Q20. Who founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
[UPPSC Special Mains 2008]
A. Rajendra I
B. Rajaraja I
C. Aditya I
D. Vijayalaya
Answer: A. Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra I founded the city after his northern victories and constructed a major Shiva temple there, making it a new imperial capital.
Q19. Which Chola ruler first conquered substantial territory in Sri Lanka during the imperial Chola expansion?
[SSC Matric Level 2008]
A. Rajaraja I
B. Vijayalaya
C. Aditya I
D. Uttama Chola
Answer: A. Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajaraja I conquered northern Sri Lanka, while Rajendra I subsequently extended Chola authority further over the island.
Q18. Which dynasty is noted for assigning women to comparatively high-ranking administrative positions?
[UPPSC Mains 2007]
A. Chalukya
B. Pala
C. Sena
D. Chola
Answer: A. Chalukya
Explanation: Chalukya records mention royal women exercising significant administrative and political authority, including issuing grants and participating in governance.
Q17. Which Chola ruler conducted the celebrated northern expedition reaching Bengal and the Ganga?
[WBCS Prelims 2007]
A. Rajendra Chola I
B. Vijayalaya
C. Rajaraja II
D. Gandaraditya
Answer: A. Rajendra Chola I
Explanation: Rajendra I’s northern army reached the Ganga valley and defeated regional powers, leading to his adoption of the title Gangaikonda.
Q16. The celebrated bronze image of Nataraja is especially associated with which artistic tradition?
[UPPSC Prelims 2006]
A. Chola art
B. Gandhara art
C. Mauryan art
D. Mathura art
Answer: A. Chola art
Explanation: Chola bronze Natarajas are internationally renowned for their technical mastery, graceful movement and complex symbolism representing Shiva’s cosmic dance.
Q15. According to Tamil literary tradition, the Third Sangam was held at:
[UPPSC Prelims 2006]
A. Madurai
B. Arikamedu
C. Kanchi
D. Thanjavur
Answer: A. Madurai
Explanation: Tamil tradition places the Third Sangam at Madurai under Pandya patronage, associating the city closely with classical Tamil literary culture.
Q14. Which Chola ruler conquered northern Sri Lanka and incorporated it into his empire?
[SSC Matric Level 2006]
A. Rajaraja I
B. Parantaka II
C. Rajendra III
D. Vijayalaya
Answer: A. Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajaraja I captured northern Sri Lanka, weakening Anuradhapura and establishing Chola authority that his son Rajendra subsequently extended.
Q13. A South Indian ruler sent an embassy to the Roman world around 26 BCE. He belonged to which dynasty?
[MPPSC Prelims 2005]
A. Chola
B. Chera
C. Pandya
D. Chalukya
Answer: C. Pandya
Explanation: Classical sources refer to diplomatic contacts between the Roman world and the Pandya kingdom, reflecting flourishing Indo-Roman trade with ancient South India.
Q12. What was the capital of the Kadamba rulers?
[UPPSC Mains 2005]
A. Vanavasi/Banavasi
B. Thanjavur
C. Kanchi
D. Madurai
Answer: A. Vanavasi/Banavasi
Explanation: Banavasi in Karnataka served as the Kadamba capital. The Kadambas were an important early Deccan dynasty later interacting with expanding Chalukya power.
Q11. Which South Indian dynasty was particularly renowned for its naval power?
[UPPSC Prelims 2004]
A. Chola
B. Chera
C. Pallava
D. Kalachuri
Answer: A. Chola
Explanation: The imperial Cholas developed formidable naval capabilities used in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Southeast Asian expeditions and in protecting maritime commercial interests.
