Ancient Cities of Tamilagam — Exercise Solutions
Use this page alongside the official Samacheer Kalvi textbook. Solve every exercise question on your own first, then check the solutions below.
I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQs)
Q1. Which of the following region has a city more than 6500 years old?
- (a) Iraq
- (b) Indus Valley
- (c) Tamilagam
- (d) Thondaimandalam
Iraq (ancient Mesopotamia) has cities dating back over 6500 years. Mesopotamia is considered one of the earliest civilisations in the world, with cities like Ur and Uruk.
Q2. Which one of the following is a Tamil city?
- (a) Iraq
- (b) Harappa
- (c) Mohenjo-Daro
- (d) Kancheepuram
Kancheepuram is an ancient Tamil city. Iraq, Harappa, and Mohenjo-Daro are cities outside Tamilagam.
Q3. Which city is not related to the Bay of Bengal?
- (a) Poompuhar
- (b) Thondi
- (c) Korkai
- (d) Kancheepuram
Poompuhar, Thondi, and Korkai are port cities on the Bay of Bengal coast. Kancheepuram is an inland city, not related to the Bay of Bengal.
Q4. Water management system of Tamils are known from:
- (a) Kallanai
- (b) Tanks in Kancheepuram
- (c) Prakirama Pandyan Tank
- (d) River Cauvery
Both Kallanai (Grand Anicut built by Karikala Cholan across the Cauvery) and the tanks in Kancheepuram demonstrate the water management skills of ancient Tamils.
Q5. Which is not the oldest city among the following?
- (a) Madurai
- (b) Kancheepuram
- (c) Poompuhar
- (d) Chennai
Chennai is a modern city and is not an ancient city. Madurai, Kancheepuram, and Poompuhar all date back to the ancient/Sangam period.
Q6. Which city is related to Keezhadi excavation?
- (a) Madurai
- (b) Kancheepuram
- (c) Poompuhar
- (d) Harappa
Keezhadi is an archaeological excavation site near Madurai in Sivagangai district. The findings at Keezhadi provide evidence of an ancient urban settlement linked to the Sangam Age.
II. Match the Statement with the Reason
Q1. Statement: Goods were imported and exported from the city Poompuhar.
Reason: Bay of Bengal was suitable for trading with neighbouring countries.
- (a) The statement is wrong
- (b) Statement and its reason are correct
- (c) The statement is correct but the reason is wrong
- (d) Both are wrong
Poompuhar was a major port on the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal provided a suitable sea route for trade with Rome, Greece, and other neighbouring countries.
Q2. Consider the following statements:
- (a) Thirunavukkarasar said "kalviyil karaiillatha" — refers to Kancheepuram.
- (b) Hieun Tsang said, "Kancheepuram is one among the seven sacred places of India."
- (c) Kalidasa said, "Kancheepuram is the best city among the cities."
- (a) a and b are correct
- (b) b and c are correct
- (c) a and c are correct
- (d) All are correct
All three scholars praised Kancheepuram — Thirunavukkarasar for its learning, Hieun Tsang for its sacredness, and Kalidasa for its greatness.
Q3. Find out the correct statement:
- (a) Kovalan and Kannagi lived in Poompuhar
- (b) Madurai is the city of temples
- (c) Pearls were exported from Uvari near Korkai
- (d) Keezhadi is a port city
Uvari, a coastal village near Korkai, was famous for pearl fishing and pearl export. Kovalan and Kannagi lived in Madurai, Kancheepuram is the city of temples, and Keezhadi is not a port city.
Q4. Find out the wrong statement:
- (a) Poompuhar was a port city
- (b) Madurai was a Sangam city
- (c) Kovalan and Kannagi lived in Kancheepuram
- (d) Kancheepuram was famous for education
Kovalan and Kannagi lived in Madurai, not Kancheepuram. This is described in the epic Silappathikaram.
Q5. Find out the correct pair:
- (a) City of Temples — Madurai
- (b) Thoonga Nagaram — Kancheepuram
- (c) City of Lakes — Poompuhar
- (d) City of Temples — Kancheepuram
Kancheepuram is known as the "City of Temples." Madurai is called "Thoonga Nagaram" (city that never sleeps) and also "Sangam Valartha Nagaram."
Q6. Find out the wrong pair:
- (a) Western Sea — Musiri
- (b) Eastern Sea — Poompuhar
- (c) Pearl — Korkai
- (d) Eastern Sea — Ahil
Ahil (sandalwood) was exported from Musiri on the western coast, not the eastern sea. The correct pairing for the eastern sea is Poompuhar.
III. Fill in the Blanks
1. Kanchi Kailasanathar temple was built by Pallava King Rajasimha.
2. Kanchi is known as the city of temples.
3. Masathuvan means a big trader.
4. The evening market during the Sangam Age was called Allangadi.
5. Silappathikaram is an epic that describes the ancient city of Madurai.
6. The Greek historian Megasthanese gave accounts about the Pandya kingdom.
7. Keezhadi excavation site is located near Madurai.
8. The day market during the Sangam Age was called Naalangadi.
9. Kancheepuram is also known as the city of lakes.
10. Poompuhar was a port town on the Bay of Bengal where the river Cauvery drains into the sea.
IV. True or False (with Corrections)
Q1. Cultural relationship with the outside world developed in Poompuhar because of its trade relationship with it.
