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

Q.1 Which medieval Indian empire was famous for elaborated local self-government? (66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020)

(a) Chalukya (b) Chola (c) Solanki (d) Parmar (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (b)

Exp:

1.  The Chola administration is particularly famous for its highly developed village-level self-government. Important institutions:

·  Ur → assembly of an ordinary village.

·  Sabha/Mahasabha → assembly of Brahmadeya villages.

·  Nagaram → association/assembly of merchants and townspeople.

·  Kudavolai system → method of selecting members for various village committees.

·  Uttaramerur inscriptions → provide detailed evidence about the functioning and qualifications of village committees.

·   The Chola state therefore had the most elaborate village self-government system in medieval India.

1. Chalukya — Had important administrative institutions, but Cholas are the classic example of elaborate village self-government.
2. Solanki — Known particularly for temple architecture and regional administration, but not the standard answer for elaborate local self-government.
3. Parmar — Important Rajput dynasty of Malwa, but not especially identified with the elaborate village self-government system seen under the Cholas.

Q.2 The Chola age was most famous for – (63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017)

(a) village assemblies (b) war with the Rashtrakutas (c) trade with Ceylon

(d) advancement of Tamil culture (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (a)

Exp:

1.  The Chola period is particularly famous for its elaborate system of village self-government. The most important evidence comes from the Uttaramerur inscriptions of the Chola ruler Parantaka I. They describe:
2. Sabha/Mahasabha — Brahmadeya villages.
3. Ur — ordinary/non-Brahmadeya villages.
4. Nagaram — association of merchants/traders in urban centres.
5. Kudavolai — method of selection by lot for certain committee positions.

·  Sabha/Mahasabha – assembly of Brahmadeya villages

1. Therefore, among the given choices, village assemblies is the most distinctive feature associated with the Chola age.
2. The Cholas certainly fought the Rashtrakutas and other powers, but this was not what the Chola age is most famous for.
3.  Cholas had extensive maritime trade and military activity involving Sri Lanka (Ceylon), but this is not the defining feature asked here.

The Chola period was also a major phase of Tamil literary, religious, architectural and cultural development, but village self-government is the distinctive feature tested by this question.

Q.3 The ‘Dakshinamurti’ idol of Shiva depicts him in which form? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013)

(a) Teacher (b) Dancing (c) Reclining (d) Meditating

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Dakshinamurti is the form of Shiva as the divine teacher/guru. He is traditionally depicted seated beneath a banyan tree, imparting knowledge to sages.

·  Important Shiva forms for exams:

Q.4 Who among the following Chola rulers is credited to have built a huge artificial lake known as Chola Gangam? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

(a) Rajaraja-I (b) Rajendra (c) Rajdhiraja (d) Rajaraja-II

Ans. (b)

Exp:

·  Chola Gangam (also called Chola Gangam/Chola Gangai) was a huge artificial irrigation reservoir constructed by Rajendra Chola I.

·  Rajendra Chola I (c. 1014–1044 CE) established his new capital at Gangaikondacholapuram after his northern expedition and victory over rulers in the Ganga region.

·  To commemorate his Ganga expedition, he brought Ganga water and had a large artificial reservoir constructed near the new capital. It became known as Chola Gangam. It served an important irrigation and water-management function.

·  Rajaraja-I — The great builder of the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur; father of Rajendra-I. He did not build Chola Gangam.

·  Rajadhiraja-I— Son and successor of Rajendra-I; famous for his military campaigns, particularly against the Western Chalukyas.

·  Rajaraja-II — Later Chola ruler, famous for the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.

Q.5 Arrange the following temples in chronological order and select the correct answer from the codes given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)

I. Brihadishwar temple II. Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple

III. Shore temple of Mahabalipuram IV. Sapt pagoda

Codes :

(a) I, II, IV, III (b) II, I, III, IV (c) III, II, I, IV (d) IV, III, I, II

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. The key is to distinguish the Sapt Pagoda/Seven Pagodas tradition from the Shore Temple.

