Imperial Cholas
Table of Contents
- The Chola Empire of the South emerged in the:
9th century BC
19th century AD
9th century AD
17th century AD
Ans: 9th century BC
- Who was the founder of the Chola dynasty?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra I
D) Parantaka I
Ans: A) Vijayalaya
The Chola Empire of the South emerged in the 9th century AD (850-1279 AD).
The founder of Chola Dynasty – Vijayalaya
Vijayalaya captured Tanjore in 850 AD.
- Which Chola ruler built the Brihadeshwara temple at Tanjore?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajasimha
Ans: B) Rajaraja
The greatest Chola ruler was Rajaraja (985-1014 AD) and Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD).
Rajaraja built Brihadeshwara temple / Rajarajeshwara temple (attributed to Shiva) at Tanjore.
- Which Chola ruler conquered Orissa, Bengal, Burma, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajendra III
Ans: C) Rajendra 1
Rajendra I conquered Orissa, Bengal, Burma, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Chola dynasty was as its zenith during his reign.
- Which Chola ruler took the title of Gangaikondachola and built a city called Gangaikondacholapuram?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajendra III
Ans: C) Rajendra 1
Rajendra I defeated the Pala king Mahipala and took the title of Gangaikondachola and built a city called Gangaikondacholapuram.
- Which Chola ruler built the Kailashnath temple at Kancheepuram?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajasimha
Ans: D) Rajasimha
- What were the main sources of income for the Chola empire?
A) Land revenue and trade tax
B) Tribute and plunder
C) Agriculture and industry
D) Commerce and navigation
Ans: A) Land revenue and trade tax
- How was the Chola empire divided into administrative units?
A) Mandalams, Valanadu, Nadu, and Kurram
B) Mandalams, Nadus, Kottams, and Ur
C) Mandalams, Valanadu, Kottams, and Ur
D) Mandalams, Nadus, Kurram, and Ur
Ans: A) Mandalams, Valanadu, Nadu, and Kurram
The Chola empire divided into Mandalams (Province) and these were divided into Valanadu (Comissionary), Nadu (District), and Kurram ( a group of villages)
- Which Chola ruler built the Koranganatha temple at Srini wasanllur?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra 1
D) Parantaka 1
Answer: D
- Which Chola ruler built the Airawteshwar temple at Darasuram?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajaraja II
Answer: D
- Which Chola ruler built the Kampahreshwar temple at Tribhuvan?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra I
D) Kullotung 3
Answer: D
- Who was the last ruler of the Chola dynasty?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajendra 3
Ans: D) Rajendra 3
- Which medieval Indian empire was widely known for local self-government?
Chalukya
Chola
Solanki
Parmar
Ans: Chola
- Who founded the city of Thanjavur in the middle of the ninth century?
Muttairyer
Raja Raj Chola I
Vijayalaya
Rajendra I
Ans: Vijayalaya
- Which region did Vijayalaya capture from the Muttaraiyar in the 9th century?
A) Kaveri delta
B) Godavari delta
C) Krishna delta
D) Mahanadi delta
Ans: A) Kaveri delta
Vijayalaya, one of the Cholas from Uraiyur, captured the Kaveri delta which was under the control of the Muttaraiyar (subordinate to the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram), in the middle of the 9th century.
- Which town and temple did Vijayalaya build after his conquest?
A) Thanjavur and Nishumbhasudeni
B) Kanchipuram and Kailashnath
C) Madurai and Meenakshi
D) Tiruchirappalli and Ranganathaswamy
Ans: A) Thanjavur and Nishumbhasudeni
- Which Chola ruler captured Kanchi defeating Pallavas?
Parantaka I
Aditya 1
Vjayalaya
Rajendra Chola II
Ans: Aditya I
- Which Chola king engaged in naval expeditions and conquered Sri Lanka and Maldives?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja 1
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajasimha
Answer: B
Which Chola king defeated the Cheras in the battle of Kandanur salai?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajasimha
Answer: B
- Which Chola king completed the construction of the Rajarajeswara temple or Brihadeeswara temple at Tanjore?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajasimha
Answer: B
His titles: Mummidi Chola, Jayankonda and Sivapadasekara.
- Which Chola king installed Shaktiverma on the Vengi throne?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajasimha
Answer: B
- Which Chola king abdicated his throne for his son Rajendra Chola I?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajasimha
Answer: B
- Which Chola ruler conducted a military expedition to northern India and defeated Mahipala I of Bengal?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajasimha
Answer: C
- Which Chola ruler founded the city of Gangaikondacholapuram and constructed the Rajesvaram temple there?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajasimha
Answer: C
- Which Chola ruler conducted a naval expedition to Kadaram or Sri Vijaya (Indonesia) and got the title Kadaramgonda?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajasimha
Answer: C
- Which Chola ruler called the Bay of Bengal Cholamandalam and annexed the whole of Ceylon?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra 1
D) Rajasimha
Answer: C
- Which Chola ruler established many educational institutes in his empire and got the title Pandita Chola?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra I
D) Rajasimha
Answer: C
- How many successors of Rajendra I were killed in a short time after his death?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer: C
- Who was the grandson of Rajendra Chola who preserved the legacy of the Imperial Cholas?
A) Kulathunga Chola I
B) Rajaraja Chola II
C) Rajendra Chola II
D) Rajasimha Chola
Answer: A
- Which Chola ruler abolished many taxes and got the title sungam tavirtta?
A) Kulathunga Chola I
B) Rajaraja Chola II
C) Rajendra Chola II
D) Rajasimha Chola
Answer: A
- Which Chola ruler sent trade embassies to China?
A) Kulathunga Chola I
B) Rajaraja Chola II
C) Rajendra Chola II
D) Rajasimha Chola
Answer: A
- Which Chola ruler united the Vengi kingdom with the Chola Empire?
