History of Sri Lanka/Rajendra Chola I

Rajendra Chola I (Rajendra Chola the Great; முதலாம் இராசேந்திர சோழன்) was an emperor of the Chola dynasty in medieval India. He was the son of Rajaraja Chola I. He became the king of the empire in 1014 AD after his father, Rajaraja Chola I died. He had been made co-regent in 1012 AD. He was one of the greatest rulers and military leaders of the Chola Empire, standing with a great army, including navy.

Ruling over Ceylon

In 1018 AD, Rajendra Chola I continued his father's work and set off a campaign in Illam, Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) and captured the Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura. He later turned to controlling and taking over all of the country/land of Ceylon. As a result of this abrupt invasion on Sri Lanka and the over-taking of Anuradhapura, the former Sinhalese king, Mahinda V, was taken as a prisoner and transported to India. He died, 12 years later, at a prison.