Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.29

v2.c14.29

During this period, Chinese documents did not record many envoys to and from Song Dynasty and various Indian kingdoms, with the exception of Cola (or Chola) in southern India. Chola was an ancient kingdom and grew into a powerful state in mid 10^th century CE. According to Book 489 of *Song Shi* (*History of Song Dynasty*), in eighth year of Zhong Xiang Fu Era (1015), Rajaraja, king of Chola (reigned about 985-1016 CE), sent a 52-person delegation to offer local specialties. The envoy Srisaman brought a royal letter. In second year of Ming Dao Era (1033), Chola sent Bhujadali and others to offer pearls, ivory and other materials. In the 10^th year of Xi Ning Era (1077), Chola King Devakara again sent 27 persons to offer pearls, spices, herbs etc. In the Southern Song Dynasty, the northwestern passage was blocked and only the sea route was accessible,