A) Kulathunga Chola I
B) Rajaraja Chola II
C) Rajendra Chola II
D) Rajasimha Chola
Answer: A
- Which Chola ruler was contemporary to Ramanujacharya?
A) Kulathunga Chola I
B) Rajaraja Chola II
C) Rajendra Chola II
D) Rajasimha Chola
Answer: A
- Who was the last Chola king who was defeated by Jatavarman Sundarapandya II?
A) Kulathunga Chola I
B) Rajaraja Chola II
C) Rajendra Chola II
D) Rajendra Chola III
Answer: D
- Which two kingdoms came into existence on the ruins of the Chola empire?
A) Pandya and Hoysala
B) Pallava and Chalukya
C) Kakatiya and Yadava
D) Vijayanagara and Bahmani
Answer: A
- Who is considered as the greatest Chola ruler?
Parantaka I
Rajaraja I
Vijaylaya
Klutottanga I
Ans: Rajaraja I
- Which of the following territories to the south and north were made part of the Chola kingdom by the successors of the ruler Vijayalaya?
Pallava and Chera
Pandyan and Pallava
Rashtrakuta and Chera
Vakataka and Satvahana
Ans: Pandyan and Pallava
The Cholas are called imperial Cholas because they managed to establish an empire of their own with the capital based at Tanjore.
- Which of the following were the liquid measurements used by the imperial cholas?
Ma, Kuzhi
Kalanju, Madai
Nali, Uri
Tuni, Padakku
Ans: Nali, Uri
- Which Chola ruler captured Kanchi defeating Pallavas?
Parantaka I
Aditya I
Vjayalaya
Rajendra Chola II
Ans: Aditya I
- Who was the first feudatory of the Pallavas of Kanchi?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja
C) Rajendra
D) Parantaka
Answer: A
- Which city did Vijayalaya capture and establish a temple of goddess Nishumbhasudini?
A) Tanjore
B) Kanchipuram
C) Madurai
D) Tiruchirappalli
Answer: A
- Who was the son and successor of Vijayalaya, the founder of the Chola Empire?
A) Aditya I
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra I
D) Parantaka I
Answer: A
- Which battle did Aditya I take part in, where the Pandyas were defeated by the Pallavas?
A) Battle of Shripurambiyam
B) Battle of Vayati
C) Battle of Takkolam
D) Battle of Thirupurambiyam
Answer: A
He also allied with the Cheras and conquered Kongudesha (probably Coimbatore and Salem districts) from Pandyas.
- Which battle did Aditya I defeat the Pallavas and annex their kingdom?
A) Battle of Shripurambiyam
B) Battle of Vayati
C) Battle of Takkolam
D) Battle of Thirupurambiyam
Answer: B
- Which Rashtrakuta king gave his daughter in marriage to Aditya I?
A) Krishna I
B) Krishna II
C) Krishna III
D) Krishna IV
Answer: B
He entered into a matrimonial alliance with the Pallavas by marrying a Pallava princess.
He married the Rashtrakuta princess in order to strengthen the alliance between the two kingdoms3. He also defeated the Pallavas and expanded the Chola empire4. He was succeeded by his son Parantaka I5. Dhruva was one of the most notable rulers of the Rashtrakuta Empire.
- What was the capital of the Pallava dynasty?
A) Tanjore
B) Kanchipuram
C) Madurai
D) Tiruchirappalli
Answer: B
- What are the Pallavas most known for?
A) Their magnificent sculpture and temples
B) Their naval expeditions and trade
C) Their land grants and administration
D) Their literature and culture
Answer: A
- When did the Pallava dynasty exist in South India?
A) 275 CE to 897 CE
B) 300 CE to 900 CE
C) 325 CE to 903 CE
D) 350 CE to 906 CE
Answer: A
- Who was also known as Parantaka Chola II?
Rajendra Chola I
Rajaraja Chola I
Sundara Chola
Vijayalaya Chola
Ans: Sundara Chola
- Who was called “Madurai Kondan”?
Aditya – I
Rajarajan – I
Raja Raja
Parantaka – 1
Ans: Parantaka – 1
- Who was the Chola ruler who won several victories with the help of his allies such as the Western Gangas, the Kodumbalur chiefs and the ruler of Kerala?
A) Vijayalaya
B) Rajaraja I
C) Rajendra I
D) Parantaka I
Answer: D
- Which city did Parantaka I capture and take the title of Madurantaka and Maduraikonda?
A) Tanjore
B) Kanchipuram
C) Madurai
D) Tiruchirappalli
Answer: C
- Which battle did Parantaka I defeat the combined armies of the Pandyas and the king of Sri Lanka?
A) Battle of Shripurambiyam
B) Battle of Vayati
C) Battle of Vellur
D) Battle of Takkolam
Answer: C
- Which Rashtrakuta ruler defeated Parantaka I at the battle of Takkolam and assumed the title of ‘Conqueror of Kanchi and Tanjai’?
A) Krishna I
B) Krishna II
C) Krishna III
D) Krishna IV
Answer: C
- Which region was overran by the Rashtrakuta army after the defeat of Parantaka I?
A) Kaveri delta
B) Tondaimandalam
C) Vengi
D) Kerala
Answer: B
The Vimana of the famous Nataraja temple at Chidambaram with a golden roof was provided by Parantaka l. H was devout of Siva.
- What is the liquid measurement used by the imperial Cholas?
A) Nali
B) Uri
C) Ma
D) Kuzhi
Answer: A and B
- What is the land or area measurement used by the imperial Cholas?
A) Nali
B) Uri
C) Ma
D) Kuzhi
Answer: B and C
- What is the unit of gold used by the imperial Cholas?
A) Kalanju
B) Madai
C) Tuni
D) Padakku
Answer: A and B
- What is the measurement of grain volume used by the imperial Cholas?
A) Kalanju
B) Madai
C) Tuni
D) Padakku
Answer: C and D
- In the reign of which Chola King first trade delegation was sent to China?
