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

21. Which river is praised in the fifth century Tamil epic,

Which river is praised in the fifth century Tamil epic, _Silappadikaram_?

[amp_mcq option1=”Cauvery” option2=”Godavari” option3=”Saraswati” option4=”Ganges” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2017

The Cauvery river is frequently praised in the fifth-century Tamil epic, *Silappadikaram*.

*Silappadikaram*, composed by Ilango Adigal, is set in the ancient Tamil kingdoms. A significant portion of the epic takes place in the Chola country, where the Cauvery (Kaveri) river is the lifeblood of agriculture and civilization. The epic describes the beauty and significance of the river, depicting it as a goddess and a source of prosperity for the land and its people. For example, Canto 10 describes the city of Puhar located at the mouth of the Cauvery and praises the river extensively.

Godavari is a major river of South India but is primarily associated with regions north of the traditional Tamil country. Saraswati is often considered a mythical river or linked to regions in North India. The Ganges (Ganga) is the major river of North India and is not central to the geography described and praised in the Tamil epic *Silappadikaram*, which is deeply rooted in the geography and culture of the Tamil land.

22. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List-I (Term)
Kurinchi
Palai
Neytal
Mullai

List-II (Meaning)
1. Pastoral region
2. Seashore
3. Arid region
4. Mountainous region

[amp_mcq option1=”A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4″ option2=”A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4″ option3=”A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1″ option4=”A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2016

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The correct match for the terms from List-I (Term) to List-II (Meaning) according to the fivefold classification of land in ancient Tamil literature is:
Kurinchi – Mountainous region (4)
Palai – Arid region (3)
Neytal – Seashore (2)
Mullai – Pastoral region (1)
Therefore, the correct matching is A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1, which corresponds to option C.

– Kurinchi corresponds to mountainous landscapes.
– Palai corresponds to arid or desert landscapes.
– Neytal corresponds to coastal or seashore landscapes.
– Mullai corresponds to pastoral or forest landscapes.
– The fifth landscape type, Marutam, corresponds to agricultural or riverine plains, but is not included in this list.

The classification of land into five types (Thinai) is a significant concept in Sangam literature, reflecting the ecology and associated life forms and occupations of each region. It is a key element in understanding the social and cultural context of ancient Tamil Nadu.

23. The epic, Silappadikaram refers to the

The epic, Silappadikaram refers to the

[amp_mcq option1=”story of Rama” option2=”Jaina elements in the storyline” option3=”culture of Sri Lankan Buddhists” option4=”cult of Shakti worship” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2016

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The epic Silappadikaram refers to the Jaina elements in the storyline.

Silappadikaram is one of the five great Tamil epics. Its author, Ilango Adigal, is traditionally identified as a Jain ascetic. The epic incorporates various religious traditions prevalent in ancient Tamilakam, including Jainism, Buddhism, and different forms of Hindu worship, but the author’s background and the narrative often reflect Jain philosophical perspectives and values, particularly regarding karma and asceticism. The central character, Kannagi, ultimately attains moksha, a concept understood within the religious context depicted, including Jainism.

While the epic depicts various religious practices and deities (like Shiva, Vishnu, Korravai), the philosophical and ethical underpinnings, as well as the author’s tradition, strongly link it to Jainism. The story follows Kovalan and Kannagi, a merchant couple, and highlights themes of justice, karma, and asceticism.

24. The royal portraits of Simhavishnu and Mahendravarman are found in whi

The royal portraits of Simhavishnu and Mahendravarman are found in which cave temple at Mamallapuram?

[amp_mcq option1=”Varaha Cave” option2=”Ramanuja Cave” option3=”Adivaraha Cave” option4=”Trimurti Cave” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

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The correct answer is Adivaraha Cave.

The Adivaraha Cave Temple at Mamallapuram is notable for containing sculpted portraits of the Pallava kings Simhavishnu (c. 575-600 AD) and his son Mahendravarman I (c. 600-630 AD), along with their consorts. These portraits are considered important historical depictions of the royal family.

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its 7th and 8th-century religious monuments built by the Pallava dynasty. The Adivaraha Cave Temple, a rock-cut shrine, also features magnificent sculptures of Hindu deities like Vishnu (in Varaha and Trivikrama forms), Durga, Lakshmi, and Gaja Lakshmi.

25. Who among the following Chola kings encouraged the Sailendra ruler of

Who among the following Chola kings encouraged the Sailendra ruler of Sri Vijaya to build a Buddhist Vihara in Negapatnam?

[amp_mcq option1=”Parantaka I” option2=”Rajaraja I” option3=”Rajendra I” option4=”Kulottunga I” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

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The correct answer is Rajaraja I.

