History of South India MCQ: Chola Dynasty's Founding, the Brihadeeshwara Temple & Vijayanagara

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Who among the following laid the foundation of the Chola Empire in the IXth century A.D.?

   • A.Krishna-I
   • B.Rajaraja Chola
   • C.Vijayalaya✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Parantaka

   Explanation: The Chola dynasty was established by Vijayalaya (850-871 AD) in the 9th century, marking the rise of the Medieval Cholas.

2. Q2.Which one of the following temple complexes has a massive statue of Nandi, considered to be the biggest in India?

   • A.Brihadeeshwara Temple✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Lingaraja Temple
   • C.Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
   • D.Lepakshi Temple

   Explanation: The Brihadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur has a gigantic Nandi carved out of a single rock, situated in the exterior of the sacrarium.

3. Q3.The Brihadeeshwara Temple of Thanjavur was built during the reign of which Chola emperor?

   • A.Parantaka-I
   • B.Rajaraja-I✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Rajendra-I
   • D.Rajadhiraja-I

   Explanation: Brihadeeshwara temple is an excellent piece of Dravidian style architecture constructed in the reign of Rajaraja-I.

4. Q4.Which of the following was a special feature of Chola administration?

   • A.Division of empire into mandalam
   • B.Autonomy of village administration✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Full powers to Ministers of State
   • D.Cheap and proper tax collection method

   Explanation: A special feature of the Chola dynasty was the autonomy of village administration, which was very systematic and well developed.

5. Q5.Details regarding the village administration under the Cholas are provided by the inscription at:

   • A.Thanjavur
   • B.Uraiyur
   • C.Kanchipuram
   • D.Uttaramerur✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: A detailed description of the working system of the village assembly in Chola administration has been archived from the Uttaramerur inscription.

6. Q6.During the rule of the Chola Kings, which of the following Variyams looked after garden administration?

   • A.Pan Variyam
   • B.Eri Variyam
   • C.Thotta Variyam✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Samvatsara Variyam

   Explanation: Thotta Variyam looked after the Horticulture Board (garden administration) in the Chola village system.

7. Q7.Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with how many hands?

   • A.Eight hands
   • B.Six hands
   • C.Four hands✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Two hands

   Explanation: Most elegant idols of Nataraja (Shiva) found from the Chola period are invariably four-handed.

8. Q8.The 'Dakshinamurti' idol of Shiva depicts him in which form?

   • A.Teacher✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Dancing
   • C.Reclining
   • D.Meditating

   Explanation: The Dakshinamurti idol of Shiva depicts him as a mentor (Guru or Teacher) providing knowledge to his devotees.

9. Q9.In whose tenure were 72 traders sent to China?

   • A.Kulottunga-I✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Rajendra-I
   • C.Rajaraja-I
   • D.Rajadhiraja-I

   Explanation: During the reign of Chola ruler Kulottunga-I in 1077 AD, a Chola delegation of 72 merchants was sent to China.

10. Q10.Which of the following South Indian states was famous for its naval power?

    • A.Chola✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Chera
    • C.Pallava
    • D.Rashtrakuta

    Explanation: Chola Kings maintained massive consolidated troops with a proficient naval power wing used for conquests of Ceylon and Srivijaya.

11. Q11.The kingdom of Vijayanagara was founded by:

    • A.Vijay Raya
    • B.Harihara-II
    • C.Harihara and Bukka✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Bukka-II

    Explanation: The Vijayanagara empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336 AD. This dynasty is known as Sangama Dynasty.

12. Q12.Who among the following assumed the title of 'Andhra Bhoj'?

    • A.Devaraya II
    • B.Krishnadeva Raya✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Harihara II
    • D.Vira Narasimha

    Explanation: Krishnadeva Raya assumed the title of 'Andhra Bhoj' due to his patronage of literature and arts.

13. Q13.The 'Ashtadiggajas' were associated with the court of which ruler?

    • A.Shivaji
    • B.Krishnadeva Raya✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Rajendra I
    • D.Harshavardhana

    Explanation: Eight Telugu poets in the court of Krishnadeva Raya were regarded as the eight pillars of his literary assembly and known as Ashtadiggajas.

14. Q14.The famous battle of Talikota was fought in which year?

    • A.1565 AD✓ Correct Answer
    • B.1575 AD
    • C.1585 AD
    • D.1555 AD

    Explanation: In the famous Battle of Talikota, the combined forces of Bahamani states defeated Vijayanagara in January 1565 AD.

15. Q15.Who was the author of the Telugu work 'Amuktamalyada'?

    • A.Harihara
    • B.Bukka
    • C.Krishnadeva Raya✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Devaraya II

    Explanation: Krishnadeva Raya himself was a poet and writer. His main composition 'Amuktamalyada' is one of the five epics of Telugu language.

16. Q16.Simuka was the founder of which of the following dynasties?

    • A.Chera
    • B.Chola
    • C.Pandya
    • D.Satavahana✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: According to the Puranas, Simuka (or Sindhuk/Shiprak) established the Satavahana dynasty.

17. Q17.The capital of the Satavahanas was located at:

    • A.Amravati
    • B.Nanded
    • C.Paithan✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Durg

    Explanation: The actual capital of Satavahanas was located at Paithan or Pratisthan, although their initial capital is believed to be Amravati.

18. Q18.For which of the following rulers 'Ekabrahmana' has been used?

    • A.Pushyamitra Shunga
    • B.Kharavela
    • C.Gautamiputra Shatakarni✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Susharman

    Explanation: In the Nashik inscription, Gautamiputra Shatakarni is called 'Ekabrahmana', interpreted as 'unrivalled Brahmana'.

19. Q19.Who is the author of the Tamil epic 'Silappadikaram'?

    • A.Tiruvalluvar
    • B.Ilango Adigal✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Kamban
    • D.Sattanar

    Explanation: The author of Tamil Literature Silappadikaram was Ilango Adigal, the grandson of Chola King Karikal.

20. Q20.The capital of the Hoysala dynasty was Dwarasamudra, which is currently known as:

    • A.Sringeri
    • B.Belur
    • C.Halebid✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Somnathpur

    Explanation: The present name of the Dwarasamudra, the capital of the Hoysala Dynasty, is Halebid which is in Hassan district of Karnataka.