1. Sapt Pagoda — Associated with the Pallava monuments of Mahabalipuram and traditionally placed in the 7th century CE.
2. Shore Temple — Built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), around the early 8th century CE. It is one of the earliest major structural stone temples of South India.
3.  Brihadishwar Temple — Built at Thanjavur by Rajaraja Chola I, completed around 1010 CE. It is one of the greatest achievements of Chola architecture.
4. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple — Built by Rajendra Chola I after his northern/Ganga expedition and establishment of Gangaikondacholapuram as his capital. It belongs to the period after Brihadishwar.

Therefore:

Sapt Pagoda → Shore Temple → Brihadishwar → Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Q.6 Name the Chola King who conquered the northern part of Sri Lanka? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014)

(a) Rajaraja-I (b) Rajendra-I (c) Parantaka-I (d) Aditya-I

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Rajaraja Chola I (c. 985–1014 CE) launched the Chola conquest of Sri Lanka and conquered its northern part around 993 CE. He incorporated the northern region into the Chola Empire and renamed the province Mummadisola Mandalam. His son Rajendra Chola I subsequently expanded Chola control further into Sri Lanka and completed the conquest of the island.
2. Rajendra-I — He completed/extended the conquest of Sri Lanka after his father's initial conquest; therefore, for this particular UPPCS question, Rajaraja-I is the answer.
3. Parantaka-I — He also fought in Sri Lanka, but did not establish the Chola conquest of northern Sri Lanka referred to in this question.
4. Aditya-I — His major achievements were in Tamil Nadu, particularly the defeat of the Pallavas and expansion of Chola power there.

Q.7 Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R): (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020)

Assertion (A) : We have much more information about Cholas than their predecessors.

Reason (R) : The Chola rulers adopted the practice of having inscriptions written on the walls of temples giving a historical narrative of their victories.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below.

Code :

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(c) (A) is true but (R) is false

(d) (A) is false but (R) is true

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. We possess far more detailed historical information about the Cholas than about many of their predecessors. A major reason is the large number of Chola inscriptions, particularly temple inscriptions. These provide information about: Kings and their reigns, Military conquests, Land grants and taxation, Village administration, Temple management, Social and economic conditions.
2. Chola rulers extensively recorded their achievements and administrative orders through inscriptions on temple walls and other stone surfaces. A famous example is the inscriptions of Rajaraja I in the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, which provide exceptionally detailed information about his reign, conquests, temple administration, land assignments, and donations.

Q.8 Who was the Chola monarch who gave complete freedom to Sri Lanka and got his daughter married to the Sinhala Prince? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012)

(a) Kulottunga I (b) Rajendra (c) Adhirajendra (d) Rajadhiraj I

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Kulottunga Chola I (c. 1070–1122 CE) followed a comparatively conciliatory policy towards Sri Lanka and abandoned the earlier Chola policy of direct control over the island, allowing the Sinhala kingdom greater independence.
2. The question also refers to a dynastic marriage alliance between his daughter and a Sinhala prince, reflecting his more diplomatic approach towards Sri Lanka.
3. This marked a shift from the military expansion and direct control pursued by earlier Chola rulers such as Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.

Q.9 In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: (UPSC - 2016)

Term           Description

Eripatti :    Land, revenue from which was

                          set apart for the maintenance of

                          the village tank

Taniyurs :        Villages donated to a single

                          Brahmin or a group of Brahmins

Ghatikas :   Colleges generally attached to

                          the temples

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

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. Eripatti means tank land. It referred to land whose revenue was specifically earmarked for the maintenance and repair of the village irrigation tank (eri).
2. Taniyur was a large village/settlement that received a separate administrative/revenue status under the Cholas. It was not the generic term for villages donated to Brahmins. Villages/land donated to one or more Brahmins were known as Brahmadeya (or Agrahara).
3. Ghatikas were centres of higher/Vedic learning, generally associated with or attached to temples in South India. Kanchipuram was an important centre of Ghatika learning.

