The countries conquerred by Rajendra Chol on the otherside of Bay of Bengal are listed. And Kulothunga was Representing Chola Rajendra in Eastern countries from 1063 to 1071 till he came to throne. In the name Kulothungan, the THUNGAN came after the victory of Srivijaya kings Maravijayothungan, Sankrama Vijayothungan etc. Without a fleet of battleships, Kalapathy(captain), sailors this could have not possible. Even before the Chola period ship building, sailing were mentioned is many historical references.
This is the statement given by Dr.N.Subramanian, Professorof History, University of Madras.
Moreover, Bhojan's UKTHI KALPATHARU is the Sanskrit version of book describing ancient ships of India and was translated by R.K.Mukherjee and named 'INDIAN SHIPPING' which contains the details of building warships, merchant ships etc. Dr.P.C.Majumdar's Suvarnadwipa gives more details about Tamil warships like AKRA MANDHIRAM, and its 4 kinds used in battles. Sarpa Mandhiram is used for journeys by Royal families and merchants. Periplus states there were 3 kinds of ships sailing on the coast of Chola and in Berant's book VOYAGE the merchant from Arabia ABUSYED described about the Chola warships which is also acknowledged in RENADENT's ANCIENT ACCOUNTS.
NB: It is very hard to keep mum and not to interfere between your arguments. Pardon me for the interference. And my humble request to you members, the informations on websites differ from each other, and not to take them as authoritative ones. There are people who spent and spending their lives after historical truths and evidences. Consider their work and honour them. That will give the true picture of history. -Vishwak.
Pls enrich us more with valuable deails ... it is not interference..
I am not able to get that refernce on Chozha shipping...
but vaguely recall :: Odam .. Naavai .. Kalam... likewise the dictions used to denote the vessels and their subtle differences etc., etc.
... and it is important to hold Lanka because that is strategically locally located and provided excellent base for the South Indian Eastern coast to any trade / war activities towards far-East...
Am sure this is by Narasaihagaru...
Another one was a paper submitted wherein a ship leaving Alexandria will reach straight MUSIRI on the Western Coast... just by support of wind itself ..
Already found some details of Rajendra I conquor related inscription by Non-Tamil Kings..