South India (Chola, Chalukya, Pallava and Sangam Period) Part-I

Total Questions: 50

1. Where was the capital of Chalukyas located ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1991]

Correct Answer: (a) Vatapi
Solution:At present, the ancient city of Vatapi in Bagalkot district (Karnataka) is known as Badami. It was the capital of Chalukyas during the 6-7th century. Pulakesin-I was the real founder of Vatapi's Chalukya dynasty.

2. The name of poet Kalidasa is mentioned in the : [I.A.S. (Pre) 1994]

Correct Answer: (b) Aihole Inscription
Solution:Aihole inscription is an authentic source to know Pulkeshin-II history. It is engraved in Sanskrit and southern Brahmi language and was written by Ravikirti.

At the end of commendation, the author claimed that he had gained fame like Kalidasa and Bharavi by writing this. Thus, the name of poet Kalidasa is mentioned in the Aihole inscription.

3. The Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa finds a mention in - [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

Correct Answer: (a) Aihole inscription of Pulakesin-II
Solution:Aihole inscription is an authentic source to know Pulkeshin-II history. It is engraved in Sanskrit and southern Brahmi language and was written by Ravikirti.

At the end of commendation, the author claimed that he had gained fame like Kalidasa and Bharavi by writing this. Thus, the name of poet Kalidasa is mentioned in the Aihole inscription.

4. Which of the following King did send two naval expeditions to Ceylon in 642 AD ? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2016]

Correct Answer: (b) Narasimha Verman-I
Solution:Narasimha Verman 1 was a king of the Pallava dynasty who ruled south India from 630-668 AD. He was also known as Mahamalla (great wrestler) and during his reign famous Panch Ratha Temples were constructed.

He captured & destroyed capital of Chalukya (Vatapi) & assumed the tittle of Vatapikonda. In 642 AD, he sent two naval expeditions to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to help Sri Lankan prince.

5. The term 'Yavanapriya' mentioned in ancient Sanskrit text denoted : [I.A.S. (Pre) 1995]

Correct Answer: (d) Pepper
Solution:Indian black pepper was a favourite ingredient of the most expensive Roman cookery. That is why in Sanskrit it is called as "Yavanapriya' (the favourite of Greeks).

6. Halbi is related to which language family ? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]

Correct Answer: (a) Aryan
Solution:Helbi is an eastern Indo-Aryan language, of Bastar, Chhattisgarh transitional between Oriya and Marathi. Halbi is written in the Oriya and Devenagari Script.

7. Tolkappiyam text deals with : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]

Correct Answer: (c) Grammar and Poetry
Solution:Tolkappiyam is not only the residual text of 2 Sangam era but also the most ancient available text of Tamil literature. Author Tolkappiyar was one among the 12 disciples of saint Agastya. It is a treatise on grammar and poetry. It has been written in formula style.

8. The Sangam text Tolkappiyam is a work on [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

Correct Answer: (b) Grammar
Solution:Tolkappiyam is the most ancient extant Tamil grammar text and the oldest extant long work of Tamil literature. Tolkappiyam a unique work on grammar and poetics, in its three parts of nine sections each deals with Ezhuttu (letter), Col (word) and Porul (subject matter).

9. In Sangam Literature 'Tolkappiyam' is a text of - [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]

Correct Answer: (b) Tamil grammar
Solution:Tolkappiyam is the most ancient extant Tamil grammar text and the oldest extant long work of Tamil literature. Tolkappiyam a unique work on grammar and poetics, in its three parts of nine sections each deals with Ezhuttu (letter), Col (word) and Porul (subject matter).

10. The author of the Silapadikaram was - [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002]

Correct Answer: (a) Ilango
Solution:The author of Tamil Literture Silappadikaram was Ilango Adigal, grandson of Chola King Karikal. The epic narrates the tragic and poignant story of Kannagi and her husband Kovalan.