User:Everdawn/Sandboxes/Chola navy

The term 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 and conquests of the Ceylon islands,  Sri Vijaya (present day Indonesia), Spread of Hinduism, Dravidian architecture and culture to the South east Asia. And in curbing the piracy in Southeast Asia in the 900CE. The Chola Admirals commanded much respect and prestige in the society.

The Navy grew both in size and status during the Medieval Cholas reign. The navy commanders also acted as diplomats in some instances. From 900CE to 1100CE, 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, due to the later-day conflicts with Chalukyas taking place mainly in the land.

History
- An Arab proverb

This proverb could be be still true if not for the periods of Chola Empire and the Maratha Empire. Notable points of time in India's Naval domination of the sub-continent and beyond. Historians see it fit to divide the Chola Reign into three distinct phases. The first era is the period of Early Cholas .The second phase is of Vijalaya Cholas and the final phase in the empire was the Chalukya Chola period.

Early Activity
Ancient Indians had been very good mariners from time immemorial, but the first accountable sea-faring traditions can be dated back to 2400 BCE, if not earlier. The excavations in Lothal clearly gives an idea of the ancient port city and its advanced science and technology, including Naval-tradition. They used Shell Compass to navigate the high-seas and used the study of astronomy for Ocean navigation hi 2000 years before the ancient Greeks.

The earliest Chola kings of whom there is tangible evidence are mentioned in the Sangam literature. Scholars now generally agree that this literature belongs to the first few centuries of the common era. The Sangam literature is full of names of the kings and the princes, and of the poets who extolled them. Despite a rich literature that depicts the life and work of these people, these cannot be worked into connected history.

Ancient Navy
Thihe earliest record of Chola Naval activity by an external source is dated around 1st century CE, the Roman report of Kaveripoompattinam(presently known as Poombuhar) as Haverpoum  and a description of how the Trade vessels were escorted by the King's fleet to the estuary as it was a natural harbor in the mouth of the river Kaveri.

We could gather much insight into the naval activities of the Cholas from, Periplus of the Erythrean Sea. In this work, the unknown merchant describes the activity of escort-ships assigned to the merchant vessels with valuable cargo. These early naval ships had some sort of a rudimentary flame-thrower and or a catapult type weapon.

Little historical evidence exists of the maritime activities of this era, except some excavated wooden plaques depicting Naval engagements in the vicinity of the old city (See Poompuhar for details about the city & its fate).

Medieval Navy
The period immediately following the 3rd century CE until 7th century CE is a blind spot in the maritime tradition of the Cholas. But, it can be safely assumed from the contemporary activities of the Pandyas and Pallavas. In the Interregnum, the Cholas were probably reduced to Vassals of Pallavas, though at times they switched sides and allied with Pandyas and tried to dispose their overlords. But, there is no concrete line of kings or court recordings.

But, even during this time the Cholas had maintained a small but potent Naval force based inland in the Kaveri river. During this time they dominated the inland trade in the Kaveri basin and Musuri is their major inland port. Dry-docks exist to this day.

Interregnum
Little is known about the transition period of around three centuries from the end of the Sangam age (c. 300) to that in which the Pandyas and Pallavas dominate the Tamil country. An obscure dynasty, the Kalabhras, invaded the Tamil country, displaced the existing kingdoms and ruled for around three centuries. They were displaced by the Pallavas and the Pandyas in the 6th century. Little is known of the fate of the Cholas during the succeeding three centuries until the accession of Vijayalaya in the second quarter of the ninth century.

Imperial Navy with Blue water capabilities
The Imperial Chola navy took its shape in the aftermath of the resurgence of Chola power, with the rise of Vijalaya dynasty. The evolution of combat ships and naval-architecture elsewhere played an important part in the development of the Pallava Navy. There were serious effort in the period of Simavishnu to control the piracy in the SE Asia and to establish a Tamil friendly regime in the Malay. But, it had to wait three Centuries and by the hands of a new Naval power, the Cholas. When the Pallavas were in the heydays, the Cholas took advantage of this and took control of not only the territories, but the cultural and socio-economic mantle. Thus, the Medieval Cholas inherited the will to dominate trade and control seas from the Pallavas.

This phase of the history is the most known one, partly due the survival of the edicts and inscriptions from the time along with reliable Foreign narratives. this has enabled the historians to interpolate the various accounts and come up with a clear account.

The three decades of conflict with the Sinhala king Mahinda V came to a swift end, after Rajaraja chola I's ascent to the throne and his decisive use of the Naval flotilla to subdue the Sinhalese.

