Q30. Which Chola ruler maintained comparatively friendly relations with an independent Sri Lankan kingdom and is associated with a matrimonial alliance?
[UPPSC Prelims 2012]
A. Kulottunga I
B. Rajendra I
C. Rajadhiraja I
D. Adhirajendra
Answer: A. Kulottunga I
Explanation: During Kulottunga I’s period, Chola policy toward Sri Lanka shifted from direct imperial domination toward diplomatic and matrimonial relations.
Q29. In Sangam texts, the terms “Kon,” “Ko” and “Mannan” were used for a:
[RAS/RTS (RPSC) Prelims 2010]
A. Merchant
B. Priest
C. Commander
D. King
Answer: D. King
Explanation: These Tamil terms were used for rulers or chiefs and reflect the vocabulary of kingship preserved in Sangam literature.
Q28. Which dynasty was NOT one of the three principal Tamil ruling houses of the Sangam Age?
[UP UDA/LDA Mains 2010]
A. Chera
B. Chola
C. Pallava
D. Pandya
Answer: C. Pallava
Explanation: Sangam political literature centres on Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas. The Pallavas rose to major power in Tamil country in a later historical period.
Q27. Who wrote the Tamil Ramavataram, popularly known as the Tamil Ramayana?
[UP UDA/LDA Mains 2010]
A. Kamban
B. Ilango Adigal
C. Sattanar
D. Thiruvalluvar
Answer: A. Kamban
Explanation: The medieval Tamil poet Kamban composed Ramavataram, an influential Tamil retelling of the Ramayana celebrated for its literary richness.
Q26. Chola kings ruled primarily over which present-day region?
[SSC CHSL 2010]
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Punjab
C. Bengal
D. Kashmir
Answer: A. Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Chola core lay in the Kaveri basin of Tamil Nadu, though imperial rulers later extended authority across much of southern India and overseas territories.
Q25. Which Chola ruler brought sacred Ganga water to the south after his northern expedition?
[SSC CHSL 2010]
A. Rajendra Chola I
B. Vijayalaya
C. Rajaraja II
D. Aditya I
Answer: A. Rajendra Chola I
Explanation: Rajendra I commemorated his Ganga expedition by bringing water from the river to his new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Q24. Which city served as an important capital of the imperial Cholas?
[UP Lower Subordinate Prelims 2009]
A. Tanjore/Thanjavur
B. Kanchi
C. Madurai
D. Ujjain
Answer: A. Tanjore/Thanjavur
Explanation: Thanjavur became a major Chola capital after Vijayalaya captured it and later flourished magnificently under Rajaraja I.
Q23. At which South Indian archaeological site has evidence of a Roman trading settlement been discovered?
[UP Lower Subordinate Prelims 2009]
A. Arikamedu
B. Kalibangan
C. Rangpur
D. Hastinapur
Answer: A. Arikamedu
Explanation: Arikamedu near Puducherry yielded Roman amphorae, pottery, beads and other evidence demonstrating intensive Indo-Roman maritime trade.
Q22. Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur was built during the reign of:
[UPPSC Mains 2008]
A. Rajaraja I
B. Rajendra I
C. Parantaka I
D. Rajadhiraja I
Answer: A. Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajaraja I commissioned Brihadisvara, completed around the beginning of the eleventh century, as an architectural and ideological centre of Chola imperial power.
Q21. Which Chola ruler is credited with turning the Bay of Bengal into a virtual “Chola Lake”?
[UPPSC Special Prelims 2008]
A. Rajaraja I
B. Rajendra I
C. Vijayalaya
D. Gandaraditya
Answer: B. Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra I’s overseas expeditions and powerful navy extended Chola influence across Bay of Bengal routes, including campaigns against Srivijayan territories.