Rajendra I
Raja Raja
Vikram Chola
Raja Mahendra
Ans: Raja Raja
A delegation sent to China by the great Chola emperor Rajaraja over trade relations 1,000 years ago, a Shiva temple in China, and the use of Chinese umbrellas centuries ago shed light on ancient links between Tamil Nadu and the dragon land.
During the reign of the Song dynasty (960-1279), Raja Raja Chola the Great sent a delegation of emissaries to China by 1014 following a representation from the Chinese rulers, seeking trade ties.
- Which Chola ruler recovered most of the lost territories from the Rashtrakutas and invaded Sri Lanka?
A) Parantaka II/Sundara Chola
B) Uttama Chola
C) Rajaraja I
D) Rajendra I
Answer: A
- Which Chola ruler ascended the throne when most of the Tondaimandalam had been retrieved from the Rashtrakutas?
A) Parantaka II/Sundara Chola
B) Uttama Chola
C) Rajaraja I
D) Rajendra I
Answer: B
- What was the name of the region that was contested between the Cholas and the Rashtrakutas?
A) Kaveri delta
B) Tondaimandalam
C) Vengi
D) Kerala
Answer: B
- What was the name of the island that was invaded by Parantaka II/Sundara Chola?
A) Maldives
B) Sri Lanka
C) Andaman
D) Nicobar
Answer: B
- What was the original name of Rajaraja Chola before he crowned himself as Rajaraja I in 985 AD?
A) Arumolivarman
B) Parantaka
C) Aditya
D) Sundara
Answer: A
- Who was the predecessor of Rajaraja Chola?
A) Arumolivarman
B) Parantaka II
C) Aditya I
D) Sundara Chola
Answer: B
- Which confederation of rulers did Rajaraja Chola attack in his first conquest?
A) The rulers of the Pandya and Kerala kingdoms and of Ceylon
B) The rulers of the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta kingdoms and of Sri Vijaya
C) The rulers of the Pallava and Chera kingdoms and of Maldives
D) The rulers of the Kakatiya and Yadava kingdoms and of Orissa
Answer: A
- Which city became the capital of the Chola province in North Ceylon after the defeat of Mahinda V, the Ceylonese king?
A) Anuradhapura
B) Polonnaruva
C) Kandy
D) Colombo
Answer: B
- Which island did Rajaraja Chola annex in addition to Ceylon?
A) Maldives
B) Andaman
C) Nicobar
D) Sumatra
Answer: A
- Which parts of modern Mysore were conquered and annexed by Rajaraja Chola, intensifying their rivalry with the Chalukyas?
A) Gangavadi
B) Nolambavadi
C) Both A and B
D) Neither A nor B
Answer: C
- Which temple did Rajaraja Chola build at Thanjavur, which is considered a remarkable piece of architecture in the South Indian style?
A) Rajarajeswara temple or Brihadeeswara temple
B) Airavatesvara temple or Darasuram temple
C) Gangaikondacholesvara temple or Rajendra temple
D) Kailashnatha temple or Rajasimha temple
Answer: A
Brihadeshwara or Rajaraja temple at Thanjavur which was completed in 1010.
- Which Buddhist vihara did Rajaraja Chola encourage Sri Mara Vijayottungavarman, the Sailendra ruler of Sri Vijaya, to build at Negapatam?
A) Chudamani Vihara
B) Jetavana Vihara
C) Nalanda Vihara
D) Vikramashila Vihara
Answer: A
This vihara was called ‘Chudamani Vihara’ after the father of Sri Mara.
- Who among the following ruler constructed the Vaikunda Perumal Temple?
Rajaraja I
Krishna I
Nandivarman II
Narasimhavarman II
Ans: Nandivarman II
- What did Rajaraja I develop and re-organise during his reign?
A) An excellent revenue system
B) An excellent military system
C) An excellent judicial system
D) An excellent educational system
Answer: A
- How did Rajaraja I assess the revenue from the land?
A) He surveyed the land and then fixed the tax
B) He collected a fixed amount from each village
C) He levied a percentage of the produce from the land
D) He auctioned the land to the highest bidder
Answer: A
- What was the title given to Rajaraja I that referred to his land survey and his comparison to God Vishnu?
A) Ulakalanada Perumal
B) Mummadichola Perumal
C) Madurantaka Perumal
D) Kadaramgonda Perumal
Answer: A
- In the early eleventh century, the Chola king Rajendra I built a Shiva temple and filled it with a Sun-pedestal seized from the
Palas
Vakatakas
Chalukyas
Kalingas
Ans: Chalukyas
- Given below are two statements:
Statement – I : Rajendra-I Chola introduced Maligai-Kol, a standardized measuring unit.
Statement – II : Rajendra-I Chola’s son Arumolivarman built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple
Ans: Only 1
- Rajendra 1 was the son of?
Bindusara 1
Devabhuti 1
Skanda Gupta 1
Rajaraja 1
Ans: Rajaraja 1
- Who assumed the title of ‘Gangaikondachola’?
Rajendra 1
Rajaraja 1
Rajadhiraja 1
Kulotunga 1
Ans: Rajendra 1
- The first ruler of the Chola dynasty who kept a strong navy was
Rajaraja the Great
Rajendra 1
Rajadhiraja I
Rajendra II
Ans: Rajendra I
- Who was the king of Sri Lanka who was defeated by Rajendra I?
A) Mahinda V
B) Mahipal I
C) Mahasena
D) Mahavira
Answer: A
- What was the name of the new capital that Rajendra I established after crossing the Ganga?
A) Gangaikondacholapuram
B) Gangasagar
C) Gangadhara
D) Gangavati
Answer: A
In 1022 CE, he led an expedition to the north, crossed the Ganga following the same route which was taken by the great conqueror Samudragupta and defeated the Pala ruler, Mahipal I and the Western Chalukyas. To commemorate this occasion, he assumed the title of Gangaikondachola (meaning ‘the Chola conqueror of Ganga’) and established a new capital named Gangaikondacholapuram (meaning ‘the city of the Chola conqueror of the Ganga’)
- What was the name of the tank that Rajendra I excavated near his new capital?
