Art & Architecture in Ancient India & South Indian History

WBCS 2024 (Complete NCERT Based Basic to Advance Batch)
Subject: Ancient History

Test: Ancient History Test-5
Exam Date – 20.03.2024
Full Marks: 200
Topic: Art & Architecture In Ancient India & South Indian History
1. Balaiyankutai in the Pallava age was the name of

(a) A scholar
(b) A Goddess
(c) A pond or tank
(d) A temple
Ans. (c) Balaiyankutai in the pallava age was the name of a pond or tank. Majority of the irrigation tanks
were built from the 6th to the 10th centuaries of our era during the dynasty of the Pallavas.one will
understood the importance of these systems of irrigation by nothing that about one-third of the surface area
of the state is actually irrigated by these omnipresent tanks 9about 40,000 such tanks), the two-thirds of
water needs come from the exploitation of ground water.
2. Ladies had comparatively a greater participation in administration under

(a) Chalukyas
(b) Cholas
(c) Kalachuries
(d) Pratiharas
Ans. (a) Women had comparatively a greater participation in administration under Chalukyas. Some women
from the royal family enjoyed political power in administration. Queen Vijayanka was a noted Sanskrit
poetess. Kumkumadevi, the younger sister of Vijayaditya( and queen of Alupa king Chitravahana) made
several grants and had a jain bussed called Anesajjebusadi constructed at Puligere.
3. Who was the Chola king under whose reign Brihadishwar temple of Tanjore war constructed?
(a) Rajendra I
(b) Kulottevnga I
(c) Rajaraja I
(d) Rajadhiraj I
Ans. (a) Rajendra I was the Chola king and under his reign Brihadishwar temple of Tanjore was constructed.
The world’s first complete granite temple, the Brihadeshwara temple is a distinctive example of temple
architecture during the Tamil Chola dynasty (ca. 3rd century BCE-1297 CE). This temple was originally
built during the early 9th century CE by Rajendra Chola I and dedicated to Shiva.
4. Who among the following rulers had granted one lakh balotras from his own treasury for the
restoration of a mosque at Khambhat?
(a) Bhima I
(b) Chamundaraya
(c) Jayasimha Siddharaja
(d) Kumarapala
Ans. (c) Jayasimha Siddharaja had granted one lakh balotrasfom his own treasury for the restoration of a
mosque of Khambat. Jayasimha Siddharaja was greatest Chalukya king who, in commemoration of his
victory against the Paramaras, adopted the title of Avantinatha. During the reign of Bhima II (1178-1241),
Muhammad Ghori made an unsuccessful attempt to subjugate Gujarat in 1178 AD.
5. Who among the following had the title ‘Amoghavarsha’?

(a) Munja Paramara
(b) Rajendra Chola
(c) Govind Chandra Gahadavala
(d) None of the above
Ans. (d) None of the above had the title of ‘Amoghavarsha’.The Arab traveler Sulaiman described
Amoghavarsha as one of the four great kings of the world. Sulaiman also wrote that Amoghavarsha
respected Muslims and that he allowed the construction of mosques in his cities. Because of his religious
temperament , his interest in the arts and literature and his peace-loving nature, historian Panchamukhi has
compared him to the emperor Ashoka and given him the honorific “Ashoka of the South”.
6. The evidence of water-tax is provided by the inscriptions of

(a) Pratiharas
(b) Gahadavala
(c) Chalukyas
(d) Rastrakutas
Ans. (b) The evidence of water tax is provided by the inscriptions of Gahadavalas. The Gahadavalas occupy
a very important place in Indian history. They ruled for over a century (AD 1089-1097), over a vast region
of North India, which extended from the western bank of Yamuna in the west to Patna, Monghyr and
Bodhgaya in Bihar in the east. It extended from the foothills of the Himalayas in th north to Baghelkhanda in
Madhya Pradesh in the south.
7. Which among the following is not found inscribed on chola coins?

(a) Fish
(b) Bow
(c) Tiger
(d) Elephant
Ans. (d) Several coins released by different Kings of Cholas were found with inscription of fish, bows but
not elephant. A picture of a seated tiger along with lamp-stand, a pair of fish and a bow was found on the
coins of Rajendra Chola, similarly the picture of seated king facing seated tiger were also found on the coins
of Rajadhiraj I.
8. Who among the following rulers of the Chola dynasty carried out the first naval expedition against
South-East Asia?
(a) Rajadhiraja
(b) Rajaraja I
(c) Randendra I
(d) Vira Rajendra
Ans. (c) Rajendra I of the Chola dynasty carried out the first naval expedition against south-east Asia. He
conquered up to the banks of Ganges andassumed the title of “Gangaikonda” (the victor of the Ganges). He
established a new capital and named it Gangaikondacholapuram. The conquest of the Andaman and Nicobar
islands was his greatest achievement.
9. Who among the following Rastrakuta rulers is known to have made the ‘Hiranya-garbha-dana’ at
Ujjain?
(a) Dantidurga
(b) Dhruva
(c) Gobinda III
(d) Amoghavarsha
Ans. (a)Dantidurga, the Rastrakuta rulers, is known to have made the ‘Hiranyagarbha-dana’ at Ujjain.
Rastrakutas were subordinate to the Chalukyas. Dantidurga, a Ratrakuta chief, threw his Chalukyan overload
and performed Hiranya-garbh, a ritual that is thought to lead to the rebirth of the sacrifice as a Kshatriya.
Dantidurga, thus, founded the Rastrakuta empire.
10. Who was ruling the Chola kingdom at the time of Mahmud Ghazni’s expedition of Somnath?
(a) Uttama Chola
(b) Rajaraja I
(c) Randendra I
(d) Kulotenga
Ans. (c) Rajendra I was ruling the Chola kingdom at the time of Mahmud Ghazni’s expedition of Somnath.
Rajendra Chola I was the son of Rajarraja Chola I, the great Chola king of present day southern India. He
succeeded his father in 1014 CE as the Chola emperor. During his reign, he extended the influences of the
already vast Chola empire up to the banks of the river Ganges in the north and across the ocean.
11. Gongai Kondacholapuram became the administrative centre of the Cholas from the time of
(a) Parantaka
(b) Rajendra I
(c) Rajaraja I
(d) Vikrama Chola
Ans. (b) ‘Gongai Kondacholapuram’ became the administrative centre of the Cholas from the time of
Rajendra I. his empire extended the whole of southern India to river Tungavadra in the north India, for
administrative and strategic purpose he built another capital and named Gongaikondacholapuram. The
Gongaikondacholapuram temple, he constructed, consists of 3 stories and surrounded by huge fort like wall,
the outer wall was greatly destructed during the English rule (1896 AD).
12. The Chola Rulers were generally the worshippers of

(a) Shiva
(b) Vishnu
(c) Sakti
(d) Kartikeya
Ans. (a) The Chola rulers were generally the worshippers of Shiva. A number of mythical heroes and demi-
gods found their place in the ancestry claimed by the later Cholas in the long mythical genealogies
incorporated into the copper-plate charters and stone inscription of the tenth and eleventh centuries. The
earliest version of this is found in the Anbil Plates which gives fifteen names before Vijayalaya Chola
including the genuinely historical ones of Karikala, Perunarikalli and Kocengganuan.
13. The Chola rulers were generally

(a) Saivites
(b) Vaisnavites
(c) Worshippers of Mother goddess
(d) Worshippers of Kartikeya
Ans. (a) The Chola rulers were generally Saivites. Among the existing Specimens in museums around the
world and in the temples of south India may be seen man fine figures of Shiva in various forms, such as
Vishnu and his consort Laksmi, and the Saivite saints. Though conforming generally to the iconographic
conventions established by long tradition, the sculptors worked with great freedom in the 11th and the 12th
centuries to achieve a classic grace and grandeur. The best example of this can be seen in the form of
Nataraja the divine dancer.
14. Which of the following temples does not belong to the Cholas?
(a) Brihadiswara
(b) Koranganatha
(c) kailashnatha
(d) Airavateswar
Ans. (c) Kailashnatha temples do not belong to the Cholas. King Rajasimha of the Pallava dynasty, built this
Shiva temple in the early 8th century. It is an early structural temple, built of sandstone, and partly renovated
in recent times. The modest scale of the temple, and the closeness of its enclosing wall, lend a feeling of
intimacy to the surrounding. Kailasanatha contains in embryo many of the feature of the rapidly emerging
South Indian style: gopuras, pilastered walls, a pyramidal Shikhara, and a perimeter wall enclosing the
complex.
15. Which dynasty do the Arab writers refer to when they say that the women did not cover their faces
with veil?
(a) Pala
(b) Pratihara
(c) Rashtrakutas
(d) Cholas
Ans. (d) Chola deynasty is meant by Arab writers when they say that the women did not cover their faces
with veil. This clan came to be known as the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, rising to power in South India in
at the same time the Pala dynasty of Bengal and the Pratihara dynasty of Malwa were gaining force in
eastern and north-eastern India respectively. An Arabic writing Silsilatuttavarik (851) called the
Rashtrakutas one of the four principal empire of the world.
16. Which one of the following Chola rulers had persecuted Ramanuja and ousted him from his
kingdom?
(a) Kulatunga I
(b) Kulatunga II
(c) Adhirajendra
(d) Rajaraja I
Ans. (a) Kulotunga I Chola ruler had persecuted Ramanuja and ousted him from his kingdom. Ramanuja
was the contemporary of Kulotunga II who banished Ramanuja from Tamil country and the latter had to
seek refuge in Melkote, Karnataka. Hence even bringing Ramanuja into Athirajendra's death would more
confusion. Till Kulatunga II, all the Chola kings and emperor supported all the religious equally although
they were staunch Saivaites.
17. Which Chola emperor received a letter on golden leaves from the Burmese king Kyansittha?
(a) Rajaraja I
(b) Rajendra I
(c) Kulatunga I
(d) Rajadhiraja I
Ans. (d) Rajadhiraja I recieved a letter on golden leaves from the Burmese king Kyansittha. Kyansittha
strengthen the foundation of Pagan empire which Anawrahta had built. Although he suppressed the Mon
rebellion, he pursued a conciliatory policy towards the Mon. Having spent seven years in the Mon country in
exile, the king has great respect for the Mon culture, and kept Mons scholars at his court.
18. Which one of the following was the primary assembly in the Chola village administration?
(a) Nadu
(b) Sabha
(c) Ur
(d) Mahasabha
Ans. (c) Ur was the primary village assembly in the Chola village administration. The 'Ur' was the gathering
of the local residents to discuss matters without any formal rule or procedure. But the Sabha or Mahasabha
was the assembly of the Agrahara ( only adult men among Brahmins). The Chola empire known as Rajyam
or Rastrayam was divided into a number of Provinces or Mandalam. The provinces and Mandalam were
subdivided into number of divisions known as Kottams or Valanadus. The next administrative subdivision of
Cholas were the districts (Nadus) each of which again consisted of a number of autonomous villages, unions
or group of villages, playing a vital part in the Chola administration system.
19. A Chalukya inscription is dated in the year 556 of the Saka era. It is equivalent to
(a) 478 AD
(b) 499 AD
(c) 613 AD
(d) 634 AD
Ans. (a) A Chalukyas inscription is dated in the year 556 of Saka era. It's equivalent to 478 AD (as Saka era
was started in 78 AD). This undated inscription belongs to the reign of Chalukya king
VijayadityaSatyasraya. It registers the grant of 20 mattars of red soil, a mattars of wet land and 2 mattars of
garden land to Talereyar by Vikramaditya, the uncle of Benarja, when the latter was ruling Turamara-
Vishaya as the king's feudatory. It also state that Vikramaditya had the birudas Taruna-Vasantan and
Samanta-kesari and that he was ruling Ayiradi. The inscription was written by Singutti.
20. Who defeated Pandyas??

