Q170. Who composed the Tamil Buddhist epic Manimekalai?
[DSSSB MTS — 29 April 2026, Shift 3]
A. Ilango Adigal
B. Chithalai Chathanar
C. Thiruvalluvar
D. Appar
Answer: B. Chithalai Chathanar
Explanation: Manimekalai is attributed to the Buddhist poet Chithalai Chathanar. It continues characters and themes associated with Silappatikaram while strongly reflecting Buddhist philosophical ideas.
Q169. Development of the Vesara style of temple architecture is particularly associated with which dynasty?
[DSSSB MTS — 22 April 2026, Shift 2]
A. Chalukyas
B. Mauryas
C. Sungas
D. Kushanas
Answer: A. Chalukyas
Explanation: The Deccan Chalukyas encouraged architectural experimentation combining northern and southern elements. Their monuments at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal are central to discussions of Vesara architecture.
Q168. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur was commissioned under which ruler?
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent — 12 July 2026, Shift 3]
A. Rajendra I
B. Rajaraja I
C. Vijayalaya
D. Kulottunga I
Answer: B. Rajaraja I
Explanation: Rajaraja I commissioned the great Brihadisvara Temple, completed around the beginning of the eleventh century. It became a monumental symbol of Chola imperial authority.
Q167. The monolithic Rathas at Mahabalipuram are principally associated with the reign of:
[MP Police SI — 20 January 2026, Shift 2]
A. Mahendravarman II
B. Narasimhavarman I
C. Nandivarman II
D. Aparajita
Answer: B. Narasimhavarman I
Explanation: Narasimhavarman I, known as Mamalla, patronized major architectural activity at Mahabalipuram. The site was consequently also known as Mamallapuram.
Q166. Which administrative feature is especially associated with the Chola period?
[UP Police SI — 15 March 2026, Shift 2]
A. Complete absence of villages
B. Developed local self-government
C. Rule exclusively through nomadic chiefs
D. Abolition of land revenue
Answer: B. Developed local self-government
Explanation: Chola inscriptions, particularly those from Uttaramerur, reveal elaborate village assemblies, committees, qualifications for membership and mechanisms for managing local affairs.
Q165. Rajaraja I’s campaigns in Sri Lanka and coastal areas are best understood as evidence of:
[UP PGT History — 9 May 2026]
A. Isolation from overseas trade
B. A maritime-oriented imperial strategy
C. Rejection of naval warfare
D. Withdrawal from peninsular politics
Answer: B. A maritime-oriented imperial strategy
Explanation: Rajaraja I strengthened naval capabilities and secured strategic coastal territories, enabling the Cholas to influence Indian Ocean commerce and expand power beyond mainland India.
Q164. Rajendra I’s expedition toward the Ganga primarily demonstrated:
[UP PGT History — 9 May 2026]
A. Abandonment of imperial ambitions
B. Assertion of imperial prestige through conquest and symbolism
C. Collapse of the Chola army
D. Submission to the Palas
Answer: B. Assertion of imperial prestige through conquest and symbolism
Explanation: Rajendra’s northern campaign projected Chola power far beyond its core territory. Bringing Ganga water south and founding Gangaikonda Cholapuram gave the victory powerful ritual symbolism.
Q163. What principle of local administration is reflected in the Uttaramerur inscriptions?
[UP PGT History — 9 May 2026]
A. Hereditary membership without qualifications
B. Committees called Variyams with qualifications and rotation
C. Direct rule by foreign merchants
D. No village-level institutions
Answer: B. Committees called Variyams with qualifications and rotation
Explanation: Uttaramerur inscriptions detail committee selection, eligibility, disqualification and rotation, demonstrating the sophisticated functioning of local assemblies in Chola-period Brahmadeya settlements.
Q162. Match the following rulers correctly:
A. Mayurasarman
B. Senguttuvan
C. Karikala
D. Hastivarman
- Chera
- Kadamba
- Chola
- Vengi
[UGC NET History — 5 January 2026, Shift 2]
A. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B. A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
C. A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
D. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Answer: A. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
Explanation: Mayurasarman founded the Kadamba line; Senguttuvan was a Chera ruler; Karikala was a renowned Chola; and Hastivarman is associated with the Vengi region.
Q161. Which early Tamil work is principally concerned with grammar and poetics?
[OSSSC Forester/Forest Guard — 16 April 2026, Shift 2]
A. Tolkappiyam
B. Silappatikaram
C. Manimekalai
D. Periyapuranam
Answer: A. Tolkappiyam
Explanation: Tolkappiyam is the earliest surviving Tamil grammatical work and discusses grammar, poetic conventions, linguistic principles and aspects of ancient Tamil society.
