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Later Cholas and Pandyas — Exercise Solutions

<ClassBadge class="11" subject="History" board="TN State Board" />

Chapter: Later Cholas And Pandyas — Complete exercise solutions aligned with the Samacheer Kalvi textbook.

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1. How to Use This Page

This page provides complete, exam-focused solutions for the chapter Later Cholas And Pandyas from the Class 11 Tamil Nadu State Board History textbook.

Approach for best results:

Do not memorise answers blindly. Focus on understanding the reasoning — especially for MCQs and True or False. Board questions may rephrase the same concept differently.

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2. Key Concepts (Quick Recap)

Major Rulers of the Later Chola Dynasty

Chola Administration

Local Self-Government (Uttiramerur Inscription Details)

Key Temples of the Chola Period

The Pandyas

Chola Military and Navy

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3. I. Choose the Best Answer (MCQs)

Question 1

Who founded the Later Chola dynasty?

(A) Rajaraja I (B) Rajendra I (C) Vijayalaya (D) Aditya I

Vijayalaya captured Thanjavur from the Muttaraiyars around 850 CE, establishing the foundation of the Later Chola dynasty. Rajaraja I and Rajendra I came later and expanded the empire. Aditya I was Vijayalaya's son who further consolidated Chola power by defeating the Pallavas.

Question 2

Which Chola king built the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur?

(A) Rajendra I (B) Rajaraja I (C) Vijayalaya (D) Kulottunga I

The Brihadisvara temple (also called Rajarajesvaram) at Thanjavur was built by Rajaraja I (985–1014 CE). It is one of the grandest examples of Dravidian temple architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rajendra I built a similarly named temple at his new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, but the original Brihadisvara at Thanjavur is Rajaraja I's achievement.

Question 3

Where did Rajendra I establish his new capital?

(A) Thanjavur (B) Madurai (C) Gangaikonda Cholapuram (D) Uraiyur

After his victorious northern campaign that reached the river Ganga, Rajendra I built a new capital city called Gangaikonda Cholapuram (meaning "the city of the Chola who conquered the Ganga"). He also constructed a magnificent Shiva temple there, modelled on the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur.

Question 4

What does the Uttiramerur inscription primarily describe?

(A) The military conquests of Rajaraja I (B) The Chola system of local self-government (C) The construction of the Brihadisvara temple (D) The naval expeditions of Rajendra I

The Uttiramerur inscription, dating to the reign of Parantaka I (c. 10th century CE), provides a detailed account of how village assemblies (Sabha) functioned. It describes the kudavolai system of electing members, qualifications for candidates, the rotation system for committee membership, and the various committees handling water, justice, gardens, and charity. It is one of the most important sources for understanding local governance in ancient India.

Question 5

Which Pandya ruler is credited with reviving the Pandya dynasty after Kalabhra rule?

(A) Maravarman Rajendra (B) Sadaiyavarman Sundara Pandya (C) Kadungon (D) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya

Kadungon (late 6th century CE) is credited with reviving the Pandya dynasty by ending Kalabhra rule in the Madurai region. The Kalabhras had disrupted the traditional Tamil kingdoms for several centuries. Kadungon's revival re-established Pandya power with Madurai as the capital. The other rulers listed came much later during the medieval Pandya period.

Question 6

What was the most significant naval achievement of Rajendra I?

(A) Conquest of the Maldives (B) Expedition to Srivijaya (Sumatra) (C) Conquest of Sri Lanka (D) Trade treaty with China

While Rajendra I did conduct campaigns in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, his most significant naval achievement was the expedition against the Srivijaya empire in Southeast Asia (present-day Sumatra, Indonesia). This demonstrated the extraordinary reach of the Chola navy and secured Chola commercial interests in the lucrative Indian Ocean trade routes connecting India with China and Southeast Asia.

Question 7

The Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram was built by which Chola ruler?

