Q120. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur was built by:
[SSC MTS 2023 — 19 June, Shift 3]
A. Rajaraja Chola I
B. Rajendra Chola II
C. Narasimhavarman I
D. Pulakesin II
Answer: A. Rajaraja Chola I
Explanation: Completed during Rajaraja I’s reign, Brihadisvara is distinguished by its huge vimana, monumental inscriptions and close association with Chola imperial ideology.
Q119. Brihadisvara Temple is located in which present-day state?
[SSC MTS 2023 — 1 September, Shift 2]
A. Karnataka
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Kerala
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B. Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Brihadisvara stands at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu and remains one of the finest surviving monuments of imperial Chola architecture.
Q118. Land granted to Brahmins during the Chola period was called:
[SSC MTS 2023 — 10 May, Shift 2]
A. Brahmadeya
B. Devadana
C. Shalabhoga
D. Pallichchandam
Answer: A. Brahmadeya
Explanation: Brahmadeya land grants were made to Brahmins and often developed into influential settlements possessing organized assemblies and considerable administrative privileges.
Q117. In Chola inscriptions, “Vetti” referred to:
[SSC MTS 2023 — 20 June, Shift 3]
A. A temple grant
B. Forced labour
C. A merchant guild
D. A royal title
Answer: B. Forced labour
Explanation: Vetti represented compulsory labour obligations imposed within the Chola revenue and administrative system rather than a payment made solely in cash.
Q116. Which Chola-period levy was generally collected in the form of compulsory labour?
[SSC MTS 2023 — 14 June, Shift 3]
A. Vetti
B. Devadana
C. Brahmadeya
D. Shalabhoga
Answer: A. Vetti
Explanation: Vetti was an obligation involving forced labour. It is frequently mentioned in discussions of Chola taxation and village economic organization.
Q115. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur was constructed under which ruling dynasty?
[SSC MTS 2023 — 4 May, Shift 3]
A. Chola
B. Pallava
C. Chalukya
D. Rashtrakuta
Answer: A. Chola
Explanation: Brihadisvara was constructed during the imperial Chola period under Rajaraja I and represents the monumental scale achieved by mature Chola Dravidian architecture.
Q114. Which Chalukya ruler defeated Harshavardhana?
[WBCS Prelims 2023]
A. Pulakesin I
B. Pulakesin II
C. Vikramaditya II
D. Kirtivarman I
Answer: B. Pulakesin II
Explanation: Pulakesin II checked Harsha’s southward expansion near the Narmada. The Aihole inscription of Ravikirti celebrates the Chalukya king’s political and military achievements.
Q113. Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were best known in ancient South India as:
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2023]
A. Capitals
B. Ports
C. Buddhist monasteries
D. Fortresses
Answer: B. Ports
Explanation: Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were important ports associated respectively with major Tamil polities and played significant roles in Indian Ocean and Roman trade.
Q112. In ancient Tamil tradition, “Vattakirutal” referred to:
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2023]
A. Royal coronation
B. A defeated king fasting to death facing north
C. Marriage ceremony
D. Selection of village committees
Answer: B. A defeated king fasting to death facing north
Explanation: Vattakirutal was a heroic practice described in Sangam literature in which a defeated king, seeking honourable death, fasted while facing north.
Q111. Rajaraja I became Chola king in approximately:
[SSC CHSL 2022 — Held 15 March 2023, Shift 2]
A. 850 CE
B. 985 CE
C. 1050 CE
D. 1200 CE
Answer: B. 985 CE
Explanation: Rajaraja I ascended the Chola throne in 985 CE and transformed the kingdom into a major imperial, naval, administrative and architectural power.
