Sangam Age MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Sangam Age - Download Free PDF

Key Points

❌ Statement 1: Incorrect

• Senguttuvan, also known as the Red Chera or Good Chera, was the most prominent ruler of the Chera dynasty during the 2nd century AD.
• He introduced the Pattini cult, a tradition that worshipped Kannagi as the ideal wife, symbolizing chastity and virtue.
• Senguttuvan is also credited as the first South Indian ruler to send an embassy to China, showing the Chera involvement in diplomatic and trade relations beyond India.
• His military conquests, including a campaign to the Himalayas, are documented in the Tamil epic Silappatikaram.

• Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

❌ Statement 2: Incorrect

• Karikala was not a Pandya but a famous king of the Sangam-era Cholas.
• He ruled over Cholamandalam, with Uraiyur as the capital and Puhar (Kaveripattinam) as the port city.
• Karikala is known for constructing 160 km of embankments along the Kaveri River, a remarkable achievement in ancient civil engineering.
• He also had a strong navy and defeated a confederacy of Cheras, Pandyas, and minor chieftains in the Battle of Venni.
• The misattribution of Karikala to the Pandya dynasty makes this statement factually incorrect.

❌ Statement 3: Incorrect

• The Pandyas ruled from Madurai, a major political and cultural center in the Sangam Age.
• Their main port was Korkai, famous for pearl fishery and chank diving.
• They were patrons of the Tamil Sangams—literary academies that compiled classical Tamil poetry.
• The Pandyas were deeply involved in trade, particularly pearl trade, and also adopted Vedic rituals while patronizing Brahmin priests.
• Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

The correct answer is - Kulottunga

Key Points

• Kulottunga was a prominent ruler of the Chola dynasty.
  • In 1077 CE, Kulottunga sent a delegation of 72 traders to China.
  • This act highlights the Chola dynasty's strong emphasis on trade and international relations.
  • The Cholas maintained extensive trade links with regions such as Southeast Asia and China.
• The delegation to China was significant for fostering economic ties and promoting the exchange of goods and culture.
• Under Kulottunga, the Chola Empire was known for its strong commercial activities and maritime prowess.

Additional Information

• Chola Dynasty and Trade
  • The Chola Empire was known for its extensive maritime trade, which extended to Southeast Asia, China, and the Indian Ocean regions.
  • The empire built strong trade networks that facilitated the exchange of goods such as spices, precious metals, and textiles.
• Kulottunga's Reign
  • Kulottunga ruled during the 11th and 12th centuries and is considered one of the most successful Chola rulers.
  • He focused on administrative reforms, economic prosperity, and strengthening the empire's commercial network.
• Chola-China Relations
  • Diplomatic missions and trade delegations were common between the Cholas and China.
  • These interactions underscore the strategic importance of the Chola dynasty in fostering international cooperation and economic growth.

The correct answer is - Pandyas

Key Points

• Purananuru
  • The Purananuru is a classical Tamil text, part of the Sangam literature, which dates back to 300 BCE–300 CE.
  • This anthology provides historical insights into ancient Tamil kingdoms, including the Pandya, Chera, and Chola dynasties.
  • It contains poems written by various poets that describe the political, social, and cultural environment of the Sangam era.
• Pandyas
  • The Pandya dynasty is one of the prominent Tamil dynasties mentioned extensively in the Purananuru.
  • The text highlights the valor, administrative practices, and territory of the Pandya kings.
  • It also provides details about their patronage of literature and arts, as well as their contributions to Tamil culture.

Additional Information

• Sangam Literature
  • The Sangam literature is an important source of historical information on early Tamil civilization.
  • It consists of eight anthologies, including the Purananuru, Akananuru, and Kurunthogai, among others.
  • These texts document the life, culture, and political structure of the Sangam age.
• Other Dynasties Mentioned
  • Besides the Pandyas, the Chera and Chola dynasties are also extensively mentioned in Sangam literature.
  • These kingdoms are noted for their contributions to trade, architecture, and cultural development during the Sangam period.
• Historical Relevance
  • The Purananuru is considered a valuable source for understanding the political alliances and conflicts among Tamil dynasties.
  • It provides insights into the economic systems, including references to trade routes and foreign connections.

The correct answer is - Gift of revenue free villages to Brahmin priests

Key Points

• Brahmatayam
  • In Sangam literature, "Brahmatayam" refers specifically to the practice of gifting revenue-free villages to Brahmin priests.
  • This was a way to honor and support Brahmins, who were considered custodians of religious and ritualistic knowledge.
  • Such villages were exempted from taxes, allowing Brahmins to focus on their religious duties and rituals without economic burdens.
• Historical Context
  • The tradition of gifting villages to Brahmins was prevalent in ancient Tamil society, as depicted in Sangam literature.
  • It was a form of patronage by kings or wealthy individuals, reflecting the integration of religion with governance and society.

