RS Sharma Test: The Sangam Age - UPSC MCQ

• Uraiyur: Uraiyur was known for its pearls and muslins, with the muslins being as thin as the skin of a snake.


• Muziris: Muziris was a bustling port town known for its trade and commerce.


• Arikamedu: Arikamedu was an ancient Roman trading center known for its trade relations with Rome.


• Puhar: Puhar was an ancient port city also known as Kaveripattinam, known for its trade and commerce.

Therefore, the correct answer is Uraiyur, which was famous for its pearls and muslins, the latter being as thin as the skin of a snake.

• Chera Monarch: The Chera monarch who was called Imayavaramban and carved the Chera emblem of the bow on the face of the great mountain is Nedunjeral Adan.


• Meaning of Imayavaramban: Imayavaramban means 'He who had the Himalaya for his boundary.'


• Identification: Nedunjeral Adan, also known as Imayavaramban, was a powerful Chera monarch who had the Himalayas as his boundary and left his mark by carving the Chera emblem of the bow on the mountain.


• Other Chera Monarchs: While Kuttuvan, Udiyanjeral, and Senguttuvan were also prominent Chera monarchs, it was Nedunjeral Adan who was specifically known by the title Imayavaramban.

The Greek envoy, Megasthenes, mentions Madurai in his account of India in around 300 BC. It was in the period of the Roman empire, under the Pandya dynasty, that the city assumed its great importance, even sending embassies to Rome. Home to the ancient 'Tamil Sangam', (Academy of Tamil Learning), it became as important for its scholarship as for its religious heritage. One of the great Tamil literary epics 'Silappadikaram' was written here in the Roman period.

• Vishnu worship with Tulsi was popular among the Sangam people: This statement is correct. Vishnu worship with Tulsi was indeed popular among the Sangam people.


• The Sangam people did not worship Siva, Balaram and Krishna: This statement is incorrect. The Sangam people worshipped various deities including Siva, Balaram, and Krishna.


• Vedic religion of sacrifice was followed by the Sangam kings: This statement is correct. The Sangam kings followed the Vedic religion of sacrifice.


• Buddhism and Jainism found a footing in the land of Sangam people: This statement is correct. Buddhism and Jainism did find acceptance among the people during the Sangam period.

• Statement A: He defeated the Ceylonese and captured 12000 prisoners and put them to work at Puhar, a sea-port at the mouth of Kaveri.


• Statement B: He had the grand Ancient Srirangam built, thus controlling the waters of the Kaveri at the head of the delta.


• Statement C: He patronised brahmanical religion and Tamil literature.


• Statement D: He was defeated at the battle of Venni.

Statement D is incorrect because Karikala was not defeated at the battle of Venni. In fact, Karikala was known for his military victories and strategic prowess. He successfully defeated the Ceylonese, built the grand Ancient Srirangam to control the waters of the Kaveri, and patronised brahmanical religion and Tamil literature.

• Amaichchar: The correct Tamil designation of ministers during the Sangam age was 'Amaichchar'. This term was used to refer to ministers who held important positions in the governing bodies of the Sangam period.


• Surram: 'Surram' was not the correct Tamil designation of ministers during the Sangam age. It is not a term commonly used to refer to ministers in ancient Tamil literature.


• Mantri: 'Mantri' is a Sanskrit term used to refer to ministers or advisors in Indian history. However, during the Sangam age, the term 'Amaichchar' was more commonly used in Tamil literature.


• Amatya: Although 'Amatya' is a term used in ancient Indian administration to refer to ministers or officers, it was not the specific Tamil designation used during the Sangam age.

Therefore, the correct Tamil designation of ministers during the Sangam age was 'Amaichchar'. This term signifies the important role that ministers played in the governance and administration of the ancient Tamil society during the Sangam period.

• Financial Difficulties after the Death of Nero:


• After the death of Nero, the Roman Empire faced severe financial difficulties.


• This led to a decrease in the circulation of coins and an increase in barter trade.


• Barter Trade:


• Barter trade is a system where goods and services are exchanged directly for other goods and services without using money.


• During times of financial crisis, like after Nero's death, barter trade becomes more common as people struggle to obtain coins for transactions.


• Impact on Coinage:


• The decrease in coin circulation had a significant impact on the economy of the Roman Empire.


• Without enough coins in circulation, trade and commerce were disrupted, leading to further economic challenges.


• Historical Context:


• Nero was the last of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and his death marked the end of an era in Roman history.


• The financial difficulties that followed his reign had long-lasting effects on the Roman economy and society.

• Paranar: The great poet Paranar was a contemporary of the Chola king Karikaral and the Chera King Senguttuvan. He was known for his contributions to Sangam literature and is considered one of the greatest Tamil poets of his time.

