Static Quiz 11 March 2026 (Ancient History)

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Chola dynasty:

1. The Imperial Chola dynasty was established by Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century CE.
2. Thanjavur served as the capital during the early phase of the Imperial Cholas.
3. The Cholas emerged as feudatories of the Rashtrakutas before becoming independent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q1. (A)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  • Vijayalaya Chola (c. 850 CE) revived the Chola power and founded the Imperial Chola line.
• Statement 2 – Correct
  • Thanjavur (Tanjore) became the capital after Vijayalaya captured it from the Muttaraiyars.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect
  • Cholas initially rose under the decline of Pallavas, not Rashtrakutas.

Q2. With reference to the administrative system of the Cholas, consider the following:

1. Ur represented the general assembly of villages.
2. Sabha functioned mainly in Brahmadeya villages.
3. Nagaram represented assemblies of merchants and traders.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. (D)

Explanation:

• Ur → Assembly of common villages.
• Sabha (Mahasabha) → Assembly in Brahmin villages (Brahmadeya).
• Nagaram → Merchant guild/urban commercial body.

These are known from Uttaramerur inscriptions.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Rajaraja I:

1. He constructed the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur.
2. He conducted a systematic land survey and revenue assessment.
3. He established Chola supremacy over Sri Lanka.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. (D)

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct: Built Brihadeeswara Temple (1010 CE).
• 2 – Correct: Conducted detailed land survey for taxation.
• 3 – Correct: Cholas captured northern Sri Lanka.

Q4. Which of the following statements regarding Rajendra Chola I is correct?

A. He defeated the Rashtrakutas and established the Chola empire.
B. He conducted naval expeditions against Srivijaya in Southeast Asia.
C. He shifted the capital from Thanjavur to Madurai.
D. He built the shore temples at Mahabalipuram.

Q4. (B)

Explanation:

• Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE) launched naval expeditions against Srivijaya (Indonesia/Malay region).
• Built Gangaikonda Cholapuram after northern campaigns.

Other options:

• Rashtrakutas defeated by Chalukyas and others.
• Mahabalipuram temples built by Pallavas.

Q5. Consider the following pairs regarding Chola temples:

Temple	Location
1. Brihadeeswara Temple	Thanjavur
2. Gangaikondacholisvara Temple	Gangaikonda Cholapuram
3. Airavatesvara Temple	Darasuram
4. Shore Temple	Kanchipuram

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four

Q5. (C)

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct: Brihadeeswara Temple → Thanjavur.
• 2 – Correct: Gangaikondacholisvara Temple → Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
• 3 – Correct: Airavatesvara Temple → Darasuram.
• 4 – Incorrect: Shore Temple is at Mahabalipuram (Pallava).

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