Additional Information

• Sangam Literature
  • Sangam literature is an important body of ancient Tamil literature, composed between 300 BCE and 300 CE.
  • It provides insights into the social, political, and economic conditions of the Tamil region during the Sangam period.
  • The texts highlight the significance of religion, rituals, and cultural practices in shaping societal norms.
• Brahmin Priests
  • Brahmins were considered the custodians of Vedic knowledge and rituals, playing a central role in maintaining religious order.
  • Gifting villages to Brahmins ensured their economic stability and allowed them to dedicate their lives to religious and scholarly pursuits.
• Revenue-Free Villages
  • Revenue-free villages were exempted from state taxes, making them economically self-sufficient.
  • This system highlights the importance of patronage in ancient Indian society, particularly for religious and scholarly communities.

The correct answer is Tamil.

Key Points

• Tolkappiyam was written by Tolkappiyar in Tamil.
  • It is a work on Tamil Grammar.
  • It also gives an idea of the Political and Social scenario at that time.
  • The Tamil language was used in the Sangam Literature.
• Important works in the Sanskrit language are Vedas, Panchtantra, Rajatrangini, and Priyadarsika.

The correct answer is Tamil.

Key Points

• Tolkappiyam was written by Tolkappiyar in Tamil.
  • It is a work on Tamil Grammar.
  • It also gives an idea of the Political and Social scenario at that time.
  • The Tamil language was used in the Sangam Literature.
• Important works in the Sanskrit language are Vedas, Panchtantra, Rajatrangini, and Priyadarsika.

The correct answer is Sangama Dynasty.

Key Points

• Vijayanagara was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka of the Sangama dynasty. On the south bank of the Tungabhadra river, they founded a new city named Vijayanagara.

Additional Information Vijayanagar Dynasties:

The correct answer is three chiefs.

Key Points

• The Sangam poems mentioned the Muvendar.
• This is a Tamil word meaning three chiefs, used for the needs of three ruling families, The Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas who became powerful in south India around 2300 years ago.
• Many poets whose compositions are found in the Sangam collection composed poems in praise of chiefs who often rewarded them with precious stones, gold, horses, elephants, chariots and fine cloth.

Additional Information

• Dhamma mahamatta was the officer appointed by Ashoka. They used to go from place to place teaching people about dhamma.
• During the Mughal reign, panchayats were headed by headmen known as Muqaddam.
• The chief function of the Headmen was to supervise the preparation of village accounts, 
• The Sangam Age was the period of the history of ancient south India and Sri Lanka spanning from the 1st to 3rd Century AD.
• Three early kingdoms of the Sangam period were The Chola , The Cheras and The Pandya.
• Cheras:
  • Vanji was the capital of the Cheras Kingdom.
  • The scripts and inscriptions were written in the Malayalam language.
• Cholas:
  • Known as Imperial Cholas of Tanjore.
  • The founder of the Chola Dynasty was Vijayalaya who was at first a feudatory of Pallavas.
• Pandyas:
  • The Pandyas ruled present-day Southern Tamil Nadu.
  • The Pandya kings patronized Tamil poets and scholars.

The correct answer is Madurai.

Key Points

• The Sangam assemblies were held in Madura city.
  • The period roughly between the 3^rd century B.C. and 3^rd century A.D. in South India (the area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra) is known as Sangam Period.
  • It has been named after the Sangam academies held during that period that flourished under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.
• At the Sangams, eminent scholars assembled and functioned as the board of censors and the choicest literature was rendered in the nature of anthologies.
• These literary works were the earliest specimens of Dravidian literature.

Additional Information

• According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam.
  • ​The First Sangam is believed to be held at Madurai, attended by gods and legendary sages.
    • No literary work of this Sangam is available.
  • The second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives from this.
  • The Third Sangam was also held at Madurai.
• A few of these Tamil literary works have survived and are useful sources to reconstruct the history of the Sangam period.

The correct answer is Chola.

Key Points

• Thanjavur (Tanjore) served as the Cholas' capital. The Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya.
• Within the eighth century, he overthrew the Pallavas, seized control of the Tanjore kingdom, and paved the way for the foundation of the powerful Chola kingdom.
• Tanjore was thus designated as the principal capital of the illustrious Chola Empire.
• Tanjore is situated in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta. Later, it took the name Thanjavur.
• It is a well-known location for South Indian architecture, art, and religion.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1(B), 2(C), 3(A).

Key Points
Cholas

• They ruled in the central and northern parts of Tamil Nadu. (Cholamandalam)
• Their capital was Uraiyur (near Tiruchirapalli) 
  • Puhar (Kaviripattinam) was an alternative royal residence and chief port town.
• Emblem: Tiger
• They have an efficient Navy.
• King Karikala defeated the confederacy of Cheras, Pandyas, and eleven minor chieftains in the Battle of Venni.
• Trade and commerce flourished.

Cheras

• They controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.
• Vanji was their capital and the ports of the west coast, Musiri, and Tondi was under their control.
• Emblem: bow and arrow.
• The Cheras owed its importance to trade with the Romans.
• The greatest ruler of Cheras was Senguttuvan, the Red Chera, or the Good Chera.
  • Epic Silapathikaram has a mention of his achievements like his expedition to the Himalayas where he defeated many north Indian rulers.
  • Senguttuvan introduced the Pattini cult or the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife in Tamil Nadu.
  • He was the first to send an embassy to China from South India.

