THE MARVELS OF MEDIEVAL INDIA: THE CHOLAS AND THE PALLAVAS

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS THE ODD ONE OUT?

• Shore temple

• shiva temple at

  Gangaikonda

  cholapuram

• Brihadeshwar Temple

• Rajendra Chola Temple

Answer explanation

The Shore Temple is renowned for its strategic location on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Interestingly, its location was not just for religious purposes. During ancient times, sailors and traders used the temple as a landmark to navigate the coast. The way the temple's towers align with the sun and the sea created a sort of natural lighthouse effect, guiding ships safely to shore.

Which Chola ruler is credited with the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur?

Answer explanation

Rajaraja Chola I began the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur in 1003 CE, and it was completed in 1010 CE. This grand temple, also known as the Big Temple, stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Chola architecture and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Which Chola king led the famous expedition to the Ganges River, commemorated by theGangaikonda Cholapuram Temple?

• Rajendra Chola
• Rajendra II
• Rajadhiraja Chola
• Rajaraja I

Answer explanation

• Founder: The temple was commissioned by Rajendra Chola I, who ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE.

• Purpose: The construction of the temple was to commemorate Rajendra Chola’s successful expedition to the Ganges River (Ganga), which was a significant achievement in his reign. The name "Gangaikonda Cholapuram" means "The town of the Chola who took the Ganga."

Architectural Features.UNESCO World Heritage Site: Like the Brihadeeswarar Temple, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the "Great Living Chola Temples."

Which temple is known for its unique Dravidian architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva?

• Meenakshi Temple

• Kailasanathar Temple

• Chennakesava Temple

• Ekambareswarar Temple

Answer explanation

The Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, also referred to as the Kailasanatha temple, is a Pallava-era historic Hindu temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Dedicated to Shiva, it is one of the oldest surviving monuments in Kanchipuram.

The dynasty that excelled itself as a naval power was that of the

• Cheras

• Pallavas

• Cholas

• Hoysalas

The Chola empire reached its zenith under

• Parantaka I

• Rajaraja

• Rajendra Chola I

• Rejendra Chola II

what is the height of the vimana of the brihadeshvara temple

• 55 meters
• 70 meters
• 80 meters
• 66 meters

Answer explanation

The Brihadisvara temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is a notable example of Chola architecture and medieval South Indian temple style. Built in the early 11th century, the temple is a fortress-like structure dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It's so large that it can be seen from a distance and is 216 feet tall at its highest point. The temple was once surrounded by a moat and high walls, and its interior was covered in murals depicting Shiva. The brihadeshwara temple has the tallest vimana in India of 66m.

Under which two rulers did the Pallava reach its zenith

• Rajendra Chola I and Rajaraja Chola I
• Krishnadevaraya and Ashoka the Great
• Harsha and Chandragupta Maurya
• Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I

Answer explanation

The Pallavas reached its zenith during Mahendravarman I and Narsimhavarman I

What was the capital of the cholas

• Kanchipuram
• Madurai
• Chennai
• Thanjavur

• Tanjore

Answer explanation

Thanjavur, often referred to as Tanjore, is a historic city located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu" due to its fertile plains and significant agricultural output, Thanjavur is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It was the capital of the mighty Cholas

One of the city's most notable landmarks is the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century, this grand temple features a massive central dome, intricate sculptures, and impressive frescoes.

Thanjavur is also celebrated for its contributions to South Indian art and culture. The city has a long tradition of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form, and is home to many artisans skilled in Thanjavur painting, known for its use of vibrant colors and intricate designs. The city’s musical heritage is highlighted by its association with Carnatic music and the Thanjavur Quartet, a group of composers who contributed significantly to this genre.

In addition to its cultural and artistic legacy, Thanjavur is an important center for traditional Tamil cuisine, offering a variety of local dishes and sweets.

What was the capital of the pallavas

• Madurai
• Kanchipuram
• Chennai
• Hyderabad

Answer explanation

Kanchipuram, often simply called Kanchipuram or Kanchi, is a historic city located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Renowned as one of the seven Moksha-puris (holy cities) in Hindu tradition, Kanchipuram is a major center of spiritual, cultural, and historical significance.

Historical and Religious Significance: Kanchipuram is an ancient city with a history dating back to the 2nd century CE. It served as a prominent city under various South Indian dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagar Empire. The city is home to numerous temples, each showcasing intricate Dravidian architecture. Among the most significant temples are the Kailasanathar Temple, known for its early Chola architecture, and the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, a major Vaishnavite shrine.

Spiritual Hub: The city holds a revered place in Hindu spirituality and is known for its vibrant religious festivals and rituals. It is closely associated with the Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, making it a pilgrimage site for devotees. Kanchipuram is also famous for its association with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, one of the prominent Hindu monastic institutions.

Cultural Heritage: Kanchipuram is celebrated for its traditional silk weaving industry. The Kanchipuram silk sarees, known for their rich texture, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, are highly prized and have been woven in the region for centuries. These sarees are a significant aspect of Indian attire and are often worn for special occasions and ceremonies.

Architectural Marvels: The city boasts a plethora of ancient temples with architectural splendor. The intricacies of the stone carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and beautifully adorned mandapams (pillared halls) reflect the artistic achievements of the various dynasties that ruled the region.