A) Chodagarg
B) Cholagang
C) Cholavaram
D) Cholamandalam
Answer: A
- Which of the following dynasties did Rajendra I not defeat in his conquests?
A) Pandyas
B) Cheras
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Western Chalukyas
Answer: C
- Which of the following places was not conquered by Rajendra I in his naval expedition against the Sri Vijaya empire?
A) Malay
B) Sumatra
C) Java
D) Borneo
Answer: D
- What was the name of the Buddhist monastery that the Sailendra ruler built at Nagapatam?
A) Nalanda
B) Vikramashila
C) Chudamani
D) Bodh Gaya
Answer: C
- What was the main reason for the breach between the Cholas and the Sailendras?
A) The Chola eagerness to remove obstacles to Indian traders and to expand Chola trade with China
B) The Sailendra support to the Pandyas and Cheras against the Cholas
C) The Chola interference in the religious affairs of the Sailendras
D) The Sailendra invasion of the Chola territories in South India
Answer: A
Another remarkable exploit in the time of Rajendra I was the naval expedition against the Sri Vijaya empire in the 10th century. It extended over the Malay peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands, and controlled the overseas trade route to China.
- What was the name of the bay that was converted into a ‘Chola lake’ by the Chola navy?
A) Bay of Bengal
B) Arabian Sea
C) Indian Ocean
D) Andaman Sea
Answer: A
- What was the title of Rajendra I that indicated his patronage of learning?
A) Pandita-chola
B) Vidya-chola
C) Saraswati-chola
D) Gyan-chola
Answer: A
- Who was the Chola Monarch, who have complete freed to Sri Lanka and got his daughter married to the Simhala prince?
Kulottunga I
Rajendra I
Adhirajendra
Rajadhiraja I
Ans: Kulottunga I
- What was the title of Rajadhiraja that indicated his victory over his enemies?
A) Jayamkonda Chola
B) Rajakesari Chola
C) Vijayalaya Chola
D) Rajendra Chola
Answer: A
- Which of the following dynasties did Rajadhiraja not defeat in his wars?
A) Pandyas
B) Cheras
C) Sri Lanka
D) Rashtrakutas
Answer: D
- How did Rajadhiraja lead his army in the battles?
A) He led from the front standing shoulder to shoulder with his men on front lines
B) He led from the rear giving orders and directions to his generals
C) He led from the center coordinating the movements of his troops
D) He led from the side flanking the enemy forces
Answer: A
- In which year did Rajadhiraja die in the battle of Koppam?
A) 1044 CE
B) 1052 CE
C) 1060 CE
D) 1070 CE
Answer: B
- Who succeeded Rajadhiraja as the Chola king after his death?
A) Rajendra II
B) Virarajendra
C) Kulottunga I
D) Vikrama Chola
Answer: A
- Which of the following cities was not sacked and plundered by Rajadhiraja Chola in his wars?
A) Kalyani
B) Anuradhapura
C) Yadgir
D) Thanjavur
Answer: D
He also sacked and plundered Chalukyan cities such as Kalyani and planted a Jaystambha at Yadgir.
- What was the name of the Jaystambha (victory pillar) that Rajadhiraja Chola planted at Yadgir?
A) Rajendra Chola Stambha
B) Vijaya Rajendra Chola Stambha
C) Jayamkonda Chola Stambha
D) Yanai-mel-thunjina Devar Stambha
Answer: C
- How did Rajadhiraja Chola treat the king and queen of Sri Lanka after conquering their country?
A) He treated them with respect and honor
B) He treated them with harshness and cruelty
C) He treated them with indifference and neglect
D) He treated them with generosity and kindness
Answer: B
Cholas destroyed Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, and treated their king and queen very harshly; they did the same in Pandya country where they settled a military colony to overawe the population
- What was the name of the military colony that Rajadhiraja Chola settled in the Pandya country to overawe the population?
A) Chola Mandalam
B) Chola Sangam
C) Chola Vamsa
D) Chola Sena
Answer: D
- What was the name of the Western Chalukyan king who fought against Rajadhiraja Chola in the battle of Koppam?
A) Someshwar
B) Vikramaditya
C) Tailapa
D) Jayasimha
Answer: A
Rajadhiraja came to be known as Yanai-mel-thunjina Devar (the king who died on the back of an elephant).
Was also known as Vijaya Rajendra Chola (i.e. ‘the victorious Rajendra Chola king’).
- Who was the Chola king who was crowned in the battlefield after defeating Someshwar?
A) Rajendra II
B) Virarajendra
C) Athirajendra
D) Kollutung I
Answer: A
- What was the name of the Jaystambha (victory pillar) that Rajendra II planted at Kolhapur?
A) Rajendra Chola Stambha
B) Vijaya Rajendra Chola Stambha
C) Jayamkonda Chola Stambha
D) Yanai-mel-thunjina Devar Stambha
Answer: C
Crowned in the battlefield. Defeated Someshwar, planted a Jaystambha at Kolhapur.
- What was the name of the Vedic college of learning that Virarajendra established after defeating Someshwar II?
A) Virarajendra Vidyapeeth
B) Virarajendra Vedashala
C) Virarajendra Vidyalaya
D) Virarajendra Veda Vijnana
Answer: B
Virarajendra (c.1063−1067 CE) Defeated Someshwar II and established a Vedic college of learning.
- How did Athirajendra die in his short reign?
A) He died in a battle against the Pandyas
B) He died in a rebellion by his own generals
C) He died in a natural disaster
D) He died of a disease
Answer: B
- What was the title of Kollutung I that indicated his abolition of tolls?
A) Shungamtavirtta
B) Shungamnashaka
C) Shungamhara
D) Shungamtyaga
Answer: A
- What was the name of the kingdom that Kollutung 1 had flourishing trade with?
