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

Total Questions: 50

31. Why was 'Uraiyur' famous in Sangam Era ? [39ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]

(a) An important trade centre of spices
(b) An important trade centre of cotton
(c) An important centre of foreign trade
(d) An important centre of domestic trade

Correct Answer: (b) An important trade centre of cotton

Solution:Uraiyur was very significant town during Sangam Era, located on the bank of Cauvery river in Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu). It was known as Koli and Varanam and was the major centre of cotton. It is mentioned in "Periplus of the Erythraen Sea."

32. Udiyanjiral belongs to which dynasty ? [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]

(a) Chera dynasty
(b) Pandyas dynasty
(c) Chola dynasy
(d) Satavahana dynasy

Correct Answer: (a) Chera dynasty

Solution:Udiyanjiral belongs to Chera dynasty. Chera empire was in modern Kerala. He was first historical king of Sangam period. As per legends, he provided feast to all the fighters of Mahabharata war.

33. Which river was the lifeline of Pandya state ? [U.P. Lower sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2010]

(a) Godavari
(b) Krishna
(c) Tungabhadra
(d) Vengi

Correct Answer: (d) Vengi

Solution:Vengi River was the lifeline of the state of Pandya. The river originates in Kandan Manikanur near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Pandya state was located in the south of Kaveri. It compries the districts of modern Madurai and Tirunelveli district. (Tamilnadu) and some regions of Kerala also. Its capital was Madura. The region of Vengi river was famous for its fertility.

34. Which of the following Sangam ports were situated on the western coast ? Select the correct answer from the code given below : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]

1. Korkai
2. Puhar
3. Tondi
4. Mushiri
Code :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 4 and 1 only

Correct Answer: (c) 3 and 4 only

Solution:The list of various ports is available in 'Periplus of the Erythraean Sea", the famous book of an anonymous Greek sailor. Naura, Tondi, Mushiri and Nelisanda were the main ports of the western coast.

35. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poopuhar and Muchiri were well known as [I.A.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Capital cities
(b) Ports
(c) Centres of iron and steel making
(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

Correct Answer: (b) Ports

Solution:Poompuhar is a major city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was a prosperous port city in ancient times, known as Kaveri Poompattinam and Kaveripattinam. It served as the capital of the early Chola kings. Korkai was a port city of the Pandyas, located near the Bay of Bengal. Evidence of developed trade with ancient Roman civilisation has been found from here. Muziris/Muchiri was a port city in Kerala. It was one of the oldest port in the world. Sangam literature mention this port.

36. According to the Sangam texts the terms Kon, Ko and Mannan were attributed to which of the following ? [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2010]

(a) Prime Minister
(b) Revenue Minister
(c) Commander of the army
(d) King

Correct Answer: (d) King

Solution:According to the Sangam text, the terms Kon, Ko and Mannan, were attributed to the King.

37. Third Sangam was held at : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]

(a) Arikamedu
(b) Ernakulam
(c) Madurai
(d) Tuticorin

Correct Answer: (c) Madurai

Solution:Sangam is defined as 'Conference of Poets' or 'Forum of Scholars.' Literature written by scholars during this conference is mentioned as 'Sangam Literature.' Three Sangams were held under the patronage of Pandya kings in the south.

Sangam	Place	President
1st	Madurai	Saint Agastya
2nd	Kapadapuram	Saint Agastya
3rd	Madurai	Nakkirar

38. The sage who is said to have Aryanised South India was [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

(a) Vishwamitra
(b) Agastya
(c) Vashishtha
(d) Sambhara

Correct Answer: (b) Agastya

Solution:Agastya was the sage who is credited to have Aryanised south India. It is believed that he travelled south on request of Gods and later resided in the south. He is also known as "Father of Tamil Literature."

39. Match List-I with List-II and select correct answer with the help of codes given below : [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2004]

List-I	List-II
A. Chalukyas	1. Madurai
B. Pallava	2. Kannauj
C. Harsha	3. Badami
D. Pandya	4. Kanchipuram

Code :

	A	B	C	D
(a)	3	4	2	1
(b)	4	3	2	1
(c)	1	4	2	3
(d)	1	3	2	4

Correct Answer: (a)

Solution:Badami was the capital of Chalukyas. Pulakesing-II was the most glorious king of Badami Chalukyas. The detailed history of Pulakesin-II is known from the Aihole inscription written by Ravikirti. The capital of Pallava was Kanchipuram. Harsha, with his sister Rajyashri ruled jointly over Kannauj. Madurai was the capital of Pandyas.

40. Consider the following events n the history of India : [I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]

1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
3. Estavlishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I
4. Pala dynasty foundoed by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time ?

(a) 2-1-4-3
(b) 3-1-4-2
(c) 2-4-1-3
(d) 3-4-1-2

Correct Answer: (c) 2-4-1-3

Solution:Following are the sequence of event :-
Mahendravarman-I established Pallava Power (600-630 A.D.); Gopala founded Pala dynasty in 750 A.D.;
Mihirabhoja (836-885 A.D.) or Bhoja I was a ruler of Gurjara Pratihara dynasty of India;
Parantaka-I (907-953 A.D.) ruled chola kingdom in South India.

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