(A) Rajaraja I (B) Rajendra I (C) Rajaraja II (D) Kulottunga I

The Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram (near Kumbakonam) was built by Rajaraja II (c. 1146–1173 CE). It is renowned for its intricate sculptures and the chariot-shaped mandapa (hall). Along with the Brihadisvara temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram, it forms part of the "Great Living Chola Temples" UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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4. II. Fill in the Blanks

1. Vijayalaya founded the Later Chola dynasty by capturing Thanjavur from the Muttaraiyars.

2. The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur was built by Rajaraja I and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

3. Rajendra I shifted his capital to Gangaikonda Cholapuram to commemorate his victory up to the river Ganga.

4. The Uttiramerur inscription provides detailed information about the Chola system of local self-government.

5. Kadungon revived the Pandya dynasty after the fall of the Kalabhras in the Madurai region.

6. The village assembly of Brahmin settlements in the Chola period was called the Sabha.

7. The non-Brahmin village assembly in the Chola period was called the Ur.

8. The Valanadu was a provincial administrative unit in the Chola empire.

9. Rajendra I sent a naval expedition against Srivijaya in Southeast Asia.

10. The kudavolai system was used for electing members to the village assembly through a lottery method.

11. The Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram was built by Rajaraja II.

12. Madurai was the capital of the Pandya kingdom.

13. Rajaraja I conquered the northern part of Sri Lanka (then called Ilangai).

14. A member of the Sabha had to be between 35 and 70 years of age to be eligible for election.

15. The Chola empire was divided into administrative units called Mandalam, Valanadu, and Nadu.

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5. III. True or False (with Corrections)

Statement 1

The Cholas possessed a powerful navy.

The Chola navy was one of the most formidable maritime forces in the Indian Ocean region. It enabled overseas expeditions, including Rajendra I's campaign against Srivijaya, and protected vital trade routes across the Bay of Bengal.

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Statement 2

Rajaraja I led the campaign that conquered the whole of Sri Lanka.

Correction: It was Rajendra I who led the major campaign to conquer the northern part of Sri Lanka during his reign. Rajaraja I had begun incursions into Sri Lanka, but it was Rajendra I who carried out the more extensive conquest. Neither king conquered the whole island — only the northern portion came under Chola control.

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Statement 3

The Uttiramerur inscription describes the Mauryan administration.

Correction: The Uttiramerur inscription describes the Chola system of local self-government, specifically the functioning of the Sabha (village assembly). It has no connection to Mauryan administration. The inscription dates to the 10th century CE, during the reign of Parantaka I, long after the Mauryan period.

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Statement 4

The Sabha members in the Chola period were elected for life.

Correction: Sabha members were elected for a term of one year only and could not be re-elected in consecutive terms. This rotation system ensured wide participation and prevented concentration of power. The Uttiramerur inscription explicitly details these term limits and the disqualification of members who had already served.

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Statement 5

Gangaikonda Cholapuram was the name of Rajendra I's new capital.

The name literally means "the city of the Chola who conquered the Ganga," commemorating Rajendra I's successful northern military campaign that reached the Ganges river. He built a grand Shiva temple at this capital, rivalling the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur.

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Statement 6

The Pandyas and the Cholas were always allied against common enemies.

Correction: The Pandyas and Cholas had a long-standing rivalry and fought numerous wars for control over southern Tamil Nadu. The Pandyas frequently allied with the Chalukyas or other powers against the Cholas. It was only after the decline of Chola power that the Pandyas regained full independence and became dominant in the south.

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Statement 7

The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, along with the Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram, together form the "Great Living Chola Temples" UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for their outstanding Dravidian architecture.

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6. IV. Match the Following

Match Column A with Column B

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Match the Term with its Meaning

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7. V. Answer Briefly (2-Mark Questions)

Q1. What does the Uttiramerur inscription tell us about Chola administration?

The Uttiramerur inscription, dating to the reign of Parantaka I (10th century CE), provides a detailed account of the Chola system of local self-government. It describes how the Sabha (village assembly) functioned — including the kudavolai system of electing members by lottery, the qualifications required for candidates (owning land, age 35–70, knowledge of Vedas, good character), and the disqualifications (having served in the previous term, having been punished by the assembly). It also outlines the various committees — such as the tank committee, garden committee, justice committee, and charity committee — each with rotating members serving one-year terms. The inscription is considered one of the most important sources for understanding democratic local governance in early medieval India.

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Q2. Describe Rajendra I's naval expeditions.

Rajendra I conducted one of the most remarkable naval campaigns in Indian history. His naval expedition to Srivijaya (present-day Sumatra, Indonesia) around 1025 CE demonstrated the extraordinary reach of Chola maritime power. The campaign targeted the Srivijaya empire, which controlled key trade routes in Southeast Asia. The Chola navy also conducted operations in the Maldives and played a crucial role in the conquest of northern Sri Lanka. These expeditions secured Chola commercial interests in the Indian Ocean trade, projected military power across the Bay of Bengal, and established the Cholas as a dominant maritime power. The naval achievements also facilitated cultural and trade connections between South India and Southeast Asia.