A) China
B) Shri Vijaya
C) Vengi
D) Chalukya
Answer: B
He established Chola overlordship over the Sri Vijaya province Kedah in Malaysia.
- What was one of the articles that the Chola embassy took as tribute to China in c.1077 CE?
A) Glassware
B) Spices
C) Pearls
D) Silk
Answer: A
In c.1077 CE, a Chola embassy of 70 merchants were dispatched to China and they took tribute (articles taken for trade) such as glassware, camphor, brocades, rhinoceros horns and ivory. The kingdom also had flourishing trade with the kingdom of Shri Vijaya.
- How did Kollutung I unite the eastern Chalukyas of Vengi with the Cholas?
A) He married a Chalukyan princess
B) He defeated the Chalukyan king in a war
C) He inherited the Chalukyan throne from his father
D) He annexed the Chalukyan territory by force
Answer: C
- What was the name of the classic writer who wrote Ramayana in Tamil and was at the court of Kollutung I?
A) Kamban
B) Ilango
C) Thiruvalluvar
D) Bharavi
Answer: A
It is presumed that he discarded wars and worked for peace as his reign was comparatively peaceful and it was only during the second half of his reign the kingdom faced hostility from the Chalukyas and Hoysalas.
Vijayalaya Chola – Took the title of Parakesarivarman
Aditya 1 – Known by the surname Kodandarama.
Parantaka Chola I – Took the title of Maduraiyum Elamum Konda, Parakesarivarman
Sundara Chola – The Buddhist work on Tamil grammar, Virasoliyam is done during his reign.
Vikrama Chola – Tyagasamudra i.e. the ocean of sacrifice.
Rajaraja Chola II – He initiated the construction of the very famous Airavateswarar Temple at Darasuram near Kumbakonam.
Kulothunga Chola 3 – He gained victories in war against the Hoysalas, Pandyas of Madurai, Cheras of Venad, the Sinhala kings of Eelam (Ceylon), as well as the Chodas of Velanadu and Nellore. He commissioned the Sarabeswara or Kampahareswara temple Tribhuvanam near Kumbakonam. He also built Siva Temple Chidambaram.
Rajendra Chola 3 – During his reign, Pandyas destroyed the fort and the outer wall of the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Society Under Imperial Cholas
- What was the basis of the social order in Chola dynasty?
A) Varna system
B) Caste system
C) Jati system
D) Class system
Answer: A
- What was the term used by the Chola emperors to describe themselves as belonging to both Solar and lunar dynasties?
A) Brahmakshatriyas
B) Suryavanshis
C) Chandravanshis
D) Rajputs
Answer: A
- What was the name of the trading communities that claimed Vaishya status in Chola society?
A) Kamati, Vanijiya and Chettiar
B) Baniya, Sethi and Lala
C) Shresthi, Mahajan and Modh
D) Nagar, Oswal and Agarwal
Answer: A
- What was the term used to denote the lower Sudras in Chola society?
A) Sat Sudras
B) Asat Sudras
C) Ati Sudras
D) Antya Sudras
Answer: B
The society was also divided in Sat Sudras (Higher) and Asat Sudras (Lower). Untouchability was prevalent in Chola society.
- What was the name of the system that involved dedicating women to temples as dancers and singers in Chola society?
A) Devadasi system
B) Sati system
C) Purdah system
D) Niyoga system
Answer: A
In Chola dynasty, the social order was based on the Varna system. Brahmins had many privileges and were exempted from taxation. They also had great influence over the kingdom.
Administration Under Imperial Cholas
- What was the name of the basic unit of administration in the Chola kingdom?
A) Nadu
B) Valanadu
C) Mandalam
D) Kottam
Answer: A
- What was the common factor that united the villages in a Nadu?
A) Close kinship ties and other close associations
B) Common language and culture
C) Shared economic and political interests
D) Similar religious and social practices
Answer: A
- What was the benefit of granting lands to Brahmans and temple authorities in the Chola kingdom?
A) It helped in expanding cultivation
B) It helped in maintaining law and order
C) It helped in promoting trade and commerce
D) It helped in spreading education and learning
Answer: A
- What was the name of the larger administrative unit that consisted of a number of Nadus in the Chola kingdom?
A) Nadu
B) Valanadu
C) Mandalam
D) Kottam
Answer: B
- What was the name of the highest administrative unit that consisted of several Valanadus in the Chola kingdom?
A) Nadu
B) Valanadu
C) Mandalam
D) Kottam
Answer: C
- What was the name of the administrative unit that the Chola state was divided into?
A) Nadu
B) Valanadu
C) Mandalam
D) Kottam
Answer: C
The Chola Empire, also known as Rajyam or Rastrayam, was divided into eight provinces, or mandalams. Each mandalam was governed by a governor or viceroy, who was usually a prince of the royal family.
- Who were sometimes appointed as governors of provinces in the Chola empire?
A) Princes of the royal family
B) Brahmins of the temple authorities
C) Merchants of the trade guilds
D) Generals of the army
Answer: A
- What was the name of the river that was used for irrigation in the Chola empire?
A) Godavari
B) Krishna
C) Kaveri
D) Narmada
Answer: C
- What was the purpose of the network of royal roads built by the Chola rulers?
A) To facilitate trade and commerce
B) To facilitate the movement of the army
C) To facilitate the survey of land
D) To facilitate both trade and commerce and the movement of the army
Answer: D
- What was one of the sources of income for the Chola rulers apart from land tax?
A) Tolls on trade
B) Taxes on professions
C) Plunder of the neighbouring territories
D) All of the above
Answer: D
- What was the term used by the Chola inscriptions to refer to the king as the great one?
A) Ko
B) Perumal
C) Perumal adigal
D) Raja-rajadhiraja
Answer: All of the above
- What was the name of the Venetian traveller who visited Kerala in the 13th century and wrote about the Chola bodyguards?