(a) Cholas
(b) Satvahan
(c) Maurya
(d) Pulkasya
Ans. (a)
The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in
the early medieval times. 2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendraempire of South East Asia and
conquered some of the areas.
21. The Rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built under the patronage of the
(a) Chola king
(b) Pandya king
(c) Pallava king
(d) Satavahan king
Ans. (c) The Rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram were built under the patronage of the Pallava kings.
Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place to
watch which was a well-established sea port was during the 7th and 10th century of the Pallava dynasty.
This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram.
22. Rath Temples at Mahabalipuram were built in the reign of which ruler?
(a) Mahendravarman
(b) Narasinghvarman I
(c) Parameshwarvarman
(d) Nandivarman I
Ans. (b) Rath temples of Mahabalipuram were built in reign of Narasinghvarman I. there were about nine
monolithic temples at Mahabalipuram. They are the unique contribution of the Pallavas in Indian art. The
monolithic temples are called locally as Ratha (Chariot) as they resemble the professional chariots of a
temple. The five rathas the best of all monolithic temples, are hewn out a huge boulder.
23. Which one the following Chola kings conquered Ceylon (Sinhal) first?
(a) Aditya I
(b) Rajaraja I
(c) Rajendra
(d) Vijayalaya
Ans. (b) Rajaraja I the Chola Kings conquered Ceylon (Sinhal) first. Rajaraja began his career by the
conquest of the Chera country. He defeated Chera king Bhaskara Ravivarman, whose fleet he destroyed in
the port of Kandahar. He also seized Pandya Amara Bhujanga and captured the part of Vilinam. By his
campaign against the Singhalees he annexed northern Ceylon, building a number of stone temples in the
Ceylonese capital Polonnaniva.
24. Brihadeshwara Temple of Thanjavur was built during the reign of Chola emperor
(A) Parantaka-I
(B) Rajraja-I
(C) Rajendra-I
(D) Rajadhiraja-I
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
Brihadeshwara Temple of Thanjavur, It was built by Raja Raja Chola I. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur is
in Tamil Nadu. It is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest Temple in the southern
part of India. It is built between 1003 and 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I in Dravidian architecture style.
It is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also called as Dakshina Meru which simplifies “Meru
of South”.
Rajaraja Chola I (985 - 1014 AD):
He was one of the greatest emperors of the Chola empire. In his reign, the Cholas expanded beyond South
India stretching from Klinga in the north to Sri Lanka in the south. He fought many battles with the
Chalukyas in the north and the Pandyas in the south. He built the Brihadishwara temple in Thanjavur
dedicated to Lord Shiva. He also helped in the construction of a Buddhist monastery at Nagapattinam. He
was succeeded by his son Rajendra Chola I in 1014 AD.
Rajendra Chola I (1014-44 AD):
He was considered as one of the greatest rulers and military generals of south India. He continued his
father's policy of aggressive conquests and expansion.Apart from reaching northwards to river Ganga and
moving overseas to the Maldivesand Sri Lanka, he also invaded the Southeast Asian territories.He defeated
Jayasimha II of the western Chalukyas and consequently, RiverTungabhadra was recognized as the boundary
between the Cholas and Chalukyas. He founded the city Gangaikondacholapuram and constructed the
famousRameshwaram temple in the city. He also excavated a large irrigation tank called Cholagangam on
the western side of the city. He assumed many titles, the most important ones being Mudikondan,
Gangaikondan,Kadaram Kondan and Pandita Cholan.He built Shiva temple at Gangaikondacholapuram.
Rajaraja II:
The Chola emperor Rajaraja II ruled from 1150 to 1173 CE. The inscriptions of Rajaraja II date his rule to
1146 because he was appointed his heir apparent and Co-Regent in that year. During Rajaraja's reign,
indications of the dynasty's impending collapse startedto appear.
25. In which region, the Chola empire was expanded?

(A) Vijayanagara Area
(B) Malabar Coast
(C) Hoysala
(D) Coromandel Coast and some region of Deccan
Answer: (D)
Prominent rulers of the Chola dynasty were Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola. The Cholas were able to
extend their influence beyond the Indian subcontinent. With the help of a powerful navy, Rajendra Chola
raided Sri Lanka, and countries of Southeast Asia like Malaysia and the Indonesian islands
26. Who among the following laid the foundation of the Chola Empire in the Sixth century A.D.?
(A) Krishna-I
(B) Rajraja Chola
(C) Vijayalaya
(D) Parantaka
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
The founder of the medieval Chola empire, Vijayalaya Chola, provided the Chola empire with a strong base.
He was one of those rulers who, from nothing, greatly formed an empire and then conquered powerful
neighboring empires such as Pandyas and Pallavas, and became a powerful force in all of ancient South
India. The early Cholas were very powerful, but they lost their authority to other kingdoms and
became feudal princes. Around 300 A.D., they went into darkness. Cholas have completely disappeared
from their native land since this time. A hero, with Chola blood, re-established Chola rule around 848 A.D,
whom we now refer to as the great Vijayalaya Chola
27. Which one of the following temple complexes has a massive statue of Nandi, considered to be
biggest in India?
(A) Brihadeshwara Temple
(B) Lingaraja Temple
(C) Kandariya Mahadev Temple
(D) Lepakshi Temple
Answer: (D)
Notes: The Lepakshi temple, also known as Veerbhadra temple is located in the tiny hamlet of Anantapur
District of Andhra Pradesh. It is a paragon of excellent architecture and art. It is famous as it has largest
Nandi.
28. The capital of Cholas was

(A) Kaveripattinam
(B) Mahabalipuram
(C) Kanchi
(D) Tanjore
Answer: (D)
Thanjavur (Tanjore) was the capital of Cholas. Vijayalaya was the founder of the Chola Empire. He defeated
the Pallavas and took over the Tanjore kingdom within the 8th century and led to the establishment of the
mighty Chola kingdom. Tanjore was hence made the primary capital of the eminent Chola Empire.
29. Which of the following was special feature of Chola administration?

(A) Division of empire into mandalam
(B) Autonomy of village administration
(C) Full powers to Ministers of State
(D) Cheap and proper tax collection method
Answer: (B)
The Cholas believed in local self-government. In many of the villages, the administration was carried out not
by the government officials but by the villagers themselves. These villages had three types of assemblies,
namely the ur, the sabha and the nagaram.
30. What were the first Sabhas in the Chola administration?

(A) Religious development
(B) Village Assemblies
(C) Warfare with Rashtrakuta
(D) Trade from Sri Lanka
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
One of the most important administrative units of the Cholas was Nadu. Each nadu was headed by a Nattar
while the council of nadu was named nattavai. The responsibility of the village administration was entrusted
to the village assembly called Grama Sabha, the lowest unit of the Chola administration.
31. Which Southern India state had excellent village administration?

(A) Chera
(B) Chalukya
(C) Chola
(D) Vatapi
Answer: (C)
Notes: The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of administration. The entire Tanjore district,
parts of Trichy, Pudukottai and South Arcot districts formed the part of' the Chola Mandalam.
32. Dynasty famous for efficient rural administration was

(A) Cholas
(B) Rashtrakutas
(C) Chalukyas
(D) Pallavas
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Chola Kingdom:
The Cholas are believed to have overthrown the Pallavas in south India. They became prominent in the 9th
century and established an empire comprising the major portion of South India. They also extended their
control in Sri Lanka and the Malay peninsula and are thus called ‘Imperial Cholas’.
Thousands of inscriptions found in the temples provide detailed information regarding the administration,
society, economy, and culture of the Chola period. They believed in running efficient administration through
Dynasty Rule. The founder of the Imperial Chola line was Vijaya.
33. A lot of details regarding the village administration under the Cholas is provided by the inscription
at
(A) Thanjavur
(B) Uraiyur
(C) Kanchipuram
(D) Uttaramerur
Answer: (D)
Inscriptions from Uttaramerur in Chingleput district of Tamilnadu provides details regarding the village
administration under the Cholas. It provides information about how two assemblies Ur and Sabha of the
village worked and elected.
34. During the rule of the Chola Kings which of the following war yams looked after garden
administration?
(A) Pan Variyam
(B) Airi Variyam
(C) ThottaVariyam
(D) Samvatsaravariyam
Answer: (C)
Variyams :
Village Assemblies carried on village administration effectively with the help of variyams. Male members of
the society were the members of these variyams. Composition of these variyams, qualification and durations
of membership differed from village to village. There were many variyams in every village. Niyayavariyam
administered justice, Thottavariyam looked after flower gardens. The Dharma variyam looked after
charities and temples. Erivariyam was in charge of tanks and water supply. The ponvariyam was in charge of
the finance. The Gramakariyavariyam looked after the works of all committees. The members of these
varivams were known as “Varivaperumakkal They rendered honorary service. The village officials were paid
salary either in cash or in kind. Good functioning of these variams increased the efficiency of the local
administration of the Cholas.
The Chola government during the imperial period (850 – 1200 CE) was marked for its uniqueness and
innovativeness. Cholas were the first dynasty who tried to bring the entire South India under a common rule
and to a great extent succeeded in their efforts. Although the form and protocols of that government cannot
be compared to a contemporary form of government, the history of the Chola empire belongs to a happy age
in their history and great things were achieved by the government and the people.
35. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with
(A) Eight hands
(B) Six hands
(C) Four hands
(D) Two hands
Answer: (C)
Notes: Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with four hands.
Bronze icon of Nataraja is the finest example of Chola sculpture.
36. Which one of the following is considered to be the world's greatest iconographical creations made
by sthapatis of South India, particularly during the Chola period?
(A) Mahishasuramardini
(B) Nataraja
(C) Rama
(D) Somaskanda
Answer: (B)
Nataraj is considered to be the world's greatest iconographical creations made by Sthapatis of south India,
particularly during the Chola period.
37. Most famous sculptures of Cholas age were

(A) Stone sculptures
(B) Marble sculptures
(C) Vishnu sculptures
(D) Bronze sculptures of Nataraja Shiva
Answer: (D)
Note: The image of Nataraja or the Dancing Shiva's image is protected and maintained in the National
Museum at Delhi. The sculpture was made by Sembiyan Mahadevi, who was the queen of Chola Dynasty.
The sculpture of Nataraja is the oldest statue of stone which is standing free
38. The famous bronze image of Nataraja is a fine example of

(A) Chola Art
(B) Gandhara Art
(C) Gupta Art
(D) Mauryan Art
Answer: (A)
The famous bronze image of Nataraja is a masterpiece of Chola art, which flourished during the period of
the Chola dynasty in South India. This sculpture, also known as Shiva as the Lord of Dance, represents the
Hindu god Shiva in his cosmic dance form.
39. The ‘Dakshinamurti’ idol of Shiva depicts him in which form?

(A) Teacher
(B) Dancing
(C) Reclining
(D) Meditating
Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Dakshinamurthy:
Sri Dakshinamurthy is the depiction of Lord Shiva which illustrates Him asthe supreme cosmic teacher (Adi
Guru) and is a facet of the Lord as the guru whoenlightens one with jnana (knowledge) that elevates and
enriches. The Dakshinamurthy form of Lord Shiva extols Him as the Supreme Teacher ofyoga, knowledge,
and even music. The rich treasures of knowledge in the Shastras become accessible when He appears as
Sri Dakshinamurthy.
Important Points
Significance:
Indian tradition accords a special reverence to the Guru or the spiritual teacher. Dakshinamurthy, in the
Hindu system of beliefs, is regarded as the ultimate Guru – the embodiment of knowledge and the
personification of ignorance (as represented by, the demon being crushed under the feet of the deity).
The Jnana Mudra is interpreted in this way:- The thumb denotes the God and the index finger denotes the
man. The other three fingers stand for the three congenital impurities of man viz. arrogance, illusion, and
bad deeds of the past births. When man detaches himself from these impurities, he reaches God. Another
interpretation is that the other three fingers denote the three states of life: Jagruti (Fully awake through
senses and mind), Swapna (Sleep state - When the mind is awake), and Sushupti (True-self - When the
senses and mind go into the soul - Atma).
The Abhaya Mudra, a gesture with the hand lifted above thigh with palm facingout, fingers pointing, is
interpreted as His grace upon His students. The rosary or the snake signifies tantric knowledge. The fire
represents illumination, removing the darkness of ignorance.
40. In whose tenure, 72 traders were sent to China?

(A) Kulottunga-I
(B) Rajendra-I
(C) Rajaraja-I
(D) Rajadhiraja-I
Answer: (A)
In 1077 A.D., during the reign of the Chola dynasty, King Kulottunga I sent an embassy of 72 merchants to
China. This diplomatic mission was a significant event in the history of trade and cultural exchange between
the two countries.
41. Which of the following South Indian state was famous for its naval power?
(A) Chola
(B) Chera
(C) Pallava
(D) Rashtrakuta
Answer: (A)
The founder of Chola Kingdom was Vijayalaya who conquered the kingdom of Tanjore during mid 8th
century. It was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India. They ruled beyond the sea
like Maldives Islands and Sri Lanka which shows that they had very efficient as well as huge naval power.
42. Which among the following dynasties, King declared their successor in own tenure?
(A) Chalukya
(B) Chola
(C) Kadamba
(D) Kalchuri
Answer: (B)
The Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty originating from southern India. At its height, it ruled over the
Chola Empire, an expansive maritime empire. The earliest datable references to the Chola are from
inscriptions dated to the 3rd century BCE during the reign of Ashoka of the Maurya empire
43. Who among the following Chola rulers converted the Bay of Bengal into a 'Chola Lake’?
(A) Rajarajal-I
(B) Rajendra-l
(C) Adhiraj
(D) Kulottunga
Answer: (B)
Rajendra Chola I was one of the most successful monarchs of the South Indian Chola Empire. During his
rule, he extended the empire from North India to Maldives to Southeast Asia. All land around the Bay of
Bengal belonged to the Cholas. Hence,during his rule, the Bay of Bengal was called 'The Chola Lake'.
44. Who was the founder of 'Gangai Konda Cholapuram’?