Pandyas

• The Pandyas ruled from Madurai.
• Korkai was their main port. 
• It was famous for pearl fishery and chank diving.
• Emblem: Fish.
• Trade was prosperous.
• Sati, caste, idol worship was common.
  • They adopted the Vedic religion of sacrifice and patronized Brahmin priests.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e. Pallavas.

• Pallavas is the dynasty which was not in power during the Sangam Age.
• During the Sangam Age,  three dynasties- the Cheras, the Cholas, and the Pandayas ruled.
• The main source of information about these kingdoms is traced from the literary references of the Sangam Period.
• Each of the dynasties of Sangam Age had a royal emblem- Tiger for the Cholas, Carp for the Pandayas and Bow for the Cheras.
• The famous king of Chera dynasty was Senguttuvan, Chola dynasty was Karikala, and Pandayas dynasty was Kadungon.

The correct answer is Rajendra Chola 3.

• Rajendra Chola 3 was the last ruler of the Chola dynasty.

Key Points

• The Chola dynasty was the greatest of all South Indian dynasties.
• Chola ruled maritime islands such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka, indicating that he had a highly skilled and vast naval power.
• Vijayalaya Chola is considered the founder of the Chola dynasty.
• Koluthunga Chola 3 commissioned the Kampameshwara temple at Tribhuvanam near Kumbakonam, which is considered a great specimen of Dravidian architecture.
• During the reign of Rajaraja Chola 3, the Cholas lost control of the southern territories of the Cauvery river and their power was also diminishing over the Vengi regions in the north.
• Rajendra Chola 3 was the last ruler of the Chola dynasty.

​Additional Information

The correct answer is Uzhavar.

Key Points

• In the Tamil region, ordinary Ploughmen were known as Uzhavar,
• The large landowners were known as Vellalar, and landless laborers, including slaves, were known as kadaisiyar and adimai.
• A Ploughmen is a man whose job is to Plough the land, especially with a Plough pulled by horses or oxen.
• Those who were self-employed farmers were known as Grihapatis and worked on lands of others as Dasas and Karamkara. 
• As Uzhavar was the food grain maker, they lived with reverence for themselves.
• Agriculture was primitive during the early stages in Sangam but eventually increased drainage, ploughing, manuring, storage, and distribution.
• The ancient Tamils were aware of the various types of soil, the crops which could be cultivated thereon, and the different irrigation schemes appropriate for a certain area.
• The King had not possessed much land, for the lands that he had granted the poets, brahmins, schools, hospitals, and temples were not the sole landlord.
• The farmers were primarily farmers with their own plots.
• They were the soil tillers and they were named - Ulutunbar or Yerinvalnar.
• The major vocation of the Tamils during the Sangam period, 500 BCE - 300 CE. This was seen as a requirement for life and was hence considered to be the most important of all occupations.
• The farmers or Uzhavar were at the top of the social list.
• Additional Information
• Grambhojaka:-
  • In the northern part of the country, the village headman is called GRAMBHOJAKA.
  • He is often known as the largest landowner.
  • He is powerful. Kings often used them to collect taxes from the villagers.
  • He sometimes functioned as a judge and sometimes as a policeman.
• Gahapatti (Pali form of Grahapati)

• They were wealthy and powerful landowners.
• The term Gahapatti occurs in Vedic literature in the sense of the head of a household.
• The Pali texts tend to use terms such as Gihi, Gahattha, and Ajjhavasati in this sense, and Gahapati (the Pali form of Grihapati) in a broader sense.
• Apart from being the head of a household, the Gahapati was also a wealthy property-owner and producer of wealth, associated especially with land and agriculture.
• According to the Anguttara Nikaya the society is often described as consisting of three strata—Khattiya, Brahmana, and Gahapati.
  • The Khattiya the powerful person same as King.
  • The Brahmana is associated with mantra and yanna (yajna).
  • The Gahapati is associated with kamma (work) and sippa (craft).

The correct answer is Cholas.Key Points

• The Chola king Karikala founded Puhar and constructed 160 km of the embankment along the Kaveri River.
• This was built with the labour of 12000 slaves from Sri Lanka.
• Puhar is a place identical to Kaveripattanam.
• It was the capital of Chola.
• Excavations show that it had a large dock and was a centre of trade and commerce.
• The port city of Puhar became an emporium of foreign trade, as big ships entered this port with precious goods.
• Other ports of commercial activity include Tondi, Musiri, Korkai, Arikkamedu, and Marakkanam.

Important Points

• Chola dynasty:
  • Vijayalaya was the founder of the Chola dynasty. His reign was from 850-870 CE.
  • Vijayalaya established the dynasty by taking advantage of the war between the Pandyas and Pallavas.
  • He conquered Thanjavur from Elango Mutharaiyar who was the final ruler of the Mutharaiyar dynasty.
  • With the help of the Muttaraiyar king, Sattan Paliyilli he established the dynasty in Tanjavur.
  • He was succeeded by his son Aditya I.
  • The Tiruvalangadu plates or the Tamil copper-plate inscriptions mention Vijayalaya's capture of Tanjavur city.