A) Marco Polo
B) Niccolo de Conti
C) Ibn Battuta
D) John Mandeville
Answer: A
- What was the fate of the Chola bodyguards on the death of the monarch?
A) They burnt themselves in the funeral pyre
B) They committed suicide by poison
C) They became monks and renounced the world
D) They served the next king as loyal servants
Answer: A
- What was the main factor that led to the decline of the Chola administrative structure after the reign of Kulothunga I?
A) The invasion of the Turks and Mongols
B) The rise of the local chieftains and their power
C) The corruption and inefficiency of the officials
D) The rebellion and discontent of the people
Answer: B
- What was the name of the weapon that the Chola infantry was armed with?
A) Sword
B) Bow
C) Spear
D) Axe
Answer: C
The Cholas maintained a large army consisting of three limbs of elephants, cavalry and infantry (which was armed with spears).
- How many limbs did the Chola army consist of?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer: C
- What was the name of the animal that formed one of the limbs of the Chola army?
A) Horse
B) Camel
C) Elephant
D) Lion
Answer: C
- What was the name of the unit that formed the second limb of the Chola army?
A) Cavalry
B) Infantry
C) Artillery
D) Navy
Answer: A
- What was the name of the weapon that the infantry was armed with?
A) Sword
B) Bow
C) Spear
D) Axe
Answer: C
- What was the main advantage of having a large army for the Cholas?
A) To defend their territory from external threats
B) To expand their empire by conquering new lands
C) To maintain law and order within their kingdom
D) All of the above
Answer: D
- What was the name of the empire that was divided into eight mandalams by the Cholas?
A) Rajyam
B) Rastrayam
C) Both Rajyam and Rastrayam
D) None of the above
Answer: C
- Who were the governors or viceroys of the mandalams in the Chola empire?
A) Princes of the royal blood or of noble families
B) Brahmins of the temple authorities
C) Merchants of the trade guilds
D) Generals of the army
Answer: A
- How were the officials of the Chola empire generally paid?
A) By giving them assignments of revenue-bearing lands
B) By giving them gold and silver coins
C) By giving them gifts and honors
D) By giving them a share of the plunder
Answer: A
- What was the status of the principalities that had been annexed by the Cholas?
A) They became provinces of the Chola empire
B) They became vassals of the Chola empire
C) They became allies of the Chola empire
D) They became enemies of the Chola empire
Answer: A
- What was the duty of the vassal princes who paid tribute to the Chola empire?
A) To serve the king in emergent situations
B) To supply the king with goods and services
C) To obey the king’s laws and regulations
D) To worship the king as a god
Answer: A
- What was the name of the administrative unit that the provinces were further divided into?
A) Kottams
B) Valanadus
C) Both Kottams and Valanadus
D) None of the above
Answer: C
- What was the name of the administrative unit that consisted of a number of autonomous villages in the Chola empire?
A) Nadu
B) Mandalam
C) Kottam
D) Valanadu
Answer: A
- What was the role of the autonomous villages in the Chola administration system?
A) They played a key role in the Chola administration system
B) They had no role in the Chola administration system
C) They had a minor role in the Chola administration system
D) They had an opposing role in the Chola administration system
Answer: A
- What was the name of the guilds that were like autonomous corporate organisations in the Chola empire?
A) Shrenis
B) Pugas
C) Both Shrenis and Pugas
D) None of the above
Answer: C
- What was the common factor that united the persons belonging to the same guild in the Chola empire?
A) The same craft
B) The same religion
C) The same caste
D) The same language
Answer: A
- What was the name of the official who headed a Mandalam or province in the Chola empire?
A) Viceroy
B) Governor
C) Both Viceroy and Governor
D) None of the above
Answer: C
- What was the name of the assembly of the leading men of a Nadu or district in the Chola empire?
A) Nattar
B) Nagarattar
C) Nagaram
D) Nandavar
Answer: A
- What was the name of the assembly of the mercantile groups or merchants in the Chola empire?
A) Nattar
B) Nagarattar
C) Nagaram
D) Both Nagarattar and Nagaram
Answer: D
- What was the name of the administrative unit that was also known as agricultural land in the Chola empire?
A) Mandalam
B) Kottam
C) Valanadu
D) Nadu
Answer: D
- What was the name of the administrative unit that was further divided into Nadus in the Chola empire?
A) Mandalam
B) Kottam
C) Valanadu
D) Both Kottam and Valanadu
Answer: D
- What was the name of the nagaram that was associated with the textile trade in the Chola empire?
A) Saliya nagaram
B) Satsuma parishatta nagaram
C) Both Saliya nagaram and Satsuma parishatta nagaram
D) None of the above
Answer: C
- What was the name of the nagaram that represented oil and ghee suppliers in the Chola empire?
A) Shankarappadi nagaram
B) Paraga nagaram
C) Vaniya nagaram
D) Sankara nagaram
Answer: A
- What was the name of the nagaram that was the corporate organisation of seafaring merchants in the Chola empire?
A) Saliya nagaram
B) Paraga nagaram
C) Vaniya nagaram
D) Sankara nagaram
Answer: B
Vaniya nagaram catered to the oil merchants
- What was the term used to refer to the corporate organisations that were created through an agreement or contract in the Chola empire?
A) Samaya
B) Bananju
C) Dharma
D) Nagaram
Answer: A
- What was the name of the code of conduct that governed the members of samaya in the Chola empire?
A) Samaya-dharma
B) Bananju-dharma
C) Nagaram-dharma
D) Sankara-dharma
Answer: B
- What was the name of the powerful guild that was established in Aihole, Karnataka in the Chola empire?
A) Ayyavole
B) Manigramam
C) Anjuvannam
D) Nanadesi
Answer: A
- What was the number of merchants that formed the Ayyavole guild in the Chola empire?
A) One hundred
B) Two hundred
C) Three hundred
D) Five hundred
Answer: D
- What was the name of the prominent guild that was located in the Tamil country and was subordinated to the Ayyavole guild in the Chola empire?
