Emergence of New Kingdoms in South India: Later Cholas and Pandyas — Exercise Solutions Guide
Solve every exercise on your own first, then cross-check your answers here. Understanding why an answer is correct matters more than memorising it.
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Who revived the later Chola dynasty?
(a) Vijayalaya (b) Rajaraja I (c) Rajendra I (d) Aditya I
Q2. Who among the following Pandya rulers is known for ending the Kalabhra rule?
(a) Maravarman (b) Kadunkon (c) Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan (d) Sundara Pandyan
Q3. Which of the following was the lowest unit of Chola administration?
(a) Nadu (b) Mandalam (c) Kurram (d) Ur
Q4. Who was the last ruler of the Vijayalaya line of the Chola dynasty?
(a) Rajaraja I (b) Rajendra I (c) AthiRajendra (d) Kulothunga I
Q5. An example of Chola architecture can be seen at ______
(a) Madurai (b) Hampi (c) Thanjavur (d) Mahabalipuram
Q6. To which of the following, Marco Polo went in the last decade of the 13th century in India?
(a) Chola country (b) Pandya country (c) Chera country (d) Pallava country
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. ______ built the famous Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur.
Rajaraja I built the Brihadeshwara Temple (also called Rajarajesvaram) at Thanjavur in 1010 CE. It is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with a 66-metre vimana and a massive monolithic Nandi.
2. ______ established a Vedic college at Ennayiram.
Rajendra I established a Vedic college at Ennayiram where 340 students learned Vedas, grammar, and Upanishads from 14 teachers. He also founded similar colleges at Tirubuvanai (1048) and Tirumukkoodal (1067).
3. ______ was the donor of Velvikudi Copper plates.
Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan, also known as Varaguna I, donated the Velvikudi Copper plates, which record a land grant to a Brahmin settlement and provide important information about Pandya administration.
4. The royal secretariat of the Pandya kingdom was known as ______
The Eluttu-Mandapam was the royal secretariat of the Pandya kingdom where official records, orders, and inscriptions were prepared and stored. It played a central role in the administration.
III. Match the Following
| # | Column A | Column B | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madurai | Capital of Pandyas | d) Capital of Pandyas |
| 2 | Gangaikonda Cholapuram | Capital of Cholas | c) Capital of Cholas |
| 3 | Anju-Vannattar | Inland traders | b) Maritime traders |
| 4 | Mani-gramattar | Maritime traders | a) Inland traders |
IV. True or False (with Corrections)
Q1. A Muslim state subordinate to Delhi Sultan was in Madurai.
After the Malik Kafur invasion and the subsequent civil war between Virapandyan and Sundara Pandyan, a Muslim state (Madurai Sultanate) was established in Madurai in 1334. It was subordinate to the Delhi Sultanate.
Q2. Koodal-Nagar Kavalan was the title of a Pandya king.
Koodal-Nagar Kavalan was indeed a title of a Pandya king. "Koodal" is an ancient name for Madurai, and "Kavalan" means protector or guardian.
Q3. Chola kingdom was situated in the Vaigai delta.
Correction: The Chola kingdom was situated in the Cauvery (Kaveri) delta, not the Vaigai delta. The Vaigai delta was the heartland of the Pandya kingdom. The fertile Cauvery delta was the agricultural and economic base of the Chola Empire.
Q4. Kulothunga I belonged to the Chalukya-Chola dynasty.
Kulothunga I belonged to the Chalukya-Chola dynasty. He was the son of Rajendra Chola's daughter and the Chalukya king Vimaladitya. After AthiRajendra died without an heir, Kulothunga I inherited the Chola throne, beginning the Chalukya-Chola line.
Q5. The elder son of the Chola king was called Yuvaraja.
The elder son of the Chola king was called Yuvaraja (crown prince). Yuvarajas were often appointed as governors of provinces for training in administration before they ascended the throne.
Additional True or False
Q6. Marco Polo visited the Chola kingdom.
