Final answer:
The Chola Empire built its wealth primarily through sea commerce (1), utilizing its control over strategic trade routes to tax passing vessels and engaging in extensive trade networks that reached as far as China.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chola Empire relied on sea commerce to build wealth. With its control over the Palk Strait, the Chola kingdom was able to dominate trade in the nearby portion of the Indian Ocean from about 970 to 1300. This strategic position allowed them to tax passing vessels, usually taking a portion of their cargo. Additionally, the empire had a robust network of merchants and seafarers, and they maintained close contacts with lands from the Maldives to the Indonesian archipelago and beyond to China. This commerce included the trade of textiles, spices, and precious gems, and was a fundamental aspect of their economic strength.
During the 11th century, Rajendra I, known as the 'Victor of the Ganges,' sought to extend and consolidate Chola control over regional trade, which involved deepening commercial ties with China, indicative of the empire's extensive maritime trade.