AD
context_page_description: The Chola Navy comprised the naval forces of the Chola Empire along with several other naval-arms of the country. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire, including the conquest of the Ceylon islands and naval raids on Sri Vijaya. The Cholas were one of the most powerful empires of all time with the strongest navy of any Indian power and probably the only thalassocracy from India.
  The navy grew both in size and status during the Medieval Cholas reign. The Chola Admirals commanded much respect and prestige in the society. The navy commanders also acted as diplomats in some instances. From 900 to 1100, the navy had grown from a small backwater entity to that of a potent power projection and diplomatic symbol in all of Asia, but was gradually reduced in significance when the Cholas fought land battles for subjugating the Chalukyas of Andhra-Kannada area in South India.
context_section_description: The Ancient Chola navy was based on trade vessel designs with little more than boarding implements, though this changed throughout the history. The later day navy was a specialized force with specially built ships for each type of combat.
  The Imperial Navy of the Medieval Cholas was composed of a multitude of forces in its command. In addition to the regular navy (Kappal-Padai), there were many auxiliary forces that could be used in naval combat. The Chola Navy was an autonomous service unlike many of its contemporaries. The Army depended on the Naval-fleets for transportation and logistics. The navy also had a core of marines. Even saboteurs, who were trained pearl-fishermen ,were used to dive and disable enemy vessels by destroying or damaging the rudder.
  The Chola Navy could undertake any of the following combat and non-combat missions,
  Peacetime patrol and interdiction of piracy.
  Escort trade conveys.
  Escort friendly vessels.
  Naval battle close to home ports and at high-seas.
  Establish a beachhead and or reinforce the army in times of need.
  Denial of passage for allies of the state's enemies.
  Sabotage of enemy vessels
  This multi-dimensional force enabled the Cholas to achieve the Military, Political and cultural hegemony over their vast dominion.
caption: Trade Routes of Southeast Asia around the Srivijaya Empire and Kediri around the 12th and early 13th century.
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