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Q3. What was the significance of the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur?

The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE, holds immense significance:

1. Architectural marvel — It features a massive vimana (tower) rising to about 66 metres, topped by a single monolithic cupola weighing approximately 80 tonnes, demonstrating extraordinary engineering skill. 2. Dravidian style — It represents the pinnacle of Dravidian temple architecture and set the template for later Chola temples. 3. Royal patronage — The temple complex includes extensive inscriptions recording Rajaraja I's donations, providing valuable historical and economic data. 4. Cultural centre — The temple served as a hub for dance, music, and learning, with provisions for dancers, musicians, and scholars. 5. UNESCO recognition — It is part of the "Great Living Chola Temples" UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its outstanding universal value.

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Q4. How did the Pandyas revive their power after the Chola period?

After centuries of Chola dominance over the southern Tamil region, the Pandyas revived their power in the 13th century CE as the Chola empire weakened. Key factors in the Pandya revival:

1. Leadership — Rulers like Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I and Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I led successful military campaigns against the declining Cholas. 2. Chola decline — The weakening of Chola central authority, internal succession disputes, and pressure from the Hoysalas created an opportunity for the Pandyas. 3. Territorial expansion — The Pandyas recaptured Madurai and extended their influence over large parts of southern Tamil Nadu and at times even into Chola territories. 4. Patronage — The revived Pandyas patronised temple building and literature, re-establishing Madurai as a major cultural and political centre. 5. Strategic alliances — The Pandyas formed alliances with other powers like the Hoysalas to counter Chola and later Chalukya influence.

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Q5. What was the kudavolai system of election?

The kudavolai system was the method of electing members to village assemblies (Sabha) in the Chola period, as described in the Uttiramerur inscription. Under this system:

• Eligible candidates who met the prescribed qualifications (age 35–70, owned land and a house, knowledge of Vedas, good character) would be nominated.
• Names of eligible candidates were written on palm-leaf tickets (kudam means "pot" and olai means "palm leaf").
• These tickets were placed in a pot, and a young person would draw out the required number of tickets in a public gathering.
• Those whose names were drawn became members of the Sabha for a one-year term.
• Members could not be re-elected to the same committee in consecutive terms, ensuring rotation and wider participation.

This lottery-based system prevented factionalism and ensured fair representation, and is considered an early form of democratic election in India.

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8. VI. Answer in Detail (5-Mark Questions)

Q1. Describe the Chola administration with special reference to local self-government.

The Chola administration was a well-organised system that combined a strong centralised monarchy with effective local self-government. This dual structure was one of the Cholas' most significant contributions to Indian polity.

Central Administration:

The Chola king was the supreme authority — commanding the military, administering justice, and overseeing revenue collection. The king was assisted by a council of ministers, and important officers called olainayakams (secretaries) managed various departments. The empire was divided into a hierarchical structure of Mandalams (provinces), Valanadus (sub-provinces), and Nadus (districts), each overseen by royal officials or local chieftains who owed allegiance to the Chola throne.

Revenue administration was systematic. Land was surveyed and assessed, and taxes were collected in kind and in cash. The royal treasury maintained detailed records of revenue, expenditure, and landholdings, as evidenced by numerous Chola inscriptions.

Local Self-Government:

The most remarkable feature of the Chola administrative system was its robust framework of local self-government, primarily evidenced by the Uttiramerur inscription (c. 10th century CE, reign of Parantaka I).

• Sabha — The village assembly in Brahmin settlements (brahmadeyas). The Sabha handled a wide range of local matters including maintenance of irrigation tanks, gardens, charitable endowments, and administration of justice within the village. It had several sub-committees (variyyams) for specific functions: the tank committee (tatti-kkuttam), garden committee (tottakkuttam), justice committee (nyayattar), and charity committee (dharma-kkuttam).

• Ur — The village assembly in non-Brahmin settlements, functioning similarly to the Sabha but for broader communities. It managed local disputes, land matters, and community resources.

• Nagaram — The assembly in trading and commercial centres, catering to the needs of merchants and artisans.

• Kudavolai system — Members were elected through a lottery system. Qualifications included: owning at least 1.5 veli of land, owning a house, being between 35 and 70 years of age, possessing knowledge of the Vedas, and having good moral character. Disqualifications included having served in the previous term or having been punished by the assembly. Each member served a one-year term with no consecutive re-election.

