Q140. Which Chola emperor defeated Pandya ruler Maravarman Rajasimha II in the Battle of Vellore?
[SSC CHSL 2024 — 5 July, Shift 4]
A. Parantaka I
B. Rajendra I
C. Vijayalaya
D. Rajaraja II
Answer: A. Parantaka I
Explanation: Parantaka I extended Chola authority into Pandya territory and defeated Maravarman Rajasimha II, strengthening Chola influence in southern Tamil country.
Q139. What was the capital of the Pallavas?
[WBCS 2023 Mains — Held 18 August 2024]
A. Kanchipuram
B. Madurai
C. Thanjavur
D. Vengi
Answer: A. Kanchipuram
Explanation: Kanchipuram was the Pallava political and cultural centre and became celebrated for temples, education and religious traditions under successive Pallava rulers.
Q138. The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram was constructed by rulers of which dynasty?
[WBCS 2023 Mains — Held 18 August 2024]
A. Pallava
B. Chola
C. Pandya
D. Chera
Answer: A. Pallava
Explanation: The Kailasanatha Temple is a major structural Pallava monument, especially associated with Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha and the evolution of mature Dravidian architecture.
Q137. Administrative divisions called “Mandalam” and “Nadu” are especially associated with which dynasty?
[WBCS 2023 Mains — Held 18 August 2024]
A. Chola
B. Maurya
C. Kushana
D. Sunga
Answer: A. Chola
Explanation: The Chola Empire was organized into large territorial units called Mandalams, subdivided into Valanadus and Nadus, with active village-level administrative institutions.
Q136. Which animal served as the dynastic emblem of the Cholas?
[SSC CGL 2024 — 17 September, Shift 2]
A. Fish
B. Tiger
C. Bow
D. Elephant
Answer: B. Tiger
Explanation: The tiger was the Chola emblem. The Pandya emblem was the fish, while the Cheras were traditionally associated with the bow and arrow.
Q135. In early Tamil society, ordinary ploughmen were called:
[SSC GD Constable 2024 — 21 February, Shift 3]
A. Vellalar
B. Uzhavar
C. Adimai
D. Vanigar
Answer: B. Uzhavar
Explanation: Uzhavar were cultivators or ploughmen. Vellalar generally represented substantial landholders, while other Sangam terms described labourers, slaves, merchants and occupational groups.
Q134. Which was a principal capital associated with the Chera dynasty?
[BPSC CCE Prelims 2024]
A. Karur/Vanchi
B. Kanchipuram
C. Madurai
D. Thanjavur
Answer: A. Karur/Vanchi
Explanation: Vanchi, often identified with Karur, was associated with Chera political power. The dynasty controlled important western trade routes and ports connected with overseas commerce.
Q133. In Silappatikaram, which Chera ruler is prominently associated with the story and the cult of Kannagi?
[SSC CGL 2024 — 20 September, Shift 3]
A. Senguttuvan
B. Karikala
C. Nedunjeliyan
D. Vijayalaya
Answer: A. Senguttuvan
Explanation: Cheran Senguttuvan is celebrated in Silappatikaram and later tradition for honouring Kannagi and establishing the Pattini cult.
Q132. Consider the following statements about the Chola Nataraja bronze:
- Shiva balances on his right leg, representing tirobhava.
- His raised left leg symbolizes liberation from illusion.
- His main right hand holds the damaru.
Which are correct?
[UPSC CDS II 2023]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The Chola Nataraja image symbolically represents Shiva’s cosmic functions through posture, gestures, the damaru, flames, raised foot and the suppression of ignorance.
Q131. Which dynasties are principally associated with the political world described in Sangam literature?
[SSC MTS 2022 — Held 15 June 2023, Shift 3]
A. Chola, Chera and Pandya
B. Pala, Sena and Chola
C. Gupta, Chera and Pandya
D. Pallava, Chalukya and Pala
Answer: A. Chola, Chera and Pandya
Explanation: Sangam works prominently describe the Muvendar—the three crowned Tamil kings belonging to the Chola, Chera and Pandya houses.