Correction: Marco Polo visited the Pandya country, not the Chola kingdom. He visited the port of Kayal (Kayal Pattinam) twice and described the wealth and pearl fisheries of the Pandya kingdom.
Q7. The Uttiramerur inscriptions describe the Kudavolai system.
The Uttiramerur inscriptions from the Chola period provide detailed information about the Kudavolai system of local self-government, including election procedures, qualifications for candidates, and the functioning of the village assembly.
V. Consider the Following Statements
Q1. Which statements about the Later Cholas are correct?
(i) They had local self-government (ii) They maintained a strong navy (iii) They were followers of Buddhism (iv) They built big temples
Q2. Which statements are true about Rajendra Chola?
(i) He assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola (ii) He conquered Southern Sumatra (iii) He consolidated Chola power (iv) His naval power enabled him to conquer Srivijaya
Rajendra Chola assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola after his northern campaign, conquered Southern Sumatra and the Srivijaya kingdom using his powerful navy, and consolidated Chola power to its greatest extent.
Q3. Assertion: Yuvarajas were appointed Governors. Reason: This was done for their training in administration.
Yuvarajas (crown princes) were appointed as governors of provinces specifically to give them training in administration before they ascended the throne. This system ensured that future kings had practical experience in governance.
Q4. Arrange the administrative divisions in descending order:
The Chola administrative hierarchy in descending order (largest to smallest): Mandalam (province) → Nadu (district) → Kurram (group of villages) → Ur (village).
Q5. Arrange the events in chronological order:
1. Maravarman Kulasekaran had two sons — Virapandyan and Sundrapandyan 2. Maravarman appointed Virapandyan as co-regent 3. Civil war broke out 4. Sundara Pandyan sought help from Ala-ud-din Khalji 5. Malik Kafur invaded Madurai 6. A Muslim State was established in Madurai
Correct order: 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6
Maravarman Kulasekaran had two sons. He appointed Virapandyan as co-regent, causing Sundara Pandyan to rebel. A civil war broke out, and Sundara Pandyan sought help from Ala-ud-din Khalji. Malik Kafur invaded Madurai, and eventually a Muslim Sultanate was established in Madurai.
Q6. Find out the land types:
- Brahmadeya → Land gifted to Brahmins
- Devadana → Land gifted to temples
- Pallichchandam → Land donated to Jain institutions
- Vellanvagai → Land of non-Brahmin properties (Vellalars)
VI. Very Short Answers
Q1. What were the items exported during the later Chola period?
Q2. What was called Chatur-Vedi-Mangalam?
Q3. Write about Kanikadan.
VII. Short Answers
Q1. Highlight any five aspects of the Cholas' legacy.
1. Temple architecture — The Chola rulers built magnificent temples at Thanjavur (Brihadeshwara Temple by Rajaraja I), Gangaikonda Cholapuram (by Rajendra I), and Darasuram (by Kulothunga II). These temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2. Irrigation systems — The Cholas gave great importance to irrigation. They built vati-vaykkal (canals from rivers), ur-vaykkal (village canals), and nadu-vaykkal (district canals) to ensure proper water distribution for agriculture.
3. Local self-government — The Kudavolai system was an efficient democratic local administration method documented in the Uttiramerur inscriptions. Village assemblies managed local affairs through elected representatives.
4. Administrative organisation — The empire was well-organised into Mandalams (provinces), Nadus (districts), Kurrams (groups of villages), and Gramams (villages), each with its own administrative structure.
5. Flourishing trade — Both internal and foreign trade flourished during the Chola period. Maritime trade with Southeast Asia, China, and the Arab world brought prosperity. The merchant guilds (Anju-Vannattar and Mani-gramattar) played a significant role.
Q2. Describe the local self-government of the Cholas.
1. Village assemblies (Sabha) — Every village had a Sabha (assembly) that managed local affairs including taxation, justice, and charity.
2. Election by lot (Kudavolai) — Members of the assembly were selected by drawing lots. Names of eligible candidates were written on palm leaves and placed in a pot (kudam). A young boy would draw the names.
