Q10. Consider the statements:
- The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established extensive peninsular power.
- They launched an expedition against the Sailendra/Srivijaya power of Southeast Asia.
Which is correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2003]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Imperial Chola expansion included victories over neighbouring Tamil powers and Rajendra I’s major naval expedition against Srivijayan territories in Southeast Asia.
Q9. Which dynasty followed the practice of naming or associating a successor with governance during the reigning monarch’s lifetime?
[UP UDA/LDA Prelims 2001]
A. Chola
B. Kadamba
C. Kalachuri
D. Pala
Answer: A. Chola
Explanation: Chola kings frequently associated crown princes with administration and military responsibilities, helping ensure dynastic continuity and practical experience before accession.
Q8. The famous Battle of Takkolam was fought between the:
[UP UDA/LDA Prelims 2001]
A. Cholas and Rashtrakutas
B. Cholas and Palas
C. Pallavas and Guptas
D. Cheras and Mauryas
Answer: A. Cholas and Rashtrakutas
Explanation: At Takkolam, Rashtrakuta Krishna III and his allies inflicted a major defeat on the Cholas, temporarily restricting their northern ambitions.
Q7. Which early Chola ruler is traditionally associated with the development of Puhar or Kaveripattinam?
[SSC Matric Level 2000]
A. Karikala Chola
B. Rajendra I
C. Vijayalaya
D. Gandaraditya
Answer: A. Karikala Chola
Explanation: Karikala is one of the best-known Sangam Chola rulers and is associated in Tamil tradition with Puhar, Kaveri irrigation and major public works.
Q6. Which religious tradition received major royal patronage from the imperial Cholas?
[SSC CGL 1999]
A. Shaivism
B. Zoroastrianism
C. Judaism
D. Confucianism
Answer: A. Shaivism
Explanation: Chola rulers strongly patronized Shaivism, constructing monumental Shiva temples and supporting temple institutions, although other religious traditions also continued in their territories.
Q5. The celebrated Tamil text Kural was composed in which language?
[MPPSC Prelims 1997]
A. Sanskrit
B. Tamil
C. Pali
D. Prakrit
Answer: B. Tamil
Explanation: Thiruvalluvar composed the Tirukkural in classical Tamil. Its concise couplets discuss morality, political and economic life, and personal relationships.
Q4. Which was a particularly notable feature of Chola administration?
[UPPSC Prelims 1995]
A. Autonomy of village administration
B. Complete absence of local bodies
C. No land-revenue system
D. Government exclusively by soldiers
Answer: A. Autonomy of village administration
Explanation: Chola villages possessed sophisticated assemblies and committees that managed irrigation, land, taxation and local affairs within the wider imperial administrative structure.
Q3. Which sculptures are especially famous from the Chola age?
[RAS/RTS (RPSC) Prelims 1994]
A. Bronze images of Nataraja
B. Gandhara Buddhas
C. Mauryan Yakshas
D. Sanchi railings
Answer: A. Bronze images of Nataraja
Explanation: Chola bronze Natarajas combine advanced lost-wax casting, graceful proportions and profound Shaiva symbolism, becoming some of the most celebrated works of Indian art.
Q2. Who is generally regarded as the greatest ruler of the Badami Chalukya dynasty?
[UPPSC Prelims 1991]
A. Pulakesin II
B. Pulakesin I
C. Kirtivarman II
D. Mangalesha
Answer: A. Pulakesin II
Explanation: Pulakesin II greatly expanded Chalukya power, checked Harsha on the Narmada and fought the Pallavas. His achievements are recorded prominently in the Aihole inscription.
Q1. What was the capital of the Badami Chalukyas?
[UPPSC Prelims 1991]
A. Vatapi
B. Kanchipuram
C. Madurai
D. Thanjavur
Answer: A. Vatapi
Explanation: Vatapi, modern Badami in Karnataka, served as the early Chalukya capital and remains famous for its rock-cut caves, temples and associated Deccan architectural heritage.
