What strengthened the economic and political power of the Chola empire?
• new religious beliefs
• maritime trade networks
• brilliant bodhisattva leaders
• new agricultural techniques
The correct options among the given choices are maritime trade networks and new agricultural techniques.
Maritime trade networks: The Chola Empire, which existed from the 9th to the 13th century in South India, established and expanded its influence over a vast maritime trade network. The Cholas had a strong navy, allowing them to control various ports and trade routes in the Indian Ocean, including Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and even parts of Africa. This maritime trade brought immense wealth to the empire, as they engaged in the export of valuable goods such as spices, textiles, gems, and metals.
New agricultural techniques: The Chola empire also focused on agricultural development, implementing new techniques such as building extensive irrigation systems, creating reservoirs, and constructing canals. These innovations greatly improved agricultural productivity, leading to increased food production and surplus. This surplus not only fed the growing population but also provided a stable economic base for the empire.