• Rotation principle — The system ensured that no individual or family could dominate village governance. Office was rotated among eligible citizens, creating a participatory democratic structure at the grassroots level.

The Chola system of local self-government is considered one of the earliest and most well-documented examples of democratic governance in Indian history. It demonstrated a sophisticated balance between strong central authority and empowered local institutions, a model that remains relevant to discussions of decentralisation and participatory governance today.

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Q2. Explain the cultural achievements of the Later Cholas.

The Later Cholas made extraordinary contributions to art, architecture, literature, religion, and social organisation. Their cultural legacy remains one of the most influential in South Indian history.

Temple Architecture:

The Chola period represents the golden age of Dravidian temple architecture. The three "Great Living Chola Temples" — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — exemplify their achievement:

1. Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur (Rajaraja I, c. 1010 CE) — The tallest vimana (approximately 66 metres) of any South Indian temple, crowned by a single monolithic cupola weighing about 80 tonnes. The temple walls carry extensive inscriptions recording donations, administrative details, and social information. The massive Nandi mandapa and the sprawling courtyard demonstrate the scale of Chola ambition.

2. Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Rajendra I, c. 1035 CE) — Though slightly smaller than the Thanjavur temple, it features more graceful proportions and exquisite sculptural detail, including representations of Ardhanarishvara, Nataraja, and various mythological scenes.

3. Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram (Rajaraja II, 12th century CE) — Known for its intricate miniature sculptures, the chariot-shaped mandapa, and detailed relief panels depicting the 63 Nayanmars (Shaiva saints).

Bronze Sculpture:

The Chola period is renowned for its bronze icons, particularly the Nataraja (Shiva as the cosmic dancer). Chola bronzes, created using the lost-wax (cire perdue) technique, are celebrated worldwide for their grace, proportion, and spiritual expressiveness. The Nataraja bronze from this period has become an iconic representation of Indian art globally.

Literature:

• Tamil literature flourished under Chola patronage. The court of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I supported scholars and poets.
• Kalingattupparani by Jayamkondar celebrates Rajendra I's military campaigns and is a masterpiece of the parani genre.
• Rajarajesvara natakam and other works documented temple rituals and royal achievements.
• Religious literature — The Saiva and Vaishnava bhakti traditions continued to thrive. The hymns of the Nayanmars (Shaiva saints) and Alvars (Vaishnava saints) were compiled and preserved in temple settings.
• Sanskrit works were also produced, reflecting the Cholas' engagement with broader Indian intellectual traditions.

Temple as Social Institution:

Chola temples were not merely places of worship. They functioned as multifunctional institutions that served as:

• Economic centres — owning vast tracts of land, employing thousands, and serving as banks that lent money and received deposits.
• Educational institutions — hosting salais (colleges) and ghatikas where Vedas, shastras, and secular subjects were taught.
• Cultural hubs — centres for dance (Bharatanatyam), music, and drama. Devadasis (temple dancers) performed regularly, and the tradition of dance was formalised during this period.
• Social welfare centres — distributing food, providing healthcare, and running charitable endowments (dharma) for the community.

Inscriptions and Record-Keeping:

Chola inscriptions are among the most detailed in Indian history. They record not only royal achievements but also land grants, tax assessments, temple endowments, administrative orders, and social regulations. The Uttiramerur inscription, in particular, provides an unparalleled window into democratic local governance.

The Chola cultural achievement was remarkable in its breadth — from engineering marvels in stone to the spiritual expressiveness of bronze, from the literary sophistication of court poetry to the democratic principles embedded in village assemblies. This legacy continues to shape South Indian cultural identity to this day.

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Q3. Compare the achievements of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.

Rajaraja I (985–1014 CE) and his son Rajendra I (1012–1044 CE) were the two greatest rulers of the Later Chola dynasty. Their reigns together transformed the Cholas from a regional power into an empire of pan-Indian and even trans-oceanic dimensions. While their achievements overlap in several areas, they each had distinct contributions.

Military Conquests:

Capital and City-Building:

• Rajaraja I made Thanjavur the grand capital of the Chola empire. He invested enormous resources in making it a cultural and political centre, crowned by the construction of the Brihadisvara temple.
• Rajendra I established a new capital at Gangaikonda Cholapuram — literally "the city of the Chola who conquered the Ganga." This was both a political statement and a practical move, reflecting the northward shift of Chola ambitions. He also built a magnificent Shiva temple at the new capital.