During the reign of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD), the Sailendra ruler of Sri Vijaya, Mara Vijayatunggavarman, built a Buddhist monastery (Vihara) named Chudamani Vihara at Negapatnam (Nagapattinam) in Tamil Nadu. Rajaraja I patronized this initiative by granting the village of Anaimangalam for the maintenance of the Vihara.

This act reflects the cordial relations between the Chola and Sailendra kingdoms during this period, despite later conflicts involving Rajendra I and Sri Vijaya.

26. Which one of the following has been an important early Chola painting

Which one of the following has been an important early Chola painting discovered at the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur in 1931?

[amp_mcq option1=”Buddha with Chauri-bearers on either side” option2=”Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti” option3=”Yakshi Kali” option4=”Parshvanatha with snake-hood on a lion-throne” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

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The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I, is renowned for its Chola period frescoes discovered in 1931 in the circumambulatory passage around the main shrine. These paintings are significant examples of early Chola art. Among the subjects depicted in these frescoes are various forms of Shiva, including Shiva as Nataraja, Shiva receiving Sukracharya’s curse, Shiva as Dakshinamurti, and scenes from the life of Sundarar. Other panels show royal processions. Of the options provided, “Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti” is a known subject found among the early Chola paintings at the Brihadisvara Temple.

The other options represent themes from different religious or artistic contexts: Buddha and Yakshi are associated with Buddhist and Jain art, respectively, or earlier Hindu art. While Shiva is central to the Brihadisvara Temple’s art, the specific depiction of Shiva as Yoga-Dakshinamurti is confirmed as part of the Chola frescoes found there.

27. Consider the following statements about Madurai, the capital city of t

Consider the following statements about Madurai, the capital city of the Pandya kingdom :

It has been described in Maduraikkanchi as a large grand city, enclosed by walls on three sides and the Vaigai river on the fourth side.
The Arthashastra mentions it as a centre of fine cotton textiles.
Other literary sources describe it as a major craft centre.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

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Statement 1 is correct: The Sangam period text Maduraikkanchi provides a detailed description of Madurai as a large, well-fortified, and prosperous city located on the banks of the Vaigai river. Statement 2 is correct: Kautilya’s Arthashastra mentions Madura (Madurai) as a significant centre for the production of fine cotton textiles, indicating its importance in ancient trade and craft. Statement 3 is correct: Other Sangam literary sources and subsequent texts also describe Madurai as a bustling hub of various crafts (like weaving, metalwork, carpentry, etc.), trade, and cultural activities, highlighting its status as a major craft and commercial centre.

Madurai was a prominent capital of the Pandya kingdom during the Sangam Age and continued to be an important cultural, economic, and political centre in subsequent periods of South Indian history, known for its literature, trade, and crafts.

Madurai was a major city mentioned in accounts by various ancient travelers and writers, including Greek and Roman sources, which attested to its commercial importance.

28. Name the location of the musical inscription containing groups of musi

Name the location of the musical inscription containing groups of musical notes arranged for the benefit of his pupils by a king in the seventh or eighth century CE.

[amp_mcq option1=”Ennayiram” option2=”Uttaramerur” option3=”Siyyamangalam” option4=”Kudumiyamalai” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2023

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The musical inscription containing groups of musical notes (svaras) from the 7th or 8th century CE is located at Kudumiyamalai in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu. This inscription is a significant source for understanding ancient Indian music, specifically the Carnatic tradition. It is attributed to the Pallava king Mahendravarman I or one of his successors.

– The Kudumiyamalai inscription is a famous example of ancient Indian musical notation.
– It dates back to the Pallava period (7th-8th century CE).

– Ennayiram was a famous centre of learning with a large college during the Chola period.
– Uttaramerur is known for its inscriptions detailing the village administration of the Cholas (Parantaka I).
– Siyyamangalam is a site with a rock-cut cave temple attributed to the Pallava period (Mahendravarman I).

29. Recently, archaeological studies at which one among the following reve

Recently, archaeological studies at which one among the following revealed that by 1200 BCE there was a flourishing agrarian civilization and the cultivation of rice was well-established at this place ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Raichur Doab” option2=”Krishna Delta” option3=”Vicinity of Vamsadhara river” option4=”Vicinity of Thamirabarani river” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2022

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Recent archaeological excavations near the Thamirabarani river in Tamil Nadu have provided evidence of a flourishing agrarian civilization and established rice cultivation dating back to around 1200 BCE.

Excavations at sites like Sivakalai, located in the vicinity of the Thamirabarani river, have yielded datable materials, including rice grains in burial urns, which have been dated to about 3200 years ago (circa 1200 BCE). This finding pushes back the timeline of established Iron Age culture and paddy cultivation in Tamil Nadu.

Archaeological investigations along the Thamirabarani river valley are part of broader efforts to understand the ancient history and culture of Tamil Nadu, including the origins of its script and civilization. Other important sites like Adichanallur are also located in this region.