Q.10 Which of the following institutions belonged to foreign trade? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018)

(a) Sreni (b) Nagaram (c) Nanadesis (d) Manigrama

Ans. (c & d)

Exp:

1. Both Nanadesis and Manigramam were merchant organizations associated with long-distance and overseas/foreign trade in medieval South India.
2. A Sreni was a guild or association of people following the same occupation—such as merchants, artisans or craftsmen. It was an important economic institution, but not specifically identified with foreign trade.
3. Nagaram was an organization associated with towns/urban commercial centres. It dealt with local commercial and administrative matters rather than being specifically a foreign-trade guild.
4. The Nanadesis were itinerant/long-distance merchants. The name is associated with traders operating across different regions/countries (nana-desha = different lands). They participated in long-distance and overseas commerce.
5. Manigramam was another powerful merchant guild of South India. Its merchants participated in both inland and overseas trade, including commerce with regions across the Indian Ocean.
6. Important distinction:

Q.11 The Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa finds a mention in – (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013)

(a) Aihole inscription of Pulakesin-II

(b) Gwalior inscription of Mihir Bhoja

(c) Karamdanda Sivalinga inscription of Kumargupta-I

(d) Mathura Pillar inscription of Chandragupta-II

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1.   The Aihole inscription (634 CE) of Pulakesin II, composed by his court poet Ravikirti, mentions Kalidasa among renowned Sanskrit poets. It compares Ravikirti's poetic ability with that of Kalidasa and Bharavi.
2. Gwalior inscription of Mihir Bhoja:
3. This inscription is associated with the Pratihara ruler Mihira Bhoja and does not provide the relevant reference to Kalidasa.
4. Karamdanda Sivalinga inscription of Kumaragupta-I:
5. It is a Gupta-period inscription concerning a Shiva temple/linga and does not contain the famous reference to Kalidasa.
6.  Mathura Pillar inscription of Chandragupta-II:
7. This is an important Gupta inscription, but it is not the inscription in which Kalidasa is mentioned.

Q.12 In Sangam Literature ‘Tolkappiyam’ is a text of – (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014)

(a) Tamil poetry (b) Tamil grammar (c) Tamil architecture (d) Tamil polity

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Tolkappiyam is the earliest extant Tamil grammatical work and is traditionally attributed to Tolkappiyar. 
2. It deals not only with grammar but also with phonetics, morphology, syntax, literary conventions and aspects of Tamil society and culture.

Q.13 Match items of List-I with those of List-II and select your correct answer from the codes given below in the lists : (U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014)

List-I               List-II

A. Thirukural       1. Love Story

B. Tolkappiyam    2. Philosophy

C. Silapadikaram   3. Merchant Story

D. Manimekalai    4. Grammar

Code :

 A B C D

(a) 1 2 4 3

(b) 2 3 4 1

(c) 4 2 3 1

(d) 2 4 1 3

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1.  Thirukural → Philosophy :
2. The Tirukkural of Tiruvalluvar is a classic Tamil work dealing with ethics, morality, virtue, wealth and love. In the context of this question, it is classified under philosophy.
3.  Tolkappiyam → Grammar :
4. Tolkappiyam is the earliest extant Tamil grammar and poetics work, traditionally attributed to Tolkappiyar.
5.  Silapadikaram → Love Story :
6. Silapadikaram ("The Tale of an Anklet") is a Tamil epic traditionally attributed to Ilango Adigal. Its central narrative revolves around Kovalan and Kannagi, making the love/marital relationship an important part of the story.
7. Manimekalai → Merchant Story :
8. Manimekalai, attributed to Sattanar, is a Buddhist Tamil epic and is closely connected with the merchant community and the story of Manimekalai, daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi.