A) Ayyavole
B) Manigramam
C) Anjuvannam
D) Nanadesi
Answer: B
- What was the reason for the trading caravans to move with armed protection in the Chola empire?
A) To defend themselves from bandits and robbers
B) To assert their authority and power
C) To collect cesses and tolls from other traders
D) All of the above
Answer: D
- What was the effect of the decline of the Cholas on the merchant guilds in the Chola empire?
A) They became more powerful and independent
B) They became less powerful and independent
C) They became more dependent on royal support
D) They became less dependent on royal support
Answer: D
- ‘Manigramam’ and ‘Nanadesi’ were
famous towns during Chola period
famous guilds of South India
administrative units of Cholas
famous villages given as Brahmadeya to Brahmanas
Ans: famous guilds of South India
- In South India, settled villages, dominated by merchants and dealers, were called
Nagaram
Brahmadeya
Agrahara
Ura
Ans: Nagaram
Type of Land Gifts in Chola Empire
- What was the name of the land gift that was given to non-Brahmana, peasant proprietors in the Chola empire?
A) Vellanvagai
B) Brahmadeya
C) Shalabhoga
D) Devadana
Answer: A
- What was the name of the land gift that was given to Brahmanas in the Chola empire?
A) Vellanvagai
B) Brahmadeya
C) Shalabhoga
D) Devadana
Answer: B
- What was the name of the land gift that was given for the maintenance of a school in the Chola empire?
A) Vellanvagai
B) Brahmadeya
C) Shalabhoga
D) Devadana
Answer: C
- What was the name of the land gift that was given to temples in the Chola empire?
A) Vellanvagai
B) Brahmadeya
C) Shalabhoga
D) Devadana
Answer: D
Devadana/Tirunamattukkani
- What was the name of the land gift that was given to Jaina institutions in the Chola empire?
A) Vellanvagai
B) Brahmadeya
C) Shalabhoga
D) Pallichchhandam
Answer: D
According to Chola Inscriptions, there were five types of ‘land gifts’ that Chola kings gave to their people
Chola Village Administration
- Villages in the Chola administration was represented by _ word.
Mandalam
Valanadu
Kurram
Nadu
Ans: Kurram
- Consider the following statements regarding the administration under Chola Empire:
- The Ur and Sabha were village assemblies mentioned under Chola inscriptions.
- The village affairs were managed by executive committees which were open for all.
- The Dravida style Brihadisvara Temple at Tanjore was built by Rajendra l.
Which of the statements given above islare correct?
Ans: 1 Only
The village affairs were managed by an executive committee to which trained persons owning property were elected by drawing lots or by rotation.
These committee members had to retire every three years.
The Cholas surmounted parts of Gujarat, Malwa, Deccan and Indonesia, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Sri Lanka completely.
The Bay of Bengal came to be known as the ‘Chola Lake’ as they administered the area with their powerful navy.
- The most important feature of Chola administration was
Absolute despotism of the monarch
Mandala mudalis at the provincial level
Autonomous assembly in a district
Autonomous village assemblies in agraharas
Ans: Autonomous village assemblies in agraharas
- Which of the following was the name given to village assemblies in the Chola kingdom?
Nadu
Nattar
Sabha
Ur
Ans: Ur
- Arrange the following administrative units of the Chola period in the descending order :
Valanadus – Nadus – Kurrams- Mandalams
Mandalams – Valanadus – Nadus – Kurrams
Mandalams – Kurrams – Mandalams – Valanadus
Kurrams – Mandalams – Valanadus – Nadus
Ans: Mandalams – Kurrams – Mandalams – Valanadus
- What was the name of the general assembly of the local residents of non-brahmadeya villages in the Chola empire?
A) Ur
B) Sabha
C) Mahasabha
D) Nagaram
Answer: A
Nothing much is known about the composition of the Ur but, generally the members were less than ten
- What was the name of the exclusive assembly of Brahmins in the brahmadeya villages in the Chola empire?
A) Ur
B) Sabha
C) Mahasabha
D) Nagaram
Answer: C
- What were the criteria for the membership of the Mahasabha in the Chola empire?
A) Property ownership, family antecedents, learning and good conduct
B) Age, gender, caste and occupation
C) Wealth, power, influence and loyalty
D) Education, religion, culture and language
Answer: A
- What was the name of the executive committee and the ruling group of the Ur in the Chola empire?
A) Alunganattar
B) Shashak Gana
C) Eripatti
D) Mahasabha
Answer: A
- What was the term used to refer to the members of the executive committee of Ur in the Chola empire?
A) Alunganattar
B) Shashak Gana
C) Eripatti
D) Mahasabha
Answer: B
- What was the name of the important committee that looked after the distribution of water to the fields in the Chola empire?
A) Tank committee
B) Revenue committee
C) Justice committee
D) Law and order committee
Answer: A
- What were the rights of the Mahasabha over the new lands in the Chola empire?
A) It could distribute new lands and exercise ownership rights over them
B) It could raise loans for the village and levy taxes
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above
Answer: C
- What was the term used to refer to the tank land in the Chola empire?
A) Alunganattar
B) Shashak Gana
C) Eripatti
D) Mahasabha
Answer: C
tank committee known as erivariya (which looked after the distribution of water to the fields).
- What was the name of the right to cultivate land in the Chola empire?
A) Karanmai
B) Kudi Nikki
C) Kudi Ninga
D) Mitachi
Answer: A
- What was the name of the situation in which people previously settled in the village were either removed or deprived of their rights in the Chola empire?
A) Karanmai
B) Kudi Nikki
C) Kudi Ninga
D) Mitachi
Answer: B
- What was the name of the situation in which people previously settled in the village were not to be disturbed in the Chola empire?
A) Karanmai
B) Kudi Nikki
C) Kudi Ninga
D) Mitachi
Answer: C
- What was the name of the superior possessive right over land in the Chola empire?