(A) Rajaraja-I
(B) Rajadhiraja
(C) Rajendra-I
(D) Vijayaditya
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Rajaraja Chola I (985 - 1014 AD):
 He was one of the greatest emperors of the Chola empire.
 In his reign, the Cholas expanded beyond South India stretching from Klinga in the
 north to Sri Lanka in the south.
 He fought many battles with the Chalukyas in the north and the Pandyas in the south.
 He built the Brihadishwara temple in Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva.
 He also helped in the construction of a Buddhist monastery at Nagapattinam.
 He was succeeded by his son Rajendra Chola I in 1014 AD.
Additional Information
Rajendra Chola I (1014-44 AD):
 He was considered as one of the greatest rulers and military generals of south India.
 He continued his father's policy of aggressive conquests and expansion.
 Apart from reaching northwards to river Ganga and moving overseas to the Maldives and Sri Lanka,
he also invaded the Southeast Asian territories.
 He defeated Jayasimha II of the western Chalukyas and consequently, the river
 Tungabhadra was recognized as the boundary between the Cholas and Chalukyas.
 He founded the city Gangaikondacholapuram and constructed the famous
 Rameshwaram temple in the city.
 He also excavated a large irrigation tank called Cholagangam on the western side of the city.
 He assumed many titles, the most important ones being Mudikondan, Gangaikondan, Kadaram
Kondan and Pandita Cholan.
 He built the shiva temple at Gangaikondacholapuram.
Sundara Chola (857-970 AD):
He was also known as Parantaka Chola II. He was crowned as the Chola King despite the presence of
Uttama Chola, the son ofGandaraditya. He also encouraged Tamil and Sanskrit literature
45. Who among the following Chola rulers is credited to have built a huge artificial lake known as
Chola Gangam?
(A) Rajaraja-I
(B) Rajendra
(C) Rajadhiraja
(D) Rajaraja-II
Answer: (B)
Rajendra commenced the construction of a new city named "GangaikondaCholapuram", with a new Siva
temple named "GangaikondaCholaeswarem" and a large temple water tank called "Chola Gangam", where
the holy water brought from the Ganges river was mixed.
46. Which Chola King started Naval Army?

(A) Rajendra Chola
(B) Parantak Chola
(C) Rajendra-I
(D) Rajaraja-II
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Rajendra I (1014-44 AD):
He is considered the greatest Chola ruler. He completed the conquest of Sri Lanka in 1017 AD and captured
the whole of Sri Lanka and made it a part of the Chola empire. He was the first ruler of the Chola dynasty
who kept strong navy.
47. Garuda was adopted as dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas by ?
[A] Rashtrakutas
[B] Western Chalukyas
[C] Shilaharas
[D] Chedis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rashtrakutas adopted “Garuda”as dynastic emblem after the imperial Guptas.
48. During the reign of Guptas in North India , who were their contemporaries in South India ?
[A] Cholas
[B] Rasthrakutas
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Kakatiyas
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire existing from the mid-to-late 3rd century CE
to 543 CE. Rashtrakutas was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent . They are the
contemporaries.
49. The Chalukya king, Pulakesin II defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of which river?
[A] Narmada
[B] Kaveri
[C] Niranjana
[D] Rijupalika
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Chalukya king Pulakesin II had defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of River Narmada in 618 AD.
Pulakeshin, who ruled from the Chalukyancapitalof Badami, challenged Harsha’s conquests. The former had
established himself as ‘lord paramount’ of the south, as Harsha had of the north. Unwilling to tolerate the
existence of a powerful rival in the south, Harsha had marched from Kanauj with a huge force. Such was
Pulakeshin’s efficiency in guarding the passes of the Narmada that Harsha was compelled to accept the river
as the demarcation and retire from the field of battle after losing a major part of his elephant force.
50. Who was the founder of Chalukya Dynasty ?

[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Pulakesin I
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Pulakesin II
Correct Answer: B
Notes: The founder of Chalukya dynasty, Pulakesin I established a small kingdom with Badami (or Vatapi)
as its capital in Bijapur District, Karnataka .
51.. Aihole inscription location?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Madhya pradesh

[C] Tamil nadu
[D] Maharastra
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The Aihole Inscription, also known as the Aihole prashasti, is a nineteen line Sanskrit inscription at Meguti
Jain temple in Aihole, Karnataka, India. An eulogy dated 634–635 CE, it was composed by the Jain poet
Ravikirti in honor of his patron king Pulakesin Satyasraya (Pulakeshin II) of the Badami Chalukya dynasty.
52. Which Chalukyan ruler set up it capital at Vengi ?

[A] Vishnuvardhan
[B] Mahendravarman
[C] Kakusthavarman
[D] Pulakesin II
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The son of Pulakesin II, Vishnuvardhan established the eastern branch of the chalukyas with it’s capital first
at Pistapur and later at Vengi.
53. Who among the following Chalukyan king sent an ambassador to Persian king KhusrauII ?
[A] Pulakesin I
[B] Pulakesin II
[C] Kirtivarman I
[D] Vishnuvardhan
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
The Chalukyan king, Pulakesin II sent an ambassador to the Persian king Khusrau II in 625 A.D. And
received one from him.
54. What was the ruling period of Chalukyas of Badami ?
[A] 500 – 550 A.D.

[B] 550 – 650 A.D.
[C] 543 – 757 A.D.
[D] 545 – 700 A.D.
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
The ruling period of Chalukyas of Badami was 543 – 757 A.D. They ruled in Karnataka .
55. Which among the following chalukyan king performed ‘Ashwamedha yajna’ ?
[A] Pulakesin I
[B] Pulakesin II
[C] Vishnuvardhan
[D] Kirtivarman I
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Pulakesin I, the chalukya king, performed Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ceremony) to access power.
56. By whom Pallava King Mahendravarman-I got defeated?
[A] Pulakesin II
[B] Vikramaditya II
[C] Yajnavarman
[D] Pulakesin I
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The Pallava King Mahendravarman I got defeated by the Chalukya King Pulakesin II. Though,
Narasimhavarman I (the son of Mahendravarman I) took the revenge of his father from Pulakesin II by
defeating and killing him in the Battle of Vatapi in 642 AD and captured the Chalukyan capital, Vatapi.
Thus, he assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
57. Which of the following inscriptions written by Rudradaman I?

[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] The Junagadh rock inscription
[C] Alapadu grant

[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman, also known as the Girnar Rock inscription of Rudradaman,
is a Sanskrit prose inscribed on a rock by the Western Satraps ruler Rudradaman I. It is located near Girnar
hill near Junagadh, Gujarat, India..
58. Which of the following inscriptions written by Ravikirti?

[A] Allahabad pillar inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Alapadu grant
[D] Hanumakonda inscription
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
Aihole inscription written by the Badami Chalukyas King, Pulakesin II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE and
was a follower of Jainism. This valuable inscription discovered in the Meguti temple near Aihole (Bijapur
district in Karnataka). The inscription is in the Sanskrit language, which uses the old Kannada script. The
accounts of Pulkeshi’s campaigns are provided in the Aioli inscription dated 634 AD. It was composed by
his court poet Ravikirti. Bharavi, who is associated with the Pallavas of Kanchi along with Kalidasa is
mentioned in the famous Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II.
59. The ancient places of Badami, Dwarasamudra and Warangal are related to which of the following
dynasties?
[A] Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[B] Cholas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[C] Pallavas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: A
Key Points
Badami Chalukya
Founder:Jaisimha
Capital: Badami/Vatapi
The Western Chalukyas ruled over an extensive area in the Deccan for about two centuries
from 543 to 755 AD.
The most important ruler of this dynasty was Pulakesin II.
The Aihole inscription issued by him gives the details of his reign.
Hoysala
The founder of this dynasty-Sala.
On the order of a Jain monk, Sudatta, fought with a tiger and, killed it. It inspired the people
to exclaim 'Hoysala!' and he established his empire
They belong to yadava family.
Capital-Dorasamudra (present-day Halebid).
Prominant rulers- Vishnuvardhana, Ballal etc.
Poets of hoysala dynasty- Harihara, Raghavanka and Janna.
The temples were known for its pillared hall and stellate plan.
Kakatiyas
Capital:Warangal or Orugallu.
The Kakatiya dynasty was a South Indian dynasty that ruled most of eastern Deccan
region comprising Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and parts of eastern Karnataka and
southern Odisha between 12th and 14th centuries.
Prataparudra I established a sovereign dynasty in 1163 CE.
60. Aihole is called the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Which among the following dynasty is
related to the construction of magnificent temples in Aihole?
[A] Chalukya
[B] Chola
[C] Chera
Correct Answer: A
The Aihole temples were built in the late 7th century by the dynasty of the Chalukyas. It is the largest of a
group of over 120 temples at Aihole. The architecture of the temple is predominantly Dravida with Nagara
style also is used in certain areas.]
61. Aihole Inscription is ascribed to rulers ?

[A] Pulkeshin II
[B] Rudradaman
[C] Kharvela
[D] Ashoka
Correct Answer: A
Important Points
Aihole inscription was written by Ravikirti who was a poet during the reign of Pulakeshi II.
Aihole is situated in Karnataka and is widely recognized as the Cradle of Indian
Architecture.
It served as the capital of Chalukyas.
This inscription gives information about the conquests of Pulakesin, especially how he
defeated Harshavardhana.
Pulakeshin II, the King of the Chalukya dynasty defeated Harshavardhana when he seeks to
enlarge his Empire into the southern peninsula of India.
Chalukya king Pulakesin II had defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of River Narmada in 618AD.
62. Which of the following Pallava rulers invaded the Chalukya Kingdom and captured Badami ?
[A] Narsimhavarman I
[B] Kirtivarman
[C] Vishnuvardhan
[D] Mahendravarnan I
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
In the Battle of Vatapi, the Pallava ruler Narsimhavarman I defeated and killed Pulakesin II and captured the
Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD. Thus, he assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi).
63. Who took the title of Vatapikonda ?

[A] Narsimhavarman I
[B] Simhavishnu
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Nandivarman II
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The Pallava King Narsimhavarman I assumed the title of ‘Vatapikonda’ (Conqueror of Vatapi), when he
defeated and killed Pulakesin II (Chalukya King) and captured the Chalukyan capital, Badami in 642 AD.
64. Who among the following Pallava ruler built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
[A] Narsimhavarman II
[B] Nandivarman II
[C] Aparajita
[A] Mahendravarman I
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram built by Pallava ruler
Narasimhavarman II.
65. Who among the following Pallava ruler built Vaikuntaperumal temple at Kanchi ?
[A] Nandivarman II
[B] Aparajita
[C] Mahendrvarman I
[D] Vikramaditta II
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Vaikunta Perumal Temple was built by Pallava King Nandivarman-II in the 8th century, he was a worshipper
of Lord Vishnu.
66. Which among the following Pallava king wrote the famous burlesque ‘MattavilasaPrahasana’ ?
[A] Mahendravarman I
[B] Narsimhavarman
[C] Narsimhavarman II
[D] Paramesvar Varman
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The versatile Pallava ruler and great scholar Mahendravarman I wrote the famous burlesque
MattavilasaPrahasana (the Sport of Drunkards). It is a short one-act Sanskrit play.
67. Which among the following kings was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler)?
[A] Pulakesi II
[B] Mahendravarman I
[C] Narasimhavarman I
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
Narasimhavarman I was a Tamil king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South India from 630–668 A.D.
Narasimhavarman was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler) and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was
named after him
68. Mahabalipuram was a port city of which of the following dynasties?

[A] Chola
[B] Pallava
[C] Chalukya
[D] Kakatiya
Correct Answer: B
The Pallava kings ruled Mahabalipuram from Kanchipuram; the capital of the Pallava dynasty from the 3rd
century to 9th century CE, and used the port to launch trade and diplomatic missions to Sri Lanka and
Southeast Asia.
69. Narasimhavarman-I was one of the most famous Tamil kings of the Pallava dynasty who ruled South
India and founded Mahabalipuram. His another name is ?
[A] Mamalla
[B] Mahedravarman
[C] Apapar
Correct Answer: A
He avenged his father's defeat at the hands of the Chalukya monarch, Pulakeshin II in the year 642 CE.
Narasimhavarman I was also known as Mamallan (great wrestler), and Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
was named in his honour. It was during his reign, in 640 CE, that the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited
Kanchipuram.
70. The history of the Vakatakas is largely known from inscriptions and texts like the Puranas. They
became a major power in which of these regions of India?
(a) Deccan region
(b) Eastern region
(c) Kurukshetra region
(d) Kashmir region
Solution: (a)
Explanation :
• They initially established themselves in the Vindhya region, and later extended their power
southwards, eventually becoming a major political power in the Deccan. Vakataka rule lasted from
the middle 3rd to the late 5thearly 6th centuries AD.
• The founder of the Vakataka dynasty was Vindhyashakti I. The second Vakataka king was
Pravarasena I who seems to have extended the empire southwards into Vidarbha and adjoining areas
of the Deccan.
• His capital was Kanchanaka (modem Nachna). Pravarasena I cemented an important political
alliance by marrying his son, Gautamiputra, to the daughter or the Naga king, Bhavanaga of the
Bharashiva family, which was prominent in eastern UP and adjoining areas. The political gains of
this alliance were immense.
• Pravarasena is mentioned in the Puranas and inscriptions as performing several vajapeya, Vajimedha
and Ashvamnedha sacrifices, accompanied by the distribution of lavish gifts. He was the only
Vakataka king with the imperial title of samrat.
71. consider the following matches:
(a) Anantavarman: Kerala

