South India (Chola, Chalukya, Pallava and Sangam Period)

1. Which one of the following Indian classical dances has steps comprisin

Which one of the following Indian classical dances has steps comprising of Adavus : Tanganam, Jagananam, Dhaganam and Sammisram ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kuchipudi” option2=”Mohiniyattam” option3=”Sattriya” option4=”Manipuri” correct=”option1″]

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The terms “Tanganam”, “Jagananam”, “Dhaganam”, and “Sammisram” are specific Adavus (basic steps or sequences) used in Kuchipudi dance. Kuchipudi is a classical dance form originating from Andhra Pradesh. While all classical dances have basic units of movement, the specific terminology mentioned belongs to the repertoire of Kuchipudi.
The specific Adavus mentioned (Tanganam, Jagananam, Dhaganam, Sammisram) are characteristic steps of the Kuchipudi classical dance form.
Bharatanatyam also uses ‘Adavus’ extensively, but the terminology for the specific types of steps differs. Each classical dance form has its unique set of foundational steps and movements known by different names (e.g., Adavus in Bharatanatyam/Kuchipudi, Chauka in Manipuri).

2. Which one of the following Tamil texts deals with grammar ?

Which one of the following Tamil texts deals with grammar ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Manimekalai” option2=”Silappadikaram” option3=”Tolkappiyam” option4=”Padirruppattu” correct=”option3″]

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The options are all important works of ancient Tamil literature.
A) Manimekalai: One of the five great Tamil epics, a Buddhist work.
B) Silappadikaram: One of the five great Tamil epics.
C) Tolkappiyam: The oldest surviving Tamil grammar text, dealing with phonology, morphology, syntax, and poetics.
D) Padirruppattu: Part of the Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies), a collection of Sangam poems praising Chera kings.
Among the given options, Tolkappiyam is explicitly a work on Tamil grammar.
– Tolkappiyam is the foundational text for the study of Tamil grammar and literature.
– The other options represent epic poems or anthologies of poetry from the Sangam or post-Sangam periods.
Tolkappiyam is considered a primary source for understanding the social, economic, and cultural life of the ancient Tamils, in addition to its linguistic and literary significance. The Five Great Epics of Tamil literature are Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Seevaka Sinthamani, Valayapathi, and Kundalakesi.

3. Who among the following constructed the Kailasanatha Temple at

Who among the following constructed the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram?

[amp_mcq option1=”Simhavishnu” option2=”Umadevi” option3=”Nandivarman” option4=”Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha” correct=”option4″]

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The correct option is D.
The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram is a famous structural temple built during the reign of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, who is also known as Rajasimha (ruled c. 695-722 CE). It is one of the finest examples of Pallava architecture.
Other important Pallava kings include Mahendravarman I (known for rock-cut architecture) and Narasimhavarman I (Mammalla), who built the monolithic rathas and sculptured panels at Mamallapuram.

4. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as

Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kings employing women bodyguards.” option2=”Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters.” option3=”Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals” option4=”A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death” correct=”option4″]

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Option D is correct.
Vattakirutal (or Vadakiruttal) was an ancient Tamil practice, mentioned in Sangam literature, where a defeated or humiliated warrior or king would undertake a ritual fast unto death, usually facing north (vadakku).
This practice was considered a highly honorable way for a warrior to end their life after suffering a significant defeat or disgrace in battle, rather than live with dishonor. It is distinct from the other options listed, which describe different social or military practices of the time.

5. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri w

With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

[amp_mcq option1=”capital cities” option2=”ports” option3=”centres of iron-and-steel making” option4=”shrines of Jain Tirthankaras” correct=”option2″]

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Option B is correct.
Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were famous port cities in ancient South India, particularly important during the Sangam age for maritime trade with foreign entities, including the Roman Empire.
Korkai was a major port city of the Pandyas on the east coast, known for its pearl fishery. Poompuhar (also known as Kaveripattinam) was the principal port of the Cholas, located at the mouth of the Kaveri river on the east coast, and was a bustling center of trade. Muchiri (or Muziris) was a significant port on the west coast, controlled by the Cheras, playing a crucial role in trade with the Roman world, exchanging spices, pearls, gems, etc., for gold and other goods. While these cities might have had other aspects (like nearby capitals or craft centers), they were primarily renowned as major ports facilitating extensive trade networks.

6. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancie

Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.” option2=”The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.” option3=”Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.” option4=”Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
Sangam literature, particularly the *Puram* poems, reflects a society with distinct social classifications. While the exact imposition of the North Indian Varna system is debated by scholars, the texts mention Brahmins (priestly class), kings/chiefs (rulers), merchants, and agriculturalists (*velalas*) as significant social groups, indicating an awareness and presence of hierarchical social divisions akin to the varna concept, adapted to the South Indian context.
A) Sangam poems contain numerous references to material culture, including details about warfare, trade, agriculture, clothes, ornaments, and urban life. So, statement A is incorrect.
C) Sangam literature, especially *Puram* literature, extensively deals with the warrior ethic, heroism, battles, and the lives of kings and warriors. So, statement C is incorrect.
D) Sangam literature reflects a complex worldview including beliefs in various deities, spirits, omens, and religious rituals. It does not necessarily refer to all magical forces as irrational in the modern sense; these were part of their accepted reality. So, statement D is incorrect.

7. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

TermDescription
1. Eripatti: Land, revenue from which was set apart for the main tenance of the village tank
2. Taniyurs: Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3. Ghatikas: Colleges generally attached to the temples

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2″ option2=”3 only” option3=”2 and 3″ option4=”1 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

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Pair 1 is correctly matched. ‘Eripatti’ or ‘Eri-patti’ (also Eri-ayam) in South Indian history, particularly under the Cholas, referred to land the revenue from which was specifically earmarked for the maintenance of the village tank (eri).
Pair 3 is correctly matched. ‘Ghatikas’ or ‘Ghatikastanams’ were centers of learning or colleges, often associated with temples in South India (e.g., Kanchi, Ennayiram, Tirumukkudal).
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. ‘Taniyurs’ (also ‘Tan-kurus’ or ‘Tan-nadu’) were large single villages or groups of villages that were administered as independent units, separate from the surrounding ‘Kurrams’ (sub-divisions of a district). They were not specifically defined as villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins; such donations were known as ‘Brahmadeya’ or ‘Agrahara’ grants.
Eripatti is linked to tank maintenance. Taniyurs are self-governing large villages/units. Ghatikas are temple-attached colleges. Brahmadeya/Agrahara are land grants to Brahmins.
The Chola administration is well-known for its detailed village administration and land classifications, including specific assignments of land revenue for public works like tank maintenance (Eripatti) and the existence of autonomous large village units (Taniyurs). Educational institutions like Ghatikas played a significant role in the spread of learning, particularly Vedic studies and philosophy.

8. Kalamkari painting refers to

Kalamkari painting refers to

[amp_mcq option1=”a hand-painted cotton textile in South India” option2=”a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India” option3=”a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India” option4=”a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India” correct=”option1″]

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Kalamkari painting refers to a hand-painted cotton textile in South India.
Kalamkari is an ancient style of hand painting done on cotton fabric with a ‘kalam’ (pen), using natural dyes. It is primarily practiced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in South India.
There are two distinct styles of Kalamkari art in India: the Srikalahasti style, which is free-hand drawing and painting, and the Machilipatnam style, which uses block-printing followed by hand painting. Both are traditionally done on cotton textile and are renowned for their intricate details and use of natural colours, often depicting mythological figures, floral motifs, or epic scenes.

9. Which one of the following statements about Tolkappiyam is *not*

Which one of the following statements about Tolkappiyam is *not* correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is a treatise on grammar.” option2=”It was composed between first to fourth century CE.” option3=”It was part of the Sangam corpus.” option4=”It was composed by Panini.” correct=”option4″]

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Statement D is incorrect. Tolkappiyam is attributed to the sage Tolkappiyar. Panini was an ancient Sanskrit philologist and grammarian who wrote the Ashtadhyayi, a foundational text of Sanskrit grammar.
Tolkappiyam is considered the earliest surviving work of Tamil literature and grammar. It is a fundamental text for the study of the Tamil language and ancient Tamil society.
Tolkappiyam is divided into three books: Ezhuttatikaram (Orthography), Sollatikaram (Etymology and Morphology), and Porulatikaram (Subject Matter). The period of its composition is generally placed between the 1st and 4th centuries CE, making it roughly contemporary with or immediately preceding the Sangam period, and it is considered part of or closely associated with the Sangam corpus.

10. Tamilakam was the name of the ancient Tamil country that included

Tamilakam was the name of the ancient Tamil country that included

[amp_mcq option1=”present-day Tamil Nadu as well as parts of Sri Lanka” option2=”land between present day Tirupati hills and the southernmost tip of peninsula” option3=”present-day Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra” option4=”present day Kerala, Telangana and Karnataka” correct=”option2″]

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Tamilakam, in ancient literature, was typically defined as the land between the Tirupati hills (Venkateswara Hills) in the north and the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula (Kanyakumari) in the south, encompassing the territories primarily inhabited by Tamil-speaking people. This aligns best with option B.
Tamilakam refers to the historical Tamil country, traditionally defined by specific geographical boundaries in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Ancient Tamil texts like Tolkappiyam describe the boundaries of Tamilakam. This region historically included present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and southern parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Parts of Sri Lanka inhabited by Tamils were also sometimes considered part of a broader cultural Tamil sphere, but the core geographical definition within the mainland is typically between Tirupati and Kanyakumari.
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