A) Karanmai
B) Kudi Nikki
C) Kudi Ninga
D) Mitachi
Answer: D
- What was the name of the village chieftain in the inscriptions of Karnataka in the Chola empire?
A) Agavundi
B) Mantraki
C) Bittayya
D) Chandiyabbe
Answer: A
In certain inscriptions of Karnataka, there are interesting references to villages headed by women. For instance, in a 902 CE inscription, we learn that the village Bharangiyur was headed by the wife of a man named Bittayya, in another inscription of 1055 CE, there is a reference to a woman named Chandiyabbe as agavundi, that is, village chieftain and another woman named Jakkiyabbe as her mantraki (counsellor).
- What was the name of the caste group that consisted mainly of artisanal and trading groups in the Chola society?
A) Idangai
B) Valangai
C) Paraiyar
D) Vellallas
Answer: A
- What was the name of the caste group that consisted mainly of agricultural groups in the Chola society?
A) Idangai
B) Valangai
C) Paraiyar
D) Vellallas
Answer: B
- What was the name of the caste group that was identified with the Shudra varna but did not suffer from much discrimination or lower social status in the Chola society?
A) Idangai
B) Valangai
C) Paraiyar
D) Vellallas
Answer: D
- What was the name of the caste group that was considered untouchables and continued to have a pathetic status in the Chola society?
A) Idangai
B) Valangai
C) Paraiyar
D) Vellallas
Answer: C
- What was the term used to refer to the supra caste dichotomy that emerged in the Chola society?
A) Varna
B) Jati
C) Samaya
D) None of the above
Answer: D
A crucial and unique development was the emergence of a supra caste dichotomy known as Idangai (left hand caste groupings): Consisted mainly artisanal and trading groups. Valangai (right hand caste groupings): Consisted mainly of agricultural groups.
Initially, these were not antagonistic to each other but gradually an element of conflict emerged between the two caste groupings.
- What was the name of the irrigation device that was used in the Chola empire to draw water from wells?
A) Agrahatta
B) Agaratta
C) Agrahara
D) Agarala
Answer: A
- What was the name of the irrigation structure that was used to regulate the flow of water from canals in the Chola empire?
A) Tank
B) Well
C) Sluice
D) Dam
Answer: C
- What was the benefit of expanding the range of crops in the Chola empire?
A) It increased the agricultural productivity and diversity
B) It improved the soil fertility and quality
C) It enhanced the trade and commerce with other regions
D) All of the above
Answer: D
- What was the name of the rent-free brahmadeya villages that were also used for irrigation purposes in the Chola empire?
A) Agrahatta
B) Agaratta
C) Agrahara
D) Agarala
Answer: C
- What was the name of the important weaving industry centre that emerged in the early medieval period?
A) Kanchipuram
B) Kudamukku
C) Palaiyarai
D) Garvares
Answer: A
- What was the name of the prominent centre of betel nut and areca nut cultivation as well as metal works, coin minting and textiles in the early medieval period?
A) Kanchipuram
B) Kudamukku
C) Palaiyarai
D) Garvares
Answer: B
- What was the name of the administrative centre and residential capital of the Cholas in the early medieval period?
A) Kanchipuram
B) Kudamukku
C) Palaiyarai
D) Garvares
Answer: C
- What was the name of the trading castes that were the northern merchants who had migrated southwards in the 10th-11th centuries in the early medieval period?
A) Kanchipuram
B) Kudamukku
C) Palaiyarai
D) Garvares
Answer: D
- What was the name of the occupational group of professional scribes who drafted and wrote land grant documents in the early medieval period?
A) Gaudas
B) Heggades
C) Kayasthas
D) Karanas
Answer: D
- What was the name of the trading castes that were originally cultivators in the Chola period?
A) Garvares
B) Gaudas
C) Heggades
D) Kayasthas
Answer: B
Chola period was the emergence of trading castes known as the Garvares who were the northern merchants who had migrated southwards in the 10th−11th centuries, Gaudas/Gavundas who were originally cultivators
- What was the name of the trading castes that were initially revenue officials in the Chola period?
A) Garvares
B) Gaudas
C) Heggades
D) Kayasthas
Answer: C
- What was the name of the trading castes that were scribes who specialised in drafting and writing land grant documents in the Chola period?
A) Garvares
B) Gaudas
C) Heggades
D) Kayasthas
Answer: D
- What was the name of the trading castes that were northern merchants who had migrated southwards in the 10th-11th centuries in the Chola period?
A) Garvares
B) Gaudas
C) Heggades
D) Kayasthas
Answer: A
- Who among the following is considered the first poet of Telugu language?
A) Pampa
B) Ponna
C) Nannaya
D) Tikkana
Answer: C) Nannaya
- Which of the following works is not written by Tikkana?
A) Nirvachanottara Ramayanamu
B) Andhra Mahabharatam
C) Andhra-sabda-chintamani
D) Ajitanatha Purano
Answer: D) Ajitanatha Purano
- Which of the following poets wrote the final 15 chapters of Andhra Mahabharatam?
A) Nannaya
B) Tikkana
C) Errana
D) Ranna
Ans: B) Tikkana
The famous trinity of Pampa (who composed Vikramarjuna-vijaya, known popularly as Pampa Bharat),
Important works composed in Sanskrit around this period were the Kathasaritasagara (Book by Somadeva), which was a collection of stories, the Rajtarangini, a vivid account of the kings of Kashmir composed by Kalhana, and the Gita Govinda, a piece of devotional literature composed on the theme of love between Radha and Krishna, by Jayadeva in Bengal under the Pala kings.
One of the most famous temples dedicated to Vishnu is the Angkorvat temple built in the 12th century by Surya Varman II, the king of Kambuja (Cambodia). It is surrounded by a moat, filled with water. It has a huge gopuram (gateway) and number of galleries, the walls of which are decorated with sculptures based on themes drawn from the Mahabharat and the Ramayana.