(h) Jagannatha: Bengal
(c) Mahodayapuram: Odisha
(d) Lilatilakam: Kangra
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
(a) 1, 2and3 only (b) 2and4only

(c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
Statement 1: AnantavarmanChodagangaDeva was a rulerof the Eastern Ganga dynasty which ruled southern
part of Kalinga.
Statement 2: Literally meaning ‘Lord of the Universe’, it is a deity worshipped in regional traditions of
Hinduism and Buddhism in India and Bangladesh. Correct match is Odisha.
Statement 3: Correct match is Tamil Nadu. The Later Cheras (the Kulasekharas) ruled from
Mahodayapuram (now Kodungallur) on the banks of River Periyar and fought numerous wars with their
powerful neighbours such as the Cholas and Rashtrakutas.
Statement 4: Lilatilakam is a text in Manipravalam dealing with grammar and poetics written in
Manipravalam. The correct match would be Kerala.
72. In ancient southern India, kadaisiyar and adimai were used to refer to
(a) Ordinary ploughmen

(b) Landless labourers, including slaves
(c) Tax officials
(d) Large landowners
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
• Society was segregated even in ancient India.
• There were at least three different kinds of people living in most villages in the southern and northern
parts of the ancient Indian subcontinent.
• In the Tamil region, large landowners were known as vellalar, ordinary ploughmen were known as
uzhavar, and landless labourers, including slaves, were known as kadaisiyar and adimai.
• In the northern regions this distinction was made in terms of land, political position and assets held.
73. The Chola ruler Karikala was known for
1. Allying with the Cheras arid the Pandyas to create the 'Great Southern Empire’.
2. Getting the Grand Anicut constructed which is still in use as one of the oldest water structures in the
world.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
Statement 1: He was the most important ruler of this kingdom. According to the Porunararruppatai, Karikala
Chola fought a great Battle of Venni in which both Pandya and Chera kings suffered a defeat.
Statement 2: The Grand Anicut, also known as the Kallanai was built by Karikala and is considered one of
the oldest water diversion or water-regulator structures in the world which is still in use.
• Karikala has been credited with many welfare activithes. He got many canals dug so that water from
the river Cauvery could be used for irrigation purposes.
74. In Medieval India, Mahamandaleshvara was a term often used for

(a) Samantas who gained power and wealth to overpowered their Lords.
(b) Kings who undertook an overseas expedition.
(c) Priests who performed the most Ashvamedha sacrifices.
(d) Patrons of temples with several deithes.
Solution: (a)
Explanation :
• By the 7th century there were big landlords or warrior chiefs in different regions of the subcontinent.
• Existing kings often acknowledged them as their subordinates or samantas. They were expected to
bring gifts for their kings or overlords, be present at their courts and provide them with military
support.
• As samantas gained power and wealth, they declared themselves to be mahasamanta,

mahamandaleshvara (the great lord of a ‘circle’ or region) and so on.
• Sometimes they asserted their independence from their overlords.
75.which of these justify the robust and benevolent system of administration that Cholas had?
1. Chola kings undertook royal tours to increase the efficiency of the administration.
2. All legal professions were exempted from tax liabilithes.
3. All lands were carefully surveyed and classified for assessment of revenue.
4. During the hard times, there were remissions of taxes.
(a) 1 and4only (b) 1,3and4only

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
Statement 1: There were regular drills with officials.
Statements 2 and 3: There were tolls and customs on goods taken from one place to another, various kinds of
professional taxes, dues levied on ceremonial occasions like marriages and judicial fines. Moreover, the land
revenue department was well organized. It was called puravuvarithinaikkalam.
• The residential portion of the village was called urnattam. These and other lands such as the lands
belonging to temples were exempted from tax.
• Statement 4: During the hard times, there were remission of taxes and Kulottunga I became famous by
abolishing tolls and earned the title—SungamTavirtta Cholan. The main items of government expenditure
were the king and his court, army and navy, Roads, irrigation tanks and canals.
76. If you compare the socio-economic life of Cholas and Sangam age, what is/are the chief
similarithes in these periods with respect to the position of women in society?
1. The practice of Sati was present.

2. Devadasi system was abolished.
3. Women were not allowed to write or study literature.
4. Love marriage was forbidden.
(a) 1 only (b) 2,3and4only

(c) 3and4only (d) 1, 2and4only
Solution: (a)
Explanation :
Statements 1 and 4: Love marriage was ‘common practice in the sangam age and women were allowed to
choose their life partners. But the condition of widow was miserable and sati was practiced.
Statement 2: The Devadasi system emerged during the chola period where dancing girls were attached to
temples for their life. They were subjected to harassment also.
Statement 3: Women poets like Avvaiyar, Nachchellaiyar, and Kakkaipadiniyarflourished in the Sangam
period and contributed to Tamil literature.
77. With reference to Chola education and literature, consider the following:
1. Temples and mathas served as the only educational centres.
2. Not only vedas and epics, but subjects like mathematics and medicine were also taught.
3. Endowment of lands was made to run educational centres.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
Statement 1: During this period, besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational
institutions also flourished. The inscription at Ennayiram, Thirumuuktidal and Thirubhuvanai provide details
or the colleges existed in these places.
Statements 2 and 3: The development of Tamil literature reached its peak during the Chola period. And a lot
of’ it came from the contribution or education and literature to the enrichment or this culture.
• Mathematics and medicine studies showed that Kings encouraged logical and intellectual pursuits
and were not centred entirely on religious studies.
78.Vanavaramban, Vanavan, Kuttuvan, Irumporai and villavar were famous titles assumed by
(a) Chera kings
(b) Sangam poets
(c) Thiruvalluvar, a Tamil philosopher and poet
(d) Temple priests in Southern Indian dynasthes
Solution: (a)
Explanation :
Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the Sangam period.
The Chera kings assumed titles like Vanavaramban, Vanavan, Kuttuvan, Irumporai and villavar, the chola
kings like Senni, valavan and Killi and the Pandya kings Thennavar and Minavar.
Each of the Sangam dynasthes had a royal emblem—carp for the Pandyas, tiger for the Cholas and
bow for the Cheras.
79. Consider the following statements with reference to the South Indian dynasthes:
1. Arikkamedu was a seaport during the Sangam period.
2. Uraiyur was famous for pearls.
3. Lord Murugan was the primary deity of the Sangam age.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
Statement 1: External trade was carried between South India and the Greek kingdoms
The port city of Puhar became an emporium of foreign trade, as big ships entered this port with precious
goods. Other ports of commercial activity include Tondi, Musiri, Korkai, Arikkamedu and Marakkanam.
Statement 2: Uraiyur was an ancient Chola city with a fortress and city wall on the southern banks of the
river Kaveri. It was known for pearls.
Statement 3: The worship of Murugan was having an ancient origin and the festivals relating to God
Murugan was mentioned in the Sangam literature, he was honoured with six abodes known as Arupadai
Veedu.
80. In Indian literature, Mucchangam is

(a) Buddhist literature patronized under Satvahanas that emerged after the Buddhist councils.
(b) Three Sangams of Tamil poets in ancient Tamil Nadu.

(c) Compilation of all the work of the poet Kalidasa that describes the character of a man.
(d) A collection of mantras and rituals (pan or Vedas) that are to be performed o special occasions.
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
• The Sangam Age constitutes an important chapter in the history of South India. According to Tamil
legends, there existed three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) in ancient Tamil Nadu popularly
called Muchchangam. These Sangams flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandyas.
• The first Sangam, held at the then Madurai, was attended by gods and legendary sages but no
literary work or this Sangam is available.
• . The second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, and all the literary works related to it had perished
except Tolkappiyam.
• The third Sangam at Madurai was founded by Mudathirumaran. It was attended by a large number
of poets who produced voluminous literature but only a few had survived.
81. Consider the following statements about administration in Sangam age.

1. Hereditary monarchy was the form of government.
2. There was no separate military wing in the administration.
3. The state did not involve itself in foreign trade.
4. The state did not rely on land revenue for income.
Choose the correct answer using the codes below.

(c) All of the above (d) 1 only
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
• The king also took the advice of his minister, court-poet and the imperial court or avai.
The king was assisted by a large body of officials who were divided into five councils. They were
ministers (amaichar), priests (anthanar), military commanders (senapathi), envoys (thuthar) and
spies (orrar).
• The military administration was also efficiently organized during the Sangam Age. Each ruler had a
regular army and their respective Kodimacam (tutelary tree).
• . Land revenue was the chief source of state's income while custom duty was also imposed on
foreign trade.
82. The earliest Tamil compositions are known as ‘Sangam’, why these texts are called ‘Sangam’?
(a) These texts were the meeting of the best of the ancient wisdom and contemporary values.
(b) The poets composing the texts named it so.
(c) They were composed in the city of Sangam.
(d) They were composed and compiled in assemblies of poets which were known as Sangams.
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
Option (c) is incorrect as these poet Sangams were held in the city of Madurai.
Learning:
• Sangam literature was composed around 2300 years ago.
• Sangam literature deals with emotional and material topics such as love, war, governance, trade and
bereavement.
• These poems were later collected into various anthologies, edited and with colophons added by
anthologists and annotators around 1000 AD.
Sangam literature fell out of popular memory soon thereafter, until they were rediscovered in the 19 th
century by scholars such as ArumugaNavalar, C. W. Thamotharampillal and U. V. Swaminatha Iyer.
83. Consider the following statements about Sangam literature:

1. It is primarily secular in nature.
2. Women poets did not participate up composing the literature.
3. It does not deal with matters of governance.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(c) 1 only (d) All or the above
Solution: (c)
Explanation :
Statement 2: is incorrect, as poems belonging to Sangam literature were composed by both men and women
from various professions and classes of society.
Statement 3: is incorrect as it deals with matters of war, governance and trade. It also deals with ethics, and
on the various issues of life like wealth, virtue and love.
84.Which of these is not one of the so called 'Five Epics’ (‘the five great poems’) attributed to the
Sangam age?
(a) Jivaka Chintamani
(b) Silappatikaram
(c) Valayapathi
(d) Pattupattu
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
• . Modern scholarship use the term 'Sangam Literature' for only those works in verse (prose is of
much later origin), which are comprised in the Ettutogai (Eight collections). Pattupattu (Ten songs)
and Patinenkilkanakku (The Eighteen Minor works), which are judged to have been produced in that
order during the period A.D 150—250 .
• The so called ‘Five Epics’ (the five great poems’) include Jivaka Chintamani,
Silappatikaram, Manimckalai, Valayapathi and Kundalakesi. These are assigned much later dates.
• These poetical works describe about the social, religious, economic and political conditions of
Tamilakam with the focus on the cithes like Madurai, Puhar (Poompuhar/ Kaveripattinam), Vanji
(Karur) and Kanchi.
85. In Sanskrjt sources the usage of the words ‘Yona, ‘Yauana’ or ‘yavana’ appears repeatedly and
particularly in relation to the
(a) The southern tip of India that in present day borders the Mannar coast near Sri Lanka.
(b) Vedic Ritual sacrifices that were supposed to be performed only by the Emperor.
(c) The art of building esoteric mandalas in places of spiritual importance.
(d) Greek kingdoms which neighboured and sometimes occupied the Punjab region.
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
• These terms appears repeatedly, and particularly in relation to the Greek kingdoms which
neighboured or sometimes occupied the Punjab region over a period of several centuries from the 4 th
century BCE to the 1st century CE.
• Examples are the Seleucid Empire, the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and the Indo-Greek Kingdom.
• The Yavanas are mentioned in detail in Sangam literature epics such a pattinappalai, describing their
brisk trade with the Early Cholas in the Sangam period
86. what is the relationship between these two Tamil Epics, Silappatikaram and Manimekalai?
(a) Manimekalai is a poetic composition of the prosaic content of Silappatikaram.
(b) Roth bear the same author and the same date of compilation.
(c) Silappatikaram is a commentary on Manimekalai.
(d) Manimekalai is a sequel to Silappatikaram.
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
• These are two of the five epics of Tamil Literature that are considered in high regard by the Tamil
community
 The silappatikaram is a poetic rendition with details or Tamil culture; its varied religions; its town
plans and city types; the mingling of different people; and the arts or dance and music. A Poet-prince
from Kodungallur near Kochi (part of ancient Tamilakam, now in modern Kerala), referred to by the
pseudonym Ilango Adigal, is credited with this work.
 The epic revolves around Kannagi, who having lost her husband to a miscarriage of justice at the
court of the Pandyan Dynasty, wreaks her revenge on his kingdom.
 Manimekalai, by the poet ChithalaiChathanar, is a poem in 30 cantos. Its story is a sequel to another
of the Five Great Epics, Silappatikaram, and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi,
to became a Buddhist Bhikkhuni.
87. The Sangam texts mention prominently the ports of

