Q190. Which Chalukya king successfully checked Harshavardhana’s southward advance near the Narmada?
[RRB NTPC Graduate — 18 March 2026, Shift 1]
A. Pulakesin I
B. Pulakesin II
C. Vikramaditya II
D. Tailapa II
Answer: B. Pulakesin II
Explanation: Pulakesin II defeated or checked Harsha near the Narmada, effectively preventing the northern emperor from extending his authority into the Deccan.
Q189. Which Tamil epic centres on Kannagi, celebrated as an ideal of chastity?
[RRB NTPC Graduate — 22 March 2026, Shift 2]
A. Manimekalai
B. Silappatikaram
C. Tolkappiyam
D. Tirukkural
Answer: B. Silappatikaram
Explanation: Silappatikaram, attributed to Ilango Adigal, narrates the tragedy of Kovalan and Kannagi and provides important cultural information about the Chera, Chola and Pandya regions.
Q188. Which Chola ruler assumed the title “Gangaikonda” after his northern campaign?
[RRB NTPC UG — 7 May 2026, Shift 2]
A. Rajaraja I
B. Rajendra I
C. Vijayalaya
D. Parantaka I
Answer: B. Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra Chola I’s armies reached the Ganga region. He commemorated the victory by adopting the title Gangaikonda Chola and establishing Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Q187. Who established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as a new Chola capital?
[RRB NTPC UG — 8 May 2026, Shift 1]
A. Vijayalaya
B. Rajaraja I
C. Rajendra I
D. Kulottunga II
Answer: C. Rajendra I
Explanation: Rajendra I founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate his northern conquests. It replaced Thanjavur as a major imperial centre of the Chola Empire.
Q186. In Sangam literature, “Uzhavar” referred to:
[RRB NTPC UG — 16 June 2026, Shift 1]
A. Large landowners
B. Ploughmen
C. Priests
D. Merchants
Answer: B. Ploughmen
Explanation: Uzhavar were cultivators or ploughmen in ancient Tamil society. Sangam sources distinguish them from wealthy Vellalar landowners and lower agricultural labouring groups.
Q185. Which group of archaeological sites has contributed evidence useful for understanding Sangam-age Tamil society?
[RRB NTPC UG — 15 June 2026, Shift 1]
A. Adichanallur, Korkai and Alagankulam
B. Taxila, Harappa and Kalibangan
C. Sarnath, Kushinagar and Vaishali
D. Hastinapur, Ahichchhatra and Atranjikhera
Answer: A. Adichanallur, Korkai and Alagankulam
Explanation: Adichanallur, Korkai and Alagankulam have yielded archaeological evidence connected with ancient Tamil society, maritime trade, settlement patterns and material culture described in early Tamil sources.
Q184. Which Chola ruler developed a powerful navy and expanded Chola influence toward Sri Lanka and the islands of the Indian Ocean?
[RRB NTPC UG — 15 June 2026, Shift 3]
A. Vijayalaya
B. Rajaraja I
C. Aditya I
D. Gandaraditya
Answer: B. Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajaraja I transformed the Cholas into a major imperial and maritime power, conquering northern Sri Lanka and strengthening Chola influence across important Indian Ocean sea routes.
Q183. The famous Pallava monuments at Mahabalipuram were principally carved from:
[RRB NTPC UG — 18 June 2026, Shift 2]
A. Marble
B. Granite
C. Sandstone
D. Limestone
Answer: B. Granite
Explanation: Mahabalipuram’s monolithic rathas and rock-cut monuments were carved largely from local granite, displaying the technical skill and architectural experimentation of Pallava craftsmen.
Q182. The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram was constructed primarily using:
[RRB NTPC Graduate — 17 March 2026, Shift 2]
A. Granite
B. Sandstone
C. Marble
D. Basalt
Answer: B. Sandstone
Explanation: The Pallava Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram was constructed mainly of sandstone and represents an important transition from rock-cut architecture to structural Dravidian temples.
Q181. Which of the following is NOT considered a prime example of the Dravidian temple style?
[RRB NTPC UG — 7 May 2026, Shift 2]
A. Brihadisvara Temple
B. Shore Temple
C. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple
D. Siddhesvara Mahadeva Temple
Answer: D. Siddhesvara Mahadeva Temple
Explanation: Brihadisvara, Gangaikondacholapuram and major Pallava monuments belong to the southern Dravidian tradition, whereas Siddhesvara Mahadeva represents a different regional architectural tradition.
