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

Total Questions: 42

21. The 'Dakshinamurti' idol of Shvia depicts him in which form ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (a) Teacher
Solution:The Dakshinamurti idol of Shiva depicts him as a mentor (guru, Teacher). Shiva is considered in this form as providing knowledge to his devotees. Dakshinamurti Idol is installed facing south direction.

22. With reference to the statue of 'Nataraja the Lord of Dance', which of the following statements is/are correct ? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021]

1. The image represents dancing Shiva having four hands.
2. In his right ear, he wears a man's earring, a women's in the left.
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
Code :

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Solution:The Nataraja statue of Lord Shiva represents dancing Shiva having four hands. It combines in a single image Shiva's role as creator, preserver and destroyer of universe. Shiva's dance is set within a flaming halo.

The god holds in his upper right hand the damru (drum that made the first sound of creation). His upper left hand holds agni (the fire that will destroy the universe). With his lower right hand he makes abhayamudra.

Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. In his right ear he wears a man's earring, a women's in the left as a symbol of Ardhnarishwara.

23. In whose tenure, 72 traders were sent to China ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992]

Correct Answer: (a) Kulottunga-I
Solution:The Chola sent goodwill mission of 72 traders to China in the reign of Chola king Kulottunga-I in 1077 A.D.

Kulottunga I was a Chola king who reigned from 1070 to 1122 A.D. He was not a legal member of the Imperial

Cholas founded by Vijayalaya Chola. He was none other than Rajendra Chalukya, prince of the Eastern Chalukyas. He did not belong to the main line of cholas but was rather a prince of the eastern chalukya dynasty.

His mother Ammangaidevi, was a chola Princess and the daughter of emperor Rajendra Chola I. His father was king Rajaraja Narendra of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty who was the nephew of Rajendra chola I and maternal grandson of Rajaraja Chola I.

24. Which of the following South Indian state was famous for its naval power : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1992, 2004, R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993]

Correct Answer: (a) Chola
Solution:Chola Kings maintained massive consolidated troops with a proficient naval power wing. The Chola navy played a vital role in the expansion of the Chola Empire including the conquests of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) islands and naval raids on Srivijaya, Sinhala and Maldives.

25. Which among the following dynasties, King declared their successor in own tenure ? [U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]

Correct Answer: (b) Chola
Solution:Generally, Chola emperors used to elect their "Yuvraj" during their tenure who becomes the heir of Empire after them. But in other empires also, information is available of emperors choosing the crown prince.

26. Who among the following Chola rulers converted the Bay of Bengal into a 'Chola Lake' ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (b) Rajendra-I
Solution:Rajendra Chola-I was a Chola emperor, who is considered as one of the greatest rulers and military generals of India. He succeeded his father, Rajaraja Chola-I.

Rajendra-I annexed the whole of Sri Lanka and he defeated Mahipal after that adopted the title of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Chola navy was the strongest in the area, and they converted the Bay of Bengal into Chola lake.

27. Who was the founder of 'Gangai Konda Cholapuram' ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]

Correct Answer: (c) Rajendra-I
Solution:Rajendra Chola-I was a Chola emperor, who is considered as one of the greatest rulers and military generals of India. He succeeded his father, Rajaraja Chola-I.

Rajendra-I annexed the whole of Sri Lanka and he defeated Mahipal after that adopted the title of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Chola navy was the strongest in the area, and they converted the Bay of Bengal into Chola lake.

28. Who among the following Chola rulers is credited to have built a huge artificial lake known as Chola Gangam ? [U.P.P.C.S. 2016]

Correct Answer: (b) Rajendra
Solution:Rajendra Chola-I was a Chola emperor, who is considered as one of the greatest rulers and military generals of India. He succeeded his father, Rajaraja Chola-I.

Rajendra-I annexed the whole of Sri Lanka and he defeated Mahipal after that adopted the title of Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Chola navy was the strongest in the area, and they converted the Bay of Bengal into Chola lake.

29. Which Chola King started Naval Army ? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]

Correct Answer: (c) Rajaraja-I
Solution:The golden era of the Chola empire started with the accession of Rajaraja-I (985 AD) to the throne. Rajaraja-I was the first Chola king who created the Naval Army.

He is known for his conquests of southern India and parts of Sri Lanka, and increasing Chola influence across the Indian Ocean. Rajaraja's empire encompassed vast territories, including regions of the Pandya country, the Chera country, and northern Sri Lanka.

He also extended his influence over strategic islands such as Lakshadweep, Thiladhunmadulu atoll, and parts of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

30. Name the Chola King who conquered the northern part of Sri Lanka ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014]

Correct Answer: (a) Rajaraja-I
Solution:Rajaraja-I invaded Sri Lanka and destroyed Anuradhapura. Rajaraja-I captured only the northern part of Sri Lanka while southern part remained independent. His son Rajendra-I captured the southern island and hence whole of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and defeated Mahendra V.