Poompuhar's active maritime trade with Greece, Rome, and other countries led to cultural exchanges and the development of foreign settlements in the town.
Q2. Women also purchased from Allangadi of Madurai without fear.
The Sangam literature describes that women could freely and safely shop at the Allangadi (evening market) in Madurai, indicating the safety and order in ancient Tamil cities.
Q3. Many rock-cut temples were made during the Pallava period.
The Pallavas were pioneers in rock-cut architecture. Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) created many rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram and Kancheepuram.
Q4. Bodhi Dharmar belonged to Kancheepuram.
Bodhi Dharman (Bodhidharma), the Buddhist monk who travelled to China and founded Zen Buddhism, was born in Kancheepuram.
Q5. Kovalan and Kannagi lived in Kancheepuram.
Correction: Kovalan and Kannagi lived in Madurai, not Kancheepuram. The epic Silappathikaram narrates their story set in Madurai.
Q6. Chennai is one of the ancient cities of Tamilagam.
Correction: Chennai is a modern city developed during the British colonial period. Ancient cities of Tamilagam include Madurai, Kancheepuram, Poompuhar, and Korkai.
Q7. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were symbols of rural civilisation.
Correction: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were symbols of urban civilisation, known for their excellent town planning, well-constructed houses, and drainage systems.
V. Answer in One Word
Q1. What do you know about the term 'export'?
Q2. Mention the epic poem and Sangam poem you read in this lesson.
Q3. Which is the oldest city in Thondai Nadu?
Q4. Point out one difference between a village and a city.
Q5. Which civilisation is associated with the city Lothal?
Q6. Name the oldest civilisation of the world.
Q7. On which river bank was Poompuhar located?
Q8. Name the ancient city which had Tamil Sangam.
Q9. Name a Sangam literary work.
Q10. Which Greek historian gave accounts about the Pandya kingdom?
Q11. What is the name of the evening market during the Sangam Age?
Q12. Name the temple built by Pallava king Rajasimha at Kanchi.
Q13. What is trade?
VI. Short Answer Questions
Q1. Write a brief note on ancient cities of India.
- Excellent town planning with grid-pattern streets
- Well-constructed houses with baked bricks
- Well-maintained drainage systems
- Good civic sense with public baths and granaries
- Developed pottery, ornaments, and a script that is yet to be deciphered
Q2. Mention the ancient cities of Tamil Nadu.
- Poompuhar — port city on the Bay of Bengal
- Madurai — Sangam city, capital of Pandyas
- Kancheepuram — city of temples and education
- Korkai — pearl trade port
- Other cities: Vanchi, Thondi, Uraiyur, Musiri, Karavur, Kaayal, Mamallapuram, Thanjavur, Thagadoor
Q3. Discuss the sources available to know about Tamil cities.
Q4. Write about the kings who ruled Madurai.
- In the ancient period, Pandyas were the primary rulers of Madurai. Later, Cholas and Kalabras also ruled this city.
- During medieval times, later Cholas, later Pandyas, and then the Nayaks ruled Madurai.
- Madurai was the capital of the Pandya kingdom and was a flourishing centre of Tamil Sangam (literary assembly).
Q5. Mention the other names of Madurai.
- Sangam Valartha Nagaram — the city where the Tamil Sangam flourished
- Thoonga Nagaram — the city that never sleeps
- Koodal Nagar — another ancient name for Madurai
Q6. What is the difference between Naalangadi and Allangadi?
| Feature | Naalangadi | Allangadi |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Day market | Evening/night market |
| Timing | Operated during daytime | Operated during evening/night |
| Safety | General market | Women also purchased freely and safely |
| Location | Ancient Tamil cities | Ancient Tamil cities, especially Madurai |
Q7. Name the scholars who were born at Kancheepuram.
Q8. Which is known as the city of lakes? Why?
VII. Detailed / Long Answer Questions
Q1. Write a short note on Iraq.
- Modern Iraq was called Mesopotamia in the ancient period, which means "the land between two rivers."
- It is the birthplace of the Sumerian civilisation — one of the oldest civilisations in the world (over 6500 years old).
- Iraq is watered by two major rivers: the Euphrates and the Tigris.
- It was an important trading centre in the ancient world.
- The Sangam poem Pattinappaalai speaks about the trade relations of Iraq with other countries.
- Mesopotamia is known for its innovations in writing (cuneiform script), mathematics, and astronomy.
Q2. Write about Poompuhar with special reference to trade.