(a) Musiri
(b) Puhar (Kaveripattinam)
(c) Sopatma
(d) Korkai
(a) 1,2and4only (b) 2and3 only
(c) 2 only (d) 1,3and4only
Solution: (a)
Explanation :
The Sangnm texts mention prominently only the ports of Musiri, Puhar (Kaveripattinam) and Korkai, the
three great ports of the three great rulers of the times.
However, the Periplus (foreign accounts) refers to the ports of Tondi, Musiri and Comari (Cape
Comorin/Kanyakumari), Colchi (Korkai), Poduke (Arikamedu) and Sopatma.
According to Periplus, there were three types of vessels in use in South India. These included small coasting
vessels, large coasting vessels and ocean-going ships. There is also the mention of large vessels called
Colandia sailing from the Tamil Coast to the Ganges.
88. The ‘Aimperunkulu' mentioned in Silappatikaram was a/an
1. Assembly of elders
2. Land grant given to the underprivileged classes
3. Council of Ministers
4. Religious shrine of Kannagi
Solution: (c)
Explanation :
The administrative machinery of the age was described by the Sangam texts.
The policies of the king were controlled by a system of checks and balances in the councils. Silappatikaram
refers to the two types of councils——Aimperunkulu and Enperayam.
• The Aimperunkulu or the council of five members was the council of the ministers.
• Theenperayam or the great assembly (perayam) consisted of eight members (government officers).
• This worked as an administrative machinery of the state. These two assemblies that of the Five and that of
the Eight functioned as administrative bodies, though their function was generally advisory in character.
However, their advice was rarely rejected by the king.
• Their important function was judicial though the Aimperunkulu seems to have been solely in charge of it as
described by Maduraikkanji.
• It is important to note that in spite of all the glory attached to the ancient king, the ethos of Indian
administration has been in the direction of limited or popular monarchy.
• This can be observed in South India from very early times even more than in the north and each followed
its own model of administration. Every local unit, however small and in whatever corner it was situated, was
administered by a local assembly.
• The avai and the manram are the terms used for this unit in Sangam works. Such assembly is commonly
referred to as Arankuravaiyam, which were known for its just decision, These can be taken to be the
forerunner of our modern panchayat.
89.Tolkappiyam refers to four castes namely Arasar, Anthanar, Vanigar and Vellalar. Consider the
following about the roles of these castes.
1. The ruling class was called Arasar.
2. Anthanars were the untouchables.
3. Vanigars were responsible for protecting the empire.
4. The vellalas were priests.

(a) 1 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 only (d) 2 and s only
Solution: (c)
Explanation :
• This division of caste refers to the Sangam age.
Statement 2: Anthanars played a significant role in the Sangam polity and religion.
Statements 3 and 4: Vanigars carried on trade and commerce. The vellalas were agriculturists.
Learning:
• Other tribal groups like Parathavar, Panar, Eyinar, Kadambar, Maravar and Pulaiyar were also found
in the sangam society. Ancient primitive tribes like Thodas, Irulas, Nagas and Vedarsalso lived in
this period.
90. With reference to Ancient India, who introduced the Pattini cult in Tamil Nadu?
(a) Cheran Senguttuvan
(b) Rajaraja II
(c) Pulalkesin I
(d) Narasimhara Varman
Solution: (a)
Explanation :
• He belonged to 2nd century AD.
• Senguttuvan introduced the Pattini cult or the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife in Tamil Nadu.
• The stone for making the idol of Kannagi was brought by him after his Himalayan expedition.
• The consecration ceremony was attended by many princes including Gajabhagu II from
• Sri Lanka.
Learning: His younger brother was Elango Adigal, the author of Silappathigaram.
91. Early Sangam texts mention different categories of people. Consider the following matches of these
categories with their social status.
1. Uzhavar: Zamindars
2. Vellalar: Local banker
3. Adimai : Slaves
(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2only
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
There was a growing differentiation amongst people engaged in agriculture were based on differential access
to land, labour and some of the new technologies.
• Early Sangam texts mention different categories of people engaged in agriculture were based only
differential access to land, labour and some of the new technologies.
• In south India people who were divided into three groups-large landowners or vellalar, ploughmen
or uzhavar and slaves or adimai.
• In the country side of Northern India people were divided into three groups-landless agricultural
labourers small peasants as well as large landholders.
The term gahapati was often used in Pali texts to designate the second and third categories
92. Match the list ‘A’ with list ‘B’ and choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
List ‘A’ List ‘B’
A. Mahendravarman I 1. Destroyer of the city of Ranarasika
B. Parameshwaravarman I 2. Avanisimha (lion of the earth)
C. Simhavishnu 3. Construction of Kailashnatha temple
D. Narasimhavarman II 4. Beginning of Rock-cut temples
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 1 2 3 4
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 4 2 1 3
Ans (a)Mahendravarman I, a Pallava ruler, contributed much towards Pallava architecture. A great patron of
art and architecture, some of the most magnificent temples at Mamallapuram were constructed under his
rule. His rule also marked the beginning of rock-cut temples in India. The pallava king
Parameshwaravarman I destroyed the Chalukya capital at Badami, Ranarasika.
SimhavishnuAvanisimha was another Pallava ruler who known as lion of the earth. Narasimhavarman II got
constructed in Dravidian architectural style and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
93. Arrange the following in their chronological order:

1. Banja of Gujar- Pratihara dynasty
2. Hindushahi of Punjab and Kabul
3. Rashtakutas of Deccan
4. Chalukya dynasty of Kalyani
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 4123
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 3124
Ans. (d) The correct order is:
Rashtakutas of Deccan, Banja of Gujar- Pratihara dynasty, Hindushahi of Punjab and Kabul, Chalukya
dynasty of Kalyani.
Rashtrakuta dynasty, Hindu dynasty that ruled the Deccan and neighbouring areas of India from about 755
to 975 CE. Gujara- Pratihara dynasty, either of two dynasties of mediaeval Hindu India. The line of
Harichandra ruled inMandor, Marwar (Jodhpur, Rajasthan), during the 6th to 9th centuries CE, generally with
feudatory status. The line of Nagabhata ruled first at Ujjain and later at Kannauj during 8 th to 11th centuries.
The Chalukya dynasty was a powerful Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central
India between the 6th and 12th century CE. During this period they ruled as three related, but individual
dynasties. The earliest dynasty, known as the “Badami Chalukyas”, ruled from their capital Vatapi (modern
Badami) from the middle of the 6th century, Pulakesin II (609-642 CE) .after the death of Pulakesin II, the
eastern Chalukya became an independent kingdom in the eastern Deccan
94. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists:
List-I List- II
A. Kachhavaha 1. Rana Kumbha
B. Rashtrakuta 2. Bhoja
C. Parmar 3. Man Singh
D. Sisodia 4. Krishna I
Codes:
A B C D
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 3 4 2 1
(d) 4 3 1 2
Ans. (c) Maharana Kumbha was the ruler of Mewar, a state in western India, between 143 and 1468 AD, and
belonging to the Sisodana clan of Rajputs. Kumbha was a son of Rana Mokal of Mewar by his wife
Sobhagya Devi, a daughter of JaitmalSankhla,theParamara fief-holder of Runkot in the state of Marwar.
Bhoja (reigned c. 1010-1055 CE) was an indian king from the Paramara dynasty. His kingdom was centered
around the Malwa region in central India, where his capital Dhara-nagara(modern Dhar) was located.
Raja Man Singh (Man Singh I) (21 December 1550- 6 july 1614) was the Kachwaha Rajput Raja of Amer, a
state later known as Jaipur in Rajputana. He was a trusted general of Mughak emperor Akbar, who included
him among the Navaratnas, or nine (nava) gems (ratna) of the royal court of Akbar.
Rashtrakuta was a powerful dynasty that ruled the Deccan for nearly 250 years, and Krishna I was the
second king of the dynasty. The first king of the dynasty was Dantidurga, who had just unseated the
Chalukyas of Badami- the mighty rulers of the period.
95. Arrange the following into sequential order and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) Rajaraja Chola I
(b) Aditya Chola
(c) Rajendra Chola
(d) Parantaka Chola I
Codes:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 2, 4, 1, 3
(c) 3, 4, 2, 1 (d) 4, 3, 1, 2
Ans. (b) King Vijayalaya founded the chola empire. Aditya I was the second king of the emoire, who caused
a decline of the Pallavas and defeated the Pandyas of Madurai. His son, Parantaka I was the next ruler.
Parantaka I conquered Sri Lanka and also defeated the Rashtrakutas in the Battle of Vallala. Next in line
were Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, supposed to be the greatest rulers of the Chola empire, who
widened its extent beyond its limits.
96. Who founded First Sangam?

(a) Sage Agastyar
(b) Manimekalai
(c) Tolkappiyam
(d) Tetradaran
Ans. (A) Sage Agastyar founded the seat of the First Sangam at Old Madurai. Sage Agastyar also founded
the Second Sangam, but at Kapatapuram after the city of old Madurai was submerged by the sea.
Kapatapuram was swept away by the sea, and the Third Sangam was established in present-day Madurai.
97. Who among the following was the Tamil poet in Sangam age from Sri Lanka?
(a) Gajabahu
(b) EelattuPoothanthevnar
(c) Ilambodhiyar
(d) Tetradaran
Ans. (b) According to legends, the origin of Sri Lankan Tamil literature dates back to the Sangam age dated
variously from 200 BCE to 600 CE, ElattuPoothanthevnar was one of the earliest known classical Tamil
poets. His poems were included in the Tamil Sangam or Cankam poetry anthologies compiled in Tamilakam
before 250 AD.
98. In the early period of Indian history, Tondi was a flourish sea port of
(a) Cheras
(b) Cholas
(c) Pandyas
(d) Andhras
Ans. (a) Chera dynasty was one of the most ancient Tamil dynasties in India, ruling over modern-day Tamil
Nadu and Kerala. During the Sangam age, Tondi was one of the most flourishing sea ports of Kerala.
99. Which of the following is called the Bible of Tamil?

(a) Tolkappiyam
(b) Silappadikaram
(c) Manimekalai
(d) Tirukkural
Ans. (d)The classical work Tamil literature Tirukkaral called the Bible of Tamil land. It consists of series of
metrical proverbs and many aspects of life and religion. Tirukkaral by Thiruvalluvar has been translated into
many languages both Indian and foreign.
100. Which of the following were the patrons of Sangam, as assembly of Tamil poets?
(a) Cheras
(b) Cholas
(c) Pandyas
(d) Kadambas
Ans. (c) Pandyas were the patrons of Sangam, an assembly of Tamil poets. Pandya kings find mention in
number of poems in the Sangam literature
101. Which one of the following statement about Brihadeswara temple at Tanjavur, is not correct?
(a) The temple is a splendid example of Chola architecture[NDA 2009-I]
(b) It was built by emperor Rajaraja
(c) The temple is constructed by granite
(d) The temple is a monument dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Ans. (d) The Brihadeswara temple, called the Big Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built by the
great Chola king Rajaraja I (985-1012 AD). It is an outstanding example of Chola architecture. Recognizing
its unique architectural excellence, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Monuments.
102. Who among the following Chola rulers is credited to have built a huge artificial lake known as Chola
Gangam?
(a) Rajaraja I
(b) Rajendra
(c) Rajadhiraja
(d) Rajaraja II
Ans. (b) Rajendra Chola built the artificial lake Chola Gangam in 1020 AD.
103. Rajarajeshwara temple at Tanjore is the finest example of which architecture?

(a) Pallava
(b) Chalukya
(c) Chola
(d) Pandya
Ans. (c) The Rajarajeshwara temple is a Shiva temple located at Taliparamba (Tanjore) is the Kannur distict
of Kerala. It is the finest example of Chola architecture.
104. They were present in Hallur and Paiyampalli. The inscriptions of the Pallavas mention a number
of local assemblies including the ‘Ur’. Consider the following about it.
1. The assembly was found in areas where land owners were generally Brahmins.
2. Agriculture was not practiced in regions administered by the 'Ur’.
Which of the above is/are correct?