3. Qualifications for candidates — Candidates had to own land, have a house, be between 35 and 70 years of age, and have knowledge of the Vedas. Those who had not paid taxes or had committed sins were disqualified.
4. Committees — The village had various committees for tanks, gardens, justice, and gold, each with specific responsibilities.
5. Uttiramerur inscriptions — These inscriptions (dated to Parantaka I's reign) provide detailed information about the qualifications, election process, and functioning of the village assemblies.
Q3. Write about the Pandya kingdom.
1. Capital — Madurai was the capital, famous for the Meenakshi Temple.
2. Revival — Kadunkon ended the Kalabhra rule and revived the Pandya dynasty.
3. Important rulers — Jatila Parantaka Nedunjadayan (donor of Velvikudi Copper plates), Maravarman, and others.
4. Administration — The royal secretariat was called Eluttu-Mandapam. The Pandyas had an efficient administrative system.
5. Trade — The Pandyas had flourishing trade, especially in pearls. Korkai was famous for pearl fishery, and Kayal Pattinam was an important port visited by Marco Polo.
6. Decline — A civil war between Virapandyan and Sundara Pandyan led to Sundara Pandyan seeking help from Ala-ud-din Khalji. Malik Kafur invaded Madurai, and eventually a Muslim Sultanate was established there in 1334.
VIII. Detailed Answers
Q1. Describe the achievements of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.
Rajaraja I (985-1014 CE): 1. Conquered the Pandya and Chera kingdoms, bringing the entire south under Chola rule. 2. Built the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur (1010 CE), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. Organised an efficient administrative system with village assemblies. 4. Strengthened the navy and began overseas expeditions. 5. Extended Chola influence to Sri Lanka (northern part) and the Maldives.
Rajendra I (1012-1044 CE): 1. Undertook a northern campaign reaching the Ganges river, earning the title "Gangaikonda Chola" (Chola who conquered the Ganges). 2. Built a new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and a Brihadeshwara temple there. 3. Sent a powerful naval expedition against the Srivijaya kingdom (Indonesia), conquering parts of Southern Sumatra and Malaya. 4. Established Vedic colleges at Ennayiram, Tirubuvanai, and Tirumukkoodal. 5. Extended the Chola Empire to its greatest extent, from the Ganges in the north to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Q2. Explain the Chola administrative system.
1. Central administration — The king was the supreme authority, assisted by ministers. The royal court was called Durbar. Yuvarajas (crown princes) were appointed as governors for training.
2. Provincial administration — The empire was divided into Mandalams (provinces), each under a governor. Important provinces were directly administered by royal family members.
3. District administration — Mandalams were divided into Nadus (districts), each under a Nadu governor.
4. Sub-district administration — Nadus were divided into Kurrams (groups of villages) under Kurram chiefs.
5. Village administration — The village (Ur or Gramam) was the lowest unit, managed by the Sabha (assembly). The Kudavolai system ensured democratic selection of representatives.
6. Land classification — Land was classified as Brahmadeya (Brahmin grants), Devadana (temple grants), Pallichchandam (Jain grants), Vellanvagai (non-Brahmin land), and Shalabhoga (school grants).
7. Revenue — Land tax (Kanikadan) was one-third of the produce. Revenue was collected in kind or cash.
8. Military — The Cholas maintained a powerful standing army and a strong navy, the latter enabling overseas conquests.
IX. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Q1. Chola kings were great patrons of learning — Support the statement.
1. Vedic colleges — Rajendra I established a Vedic college at Ennayiram where 340 students learned Vedas, grammar, and Upanishads from 14 teachers. Two more colleges were founded at Tirubuvanai (1048) and Tirumukkoodal (1067).
2. Literary works — Great literary works like Periyapuranam (by Sekkizhar) and Kamba Ramayanam (by Kamban) belong to the Chola period.