Paranar's works are highly regarded for their poetic excellence and deep insights into the human experience. His poems often explore themes of love, nature, and the passage of time, making him a beloved figure in Tamil literary history.

• Tanjore: Tanjore was the capital of the Chola dynasty but not specifically the Sangam Cholas.


• Kaveripattanam: Kaveripattanam was an important port city but not the inland capital of the Sangam Cholas.


• Tricharapalli: Tricharapalli was an important city during the Chola period but not the inland capital of the Sangam Cholas.


• Uraiyur: Uraiyur was the inland capital of the Sangam Cholas. It was an important city located near present-day Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu.

• Correct Answer: A - Bow

• The royal emblem for the Cheras, an ancient dynasty in South India, was the bow.


• The Cheras were known for their military prowess and the bow was a symbol of strength and power in their culture.


• Using the bow as their royal emblem showcased their martial skills and leadership in battle.


• Other ancient Indian dynasties also used different symbols such as elephants, lions, and horses as their royal emblems.

By understanding the significance of the bow as the royal emblem of the Cheras, we gain insight into their values and traditions as a warrior dynasty in ancient India.

• Poetry: The Tolkappium of the second Sangam primarily focuses on the art of poetry. It discusses various poetic forms, techniques, and themes that were prevalent during that period.


• Grammar: Another significant aspect dealt with in the Tolkappium is grammar. It provides insights into the rules and structures of the Tamil language, helping poets and writers enhance their literary skills.


• The heroic deeds of the Pandyas: The Tolkappium also highlights the heroic deeds of the Pandyas, a prominent dynasty in ancient Tamil Nadu. It glorifies their valor, achievements, and contributions to the society.


• The legend of Agastya: Additionally, the Tolkappium delves into the legend of Agastya, a revered sage in Hindu mythology. It narrates his life, teachings, and influence on Tamil culture and literature.

• Assertion A: In the Sangam period, the Vellals were the biggest land-owning class and enjoyed a high position in administration and government.


• Reason R: There are no references to 'Serfs' but the status of agricultural labor was no better than that of serfs.


• Analysis:
  
  
  
  • The Vellals were indeed the largest land-owning class during the Sangam period, which allowed them to hold significant influence in the administration and government.
  
  
  • While the assertion talks about the Vellals' high position due to land ownership, the reason mentions the status of agricultural labor being similar to that of serfs without any direct reference to serfs.
  
  
  • However, the reason does not provide a direct explanation for why the Vellals held a high position, making it not the correct explanation for the assertion.
  
  
  
  


• Conclusion: Therefore, both Assertion A and Reason R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Correct Answer- Option B-

Assertion A: Merchants sold their goods by openly announcing the profit they were aiming at.
- Merchants often conducted business transparently, which could involve declaring profits to build trust with buyers.

- Reason R: Merchants functioned often in a body, which was known as ‘Vanikachattu’.
- ‘Vanikachattu’ refers to a collective or guild of merchants, promoting organized trade practices.

- Both A and R are true, but the concept of ‘Vanikachattu’ does not directly explain why merchants would announce their profit margins. Hence, the correct answer is Option B.

• Assertion A: Variyilar was in charge of revenue collections in the Sangam age.


• Reason R: Ayakkarar was the revenue accountant who moved from place to place for the collection of trade and transit duties.

• Both Assertion A and Reason R are true as per historical records.


• Ayakkarar was indeed responsible for revenue collection, but Variyilar was the chief revenue officer who oversaw the entire revenue collection process.


• While Ayakkarar moved from place to place for trade and transit duty collections, Variyilar was in charge of the overall revenue administration.


• Therefore, Assertion A and Reason R are both true, but Reason R does not provide a correct explanation for Assertion A.

• Hence, the correct answer is option B - Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

• Assertion A: The royal seal was fixed on the packet of imported and exported goods after realising the custom duties.


• Reason R: The revenue officials in charge of collecting taxes indulged in malpractices and corruption.

• If A is true and R is false: This option is incorrect as the royal seal being fixed on the packet of goods is directly related to the realization of custom duties, indicating that both A and R are connected.


• If A is false and R is true: This option is also incorrect as the revenue officials indulging in malpractices and corruption does not directly negate the assertion that the royal seal was fixed on the packets of goods after realizing custom duties.


• If both A and R are false: This option is incorrect as the assertion and reason are based on historical practices related to customs duties and revenue collection.


• If both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A: This option is incorrect as the reason provided explains why the royal seal was fixed on the packets of goods after realizing custom duties, indicating a logical connection between A and R.


• If both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A: This option is correct as the assertion A explains the practice of fixing the royal seal on goods after realizing custom duties, and the reason R provides the background of corruption among revenue officials which necessitated such measures to prevent malpractices.