Temple Construction:

• Rajaraja I built the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur — the tallest vimana of any South Indian temple, an engineering marvel with its monolithic cupola, extensive inscription records, and grand scale that symbolised imperial power.
• Rajendra I built the Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram — slightly smaller but more gracefully proportioned, with exquisite sculptural detail. He also expanded temple endowments across the empire.

Administration and Governance:

• Rajaraja I reorganised the administrative system, conducted a comprehensive land survey (for revenue assessment), and strengthened the bureaucracy. He also reorganised the Chola army and laid the foundation for the powerful navy.
• Rajendra I continued and expanded his father's administrative reforms. He maintained the efficient revenue system and local governance structures. The Uttiramerur inscription system of local self-government continued to function during his reign.

Similarities:

• Both were devotees of Lord Shiva and built grand Shaiva temples.
• Both were ambitious conquerors who expanded the Chola empire significantly.
• Both patronised literature, art, and architecture.
• Both maintained a strong centralised administration alongside local self-government.

Key Differences:

In summary, Rajaraja I laid the foundation of Chola imperial greatness through consolidation, administrative reform, and monumental temple construction, while Rajendra I projected that power outward — conquering up to the Ganga, establishing a new capital, and launching unprecedented naval expeditions across the Indian Ocean. Together, their reigns represent the peak of Chola power and cultural achievement.

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9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

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10. Exam Checklist

Before you walk into the exam, make sure you can tick off every item below:

Rulers and Dynasties

• [ ] Name the founder of the Later Chola dynasty (Vijayalaya)
• [ ] List the major Later Chola rulers in chronological order: Vijayalaya → Aditya I → Parantaka I → Rajaraja I → Rajendra I → Rajadhiraja I → Kulottunga I
• [ ] Identify Kadungon as the reviver of the Pandya dynasty
• [ ] Name the capital of the Pandyas (Madurai)

Key Conquests

• [ ] Rajaraja I: parts of Mysore, Chalukya territory, Kerala, and began the Sri Lanka campaign
• [ ] Rajendra I: conquest up to the Ganga, northern Sri Lanka, Maldives, Srivijaya expedition
• [ ] Distinguish between what each king conquered — do not mix them up

Temple Architecture

• [ ] Brihadisvara at Thanjavur — built by Rajaraja I
• [ ] Brihadisvara at Gangaikonda Cholapuram — built by Rajendra I
• [ ] Airavatesvara at Darasuram — built by Rajaraja II
• [ ] All three form the "Great Living Chola Temples" UNESCO World Heritage Site

Administration

• [ ] Chola administrative hierarchy: Mandalam → Valanadu → Nadu → Ur/Sabha
• [ ] Sabha vs. Ur: Brahmin vs. non-Brahmin village assemblies
• [ ] Kudavolai system: lottery-based election, one-year term, no consecutive re-election
• [ ] Qualifications for Sabha membership: age 35–70, land ownership, Vedic knowledge, good character
• [ ] Committees: tank, garden, justice, charity (variyyams)
• [ ] Uttiramerur inscription: reign of Parantaka I, describes local self-government

Chola Navy and Maritime

• [ ] Rajendra I's Srivijaya expedition — most significant naval achievement
• [ ] Chola navy controlled Indian Ocean trade routes
• [ ] Naval bases and shipbuilding supported overseas campaigns

Pandya Kingdom

• [ ] Capital: Madurai
• [ ] Kadungon revived the dynasty after Kalabhra rule
• [ ] Chola-Pandya rivalry over southern Tamil Nadu
• [ ] Pandya revival in the 13th century after Chola decline
• [ ] Key rulers: Maravarman Rajendra, Sadaiyavarman Sundara Pandya, Jatavarman Sundara Pandya

Cultural Achievements

• [ ] Chola bronzes (Nataraja) — lost-wax technique
• [ ] Temple as multifunctional institution (economic, educational, cultural, social)
• [ ] Tamil and Sanskrit literature under Chola patronage
• [ ] Kalingattupparani by Jayamkondar

If you can confidently answer every item on this checklist, you are well-prepared for any question on the Later Cholas and Pandyas chapter. Focus especially on the Uttiramerur inscription details, the distinction between Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, and the structure of Chola local self-government — these are the most frequently tested topics.