Q80. Assertion: We possess comparatively detailed information on Chola administration.
Reason: Chola rulers recorded historical and administrative information in extensive temple inscriptions.
[UPPSC Prelims 2020]
A. Both are true and Reason explains Assertion
B. Both are true but Reason does not explain Assertion
C. Assertion true, Reason false
D. Assertion false, Reason true
Answer: A. Both are true and Reason explains Assertion
Explanation: Chola temples preserve exceptionally rich epigraphic records concerning royal victories, gifts, taxation, landholding and local administration, greatly improving our knowledge of their period.
Q79. The Kuruspal inscription provides information about which ruler?
[Chhattisgarh PSC Prelims 2020]
A. Someshvara I
B. Rajaraja I
C. Pulakesin II
D. Narasimhavarman I
Answer: A. Someshvara I
Explanation: The Kuruspal inscription contains information relating to Someshvara I and is an important regional epigraphic source for medieval Deccan political history.
Q78. Which dynasty built the Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram?
[SSC CGL — 5 March 2020, Shift 1]
A. Chera
B. Chola
C. Pallava
D. Satavahana
Answer: C. Pallava
Explanation: The Pancha Rathas are monolithic Pallava monuments at Mahabalipuram, principally associated with Narasimhavarman I, whose epithet Mamalla gave Mamallapuram its name.
Q77. Which temple is an example of Chola architecture?
[SSC CHSL — 17 March 2020, Shift 1]
A. Badami Cave Temple
B. Chennakesava Temple
C. Airavatesvara Temple
D. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Answer: C. Airavatesvara Temple
Explanation: Airavatesvara at Darasuram was constructed by Rajaraja II and forms part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples.
Q76. Which Chola ruler was popularly called “Victor of the Ganges” or Gangaikondachola?
[SSC CHSL — 13 October 2020, Shift 2]
A. Vijayalaya
B. Rajendra I
C. Gandaraditya
D. Parantaka I
Answer: B. Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra I’s successful northern expedition to the Ganga region earned him the title Gangaikondachola, literally the Chola who conquered the Ganga.
Q75. The term “Sangam” most appropriately means:
[WBCS Mains 2020]
A. Assembly of poets
B. Land tax
C. Naval regiment
D. Irrigation reservoir
Answer: A. Assembly of poets
Explanation: Sangam denotes an association or assembly and is used particularly for the traditional gatherings of Tamil poets and scholars linked with early Tamil literature.
Q74. Which Chola land-category pair is correctly matched?
[SSC CGL — 9 March 2020, Shift 3]
A. Pallichchandam — land donated to Jain institutions
B. Brahmadeya — temple land
C. Shalabhoga — Brahmin land
D. Vellanvagai — Brahmin-owned land
Answer: A. Pallichchandam — land donated to Jain institutions
Explanation: Pallichchandam denoted grants to Jain establishments. Brahmadeya supported Brahmins, Devadana temples, Shalabhoga schools and Vellanvagai generally referred to non-Brahmin peasant proprietors’ land.
Q73. Who assumed the title Gangaikondachola?
[SSC CGL 2019 — 11 June, Shift 3]
A. Rajendra I
B. Rajaraja I
C. Vijayalaya
D. Aditya I
Answer: A. Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra I adopted the title after his armies campaigned toward the Ganga. His new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, commemorated the same achievement.
Q72. The Nishumbhasudini temple at Thanjavur was associated with which dynasty?
[SSC MTS 2019 — 13 August, Shift 2]
A. Chola
B. Gupta
C. Pala
D. Sena
Answer: A. Chola
Explanation: Vijayalaya Chola is traditionally credited with establishing a shrine to Nishumbhasudini at Thanjavur after capturing the city and founding renewed Chola power.
Q71. Charupallam, traditionally interpreted as the “village of the incline,” is located near which famous temple?
[SSC MTS 2019 — 14 August, Shift 3]
A. Rajarajeshwara/Brihadisvara Temple
B. Konark Temple
C. Jagannath Temple
D. Sanchi Stupa
Answer: A. Rajarajeshwara/Brihadisvara Temple
Explanation: Charupallam is linked in local tradition with the construction of the massive Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur during Rajaraja I’s reign.