This period also marked the departure in thinking from the age-old traditions, for Rajaraja commissioned various foreigners (Prominently, the Arabs and Chinese) in the naval building program. This effort was continued and the benefits reaped under his Rajendra Chola I. He led a successful expedition against the Sri Vijaya (present day Indonesia) and subdued Sailendra. Though there were friendly exchanges between the Sri Vijaya empire and the Chola Empire in preceding times(including the construction of chudamani Pagoda in Nagapattinam), the raid seemed to have been motivated by the commercial interests rather than any political motives.

Trade, Commerce and diplomacy
The trade with the Chinese was a very lucrative enterprise, and Trade guilds needed the king's approval and the license from the customs force/department to embark on overseas voyages for trade. The normal voyage of the day's trade involves three legs of journey. Which started with the Indian goods(mainly spices, cotton and gems) being shipped to china and in the return leg the Chinese goods (silk, incense,iron) were brought back to Chola ports. After some materials are utilized for local consumption, the remaining cargo along with Indian cargo is shipped to the Arabs. Traditionally, this involves transfer of material/cargo to many ships before the ultimate destination is reached.

The Strategic position of the Sri Vijaya and Kahamboj as a mid-point in the trade route was crucial. Upto 5th century CE, the Arabs traded with Chinese directly using Sri Vijaya as a port of call and replenishment hub. Realizing their potential, the Sri Vijaya empire began to encourage the sea piracy surrounding the area. The benefits were two-fold, the loot from piracy was a good bounty and it ensured their sovereignty and cooperation from all the trading parties.

When the piracy soared to unprecedented levels due to a internal succession confusion, two princes fought over the Throne and in turn relied on the loot from the sea-piracy for their civil-war.

The Arabs, on whom the Cholas were dependent of horses for their cavalry corps, began to demand high prices for their trade in the absence of Chinese commodity, this led to a slew of reduction in the Chola army. Also, the sea trade with china was virtually impossible without the loss of 1/3 of the convoy for every voyage. Even escorted convoys came under attacks, which was a new factor. After repeated diplomatic missions urging the Sri Vijaya empire to curb the piracy, little result came.

The Chinese were equally infuriated by this act, as they too were losing revenue.In one particular note, the Cholas went as far as to conquer the Kamboja and gave it to the Sri vijaya kings (as per their request) to ensure cooperation in the curbing piracy.

There existed a close diplomatic tie between the Song dynasty of China and the Medieval Cholas,which facilitated many technological innovations to travel both ways. The more interesting ones to have reached Chola shores are,


 * The famous Chinese ship-designs employing independent water tight compartments in the hull of a ship.
 * The mariner's compass
 * The continuously shooting Flamethrowers for naval warfare.

Perhaps, the culmination of three century's (combined) naval traditions of Pallavas and Cholas led to the most known accomplishment of the Chola Navy(or any South Indian power for that matter)., Namely the 1st expedition of the Chola navy into the Malay peninsula.

Organization and Administration
The Ancient navy was based on the 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 were used, who were trained Pearl-fishermen. Who could dive and disable an enemy vessel by destroying/damaging the Rudder.

The Chola navy could undertake any of the following combat and non-combat missions,

This multi-dimensional force enabled the Cholas to achieve the Military, Political and cultural hegemony over the vast dominion of the Cholas.
 * 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

Administration
The King/Emperor was the Supreme commander of all the Military forces including the Navy.

The navy is organized mostly on role based squadrons & divisions, containing various types of ships assigned for a specific role and home-ported in an associated base/port. This procedure became necessary, especially after the conquest of Ceylon. Normally, a Ganam (Fleet-Squadron) would (the largest individual unit)be commanded by a Ganathipathy.

(should not be confused with the elephant headed god Ganapathy).

There were numerous sub-units of operational reasons and organizational reasons or other wise. Some are presented below,

'Note : The Chola Navy used both naval-ranks & army-style ranks. While some of the modern-day convention of Ranks do applied, Like; the Army Capitan is equal to a Lieutenant in Navy and a Navy Capitan is equal to a Colonel in the army; others were totally different.So a small comparison is provided for comparison.

‡- Nomenclature 1,  Kanni May mean any of the following in Tamil, the application on the meaning is in context of the usage. Virgin/Unmarried Girl, First timer, the Eastern corner/direction.

2, 'Thalam being both the name of a tactical formation of the army and navy. Thalapathy meaning the lord of a Thalam roughly a division, and the rank is comparable to Modern-day colonel.

