Q90. Which ruler is associated with the foundation of the Badami Chalukya power?
[SSC MTS 2022 — 13 July, Shift 3]
A. Pulakesin I
B. Pulakesin II
C. Tailapa II
D. Someshvara I
Answer: A. Pulakesin I
Explanation: Pulakesin I established Badami or Vatapi as the Chalukya centre. The dynasty reached its greatest early prominence under Pulakesin II.
Q89. What was Rajaraja I’s name before his coronation?
[WBCS Prelims 2022]
A. Arumolivarman
B. Mahamalla
C. Vichitrachitta
D. Kadungon
Answer: A. Arumolivarman
Explanation: Rajaraja I was known as Arumolivarman before assuming the throne. His reign later marked a major phase of Chola political and cultural expansion.
Q88. Which Chola levy was collected as compulsory labour rather than cash?
[SSC CPO 2022 — 9 November, Shift 2]
A. Vetti
B. Devadana
C. Shalabhoga
D. Brahmadeya
Answer: A. Vetti
Explanation: Vetti represented compulsory labour obligations. Chola inscriptions preserve valuable evidence regarding such taxes, dues and categories of land tenure.
Q87. Who founded the medieval or imperial Chola dynasty?
[BPSC CCE Prelims 2022]
A. Vijayalaya
B. Karikala
C. Rajendra I
D. Rajaraja II
Answer: A. Vijayalaya
Explanation: Vijayalaya founded the medieval imperial Chola line around the ninth century by establishing control over Thanjavur and the fertile Kaveri delta.
Q86. Which two rulers among the following are traditionally described as having been selected or elected to kingship?
[UP RO/ARO Prelims 2021]
- Harsha
- Gopala
- Rajaraja I
- Nandivarman II Pallavamalla
A. 1 and 3
B. 2 and 4
C. 1 and 4
D. 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 4
Explanation: Gopala was selected to establish Pala rule in Bengal, while Pallava tradition records Nandivarman II Pallavamalla being chosen from a collateral branch.
Q85. In Chola inscriptions, “Tirunamattukkani” referred to:
[SSC MTS 2020 — Held 2 November 2021, Shift 1]
A. Land gifted to temples
B. Land granted to Jain institutions
C. Non-Brahmin peasant land
D. Royal hunting grounds
Answer: A. Land gifted to temples
Explanation: Tirunamattukkani was a temple-related land grant, comparable in function to the broader category Devadana recorded in Chola inscriptions.
Q84. Which dynasty became a major political power in southern and Deccan India?
[SSC CHSL 2020 — Held 16 April 2021, Shift 3]
A. Chalukya
B. Sena
C. Pala
D. Kushana
Answer: A. Chalukya
Explanation: Various branches of the Chalukyas ruled important regions of the Deccan, with Badami, Vengi and Kalyani becoming major centres at different times.
Q83. At which place was a Shiva temple NOT constructed under Chola patronage?
[UPSC NDA I 2021]
A. Chidambaram
B. Thanjavur
C. Gangaikonda Cholapuram
D. Naneghat
Answer: D. Naneghat
Explanation: Naneghat in Maharashtra is particularly associated with Satavahana inscriptions. Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Chidambaram are strongly connected with Chola Shaiva patronage.
Q82. Which of the following is primarily a temple of the Vaishnavite tradition?
[UPSC CDS II 2021]
A. Srirangam
B. Chidambaram
C. Gangaikonda Cholapuram
D. Brihadisvara, Thanjavur
Answer: A. Srirangam
Explanation: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam is a major Vaishnava centre dedicated to Vishnu, whereas the other listed temples are principally associated with Shiva.
Q81. Which medieval Indian empire is particularly famous for elaborate local self-government?
[66th BPSC Prelims 2020]
A. Chalukya
B. Chola
C. Solanki
D. Paramara
Answer: B. Chola
Explanation: Chola local institutions included Ur, Sabha and Nagaram. Uttaramerur inscriptions provide exceptionally detailed evidence of village committees and their organization.