• Assertion A: The unit of revenue yielding territory was known as 'Variyam'.


• Reason R: Brahmins were totally exempted from the payment of land revenue or other taxes.

• If both A and R are true, but R is false, then assertion A would still hold true as the unit of revenue yielding territory being known as 'Variyam' is a factual statement.


• However, the reason provided for this assertion, stating that Brahmins were totally exempted from the payment of land revenue or other taxes, is not correct. In reality, Brahmins were not totally exempt from paying taxes.

• Hence, the correct answer is option C: If A is true and R is false. The unit of revenue yielding territory being known as 'Variyam' is true, but the reason provided is false as Brahmins were not totally exempt from paying taxes.

• Assertion A: There was an utter lack of local administrative institutions and, therefore, urban centres were badly neglected.


• Reason R: The revenue-free villages granted to Brahmins were called Brahmatyam.

• A: The assertion is true because the lack of local administrative institutions led to urban centers being neglected.


• R: The reason states a fact about the revenue-free villages granted to Brahmins, which is not directly related to the assertion about the lack of local administrative institutions.

• Option A: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. Therefore, this option is incorrect.


• Option B: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. Therefore, this option is correct.


• Option C: A is true, but R is false. This option is incorrect as both A and R are true.


• Option D: A is false, but R is true. This option is incorrect as A is true.


• Option E: Both A and R are false. This option is incorrect as A is true.

• Assertion A: Uraiyur and Madurai were the leading centres of the textile industry.


• Reason R: Untouchability was practiced but slavery was unknown.

• If we look at the history of Uraiyur and Madurai, both cities were indeed known for their flourishing textile industry during ancient times. The textile industry was a major economic activity in these regions.


• Untouchability was a prevalent practice in ancient India, including in regions like Uraiyur and Madurai. However, slavery was not commonly practiced in these regions.


• While both A and R are true, it can be seen that the practice of untouchability and the absence of slavery are not directly related to the prominence of the textile industry in Uraiyur and Madurai.


• Therefore, while both statements are true, the reason provided does not directly explain why Uraiyur and Madurai were leading centres of the textile industry. Hence, option B is the correct choice.

• Option B is the correct answer as both Assertion A and Reason R are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

• Assertion A: Women do not seem to have owned property, irrespective of whether they were queens or farm labourers.


• Reason R: Sati was known though not universal, but we find no instances of unwilling women being forced to it.

• Assertion A: Women not owning property was a common practice in historical societies, where women's rights were limited and property ownership was mainly reserved for men. This was true for women across different social strata, including queens and farm labourers.


• Reason R: The practice of Sati, where a widow self-immolated on her husband's funeral pyre, was known in certain societies. However, it was not a universal practice and there were instances where women were not forced into it against their will.


• Explanation: While both Assertion A and Reason R are true, Reason R does not directly explain why women did not own property. The lack of property ownership by women was a result of societal norms and gender inequalities, whereas Sati was a specific cultural practice. Therefore, option B is the correct choice as both statements are true but Reason R is not the correct explanation of Assertion A.

• Korkai was the coastal capital of Pandyas: Korkai was an ancient port city located in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. It was the capital of the Pandyan Kingdom, one of the four major Dravidian kingdoms mentioned in ancient Tamil literature.


• Cheras, Cholas, and Pallavas: While Cheras, Cholas, and Pallavas were also prominent dynasties in South India, Korkai specifically served as the capital of the Pandyan Kingdom.


• Importance of Korkai: Korkai was known for its maritime trade and was a significant center for pearl fishing. The city's strategic location on the coast contributed to its prosperity and importance in ancient times.


• Archaeological significance: Excavations in Korkai have revealed valuable information about the ancient Pandyan civilization, including artifacts, inscriptions, and structures that provide insights into the culture and history of the region.

Explanation:

• Silappadikaram: Silappadikaram is a Tamil epic that dates back to the 2nd century CE and is one of the five great epics of Tamil literature. It is a story of Kannagi, a chaste woman who seeks justice for her husband's false accusation and death.


• Trade with the Roman Empire: Silappadikaram throws light on India's flourishing trade with the Roman Empire. It portrays the economic and cultural exchanges between the Tamil regions and the Roman Empire during ancient times.


• Portrayal of Trade: The epic depicts the bustling port cities of Puhar (now known as Kaveripattinam) and Korkai, which were important centers of trade and commerce. It highlights the prosperity and cosmopolitan nature of these cities due to the trade connections with the Roman Empire.


• Cultural Exchange: Through the characters and events in Silappadikaram, the author showcases the interactions between Tamil society and the Roman traders. It provides insights into the cultural influences, goods exchanged, and the impact of trade on the local economy.