Q.14 Amphora Jar is a – (U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014)

(a) Perforated jar (b) Tall double handle jar (c) Painted grey jar (d) Black and red ware jar

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. An amphora is a characteristic tall, narrow vessel with two handles, generally extending from the shoulder to the neck. In ancient Mediterranean trade, amphorae were commonly used to store and transport liquids and other commodities, such as wine and olive oil. In the context of Indian archaeology, the presence of amphora fragments is important evidence of Indo-Roman/Mediterranean trade, particularly at sites associated with ancient overseas commerce.
2. Perforated jar — A perforated vessel has holes and belongs to a different category of archaeological pottery.
3. Painted Grey Ware — PGW is a distinctive archaeological ceramic tradition of the Iron Age, especially associated with northwestern/northern India; it is not a type of amphora.
4. Black and Red Ware — BRW is another Indian ceramic tradition characterized by its black-and-red coloration; it is not synonymous with amphora.

Q.15 With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: (UPSC - 2016)

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.

2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were religious figures who emphasized monotheism, devotion and personal spiritual experience. They criticised ritualism and idolatry and opposed many orthodox religious practices.
2.  The Lingayats of the Kannada region, associated particularly with Basavanna and the 12th-century Bhakti movement, challenged established social and religious conventions. They:

·  Rejected caste hierarchy

·  Opposed Brahmanical ritual dominance

·  Questioned the conventional theory of rebirth

·  Emphasized devotion to Shiva/Linga and individual spiritual attainment.

Q.16 Match List- I with List- II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019)

List- I       List- II

(Ruling     (Capitals)

Dynasties)

A. Pallava   1. Warangal

B. Pandya  2. Kanchi

C. Yadava   3. Madura

D. Kaktiya   4. Devagiri

Code :

    A B C D

(a) 2 1 4 3

(b) 2 3 4 1

(c) 1 2 3 4

(d) 2 4 3 1

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1.  Pallava → Kanchi
2. Capital: Kanchipuram (Kanchi) in present-day Tamil Nadu.
3. Famous rulers: Mahendravarman I, Narasimhavarman I, Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
4. Major monuments: Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram.
5. Pandya → Madura/Madurai
6. Capital: Madurai.
7. The Pandyas were an important Tamil dynasty and were closely associated with the Sangam tradition.
8. Yadava → Devagiri
9. Capital: Devagiri (Daulatabad) in present-day Maharashtra.
10. Important ruler: Singhana II.
11. The Yadavas are also called the Seuna dynasty.
12. Kakatiya → Warangal
13. Capital: Warangal (initially Hanamkonda was an important centre).
14. Important rulers: Ganapatideva, Rudramadevi and Prataparudra II.

Q.17 Consider the following events in the history of India : (UPSC - 2020)

1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja

2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I

3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka - I

4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

(a) 2 - 1 - 4 - 3

(b) 3 - 1 - 4 - 2

(c) 2 - 4 - 1 - 3

(d) 3 - 4 - 1 – 2

Ans (c)

Exp:

1.  Mahendravarman I — earliest :
2. Mahendravarman I was a major Pallava ruler of the early 7th century, generally dated around 600–630 CE.
3. Gopala — second :
4. Gopala founded the Pala dynasty in Bengal around the mid-8th century, traditionally associated with his election during a period of disorder.
5. Mihira Bhoja — third :
6. Mihira Bhoja (Bhoja I) was the great Gurjara-Pratihara ruler, reigning approximately 836–885 CE. His reign represents the height of Pratihara power.
7. Parantaka I — latest :
8. Parantaka I ruled approximately 907–955 CE, making him later than Mihira Bhoja.