Rank Structure
The chola navy used a hybrid rank structure, there were dedicated Naval ranks as well as Army-derived ranks.


 * The Supreme Commander         :Chakravarthy - The Emperor


 * The Commander-in Chief of Navy :Jalathipathhi - roughly, the Admiral of the Navy.


 * The commander of the Fleet  : Pirivu+ Athipathy or Devar/n or Nayagan   - The equivalent of an  Admiral


 * The commander of the Fleet-Squadron        :  Ganathipathy  - the equivalent of a rear-admiral (roughly)


 * The commander of a group             : Mandalathipathy#(refer below)  - the equivalent of a Vice-admiral


 * The commander of the Ship            : Kalapathy  -The equivalent of a captain in modern navies.


 * The officer in-charge of Arms in a ship : Kaapu - Roughly the Executive officer and Weapons officer rolled into one.


 * The officer in-charge of the oarsmen/masts  : Seevai - roughly the equivalent of the Master Chief and Engineering officer.


 * The officer in-charge of boarding Party (Marines) : Eeitimaar - Major/Captain in marines.

Other Naval Arms
The auxiliary forces of the Chola Navy In addition to the Standing Navy of the state, there were other services which had a naval arm of its own. Notable among them are the Customs Department, Militia and the state monopoly of Pearl fisheries. In addition to the state services, a small but formidable forces were maintained by various trade-guilds, these guilds are highly regulated and acted as mercenaries and reinforcements in times of need.

Customs & Exercise
The Customs force, called Sungu (SUNGA ILLAKA) was highly organized and unlike anything in the ancient world. It was under the command of a Director-general like position called Thalai-Thirvai. Thalai - Head, Thirvai- duty(customs). It was highly evolved and had various departments Some are

Coast Guard
In the later years of the 1100 CE, the Navy was constantly battling in many fronts to protect Chola Commercial, religious and Political interests. So the home ports were literally, undefended. This led to a change in the of outlook Chola naval strategy, the sturdier and larger vessels were repeatedly called to reinforce the high-sea flotilla, leading to the development of a specialized Auxiliary force of fast and heavily armed light ships in large numbers. The erstwhile Karaipirivu was the natural choice for this expansion and in time they became an autonomous force vested with the duties of protecting the Chola territorial waters, home ports, patrol of newly captured ports and coastal cities.

Privateers
The state's dependence on overseas trade for much valued foreign exchange created the powerful Trade-guilds. Some of which grew more powerful than the regional governors. And in the increasingly competitive field of international trade, the state faced with difficulties to reinforce and or rescue stranded Merchant ships in high seas, in a timely manner. This led to the establishment of privateer navies. Like its European counterparts, they had no National markings and employed multi-national crews.

But, they were employed by the Trade-guilds rather than the Empire, giving the Traders an edge in the seas. Normally, they performed path-finding, escort and protection duties. but, in more than a few occasions, these forces had been summoned to serve the Empire's interests.

Notable Trade guilds which employed a privateer navy were,


 * Nanadesa Tisaiyayirattu Ainnutruvar - literally, "the five hundred from the four countries and the thousand directions"


 * Maalainattu Thiribuvana Vaanibar kzhulumam - The merchants from the high-country in three worlds (meaning the 3 domiciles of Chinese, Indian and Arabian empires)


 * Maadathu valaingair (or valainzhr)vaanibar Kzhu - The pearl exporters form the Kanchi

Vessels and Weapons


Even before the accounts of the 1st century BC, there were written accounts of Ship-building and war-craft at sea. Professor R.C. Majumdar says that there existed a comprehensive book of Naval-architecture in India dating back to 2nd century BC, if not earlier.

During the reign of Raja Raja and his son, there were a complex classification of class of vessels and its utility. Some of the survived classes' name and utility are below.


 * Dharani  - The equivalent of modern-day  destroyers designed to take combat to high-seas.


 * Loola     - The equivalent of a modern day Corvettes; designed to perform light combat and escort duties.
 * Vajra     - The equivalent of a Frigate maybe, a fast attack craft lightly armored.


 * Thirisadai - Probably the battle cruisers or Battleships of the day, they are reported to be armored heavily and can engage more than 2 targets in combat, and relies on its built rather than speed to survive and attack.

Though all ships of the time employed a small Marine force (for boarding enemy vessels), this class of ship seems to have had a separate cabins and training area for them. This ship also is said to be able to engage in asymmetrical warfare.