3. Temple as educational centres — Temples like the Brihadeshwara Temple served not only as places of worship but also as centres of learning, with attached colleges and libraries.
4. Inscriptions — The Cholas left detailed inscriptions (like the Uttiramerur inscriptions) that document their interest in recording knowledge and administration.
5. Brahmin settlements — The creation of Chatur-Vedi-Mangalams (Brahmin settlements) with irrigation facilities shows the Cholas' commitment to supporting Vedic learning and scholarship.
6. Nathamuni's compilation — The compilation of the Nalayira Divyaprabhandham by Nathamuni and Tirumurai by Nambi Andar Nambi were supported by the Chola cultural milieu.
X. Student Activity — Who Am I?
1. I was responsible for the Malik Kafur invasion. → Sundara Pandyan (He sought Ala-ud-din Khalji's help against his brother Virapandyan) 2. I built a 16-mile embankment-lake in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. → Rajendra Chola 3. I am a water supply channel. → Vaykkal 4. I codified Thirumurai. → Nambiyandar Nambi 5. I was a great port. Marco Polo visited me twice. → Kayal (Kayal Pattinam)
XI. Answer Grid
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Name the two literary works of the Chola period | Periyapuranam, Kamba Ramayanam |
| Which port is associated with pearl fishery? | Korkai |
| What do kasu, kalanchu and pon refer to? | Gold coins |
| In which district is Kayal-Pattinam located? | Thoothukudi |
| Who was the Pandya king defeated by Parantaka I? | Rajasimha II |
| Where is the famous Meenakshi temple located? | Madurai |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing the Chola and Pandya heartlands — The Cholas were based in the Cauvery delta; the Pandyas were in the Vaigai delta (Madurai). Do not mix them up.
2. Confusing early and later Cholas — The early Cholas (like Karikala) are mentioned in Sangam literature. The later Cholas were revived by Vijayalaya in 850 CE. Do not confuse them.
3. Saying the Cholas were Buddhists — The later Cholas were followers of Saivism, not Buddhism. They built temples dedicated to Shiva (Brihadeshwara = "Great Lord" = Shiva).
4. Mixing up Anju-Vannattar and Mani-gramattar — Anju-Vannattar were maritime (overseas) traders; Mani-gramattar were inland traders. Remember: Vannattar = overseas.
5. Confusing the administrative hierarchy — The correct descending order is: Mandalam → Nadu → Kurram → Ur. Do not reverse it.
6. Saying Marco Polo visited the Chola kingdom — Marco Polo visited the Pandya country, not the Chola kingdom. He described the pearl fisheries and wealth of the Pandyas.
7. Confusing Brahmadeya and Devadana — Brahmadeya is land gifted to Brahmins; Devadana is land gifted to temples. Both are tax-free, but they serve different purposes.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] I can name the founder of the later Chola dynasty (Vijayalaya) and his achievement
- [ ] I know the Chola administrative hierarchy: Mandalam → Nadu → Kurram → Ur
- [ ] I can explain the Kudavolai system and the Uttiramerur inscriptions
- [ ] I can list the achievements of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I
- [ ] I know that Rajendra I assumed the title Gangaikonda Chola
- [ ] I can describe the Chola legacy: temples, irrigation, local government, trade
- [ ] I can distinguish between Anju-Vannattar (maritime) and Mani-gramattar (inland) traders
- [ ] I know the land classifications: Brahmadeya, Devadana, Pallichchandam, Vellanvagai, Shalabhoga
- [ ] I can explain the decline of the Pandyas (civil war, Malik Kafur invasion, Madurai Sultanate)
- [ ] I can name the literary works of the Chola period (Periyapuranam, Kamba Ramayanam)
- [ ] I know that the Cholas were in the Cauvery delta and Pandyas in the Vaigai delta
- [ ] I can handle the "Who Am I?" and Answer Grid questions
- [ ] I can arrange events chronologically (Pandya civil war → Sundara Pandyan's appeal → Malik Kafur invasion → Madurai Sultanate)