• Historical Significance: The portrayal of trade with the Roman Empire in Silappadikaram contributes to our understanding of ancient India's commercial relations with other civilizations. It sheds light on the maritime trade routes, mercantile activities, and the diverse cultural exchanges that took place during that period.

Fish was the royal emblem of Pandya Kingdom. The Pandyas were also mentioned by Megasthanese who said that then kingdom was famous for pearls.

• Murugan: The chief deity of the Sangam age was Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda. He is a popular Hindu god, particularly worshipped in South India.


• Siva: While Siva is also a prominent deity in Hinduism, during the Sangam age, Murugan held the position of the chief deity.


• Indra: Indra is a deity in Hindu mythology, known as the king of gods. However, he was not considered the chief deity during the Sangam age.


• Vishnu: Vishnu is another important deity in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe. However, he was also not the chief deity during the Sangam age.

• Pandyan Kingdom: The Pandyan Kingdom was one of the three oldest Tamil dynasties in South India. It was known for its patronage of Tamil literature and arts.


• Silappadikaram: Silappadikaram is one of the five great epics of Tamil literature. It was written by Ilango Adigal during the Sangam period.


• King Mentioned: In Silappadikaram, the Pandyan king mentioned is Nedunjeliyan.


• Nedunjeliyan: Nedunjeliyan was a legendary Pandyan king who ruled Madurai. He is known for his valor and generosity.

• A: Pepper


• B: Ginger


• C: Cotton


• D: Silk

• Yavanapriya: Yavanapriya is another name for pepper in ancient Indian texts and Ayurveda.


• Pepper: Pepper, also known as black gold, is one of the most popular spices used worldwide for its flavor and medicinal properties.


• Usage: Pepper was highly valued in ancient times and was considered a precious commodity due to its various uses in cooking, medicine, and preserving food.


• Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, pepper is believed to have digestive, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, making it a valuable spice in traditional medicine.

• Trade Routes: Uraiyur was strategically located along trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods, including pearls and muslin.



• Skilled Artisans: The city was known for its skilled artisans who specialized in crafting pearls into jewelry and weaving muslin fabric.



• Royal Patronage: The rulers of Uraiyur provided patronage to craftsmen and traders dealing in pearls and muslin, leading to the growth of these industries in the region.



• Natural Resources: The proximity of Uraiyur to natural resources like pearls from the sea and cotton for muslin production further boosted these industries.



• Market Demand: The demand for pearls and muslin was high among the elite and affluent classes, both locally and in trade with other regions, making Uraiyur a prominent center for these luxury goods.

• Desire to Control the Fertile Deltas: One of the main reasons for conflict between the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas was their desire to control the fertile deltas. These deltas were crucial for agriculture and provided a constant source of food and revenue. Each kingdom wanted to expand its territory to gain control over these fertile lands, leading to conflicts and battles.



• Competition for Coastal Regions: Another factor that fueled the conflict was the competition for control over coastal regions. The coastlines were important for trade, commerce, and naval power. All three kingdoms sought to dominate the coastal areas to enhance their economic and military strength, resulting in clashes between them.



• Access to Trading and Urban Centers: The need for access to important trading and urban centers also played a significant role in the conflicts. Cities and trading hubs were hubs of economic activity and cultural exchange. The Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas vied for control over these centers to expand their influence and increase their wealth, leading to conflicts over territorial control.

Therefore, the cause of conflict between the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas during the Sangam Age can be attributed to their desire to control fertile deltas, coastal regions, and important trading and urban centers for economic, military, and strategic advantages.

• Identifying the Pandya king: The Pandya king of the Sangam age who defeated the Chola and the Chera kings in the battle of Talaiyalanganam was Nedunjeliyan.


• Options:
  
  
  
  • Nediyon
  
  
  • Nedunjeliyan
  
  
  • Arivudai
  
  
  • Mudukudumip
  
  
  
  


• Correct Answer: Option B - Nedunjeliyan

Therefore, the Pandya king of the Sangam age who defeated the Chola and the Chera kings in the battle of Talaiyalanganam was Nedunjeliyan.

• Jivak-Chintamani: This Tamil work highlights the importance of Jaina philosophy through its content and themes. The text is known for its portrayal of Jain principles and teachings.


• Silappadikaram: While Silappadikaram is a significant Tamil epic that explores various themes and moral values, it does not specifically focus on Jaina philosophy.


• Manimekalai: Manimekalai is another Tamil work that does not primarily highlight Jaina philosophy. It revolves around Buddhist teachings and principles.


• Pattupattu: Pattupattu is a collection of ten Tamil poetic works that primarily focus on love, nature, and other aspects of life, without emphasizing Jaina philosophy.