Q.18 Which of the following Sangam ports were situated on the western coast? Select the correct answer from the code given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2012)

1. Korkai 2. Puhar 3. Tondi 4. Mushiri

Code :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 4 and 1 only

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Korkai — Eastern/Southeastern coast: Korkai was an important Pandyan port, situated near the Gulf of Mannar in southern Tamil Nadu. It was famous particularly for pearl fishing.
2. Puhar — Eastern coast: Puhar, also known as Kaveripattinam, was an important Chola port at the mouth of the Kaveri on the Bay of Bengal.
3. Tondi — Western coast: Tondi was a significant port associated with the Chera region and was located on the western/Malabar coast.
4.  Mushiri (Muziris) — Western coast: Muziris (Muchiri/Mushiri) was one of the most important Chera ports on the Malabar coast. It had extensive trade with the Roman world, particularly in pepper and other commodities.

Q.19 Who of the following Chinese travellers has given an account of the relationship of China with India during the reign of Chalukyas? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2014)

(a) Fa-Hien (b) Hiuen-Tsang (c) It-Sing (d) Matwalin

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. Matwalin (Wang Hiuen-tse / Wang Xuance) was a Chinese envoy and traveller of the 7th century CE who undertook diplomatic missions to India on behalf of the Tang emperor. His accounts provide information on the political and diplomatic relations between China and India, including the period of the Chalukyas and Harshavardhana. Hence, for this particular UPPCS question, (d) Matwalin is the expected answer.
2. Fa-Hien:
3. He visited India around 399–414 CE during the reign of Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty. He therefore predates the major Chalukya period and is not the traveller referred to in the question.
4. Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang):
5. He visited the Chalukya kingdom during the reign of Pulakeshin II and provides valuable information about the Chalukya kingdom, its ruler and contemporary India. However, this particular UPPCS question is keyed to Matwalin, as it focuses specifically on China–India political and diplomatic relations rather than simply an account of the Chalukya kingdom.
6. I-Tsing (Yijing):
7. He travelled to India mainly during the late 7th century CE (c. 671–695 CE). His account is particularly valuable for information on Buddhist monasteries, education and Buddhist practices, especially Nalanda. He is therefore not the traveller intended in this question.

Q.20 Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems? (UPSC - 2023)

(a) Kings employing women bodyguards

(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters

(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals

(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

Ans: (d)

Exp:

1.  Vatakkiruttal (Vattakirutal) was a Tamil practice of fasting unto death, traditionally associated with a defeated king or warrior, often undertaken to preserve honour.
2. The person sat facing north and gradually starved himself to death. The practice is mentioned in Sangam literature.
3. The term Vatakkiruttal literally refers to “sitting/facing north”, with vatakku meaning north.
4. It could be undertaken individually or accompanied by loyal supporters.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.21 With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as (UPSC - 2023)

(a) capital cities

(b) ports

(c) centers of iron-and-steel making

(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

Ans: (b)

Exp:

1. Korkai was an important Pandyan port located near the Tamiraparani River in present-day Tamil Nadu, close to the Gulf of Mannar. It was particularly famous for its pearl fishery and maritime trade. Korkai is also mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
2. Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam) was an important Chola port located near the mouth of the Kaveri River on the Coromandel Coast. It was a major centre of maritime trade during the early historic period.
3. Muchiri (Muziris) was an important Chera port on the Malabar Coast of present-day Kerala. It was a major centre of overseas trade, particularly with the Roman world. Pattanam in Kerala is widely considered a possible archaeological site associated with ancient Muziris, although the identification is not absolutely certain.
4. Thus, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were important ancient ports associated respectively with the Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.22 Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? (UPSC - 2022)

(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.

(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.

(c) Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.

(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

Ans: (b)

Exp:

·   The corpus of poems known as Sangam literature was produced over six centuries, from around 300 BCE to 300 CE, by Tamils from very diverse social backgrounds. These works provide insight into early Tamil culture and into trade relations (hence, not devoid of material culture). Hence, option (a) is incorrect.

·   Sangam poems are concerned with two main topics: one, Akam (love) and two, Puram (heroism and praise of kings). Hence, dealing with warrior ethics. Hence, option (c) is not correct.

