Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s3.t2.48

v2.c13.s3.t2.48

From the 11th century to 15th century, the country had frequent exchanges with China. According to *Juan* 489 of the *History of the Song Dynasty*, Chola was five *li* distant from the sea on the east and 1,500 *li* distant from the western coast of India. It had abundant natural resources including pearls, ivory, coral, gem, areca-nut, cardamom, rattan, date, coconut and so on. It had goats, cattle, pheasants and parrots among other creatures. The city had seven sections, from the outermost to the innermost. Residents lived in the first to the third sections, with the river surrounding them, officials in the fourth section and an offspring of the top officials in the fifth section. Monks lived in the Buddhist temple in the sixth section and the highest officials in the innermost section, which had more flowers and trees. In fighting, they first used elephants and then used guns, swords, and bows and arrows. People charged with light crimes were tied to wooden frames, and whipped 50 to 100 times; and people charged with serious crimes were trampled to death by elephants. According to the Chinese historical records: “in September of the eighth year of Dazhongxiangfu (1015), Rajaraja sent assistant minister Suolisanwen and Pushu to China to pay tribute including real pearl-embroidered shirts and caps, 21100 *liang* of pearls, 60 pieces of ivory and 60 *jin* of frankincense”. Subsequently, in the fourth year of Tianxi (1020), the second year of Mingdao (1033), and the tenth year of Xining (1077) as well, the country sent envoys to China. The name 'Shi Li Luo Cha Yin Tuo Luo Zhu Luo' recorded in the second year of Mingdao was consistent with the modern translation “Rajendra” meaning Rajendra Chola.