Q200. Which of the following king–dynasty pairs of early historical Tamilakam is/are incorrectly matched?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2026]
- Senguttuvan — Chera
- Udiyanjeral — Chola
- Nedunjeliyan — Pandya
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3
D. 3 only
Answer: B. 2 only
Explanation: Udiyanjeral was a Chera ruler, not a Chola. Senguttuvan belonged to the Cheras and Nedunjeliyan to the Pandyas; therefore, only pair 2 is incorrect.
Q199. Who built the grand Chola temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
[SSC CGL 2025 Tier-II — Held 19 January 2026]
A. Rajaraja Chola I
B. Rajendra Chola I
C. Kulottunga Chola I
D. Parantaka Chola I
Answer: B. Rajendra Chola I
Explanation: Rajendra Chola I founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram after his northern victories and constructed its monumental Shiva temple, reflecting the mature Dravidian architectural tradition of the imperial Cholas.
Q198. Which of the following South Indian temples forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage property associated with the Cholas?
[SSC MTS 2025 — Held 18 February 2026, Shift 3]
A. Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchi
B. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple
C. Shore Temple
D. Virupaksha Temple
Answer: B. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple
Explanation: The temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is included in UNESCO’s Great Living Chola Temples, together with Brihadisvara at Thanjavur and Airavatesvara at Darasuram.
Q197. Which Chalukya ruler assumed the title “Dakshinapatheshvara”?
[SSC MTS 2025 — Held 9 February 2026, Shift 1]
A. Pulakesin I
B. Pulakesin II
C. Vikramaditya I
D. Kirtivarman II
Answer: B. Pulakesin II
Explanation: Pulakesin II became the most celebrated Badami Chalukya ruler. His victories across the Deccan, including stopping Harsha’s advance, enhanced his reputation as lord of the Deccan.
Q196. Vanji or Karur is traditionally associated as the capital of which Sangam dynasty?
[SSC MTS 2025 — Held 5 February 2026, Shift 2]
A. Chola
B. Pandya
C. Chera
D. Pallava
Answer: C. Chera
Explanation: Vanji, commonly identified with Karur, was an important Chera political centre. The Cheras controlled much of present Kerala and western Tamil Nadu during the Sangam period.
Q195. Who is the author of the book The Chola Tigers: Avengers of Somnath?
[RRB Group D — 2 February 2026, Shift 2]
A. Amish Tripathi
B. Anirudh Kanisetti
C. William Dalrymple
D. Manu S. Pillai
Answer: A. Amish Tripathi
Explanation: Amish Tripathi authored The Chola Tigers: Avengers of Somnath. The title draws inspiration from the military and maritime prominence associated with the imperial Cholas.
Q194. The bulk of Sangam literature was composed in which language?
[RRB NTPC Graduate — 16 March 2026, Shift 1]
A. Sanskrit
B. Prakrit
C. Tamil
D. Telugu
Answer: C. Tamil
Explanation: Sangam literature represents the earliest major corpus of classical Tamil writing and provides valuable information about society, politics, warfare, trade and culture of ancient Tamilakam.
Q193. What was the principal capital of the Pallava dynasty?
[RRB NTPC Graduate — 24 March 2026, Shift 1]
A. Madurai
B. Kanchipuram
C. Thanjavur
D. Vatapi
Answer: B. Kanchipuram
Explanation: Kanchipuram was the principal Pallava capital and became an important political, religious and educational centre. Several major Pallava monuments were constructed in and around the city.
Q192. Before establishing Chola power in the Kaveri delta, Vijayalaya is generally described as a feudatory of the:
[RRB NTPC Graduate — 24 March 2026, Shift 2]
A. Pallavas
B. Pandyas
C. Cheras
D. Palas
Answer: A. Pallavas
Explanation: Vijayalaya emerged during the weakening of Pallava-Pandya power. He captured Thanjavur in the ninth century and laid the foundations of the later imperial Chola kingdom.
Q191. Tax-free settlements granted mainly to Brahmins were generally known as:
[RRB NTPC Graduate — 16 March 2026, Shift 2]
A. Nagaram
B. Agraharam
C. Vellanvagai
D. Ur
Answer: B. Agraharam
Explanation: Agraharas were land grants or settlements assigned particularly to Brahmins, often enjoying fiscal privileges and becoming important centres of Sanskrit learning and religious activity.