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

Total Questions: 50

11. Match item of List-I with those of List-II and select your correct answer from the codes given below in the lists : [U.P.P.C.S. (R.I.) 2014]

List-IList-II
A. Thirukural1. Love Story
B. Tolkappiyam2. Philosophy
C. Silapadikaram3. Merchant Story
D. Manimekalai4. Grammar

Code :

ABCD
(a)1243
(b)2341
(c)4231
(d)2431
Correct Answer: (d)
Solution:The correctly matched pairs are :
List-IList-II
A. ThirukuralPhilosophy
B. TolkappiyamGrammar
C. SilapadikaramLove Story
D. ManimekalaiMerchant story

12. The collection of the writings of the Saivite saints is considered as Fifth Veda. What is the name of the above collection ? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

Correct Answer: (d) Tirumurai
Solution:Thirumurai is a twelve-volume compendium of songs or hymns in praise of Shiva in the Tamil language from the 6th to 11th century CE. It is compilation of writings of various poets. Thirumurai along with Vedas and Saiva agamas form the basis of Saiva Siddhantha philosophy in South India.

13. How many Alvars and Nayanars are there according to tradition ? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2022]

Correct Answer: (a) 12 and 63
Solution:The Alvars and Nayanars are two groups of saint-poets in Bhakti tradition of South India, particularly in the Tamil- speaking regions. The Alvars are devoted to Lord Vishnu.

There are 12 prominent Alvars in the tradition. The Nayanars on the other hand are devoted to lord Shiva. There are 63 Nayanars who are widely celebrated in the tradition.

14. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct ? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2022]

Correct Answer: (b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
Solution:Sangam literature is one of the oldest available Tamil literature. The poetry composed during Sangam period depicts societal, economical, religious conditions etc. of contemporary South India.

These poetry also depict material culture of that period. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets. Sangam poems describe warrior ethic as well as magical forces in nature.

15. From the excavations of which ancient site, information has been gathered regarding brisk trade relations between India and Rome, during the early centuries of Christian era : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003, 2001, U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2002]

Correct Answer: (d) Arikamedu
Solution:Arikamedu is an archaeological site in South-estern coast of India at Pondicherry. An intaglio was found here which was carved with the picture of a man. It was identified as Augustus Caesar. Beads and Gems were also found.

Hence it was concluded that these antiquities belonged to the Roman Empire. Dubreuil called Arikamedu "a true Roman city." In the Periplus of the Erytharaen sea, it was called as Poduke.

16. The foremost Indo-Roman trading station in Eastern India was : [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

Correct Answer: (c) Arikamedu
Solution:Arikamedu is an archaeological site in South-estern coast of India at Pondicherry. An intaglio was found here which was carved with the picture of a man. It was identified as Augustus Caesar. Beads and Gems were also found.

Hence it was concluded that these antiquities belonged to the Roman Empire. Dubreuil called Arikamedu "a true Roman city." In the Periplus of the Erytharaen sea, it was called as Poduke.

17. Which one of the following ports was known as Poduke to the author of 'The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea' : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]

Correct Answer: (a) Arikamedu
Solution:Arikamedu is an archaeological site in South-estern coast of India at Pondicherry. An intaglio was found here which was carved with the picture of a man. It was identified as Augustus Caesar. Beads and Gems were also found.

Hence it was concluded that these antiquities belonged to the Roman Empire. Dubreuil called Arikamedu "a true Roman city." In the Periplus of the Erytharaen sea, it was called as Poduke.

18. The Roman settlement has been found ? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009]

Correct Answer: (b) Arikamedu
Solution:Arikamedu is an archaeological site in South-estern coast of India at Pondicherry. An intaglio was found here which was carved with the picture of a man. It was identified as Augustus Caesar. Beads and Gems were also found.

Hence it was concluded that these antiquities belonged to the Roman Empire. Dubreuil called Arikamedu "a true Roman city." In the Periplus of the Erytharaen sea, it was called as Poduke.

19. Amphora Jar is a - [U.P.P.S.C. (R.I) 2014]

Correct Answer: (b) Tall double handle jar
Solution:Amphorae jar is an ancient jar with a long and narrow neck and two handles on both sides. This jar was used in ancient Rome as a container for wine or oil.

20. Which of the following dynasties is not mentioned in Sangam literature ? [41ˢᵗ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]

Correct Answer: (a) Kadamb
Solution:Origin and elevation of Chola, Cheras and Pandyas are mention in Sangam Literature. Kadamb or any other of the Tamil is not mentioned in Sangam literature.