Apart from class definitions, there are names of Royal Yachts and their architecture. Some of which are,
 * Akramandham - A royal Yacht with the Royal quarters in the stern.
 * Neelamandham - A royal Yacht with extensive facilities for conducting courts and accommodation for hi-officials/ministers.
 * Sarpammugam - these were smaller yachts used in the Rivers (with ornamental snake heads)

In addition to these, we find many names of Ship classes in Purananuru and its application in both inland waters and open oceans. Some of them are,


 * Yanthiram - Hybrid ship employing bot sails and oars or probably Paddle wheels of some type (as Yanthiram is literally translated to mechanical wheel)
 * Kalam - Large vessels with 3 masts which can travel in any direction irrespective of winds.
 * Punai - medium sized vessels that can be used to coastal shipping as well as inland.
 * Patri - Large barge type vessel used to ferrying trade goods.
 * Oodam - Small boat with large oars.
 * Ambi - Medium sized boat with a single mast and oars.
 * Toni - small boat used in rocky terrain.

Campaigns
In the tenure spanning the 7 Centuries its documented existence, the Chola Navy was involved in confrontations for probably 500 years. There were frequent skirmishes and many pitched battles. Not to mention long campaigns and expeditions. The 5 centuries of conflict between the Pandyas and Cholas for the control of the peninsula gave rise to many legends and folktales. Not to mention the heroes in both sides. The notable campaigns are below


 * War of Pandya Succession (1172 CE)
 * War of Pandya succession (1167 CE)
 * The destruction of the Bali fleet (1148CE)
 * Sea battle of the Kalinga Campaighn (1081CE-1083CE)
 * The second expedition of Sri vijaya (1031CE-1034CE)
 * The first expedition of Sri vijaya (1027CE -1029CE)
 * The Annexation of Kedah (1024-1025 CE)
 * Annexation of the Khamboj (?-996CE)
 * The invasion of Ceylon/Sri Lanka.(977CE-?)
 * Skirmishes with Pallava Navy (903-8 CE)

Recruitment and Service
The chola emperors gave a free hand to the Admirals in recruiting and training of sailors, engineers, oarsmen and marines. There were no complicated tests and evaluation process. Any citizen or even non citizen could sign up for the naval service. But, one did not end up in the work of his choice. Preference were given to ex-servicemen, their sons and noblemen. But, this attitude changed in later days. And many class of soldiers / sailors distinguished themselves, irrespective of rank and class.

But, the prized position of all were th Siege engineers, and they commanded much admiration among the crew. Despite all normalance, the caste system did played a role in selection and service, the marines were typically recruited from the Maravar community, noted for thier undying loyality and ferocity in combat. The saboteurs were typically recruited from the Valaingar community. the navigators and deck-officers were recruited from Vaishya community. The commander of the ship mostly hailed from the Kshatraya community.

Ports and fleets
the most ancient of ports used by Cholas was the Poombuhar, later on they used many poerts and even created some new ones.Some of the famous ports are,


 * Arickamedu
 * Poombuhar.
 * Kanchipuram.
 * Nagapatinam.
 * Kulachal.
 * Korkai
 * Kadalur.
 * Thuthukudi

In addition to these sea ports there were many inland ports and dry dock connected by Rivers Kaveri and Thamarabarani which served commercial fleets and in times of war, to facilitate mass production, ships were built inland and ferried through the rivers to the Ocean.
 * Musuri
 * Worayur or Urayur

The fleets were normally named after the dead monarchs and god's name. The most distinguished ones were granted Royal prefixes like Theiva-sovereign's name-fleet name. During the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, there were 5 fleets, each catering to particular needs. The main fleet was home ported in Nagapatinam. The other fleets were home ported in Kadalur and a small fleet was also based in Kanchipuram.

In addition to the main fleets of war ships, there were 2 fleets of Logistics and transport ships to serve the needs of the Army; involved in a bloody war in Ceylon and later in SE Asia.

In the later years this numbers increased drastically and a several fleets were created anew. During the later 11th century CE, there were a total 9 battle fleets, based in various dominians across the vast expanses of the Chola empire ranging from the present day Aceh, Ankorwat to the southern reaches of ceylon/Sri Lanka.

Political, Cultural and Economic Impact
The Grand vision and imperial energy of the Father and son duo Raja Raja chola I and Rajendra Chola I is undoubtedly the underlying reason for expansion and prosperity. But, this was accomplished by the tireless efforts and pains of the Navy. In essence, Raja Raja was the first person in the Sub-continent to realize the power projection capabilities of a powerful navy. He and his successors initiated a massive naval buildup and continued supporting it. And they used it more than just wars.