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of the above
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
The assemblies mentioned in the Pallava inscriptions include the sabha, which was an assembly of Brahmin
land owners. This assembly functioned through subcommittees which looked after irrigation, agricultural
operations, making roads, local temples and so on. There was a village assembly found in areas where the
land owners were not Brahmins. And the nagaram was an organisation of merchants.
105. The Brahmadeya and Devadhana lands under the Pallava Kingdom were those lands that were
(a) Declared of divine origin
(b) Exempted from tax
(c) Maintained by the village assembly
(d) Granted to the marginalised and extremely poor
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
The Pallavas had a well-organised administrative system. The King provided land grants to the temples
known as Devadhana and also to the Brahmans known as Brahmadeya.
Land tax was the primary source of government revenue. The Brahmadeya and Devadhana lands were
exempted from tax.
Learning:Traders and artisans such as carpenters, goldsmiths, washermen, oil pressers and weavers paid tax
to the government. The Pallava inscriptions throw much light on the village assemblies called sabhas and
their committees. They maintained records of all village lands, looked after local affairs and managed
temples.
106. Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of South Indian dynasty of
(a) Pallavas (b) Chalukyas
(c) Pandyas (d) Cheras
Solution: (a)
Explanation :
By the 7th century, Mahabalipuram was a port city of South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. It has a group of
sanctuaries, which was carved out of rock along the Coromandel Coast in the 7th and 8th centuries: rathas
(temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air rock reliefs such as the famous
Descent of the Ganges and the Shore Temple with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.
The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
107. He was a follower or Jainism in the early part of his career and converted to Saivism later. He is
hailed as ‘Vichitrachitta' who constructed a temple for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva without the use of
bricks, timber, metal and mortar. Who is the ruler?
(a) Kadambas of Banavasi
(b) Adikavi Pampa
(c) Rajaraja I
(d) Mahendravarman I
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
Mahendravarman I converted to Saivism which led him to build a Shiva temple at Tiruvadi. He was a great
builder of cave temples. The Mandagappattu inscription hails him as Vichitrachitta who constructed a temple
for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva without the use of bricks, timber, metal and mortar. His rock-cut temples are
found in a number of places like Timuchirappalli. His title, Chitrakarapuli, reveals his talents in painting. He
is also regarded as an expert in music. The music inscription at Kudumianmalai is ascribed to him.
108.They introduced the art of excavating temples from the rock, and the Dravidian style of temple
architecture began with their rule. They were?
(a) Cheras
(b) Pallavas
(c) Eastern Chalukyas
(d) Jaffna
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
Pallava age was a great age of temple building.
It was a gradual evolution starting from the cave temples to monolithic rathas and culminated in
structural temples.
The development of temple architecture under the Pallavas can be seen in several stages, which started
with Mahendravarman I introducing rock-cut temples.
This style of Pallava temples are seen at places like Mandagappattu, Mahenciravadi, Mamandur,
Dalavanur, Tiruchirappalli, Vallam, Siyamangalam and Tirukalukkunram.
109. In the context of Pallava's history, what was Dakshinachitra?

(a) A compendium of temples
(b) A spiritual treatise on Pallava practices
(c) An autobiography of a Pal lava ruler
(d) An instruction manual for painters
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
Mahendravarman, one of the greatest of the rulers of the Pallava dynasty, was fond or painting and is said to
have commissioned a scholar at his court to pen down an instruction manual for painters, which is a treatise
on South Indian paintings called Dakshinachitra.
Unfortunately, it has been lost in the course of time.
Mahendravarman I gave himself the title of ,vchitrachitta’ (the man with new ideas).
110.What is the importance of Kanchi in context of ancient India?

1. Ghatika at Kanchi was an ancient centre of learning attracting students from Indie and abroad.
2. Founder of the Kadamba dynasty Mayurasaraman, studied Vedas at Kanchi.
3. Dharmapala, who later became the head of the ancient Nalanda University, belonged to Kanchi.
4. It was known as the religious capital of South India.
5. Kanchi hosts Kailasanatha, which is one of the largest and most ornate ancient temples in India.
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
• Once a capital or the Pallava dynasty, Kanchipuram was also a noted centre of learning for Tamil and
Sanskrit scholars. Dinganaga, a Buddhist writer, came to study at Kanchi.
• It hosts many temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.
• Kanchi was also the home of the famous 6th century CE poet Bharavi, who wrote the Kiratarjuniya
and the famous 11th to 12” century CE Hindu philosopher Ramanuja.
• Still an important religious centre, the site has over 100 temples and is also noted for its production
of fine silk saris.
111. Consider the following statements.

Assertion (A): Pallava rulers issued their charters only in Prakrit.
Reason (R): Pallava rulers were against the dominance of Brahmanism and banned the use of
Sanskrit for all official works.
In the context of the above, which of these is correct?
(a) A is correct and R is an appropriate explanation of A.
(b) A is correct, but R is not an appropriate explanation of A.
(c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
(d) Both A and R are incorrect.
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
The early Pallava rulers from 250 AD to 350 AD issued their charters in Prakrit. Important among them
were Sivaskandavarman and Vijayaskandavarman
The second line of Pallava rulers who ruled between 35o AD and 550 AD issued their charters in
Sanskrit.
112. Which dynasty gave India its famous temples of Khajuraho?

(A) Paramara (B) Mauryas
(C) Chandelas (D) Holkars
Answer: (C)
The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950
and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different
religions – Hinduism and Jainism.
113. The temples of Khajuraho are related with
(A) Buddhist religion
(B) Hindu religion
(C) Hindu and Jain
(D) Jai religion
Answer: (C)
The Khajuraho group of temples were built together but were dedicated to two religions, Hinduism and
Jainism, suggesting a tradition of acceptance and respect for diverse religious views among Hindus and Jains
in the region.
114. The associates of Khajuraho Temple Architecture were

(A) Chandela
(B) Gurjara - Pratihara
(C) Chahamana
(D) Paramara
Answer: (A)
Key Points
Khajuraho Temple:
It was built between 950-1050 AD by the Chandela Dynasty.
The monuments include Hindu and Jain temples.
The temple site is situated within the Vindhya Mountain range.
These Temples got the status of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1986.
The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism.
The Khajuraho group of monuments was built during the rule of the Chandela
dynasty.
115. The Temple of Kandariya Mahadev at Khajuraho was built by

(A) Paramara
(B) Chedi
(C) Rashtrakuta
(D) Chandela
Answer: (D)
The Kandariya Mahadeva temple was constructed by king Dhandadeva of Chandela dynasty in 999 CE. The
temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva.
116. Matangesvara Temple at Khajuraho is dedicated to
(A) Vishnu
(B) Shiva
(C) Surya
(D) Parvati
Answer: (B)
2017, khajuraho known as city of monument very old and beautiful temple situated in this small city,
Matangesvara Temple is one of the beautiful temple dedicated to lord shiva temple in the jurisdiction of
archeological by survey of india.
117. Which of the following temples is not located at Khajuraho?

(A) Kandariya Mahadev
(B) Chausath Yogini
(C) Dashavatara
(D) Chitragupta
Answer: (C)
The Dasavatara Temple was built in Deogarh under the rule of the Guptas, who donated money for the
construction of complex temples.
118. Which of the following is not a world heritage sites?

(A) Khajuraho temples
(B) Bhimbetka rock shelters
(C) Sanchi stupa
(D) Mandu fort
Answer: (D)
Key Points
Hussain Shah / Hoshang Shah built the famous fort of Mandu.
The fort is in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.
The fort also served as a retreat for the fort.
The circumference of the fort is 82 km. It includes ruins of palaces, ornamental canals,
bathing pavilions etc.
Hoshang Shah was the first formally appointed sultan of the Malwa Sultanate of central
India.
He came to Mandu in 1401 as the first king of Malwa.
This city of Mandu is full of heritage sites like Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Hoshang Shah's tomb,Baz Bahadur
Palace, Hindola Mahal, etc.
The city has over 40 monuments which are divided into three categories:
Central village group
Royal Enclave group
Rewa Kund group
119. Which centre consists more than 100 Buddha caves?

(A) Ajanta
(B) Karley
(C) Kanheri
(D) Rajgrih
Answer: (C)
The most extensive series is the group of Buddhist caves at Kanheri, a few miles from Thane, in which are
about 109 separate caves, mostly small, however, and architecturally unimportant.
120. In which of the following rock cut caves eleven headed Bodhisattava image is depicted?
(A) Ajanta
(B) Ellora
(C) Kanheri
(D) Kare
Answer: (C)
One of the important features of Kanheri Caves is that it depicts eleven headed bodhisattva image.
121. Jain temple of Abu is made of

(A) Sand stone
(B) Lime stone
(C) Granite
(D) Marble
Answer: (D)
Dedicated to Lord Rishabha, this white marble temple is known for its open courtyard, carved corridors, and
awe-inspiring mandaps. When you visit this temple on your vacation in Mount Abu do not overlook the
ceilings that have lotus buds, petals, and Jain mythological scenes carved very intricately.
122. Palitana temple is located near
(A) Bhavnagar
(B) Mount Abu
(C) Nasik
(D) Ujjain
Answer: (A)
Key Points
Palitana is an important city of pilgrimage holding the significance of salvation for the Jain
community that is situated 50 km South-west of the Bhavnagar city in the state of Gujarat.
Palitana is a full city with as many as 823 temples of different sizes, dedicated to the 24
Tirthankaras or holy saints of the Jain community.
The temples are delicately sculpted in marble. The main temple of the first Tirthankara, ShreeAdishwar has
an elaborated architectural pattern.
Since ancient times, it is been said that the number of people who achieved liberation is equalto the number
of stones on the Shatrunjaya hills on whose foot is the Palitana city. Such is thedivinity of these hills.
Therefore, for the Jains, the temples on the Shatrunjaya hills areconsidered the most sacred place of
pilgrimage.
Jains believe that Adinath sanctified the mountain of Shatrunjaya by selecting it as the site
of his first sermon.
The conglomeration of temples was set up in two different time phases-some around the
11th-12th centuries and some around the 16th centuries.
The earlier temples of Palitana were built under the Royal patronage of King
Kumarapala of the Solanki dynasty in the 11th century CE. But most of these were destroyed
by the invading Muslim rulers in the 13th century CE.
123. The Elephanta caves were mainly sculptured for which of the following devotees?
(A) Buddhist
(B) Jai
(C) Shaiva
(D) Vaishnava
Answer: (C)
The Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva,
which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
124. Barabar caves built by
(A) Chalukyas
(B) Cholas
(C) Pallavas
(D) Mauryan
Answer: (D)
Barabar caves can be dated back to the 3rd Century BC to the times of the Mauryan Empire (322 BCE -
185 BCE). Barabar Caves were constructed by emperor Ashoka for the use of Ajivaka ascetics, Hence, it is
renowned as the place of origin of the Ajivika sect.
125. Which or the following caves is famous for ‘Trimurti'?

(A) Ajanta
(B) Bhaja
(C) Elephanta
(D) Ellora
Answer: (C)
The Elephanta caves are a group of seven caves in total. Numerous sculptures and temples were discovered
here. One among them is the Trimurti temple found in the first cave. This temple has a massive stone
sculpture that represents three gods.
126. There are only two known examples or cave paintings or the Gupta period in ancient India. One of
these is paintings of Ajanra caves. where is the other surviving examples of Gupta paintings?
(A) Bagh caves
(B) Elora caves
(C) Lomas Rishi caves
(D) Nasik caves
Answer: (A)
Key Points
Bagh caves near Gwalior represent the paintings of the Gupta era.
The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments.
During the Gupta period, Buddhist art became prominent.
These caves were established by Buddhist monk Dataka.
The finest examples are the paintings of Ajanta caves.
The Bagh cave paintings near Gwalior can be termed Buddhist art as well.
They are more simple and plain as compared to Ajanta cave paintings.
127. The caves bagh represent only
(A) Buddhists
(B) Buddhists and Jaisi
(C) Hindus and Jains
(D) Hindus, Buddhists and Jains
Answer: A
Key Points
Time of development - According to mythology, Buddhist monk Dataka constructed these caves. The caves
were carved between the late 4th and early 6th centuries AD.
128. Buddhist, Hindu and Jam rock-cut caves coexist at

(A) Ajanta (B) Elephanta
(C) Ellora (D) Karle
Answer: (C)
Key Points
Ellora: Ellora is located nearly 100 Kms away from Ajanta caves in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra. It is
a group of 34 caves, developed during the period of 5th and 11th century.
129. Which of the following temples is an example of rock-cut architecture?

(A) Shore Temple, Mamallapuram
(B) Rajarajeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
(C) Kailasa Temple, Ellora
(D) Jagannatha Temple, Pun
Answer: (C)
The Kailash temple at Ellora is an example of the Rock-cut temple.
It is one of the largest rock-cut ancient Hindu temples in India, made up of a large single rock
in Maharashtra.
The Kailash Temple is the sixteenth cave, and it is one of the 32 cave temples and
monasteries forming the magnanimous Ellora Caves.
As per the historical records, it was built by the 8th century Rashtrakuta King Krishna I
between the year 756 and 773 AD.
130. The rock-cut caves in Western India are located in

(A) Nasik, Ellora and Ajanta
(B) Junar, Kalyan and Pitalkhora
(C) Ajanta, Bhaja and kondane
(D) Bhaja, Pitalkhora and Kondane
Answer: (A)
Ellora Caves, a series of 34 magnificent rock-cut temples in northwest-central Maharashtra state, western
India. They are located near the village of Ellora, 19 miles (30 km) northwest of Aurangabad and 50 miles
(80 km) southwest of the Ajanta Caves.
131. Which of the following places is famous for Buddhist Cave Temples?
(A) Elephanta
(B) Nalanda
(C) Ajanta
(D) Khajuraho
Answer: (C)
The Ajanta Caves are 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the second century BCE to about
480 CE in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state in India. Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World
Heritage Site
132. elephanta caves were built by

(A) Pallavas
(B) Cholas
(C) Rastrakutas
(D) Palas
Answer: (C)
The caves of Ellora Elephanta were built by the Rashtrakuta rulers. They have been built by cutting the
walls of high basalt steep rock walls. There are about 34 caves which are located 30 km away from the
district in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state, These are declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
133. Which of the following temples is considered as a wonder of rock-cut architecture?

