Ancient and Medieval Tamilakam: From the Sangam Age to the Nayaks — Practice

Question 1

Name the emblems of the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.

Accepted Answer

Bow and arrow for the Cheras, tiger for the Cholas, fish for the Pandyas.

Question 2

Who built the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, and when was it consecrated?

Accepted Answer

Rajaraja I, consecrated in 1010 CE.

Question 3

Describe the development of Pallava architecture with one example for each stage.

Accepted Answer

It moved from rock-cut caves under Mahendravarman I, to monolithic rathas at Mamallapuram under Narasimhavarman I, to structural stone temples under Rajasimha, such as the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchi and the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram.

Question 4

Who were the Nayanars and the Alvars, and where are their hymns collected?

Accepted Answer

The Nayanars were sixty-three Shaiva saints whose hymns, such as the Tevaram of Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar, are collected in the Tirumurai. The Alvars were twelve Vaishnava saints whose hymns form the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

Question 5

What was the significance of Rajendra I's expedition of about 1025?

Accepted Answer

He sent a naval force against the Srivijaya empire in Southeast Asia, showing Chola sea power and an interest in controlling the trade route to China.

Question 6

Evaluate the village assembly system revealed by the Uttaramerur inscriptions.

Accepted Answer

The inscriptions of about 919 and 921 under Parantaka I set rules for membership, including land holding, age and honest conduct, and describe selection by drawing palm-leaf tickets from a pot, kudavolai. Committees ran irrigation, gardens and justice. It shows a mature local government with accountability, since members could be disqualified for misconduct. Its limit is that eligibility rested on property and learning, so it served a narrow group, and it was a selection, not an election by all adults.

Question 7

How did the Nayaks shape Tamil Nadu after 1565?

Accepted Answer

Vijayanagara governors became independent rulers at Madurai, Thanjavur and Gingee. They expanded temple complexes, such as the Meenakshi temple under Thirumalai Nayak, and built palaces. They also set up the palayam system of military chiefs, which later brought them into conflict with the British. Thanjavur passed to a Maratha line in 1675.

Question 8

Which Sangam Chola is linked by tradition with the Kallanai on the Kaveri?

Accepted Answer

Karikala Chola.

Practice — Ancient and Medieval Tamilakam: From the Sangam Age to the Nayaks

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