Q70. In Chola administration, settlements of ordinary cultivators were generally called:
[SSC MTS 2019 — 14 August, Shift 2]
A. Ur
B. Sabha
C. Ghatika
D. Agrahara
Answer: A. Ur
Explanation: Ur was the assembly and settlement structure of ordinary villages, whereas Sabha was characteristic of Brahmadeya settlements dominated by Brahmins.
Q69. Under Chola revenue terminology, Shalabhoga meant:
[SSC CPO 2019 — 11 December, Shift 1]
A. Land supporting a school
B. Land for Jain institutions
C. Royal pasture
D. Merchant land
Answer: A. Land supporting a school
Explanation: Shalabhoga grants provided revenue for educational establishments and illustrate how Chola inscriptions differentiated land according to beneficiary and purpose.
Q68. Which military commander invaded major parts of South India in the early fourteenth century?
[SSC CHSL 2018 — Held 8 July 2019, Shift 2]
A. Malik Kafur
B. Muhammad Ghori
C. Timur
D. Babur
Answer: A. Malik Kafur
Explanation: Malik Kafur, commander of Alauddin Khalji, led major Deccan and South Indian expeditions in the early fourteenth century, well after the imperial Chola zenith.
Q67. Arrange these monuments in chronological order:
- Brihadisvara Temple
- Gangaikondacholapuram Temple
- Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
- Early Mahabalipuram “Seven Pagodas” tradition
[UPPSC Prelims 2018]
A. 4, 3, 1, 2
B. 1, 2, 3, 4
C. 3, 4, 2, 1
D. 2, 1, 4, 3
Answer: A. 4, 3, 1, 2
Explanation: Pallava monuments at Mahabalipuram precede the monumental Chola temples. Brihadisvara belongs to Rajaraja I, followed by Gangaikondacholapuram under Rajendra I.
Q66. Which merchant organizations were particularly connected with long-distance and overseas trade in South India?
[UPPSC Prelims 2018]
A. Nanadesis and Manigramam
B. Sabha and Ur
C. Vetti and Kadamai
D. Brahmadeya and Devadana
Answer: A. Nanadesis and Manigramam
Explanation: Nanadesis and Manigramam were influential South Indian merchant associations involved in long-distance commercial networks extending beyond local and regional markets.
Q65. Which Chola king was known as Gangaikonda Chola?
[WBCS Prelims 2018]
A. Rajendra I
B. Rajaraja I
C. Parantaka I
D. Vijayalaya
Answer: A. Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra I acquired the title following his northern expedition and founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate the imperial achievement.
Q64. Who was identified in the examination as the first major powerful ruler to emerge from the imperial Chola line?
[SSC CHSL 2017 — Held 22 March 2018, Shift 1]
A. Rajaraja Chola I
B. Rajendra II
C. Gandaraditya
D. Rajadhiraja II
Answer: A. Rajaraja Chola I
Explanation: Although Vijayalaya founded the medieval line, Rajaraja I transformed the Chola kingdom into a vast imperial power through conquest, administration and naval expansion.
Q63. Which Rashtrakuta ruler inflicted a serious defeat on the Cholas?
[SSC CHSL 2017 — Held 25 March 2018, Shift 3]
A. Krishna III
B. Dantidurga
C. Amoghavarsha I
D. Dhruva
Answer: A. Krishna III
Explanation: Rashtrakuta Krishna III defeated the Cholas at Takkolam, weakening Chola influence temporarily before their later revival under powerful imperial rulers.
Q62. Rajendra Chola I was the son of:
[SSC CGL 2017 — 23 August, Shift 1]
A. Rajaraja I
B. Vijayalaya
C. Aditya I
D. Kulottunga I
Answer: A. Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajendra I succeeded his father Rajaraja I and further expanded Chola power through campaigns in India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Q61. Land assigned to maintain a school during the Chola period was called:
[SSC CGL 2017 — 21 August, Shift 1]
A. Shalabhoga
B. Brahmadeya
C. Devadana
D. Vellanvagai
Answer: A. Shalabhoga
Explanation: Shalabhoga was a specialized land grant whose revenue maintained schools, demonstrating the detailed fiscal categories found in Chola inscriptions.