(A) Brihadisvara Temple, Tanjavur
(B) Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
(C) Kailasa Temple, Ellora
(D) Kandaria Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho
Answer: (C)
The Kailash temple at Ellora built by the Rashtrakutas and the ratha temples of Mahabalipuram built by the
Pallavas are other examples of rock-cut temples.
134. Which dynasty constructed the Ellora Kailasa Temple?

(A) Rashtrakuta
(B) Satvahana
(C) Maurya
(D) Pallava
Answer: (A)
The temple was built by Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. They were constructed during 600 AD to
1000 AD.
135. Which ruler built the famous Shiva temple of Ellora?

(A) Dantidurga
(B) Krishna-I
(C) Krishna-II
(D) Govind-III
Answer: (B)
Rashtrakuta king Krishna I
The Kailasa Temple of the Ellora Caves, is notable for being the largest monolithic structure in the world
that was carved out of a single piece of rock. It was constructed by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in 756-
773 CE. The temple derives its name from Mount Kailasa, the Himalayan abode of the Hindu god Shiva.
136. Caves of Ajanta and Ellora are located in

(A) Nasik
(B) Mumbai
(C) Aurangabad
(D) Pune
Answer: (C)
Ajanta is 100 kilometres from the Ellora Caves, which contain Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves,
the last dating from a period similar to Ajanta.
Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra,
India.
137. with reference to the Chalukya dynasty, consider the following statements.
1. Vatapi was the capital of Chalukya dynasty.
2. Chinese visitor Huen Tsang visited chalukya in the reign of Kirtivarman II.
3. Last Chalukya king Kirtivarman II waS defeated by Cholas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2and3 only (d) 1, 2 and3
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
Chinese visitor Huen Tsang visited Chalukya in the reign or Pulikeshi II.
138. The Chalukyan administration was characterised by

I. High centralisation in administration
2. Absence of village autonomy
3. Maritime power and small standing army
Choose the correct answer using the codes below.

(c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above
Solution: (d)
Explanation :
• The Chalukya administration was highly centralised, unlike that of the Pallavas and the Cholas.
Village autonomy was absent under the Chalukyas
• The Chalukyas had a great maritime power. Pulakeshin II had 100 ships in his nay. They also had a
small standing army.
• The village administration was carried on by the village headman in the Rashtrakuta administration.
However, the village assemblies played a significant role in the village administration
139. Consider the following statements.
1. Chalukya king Pulakeshin 11, reigned almost at the same time as king Harsha was ruling in Northemn
India.
2. Mahendrnvanman the Pallava king ruled at the same time as king Pulakeshin II.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither I nor 2
Solution: (c)
140. Consider the following:

1. They developed Vesara style of architecture
2. Their structural temples exist at Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal.
3. Their administration was highly centralised.
The above most accurately refer to
(a) Cholas (b) Chalukyas

(c) Cheras (d) Pandyas
Solution: (b)
Explanation :
• Administration: The Chalukya administration was highly centralised, unlike that of the Pallavas and the
Cholas, village autonomy was absent under the Chalukyas.
• Architecture: The chalukyas were great patrons of art. They developed the Vesara style in the building of
structural temples. However, the vesara style reached its Culmination only under the Rushtrakutas and the
Hoysalas.
• Cave temple architecture was also famous under the Chalukyas. Their cave temples are found in
Ajanta, Ellora and Nasik.
• The best specimens of Chalukya paintings can be seen in Badami.
141. Who is the last king of Sen dynasty?
[A] Lakshman Sen
[B] Ballal Sena
[C] Vijai sen

[D] Kumar sen
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The last Sena king, Lakshmanasena (reigned c. 1178– c. 1205), became a great patron of literature; the
poets Jayadeva and Dhoyi wrote at his court at Nadia.
142. Which among the following University was founded by Ramapala, the ruler of Pala dynasty?
[A] Somapuri
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Jagadal
[D] Odantpuri
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
Jagadal is situated in Bengal and was founded by Ramapala, the Pala ruler.
143. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri University?
[A] Gopala
[B] Kumarpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Ramapala
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
The Somapuri University is situated at North Bengal and was founded by Dharmapala, the Pala ruler.
144. Who was the founder of Pala dynasty in Kamarupa?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devpala
[C] Dharampala
[D] Mahendrapala
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Pala dynasty, ruling dynasty in Bihar and Bengal, India, from the 8th to the 12th century. Its
founder, Gopala, was a local chieftain who rose to power in the mid-8th century during a period of anarchy.
145. Which of the following Pala Kings founded the Uddandapura?

[A] Gopala
[B] Dharmapala
[C] Devapala
[D] Mahendrapala
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Odantapuri (also called Odantapura or Uddandapura) was a prominent Buddhist Mahavihara in what is now
Bihar Sharif in Bihar, India. It is believed to have been established by the Pala ruler Gopala I in the 8th
century.
146. Which of the following pala ruler founded the University of Vikramsila?
[A] Devapala,
[B] Mahipala I
[C] Dharamapala
[D] Gopala
Correct Answer: C
Dharmapala- Dharampala was the second ruler of the Pala dynasty. He was the son of the founder of the
Pala empire, emperor Gopala. Dharmapala founded the Vikramshila university in the eighth century.
147. Which of the following Chola kings was the first to capture Maldives?
[A] Rajaraja
[B] Rajendra I
[C] Rajadhiraja
[D] Rajendra II
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
[Rajaraja Chola I laid the foundation for the growth of the Chola kingdom into an empire, by conquering the
kingdoms of southern India and the Chola Empire expanded as far as Sri Lanka in the south, and Kalinga
(Orissa) in the northeast. He conquered Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Sumatra and other places in Malay
Peninsula. The naval conquest of the ‘old islands of the sea numbering 12,000’, the Maldives marked one of
the conquests of Rajaraja. Rajaraja I built a strong navy with the aim of controlling the sea.
148. Which of the following was the capital of Chola dynasty?

[A] Madurai
[B] Karur
[C] Uraiyaur
[D] Kaveripattnam
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
The capital of Chola Kingdom was Uraiyaur that was famous for cotton trade and Purhar.
149. Which among the following was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom?
[A] Bow
[B] Tiger
[C] Carp
[D] Fish
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
The Chola kingdom was known as Cholamandulam, it was situated to the north-east of Pandya kingdom
between Pennar and Vellar rivers. Tiger was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom.
150. Uraiyur was an ancient Chola city famous for ?

[A] Pearls
[B] Ship Building
[C] Houses
[D] Grammar
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Uraiyur was famous for Pearls and Muslims.
151. Who was the earliest known Chola King who conquered Sri Lanka and ruled it ?
[A] Karikala
[B] Elara
[C] Udiyangera
[D] Nedunjelian
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
Elara was the earliest known Chola King and conquered Srilanka and ruled over it for 50 years .
152. In which of the following cities of India is located world’s first complete granite temple?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Mathura
[C] Thanjaur
[D] Madurai
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjaur (in Tamil Nadu) was the world’s first complete granite temple
153. The deity in most of the Chola temples was ?

[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Brahma
[D] Krishna
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
154. The capital of Chola empire was Thanjavur (Tanjore), where Brihadeshwara temple was constructed
by ?
[A] Rajednra Chola I
[B] Rajaraja Chola I
[C] Krishnan Raman
[D] Venkata Raman
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
Brihadeeswarar Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil or Rajrajeshwaram temple at Thanjavur is the world’s first
complete “granite” temple. It was built by Rajraja Chola-I and is a part of UNESCO’s world Heritage sites.
The Vimana or the temple tower (known as Raja Gopuram) is 216 Feet in height and is one of the tallest
buildings of its kind. The Nandi is carved out of a single rock. This temple has completed 1 millennium in
2010. It was dictated by lord Shiva to Rajraja Chola I, when he triumphed Ilam (Sri Lanka) Island.
155. Which among the following are correct about Chola King Rajendra Chola1?
[A] He built a temple for Siva at GangaikondaCholapuram
[B] He also built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple
[C] He built Tanjore Brihadisvara temple for a tribute to his father
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Gangaikonda cholapuram is a very famous and beautiful place to visit in thanjavur. Oldest architecture.
Built by the great Chola king, Rajendra Chola.
156. Which among the following was the capital of Pandyas Kingdom?
[A] Tondi
[B] Musiri
[C] Madurai
[D] Kaveripattnam
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
Madurai was the capital of Pandya Kingdom.
157. Which among the following was the royal emblem of Pandya Kingdom?
[A] Fish
[B] Carp
[C] Bow
[D] Both a & b
Correct Answer: D
Notes:
Fish / Carp was the royal emblem of Pandya Kingdom. The Pandyas were also mentioned by Megasthanese
who said that then kingdom was famous for pearls.
158. Apart from Madurai, which among the following was also a capital of Pandyas?
[A] Korkai
[B] Kottaikkadu
[C] Thirukkoloor
[D] Pragasapuram
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
Korkai, which is now an insignificant village in Tamil Nadu, was the commercial capital and important port
of the Pandya Kingdom. Korkai has been a cradle of South Indian Civilization and as per traditions; it is
considered the home of three brothers who were supposed to have founded the Pandya, Chera and Chola
Kingdoms.
159. Which among the following was the state emblem of Pandyas?
[A] Fish
[B] Bow & Arrow
[C] Sun
[D] Horse
Correct Answer: A
Pandya emblem was a fish and it represented the dynasty, including in coins, etc. The word Meenatchi
(Meen+Aatchi ) is a mix of the Tamil words Meen (Fish) and Aatchi (Rule), which means Fish Rule.
160. Madurai was a capital of which of the following dynasties?

[A] Pandyas
[B] Pallavas
[C] Cholas
[D] Cheras
Correct Answer: A
the Pandya dynasty
Madurai was the capital of the Pandya dynasty. The Pandya kingdom was a Tamil kingdom in south India.
Madurai was the capital of the Pandyan dynasty until the middle of the 14th century and Korkai was also the
capital and port city of Pandya. The third capital was Tenkasi until the end of the 16th century.
161. Who among the following are not mentioned in Asokan Inscriptions?
[A] Cholas
[B] Satyaputras
[C] Cheras
[D] Pallavas
Correct Answer: D [Pallavas]
Ashoka was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from
c. 268 to 232 BCE. Pallavas ruled from 275CE to 897 CE. They are not contemporaries.
162. Between which of the following was the ancient town of Takshashila located?
a) Ravi and Beas
b) Jhelum and Chenab
c) Indus and Jhelum
d) Chenab and Ravi
Answer: (c)
The correct answer is Indus and Jhelum. Takshashila was an ancient city in what is now northwestern
Pakistan. It is an important archaeological site.
163. Which dynasty gave India its famous temples of Khajuraho?

a) Holkars
b) Mauryas
c) Paramara
d) Chandelas
Answer: (d)
the Chandella dynasty
The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950
and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different
religions – Hinduism and Jainism.
164. Consider the following statements:

1. Andal was a woman Alvar whose compositions were widely sung.
2. KaraikkalAmmaiyar was a devotee of Shiva who adopted the path of extreme asceticim in order to
attain her goal
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
Both the statements are correct.
165. Who was the author of the Jivaka Chintamani?

[A] Perudevanar
[B] SeethalaiSaathanaar
[C] Tiruttakrdeva
[D] Ilango Adigal
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
The epic tamil poem, JivakaCintamani (also known as CivakaCintamani) is a Jain religious epic authored by
jain saint Tiruttakrdeva. This epic is considered one of the classic epics of Sangam Literature. The poem
means “fabulous gem”and is also known as Manannul (Book of Marriages).
166. Which of the following ancient Tamil Kingdoms came to be known from Sangam Literature?
[A] Chola
[B] Chera
[C] Pandya
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Notes:
The history of ancient Tamil kingdoms i.e. Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas came to be known from Sangam
Literature.
167. Who was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’?

[A] Ilango Adigal
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
SeethalaiSaathanaar was the author of the book ‘Manimekalai’. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. Its story
is a sequel of an epic ‘Silappatikaram’ that tells the story of the conversion to Buddhism of the daughter of
Kovalan and Madhavi.
168. Who was the author of the book ‘Silappadikarma’?
[A] Ilango Adigal
[C] Perudevanar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The author of an epic Silappadikarma is Ilango Adigal. The epic deals with the love story of Kovalan (Son
of a wealthy merchant in Puhar )and Madhavi (a beautiful courtesan dancer) of Kaveripattinam. It is also
called Illiyad of Tamil Poetry.
169. Which of the following book is the sequel of an epic ‘Silappadikarma’?

[A] Jivaka Chintamani
[B] Manimekalai
[C] Bharatman
[D] Kunal
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
The story of Manimekalai is a sequel of an epic ‘Silappatikaram’ that tells the story of the conversion to
Buddhism of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi. SeethalaiSaathanaar was the author of the book
‘Manimekalai’.
170. In Sangam age, the book ‘Bharatam’ was written by ?

[A] Perudevanar
[B] Manimekalai
[C] SeethalaiSaathanaar
[D] Tiruttakrdeva
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The book, ‘ Bharatam’ was written by Perudevanar. The author had also composed the invocatory versus for
the Sangam classics Ahnanuru, Puranamuru, Kuruntogai, Narrinai and Aingurunuru.
171. Where was the first Tamil Sangam held ?