·   Sangam literature believed in Annaku, which referred to magical forces. Certain groups were assigned the duties of ritualistic singing, dancing. Hence, option (d) is not correct.

·   Sangam literature is not the product of a particular social or religious group nor was it sponsored as a court literature by a ruling elite. These poems were composed by princes, chieftains, peasants, merchants, potters, smiths, carpenters etc. implying that social classification of varna was known. Hence, option (b) is correct.

·   Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.23 Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched ? (UPSC - 2026)

1. Senguttuvan : Chera

2. Udiyanjeral : Chola

3. Nedunjeliyan : Pandya

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Senguttuvan, also known as Chera Senguttuvan, was a prominent ruler of the Chera dynasty. He is prominently featured in the Tamil epic Silappadikaram and is associated with the establishment/celebration of the Pattini (Kannagi) cult. Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
2. Udiyanjeral (Utiyan Cheralathan) was an early Chera ruler, not a Chola ruler. He is mentioned in Sangam literature, including Purananuru. Hence, Pair 2 is incorrectly matched.
3. Nedunjeliyan was the name of Pandya rulers mentioned in Sangam literature. A famous Nedunjeliyan is associated with Madurai and the Silappadikaram episode involving Kovalan and Kannagi. Hence, Pair 3 is correctly matched.

Therefore, only Pair 2 is incorrectly matched, making option (b) the correct answer.

Q.24 Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands? (UPSC - 2025)

(a) Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)

(b) Prataparudra (Kakatiya)

(c) Rajendra I (Chola)

(d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

Ans. (c)

Exp:

·   Rajendra Chola I (c. 1014–1044 CE) led a successful naval expedition against Srivijaya in Southeast Asia around 1025 CE.

·   The Srivijaya Empire was a powerful maritime kingdom centred in Sumatra, controlling important trade routes through the Straits of Malacca and influencing parts of the Malay Peninsula and Java.

·   Rajendra I's expedition attacked several Srivijayan centres. The Tanjore inscription records his victories over places including: Kadaram (Kedah), Pannai, Malaiyur, Srivijaya, Ilamuridesam, Manakkavaram. The campaign demonstrated the naval strength of the Cholas and their interest in controlling/maintaining access to the lucrative maritime trade routes of Southeast Asia.

·   Amoghavarsha I was a major Rashtrakuta ruler, but he is not associated with the Chola-style naval expedition against Srivijaya.

·   Prataparudra II was a later Kakatiya ruler of the Deccan. He did not conduct the famous expedition against Srivijaya.

·   Vishnuvardhana was an important Hoysala ruler known for expansion in southern India and temple patronage, but not for the Srivijaya expedition.

Q.25 Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles ‘Mattavilasa’, ‘Vichitrachitta’ and ‘Gunabhara’? (UPSC - 2025)

(a) Mahendravarman I (b) Simhavishnu (c) Narasimhavarman I (d) Simhavarman

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1.  Mahendravarman I, the Pallava ruler (c. 600–630 CE), was known by several titles, including:

·  Mattavilasa / Mattavilasa

·  Vichitrachitta — “the curious/extraordinary-minded one”

·  Gunabhara — “full of virtues”

1. He was not only a ruler but also a scholar, musician, architect and patron of the arts and associated with the early development of rock-cut architecture in the Pallava kingdom.
2. Simhavishnu was Mahendravarman I's father and an important Pallava ruler who expanded Pallava power southward. The specific titles in the question are associated with Mahendravarman I.
3. Narasimhavarman I was the son and successor of Mahendravarman I. He is famous for: “Mamalla” → Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram and for defeating the Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II and capturing Vatapi.
4. Simhavarman refers to several Pallava rulers, but the three titles mentioned in the question are not the characteristic titles of the ruler intended here.

Hence, option (a)Mahendravarman is correct.