The chola navy was a potent Diplomatic symbol, It was the carrier of Chola might and prestige. It spread the Dravidian culture, the literary and architectural grandeur. For the sake of comparison, it was just the equivalent of the " Gunboat diplomacy " of the modern day Great powers and super powers.

There is evidence to show that the king of Kambujadesa (modern Cambodia) sent a ornamental chariot to the Chola Emperor, probably to appease him so that his strategic attention does not extend further than the Malay peninsula.

Talking of impact, after 8 centuries (from Kulothunga's time) and Islamic conversion, Indonesia still has a high regard for their connections with the cholas (navy). The Indonesian submarine museum is housed in an old Russian whiskey-class submarine. Which was named "Pasopati", one of the names of the hindu god Shiva. Still exciting fact is the cultural ties spread by the chola navies. The motto of the Indonesian navy is Jalaseva Jayamahe, which is Sanskrit for "On the sea we are glorious."

And there are very many surviving examples of the temples built around Dravadian Architecture, in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Popular culture
From the Sangam age poems to commemorate the victory of the sovereign of the day to the immortalized Kalinga Campaign of the Kulothnga Chola I in the Kalingathu parani. Parani is a special type of literary work, which; according to the traditions and rules of linguistics of Tamizh can only be composed on a king/general whose forces have killed a thousand elephants in combat.

In modern times, more than a few Romance has been inspired by the Chola Navy, and mostly in Tamil Language and literature.


 * Yavana rani : A historical novel by Sandilyian surrounding the events of the Karikala's Ascendence to throne.


 * Ponniyin selvan : The crowning glory of the Rajaraja is idolized in this Novel surrounding the assination of his brother and crown prince Aditha Karikalan. More than a passing note is given of the navy and its organization in this Magnum opus by Kalki. Krishnamoorthy.


 * Kadal pura : Another historical novel by sandilyan surrounding the foundation of the Chalukya Chola dynasty in India and the Song Dynasty in china. Sandilyan gives more than a passing evidence to prove that the song-emperor and Kulothunga chola were friends. By far, this work gives the most intricate details of the navies of the day and naval warfare. In this work he describes the various weapons and tactics employed by the Cholas and Chinese navies and their combined efforts to overthrow the Sri Vijaya dynasty.


 * Kanni Maadam : A historical novel by Sandilyan in the time of Rajathiraja Chola. The work describes the Pandyas' civil war .It elaborates the war by proxy, between the sinhalese and cholas. The pallavas are all but gone, they are in the service of both Cholas and pandyas. It features some of the most detailed tactical maneuvering in battlefield. It also highlights the importance of the Naval power and logistics in an overseas campaign.

Timeline of events
The major events which had direct impact in the development of the Chola Naval capabality is listed here, which is in no case comprehensive. But, some of the events had deep impact nevertheless.

Archeological Evidence: The dated excavations,
 * 3000 BCE                 - Dugboats were found in Arikamedu, what is now in Pondychery
 * 2400 BCE                 - Highly functonal port is in operation in Lothal of what is now Gujurat
 * 700 BCE                 - The first mention of the word Yavana in pottery around korkai.(meaning Greeks or Romans)
 * 300 BCE                 - A load-stone compass with chinese inscriptions is found off the coast of Kaaveripoompatnam.
 * 100 BCE                 - A settlement of Tamil/Pakrit speaking merchants founded in Rome.
 * Later 1st Century BCE    - Roman glass were found in Southern costal regions of Tamilnadu

Literary references and Recordings
 * 356-321 BCE: The Periplus of Niarchus, an officer of Alexander the Great, describes the Persian coast. Niarchus commissioned thirty oared galleys to transport the troops of Alexander the Great from northwest India back to Mesopotamia, via the Persian Gulf and the Tigris, an established commercial route.


 * 334-323 BCE: Eratosthenes, the librarian at Alexandria, drew a map which includes Sri Lanka and the mouth of the Ganges.Which states the exchange of traffic and comodity in the regions.
 * 207-190 BCE: In a puranaanuru song, there is an advice for enterprising soldiers, which when translated literally comes to " He should ride the horse like the Phalavas, Muster the elephant like cherals, & must organize the defense of a fort like the Yavanas, this brings to light the existence of roman settlements.
 * 1st century BCE : When Vennikkuyithiar mentiones about Karikala, he mentiones several class of inland vessls by Name some are Kalam, Punai & Patri.