Location:
- Situated on the Bay of Bengal at the mouth of the river Cauvery
- A natural harbour that facilitated maritime trade
Trade Activities:
- Big traders (Masathuvan) and sea traders (Maanaigan) had settled there
- Numerous merchants from Greece and Rome landed at Poompuhar
- Brisk seaborne trade took place with foreign countries
- Foreign traders stayed indefinitely, indicating the volume of trade
- Evidence of foreign settlements exists in the town
- Goods imported and exported through the Bay of Bengal
Export items: Pearls, spices, textiles, sandalwood Import items: Gold, wine, glassware, horses
Cultural impact: The active trade led to cultural exchanges with foreign nations, making Poompuhar a cosmopolitan city.
Q3. Write about the accounts given by scholars about Kanchi.
1. Kalidasa (Sanskrit poet):
- Called Kanchi "the best of the towns" — highlighting its prosperity and grandeur.
2. Thirunavukarasar (Tamil saint):
- Said "Kalviyil Karaiillatha Kanchi" — meaning Kanchi is the abode of limitless learning.
- This shows Kanchi was a great centre of education.
3. Hieun Tsang (Chinese traveller):
- Visited Kanchi and studied at Kanchi Kadigai.
- Wrote that "Kancheepuram is one among the seven sacred places of India."
- His account confirms Kanchi's importance as both an educational and spiritual centre.
These accounts establish Kancheepuram as a city renowned for its temples, education, and cultural significance.
Q4. Describe Kancheepuram as the city of temples.
Important temples:
- Kailasanathar Temple — built by Pallava king Rajasimha; one of the finest examples of Pallava architecture
- Numerous cave temples were built during the Pallava period
- Several rock-cut and structural temples from different dynasties (Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagara)
Significance:
- Kanchi has a very large number of temples compared to other Tamil cities
- It is one of the seven sacred places of India according to Hieun Tsang
- The temples showcase the evolution of South Indian temple architecture — from rock-cut caves to structural temples
- Kanchi was also a major centre for Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, making it a multi-religious centre
Q5. Kancheepuram was famous for education. Prove this statement.
1. Schools and institutions: Several schools (pallis) and viharas (Buddhist centres of learning) were established in Kanchi.
2. Hieun Tsang's testimony: The Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang visited Kanchi Kadigai to continue his studies, confirming the city's reputation as an educational hub.
3. Thirunavukarasar's praise: He described Kanchi as "Kalviyil Karaiillatha Kanchi" — meaning Kanchi, the abode of limitless learning.
4. Born scholars: Many renowned scholars were born at Kancheepuram:
- Dharmabalar
- Jothibalar
- Sumathi
- Bodhi Dharman (Bodhidharma) — who later travelled to China and founded Zen Buddhism
5. Multi-disciplinary learning: Education in Kanchi covered religion, philosophy, logic, medicine, and the arts, attracting students from across India and beyond.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing Poompuhar with Madurai. Poompuhar was a port city on the Bay of Bengal known for trade; Madurai was the inland Sangam capital known for literature. Do not mix their key features.
2. Saying Kovalan and Kannagi lived in Kancheepuram. They lived in Madurai. The epic Silappathikaram is set in Madurai. Kancheepuram is associated with temples and education.
3. Confusing Naalangadi and Allangadi. Naalangadi = day market. Allangadi = evening/night market. A simple trick: "N" for "Noon/day" (Naalangadi), "A" for "After dark" (Allangadi).
4. Thinking Chennai is an ancient city. Chennai developed during the British colonial period. The ancient cities of Tamilagam include Madurai, Kancheepuram, Poompuhar, and Korkai.
5. Saying the oldest civilisation is the Indus Valley. The Mesopotamian civilisation (in modern Iraq) is older. The Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the oldest, but not the oldest.
6. Forgetting the water management achievements. The Kallanai (Grand Anicut) built by Karikala Cholan and the lakes/tanks of Kancheepuram demonstrate advanced water management. Do not overlook these in your answers.
7. Confusing which sea each port was on. Poompuhar was on the Bay of Bengal (eastern coast). Musiri was on the Arabian Sea (western coast). Korkai and Thondi were also on different coasts — remember: Poompuhar = East, Musiri = West.
Exam Checklist
Before your exam, make sure you can:
- [ ] Identify the major ancient cities of Tamilagam (Poompuhar, Madurai, Kancheepuram, Korkai)
- [ ] Explain the significance of Poompuhar as a trade centre and its international connections
- [ ] List the other names of Madurai (Sangam Valartha Nagaram, Thoonga Nagaram, Koodal Nagar)
- [ ] Distinguish between Naalangadi (day market) and Allangadi (evening market)
- [ ] Describe Kancheepuram as both the city of temples and the city of education
- [ ] Name the scholars associated with Kancheepuram (Kalidasa, Thirunavukarasar, Hieun Tsang, Bodhi Dharman)
- [ ] Explain the sources for studying ancient Tamil cities (literature, foreign accounts, archaeology)
- [ ] Answer MCQs on city-port associations and correct/wrong statement pairs
- [ ] Recall that Kailasanathar temple was built by Pallava King Rajasimha
- [ ] Discuss the water management systems (Kallanai, Kanchi tanks)
- [ ] Describe Mesopotamia (Iraq) as the oldest civilisation and its connection to Tamil trade