[A] Madurai
[B] Kapatpuram
[C] Kaveripattnam
[D] Kural
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
The first tamil Sangam was held to the south of Madurai under the patronage of Makeerthy, the Pandyan
king. Agastya was the president of first sangam. Unfortunately, no literary work of this Sangam was
available. The second tamil Sangam was held in Kapatpuram, second capital of the Pandyas. The third Tamil
Sangam was held in Madurai. Its chairman was a tamil poet Nakkirar.
172. Tolkāppiyam belongs to which tamil Sangam?

[A] first
[B] second
[C] third
[D] fourth
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
Tolkāppiyam is a work on the grammar of the Tamil language. It deals with orthography, phonology,
morphology, semantics, prosody and the subject matter of literature. It belongs to second tamil Sangam.
173. Who was the author of the book ‘Tirukkural’?

[A] SeethalaiSaathanaar
[B] ]Tiruttakrdeva
[C] Ilango Adigal
[D] Thiruvalluvar
Correct Answer: D
Notes:
Thiruvalluvar was the author of the book ‘Tirukkural (also known as the Kural). It is a classic Tamil sangam
literature consisting of 1330 couplets or Kurals. The book is also called as the fifth Veda or ‘Bible of the
Tamil Land’.
174. Which of the following book is considered as the ‘Odyssus of Tamil poetry’?
[A] Tirukkural
[B] Manimekalai
[C] Silappadikarma
[D] Jivaka Chintamani
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
Manimekalai is a sequel of an epic ‘Silappatikaram’ written by SeethalaiSaathanaar and is considered as the
‘Odyssus of Tamil poetry’.
175. The Pattini cult was established by which Sangam ruler?

[A] Nedunjeral Adan, the Chera ruler
[B] Senguttuvan, the Chera ruler
[C] Karikala, the Chola ruler
[D] Nedujeliyan, the Pandyan ruler
Correct Answer: B
Notes:
The Pattini cult i.e. The worship of Kannagi as an ideal wife, was started by Senguttuvan, the ruler of Chera.
176. Which among the following was the capital of Chera Kingdom?
[A] Tondi
[B] Musiri
[C] Vanji
[D] Uraiyaur
Correct Answer: C
Notes:
The capital of Chera Kingdom was Vanji. Tondi and Musiri were the important sea ports of Cheras.
177. In context of Sangam Age, which among the following was the ruling class in society?
[A] Arasar
[B] Kadaisiyar
[C] Enadi
[D] Pandyas
Correct Answer: A
Notes:
In Sangam period, Arasar was the ruling class in society.
178. Who among the following started Kannagi worship?
A. Nedunjelian
B. Shenguttavan
C. Udiyanjeral
D. Karikal
Ans: B
Kannagi worship was started by Shenguttuvan. Kannagi is worshipped as an ideal wife. Kannagi is a
legendary Tamil woman who forms the central character of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram.
179. DaskumarCharitam was composed by

(A) Surdas
(B) Dandin
(C) Tulsidas
(D) Kalidas
Answer: (B)
DaskumarCharitam describes the adventures of ten young men, the Kumaras, by themselves. It is a prose
romance in Sanskrit, composed by Dandin. It is believed to have flourished in the seventh to eighth centuries
CE
180. ‘Kumarasambhava' an epic Poem was composed by

(A) Banabhatta
(B) Chand Bardai
(C) Harishena
(D) Kalidasa
Answer: (D)
Kumarasambhava, epic poem by Kalidasa written in the 5th century ce.
181. The title ‘Father of History’ rightly belongs to

(A) Herodotus
(B) Euripides
(C) Thucydides
(D) Socrates
Answer: (A)
Herodotus is traditionally regarded as the father of history. because he was the first historian to collect and
systematically document events and create an account.
182. Who of the following was the writer of Mudrarakashasa?
(A) Ashwaghosha
(B) Vishakhadatta’
(C) Kalidasa
(D) Bhas
Answer: (B)
Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit play written by Vishaka Dutta. It narrates the story of Chandragupta and his
ascension to power by Kautilya.
183. Which of the following drama was not written by Kalidas?

(A) Malavikagnimitram
(B) Abhigyan Shakuntalam
(C) Kumarsambhavam
(D) Janaki haranam
Answer: (D)
Mrichchakatikam is not written by Kalidasa. Mṛcchakaṭika remains one of the most widely celebrated and
oft-performed in the West
184. What is the name of Kalhana's book?

(A) Arthashastra
(B) Indica
(C) Purana
(D) Rajatarangini
Answer: (D)
Kalhana was the author of Rajatarangini, an account of the history of Kashmir. He wrote the work in
Sanskrit between 1148 and 1149. All information regarding his life has to be deduced from his own writing,
a major scholar of which is Mark Aurel Stein.
185. ‘Rajatarangini’ is associated with which of the following?

(A) Chandragupta's reign
(B) Anthology of lyrics
(C) History of Kashmir
(D) Reign of Krishna Deva Raya
Answer: (C)
The correct answer is a history of Kashmir. The Rajtarangani composed by Kalhana in the twelfth century is
the main source of the History of Medieval Kashmir. It was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian
Kalhana in the 12th century CE
186. ‘Ashtadhyayi' was written by

(A) Vedavyas
(B) Panini
(C) Shukhadeva
(D) Valmiki
Answer: (B)
Pāṇini was a logician, Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India, variously dated
between the 6th and 4th century BCE
187. Charaka Samhita is related to which of the following subject?

(A) Arthashastra
(B) Politics
(C) Medicine
(D) Religion
Answer: (C)
Charaka Samhita is the oldest and the most authentic treatise on Ayurveda and is the ancient medical science
of India. Apart from giving information on medical conditions and their treatment; it also gives valuable
information on geographical, social, and economic conditions of India.
188. The Panchasiddhantika of Varahamihira is based upon

(A) Persian astronomy
(B) Greek astronomy
(C) Iranian astronomy
(D) Mesopotamian astronomy
Answer: (B)
Varahamihira, also called Varaha or Mihira, was an Indian philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician,
and is well known for authoring the Pancha-Siddhantikaa (“Five Treatises”), a compendium of Greek,
Egyptian, Roman, and Indian astronomy.
189. Name the Chola King who conquered the Northern part of Sri Lanka?
(A) Rajaraja-I
(B) Rajendra-I
(C) Parantaka-I
(D) Aditya-I
Answer: (A)
The reign of Chola rule in Srilanka started when Rajaraja I first conquered the northern half of Srilanka and
then in 1018, Rajendra invaded the Ceylon in Srilanka and finally annexed the entire island. Complete
answer: Rajaraja I was the father of Rajendra Chola
190. Which one of the Chola Kings conquered Ceylon?

(A) Aditya-I
(B) Rajaraja-I
(C) Rajendra-I
(D) Vijayalaya
Answer: (B)
Rajaraja I, considered the most powerful Chola ruler, became king in 985 AD. Rajaraja invaded Ceylon (Sri
Lanka) in 993 AD. The Thiruvalangadu copper-plate inscriptions mention that Rajaraja's army crossed the
ocean by ships and destroyed Anuradhapura, the 1400-year-old capital of Sinhalas.
191. Who was the Chola monarch who gave complete freedom to Sri Lanka and got his daughter married to
the Sinhala Prince?
(A) Kulottunga I
(B) Rajendra
(C) Adhirajendra
(D) Rajadhiraja I
Answer: (A)
King Kulottunga II, completely freed Sri Lanka and married his daughter with the Sinhalese prince.
192. Which one of the following trade centres of ancient India was on the trade route connecting Kalyana
with Vengi?
(A) Tagara
(B) Sripur
(C) Tripuri
(D) Tamralipti
Answer: (A)
Tagara was the important trade centres of ancient India was on the trade route connecting Kalyana with
Vengi'
193. Who was the greatest king of Chalukya dynasty?
(A) Vikramaditya
(B) Manglesh
(C) Pulakesin-II
(D) Pulakesjn-I
Answer: (C)
Pulakeshin II is the most famous of the Chalukya Kings. It was under his reign that the Chalukya kingdom
expanded to include most of the Deccan region and by extension the entirety of peninsular India.
194. Which of the following dynasties frequently assigned to the ladies high ranking positions in
administration?
(A) Chola
(B) Chalukya
(C) Pala
(D) Sena
Answer: (B)
The correct answer is Chalukyas. The women of the Chalukya dynasty were very influential and hugely
involved in the functioning of the administration
195 Where was the capital of chalukyas located?

(A) Vatapi
(B) Shravasti
(C) Kanchi
(D) Kannauj
Answer: (A)
The Chalukya dynasty was established by Pulakeshin I in 543. Pulakeshin I took Vatapi (modern Badami in
Bagalkot district, Karnataka) under his control and made it his capital.
196. Raghuvansham written by

(A) Bhavabhūti
(B) Kalidasa
(C) Bāṇabhaṭṭa
(D) Vishakhadatta
Answer: (B)
Raghuvamsha, One of two great court epics (mahakavyas) written in Sanskrit by Kalidasa about the 5th century
ce. It consists of 19 cantos composed of some 1,570 verses.
197. The Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa finds a mention in
(A) Aihole inscription of Pulakesin-II
(B) Gwalior inscription of Mihir Bhoja
(C) KaramdandaSivalinga inscription of Kumargupta-I
(D) Mathura Pillar inscription of Chandragupta -II
Answer: (A)
His name, along with that of the poet Bhāravi, is first mentioned the 634 CE Aihole inscription found in
Karnataka.
198. The term ‘Yavanapriya’ mentioned in ancient Sanskrit text denoted

(A) A fine variety of Indian muslim
(B) Ivory
(C) Damsels sent to the Greek court for dance performance
(D) Pepper
Answer: (D)
The term Yavanapriya mentioned in Ancient Sanskrit texts denoted the passion of the yavanas which means
pepper. Pepper, also known as yavanapriya, was among the spices exported from India to the Roman
Empire.
199. Tolkappiyam text written by

(A) Akampam Malāthanār
(B) Ālathūr Kilār
(C) Tolkappiyar
(D) All of the above
Answer: (C)
Tolkappiyam was written by Tolkappiyar in Tamil. It is a work on Tamil Grammar. It also gives an idea of
the Political and Social scenario at that time.
200. In Sangam Literature ‘Tolkappiyam' is a text of

(A) Tamil poetry
(B) Tamil grammar
(C) Tamil architecture
(D) Tamil polity
Answer: (B)
The correct answer is Tamil. The Tolkappiyam deals with ilakkanam (grammar) in three books (atikaram),
each with nine chapters (iyal) of different sizes.

Art & Architecture in Ancient India & South Indian History

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WBCS 2024 (Complete NCERT Based Basic to Advance Batch)

Subject: Ancient History

1. Balaiyankutai in the Pallava age was the name of

2. Ladies had comparatively a greater participation in administration under

5. Who among the following had the title ‘Amoghavarsha’?

6. The evidence of water-tax is provided by the inscriptions of

7. Which among the following is not found inscribed on chola coins?

12. The Chola Rulers were generally the worshippers of

13. The Chola rulers were generally

20. Who defeated Pandyas??

25. In which region, the Chola empire was expanded?

28. The capital of Cholas was

29. Which of the following was special feature of Chola administration?

30. What were the first Sabhas in the Chola administration?

31. Which Southern India state had excellent village administration?

32. Dynasty famous for efficient rural administration was

37. Most famous sculptures of Cholas age were

38. The famous bronze image of Nataraja is a fine example of

39. The ‘Dakshinamurti’ idol of Shiva depicts him in which form?

40. In whose tenure, 72 traders were sent to China?

44. Who was the founder of 'Gangai Konda Cholapuram’?

46. Which Chola King started Naval Army?

50. Who was the founder of Chalukya Dynasty ?

51.. Aihole inscription location?

[B] Madhya pradesh

52. Which Chalukyan ruler set up it capital at Vengi ?

54. What was the ruling period of Chalukyas of Badami ?

[A] 500 – 550 A.D.

57. Which of the following inscriptions written by Rudradaman I?

[C] Alapadu grant

58. Which of the following inscriptions written by Ravikirti?

61. Aihole Inscription is ascribed to rulers ?

63. Who took the title of Vatapikonda ?

68. Mahabalipuram was a port city of which of the following dynasties?

71. consider the following matches:

(a) Anantavarman: Kerala

(a) 1, 2and3 only (b) 2and4only

(a) Ordinary ploughmen

73. The Chola ruler Karikala was known for

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only

74. In Medieval India, Mahamandaleshvara was a term often used for

• As samantas gained power and wealth, they declared themselves to be mahasamanta,

• Sometimes they asserted their independence from their overlords.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

(a) 1 and4only (b) 1,3and4only

1. The practice of Sati was present.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

(a) 1 only (b) 2,3and4only

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only

80. In Indian literature, Mucchangam is

(b) Three Sangams of Tamil poets in ancient Tamil Nadu.

81. Consider the following statements about administration in Sangam age.

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only

83. Consider the following statements about Sangam literature:

87. The Sangam texts mention prominently the ports of

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.