Selina Textbook Solutions: South India and the Cholas | History Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


South India and the Cholas 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Mention two ways in which Inscriptions may be used for reconstructing the history of the 
Imperial Cholas. 
Answer: 
The inscriptions provide the following information about the Cholas. 
1. They tell us about the Chola administration. 
2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas. 
3. They inform us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image 
of the deity. 
4. Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by 
conserving a record of sales, mortageges and other forms of transfers of property 
rights in village lands. 
5. Inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on meters of public 
importance. 
Question 2. 
Name one of the masterpieces of the temples built, by the Chola king Rajaraja I. 
Mention one architectural feature of the temple. 
Answer: 
He constructed the famous Brihadeswara Temple also known as Rajarajeshwar Temple 
at Thanjavur.The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an 
assembly hall, all interconnected. 
Question 3. 
Under whose rule, the Cholas rose to imperial greatness towards the end of the 10th 
century AD? 
Answer: 
Under the ruler ship of Sundara Chola’s son, Rajaraja I, the Cholas rose to Imperial 
greatness towards the end of the 10th century AD. 
Question 4. 
Mention any two victories won by Cholas under Rajaraja I. 
Answer: 
Annexation of Kalinga and Maldives. 
 
Page 2


South India and the Cholas 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Mention two ways in which Inscriptions may be used for reconstructing the history of the 
Imperial Cholas. 
Answer: 
The inscriptions provide the following information about the Cholas. 
1. They tell us about the Chola administration. 
2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas. 
3. They inform us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image 
of the deity. 
4. Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by 
conserving a record of sales, mortageges and other forms of transfers of property 
rights in village lands. 
5. Inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on meters of public 
importance. 
Question 2. 
Name one of the masterpieces of the temples built, by the Chola king Rajaraja I. 
Mention one architectural feature of the temple. 
Answer: 
He constructed the famous Brihadeswara Temple also known as Rajarajeshwar Temple 
at Thanjavur.The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an 
assembly hall, all interconnected. 
Question 3. 
Under whose rule, the Cholas rose to imperial greatness towards the end of the 10th 
century AD? 
Answer: 
Under the ruler ship of Sundara Chola’s son, Rajaraja I, the Cholas rose to Imperial 
greatness towards the end of the 10th century AD. 
Question 4. 
Mention any two victories won by Cholas under Rajaraja I. 
Answer: 
Annexation of Kalinga and Maldives. 
 
Question 5. 
Who among the Chola kings adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’? Name the city 
commemorating the event. 
Answer: 
Rajendra I, adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’. Gangakundrapuram or Gangaikonda-
Cholapuram. 
Question 6. 
What names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola kingdom: 
(a) Province, and (b) the District? 
Answer: 
Following names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola 
kingdom: 
1. The Province was named as 
2. The District was named as 
Question 7. 
What was the method of electing members of the village assembly under the Cholas? 
Answer: 
The method of electing members of the village assembly was as such-name-slips of the 
candidates were thrown and mixed up in a pot, from which they were drawn one by one 
a small boy. The results were announced by the village-priest. 
Question 8. 
Mention any two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas. 
Answer: 
Following are the two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas: 
1. To regulate water supply, 
2. To provide education to children. 
Question 9. 
Give one evidence to suggest that the Brihadeswara Temple is a repository of every 
branch of art. 
Answer: 
1. The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an assembly 
hall, all interconnected. 
2. The Maha-mandapa was originally three-storeyed. The top storey was an open 
terrace, with a row of Nandis placed on the top of its walls. 
3. Like the outer doorway, other outer entrances are also flanked by dwarapalas. 
4. The numerous Sanskrit and Tamil inscriptions on it are in fine calligraphy. 
Page 3


South India and the Cholas 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Mention two ways in which Inscriptions may be used for reconstructing the history of the 
Imperial Cholas. 
Answer: 
The inscriptions provide the following information about the Cholas. 
1. They tell us about the Chola administration. 
2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas. 
3. They inform us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image 
of the deity. 
4. Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by 
conserving a record of sales, mortageges and other forms of transfers of property 
rights in village lands. 
5. Inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on meters of public 
importance. 
Question 2. 
Name one of the masterpieces of the temples built, by the Chola king Rajaraja I. 
Mention one architectural feature of the temple. 
Answer: 
He constructed the famous Brihadeswara Temple also known as Rajarajeshwar Temple 
at Thanjavur.The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an 
assembly hall, all interconnected. 
Question 3. 
Under whose rule, the Cholas rose to imperial greatness towards the end of the 10th 
century AD? 
Answer: 
Under the ruler ship of Sundara Chola’s son, Rajaraja I, the Cholas rose to Imperial 
greatness towards the end of the 10th century AD. 
Question 4. 
Mention any two victories won by Cholas under Rajaraja I. 
Answer: 
Annexation of Kalinga and Maldives. 
 
Question 5. 
Who among the Chola kings adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’? Name the city 
commemorating the event. 
Answer: 
Rajendra I, adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’. Gangakundrapuram or Gangaikonda-
Cholapuram. 
Question 6. 
What names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola kingdom: 
(a) Province, and (b) the District? 
Answer: 
Following names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola 
kingdom: 
1. The Province was named as 
2. The District was named as 
Question 7. 
What was the method of electing members of the village assembly under the Cholas? 
Answer: 
The method of electing members of the village assembly was as such-name-slips of the 
candidates were thrown and mixed up in a pot, from which they were drawn one by one 
a small boy. The results were announced by the village-priest. 
Question 8. 
Mention any two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas. 
Answer: 
Following are the two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas: 
1. To regulate water supply, 
2. To provide education to children. 
Question 9. 
Give one evidence to suggest that the Brihadeswara Temple is a repository of every 
branch of art. 
Answer: 
1. The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an assembly 
hall, all interconnected. 
2. The Maha-mandapa was originally three-storeyed. The top storey was an open 
terrace, with a row of Nandis placed on the top of its walls. 
3. Like the outer doorway, other outer entrances are also flanked by dwarapalas. 
4. The numerous Sanskrit and Tamil inscriptions on it are in fine calligraphy. 
5. Another imposing structure in the Temple is the Amman Temple housing 
Brihannayaki, the consort of Brihadeshwara. In brief, the Brihadeswara Temple is 
a repository of every branch of art-architecture, sculpture, painting, jewelry, dance 
and music etc. 
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS 
Question 1. 
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of the 
Cholas. In this context, explain briefly: 
(a) His Conquests. 
(b) His activities as a Great Builder and a Ruler. 
Answer: 
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of 
the Cholas. In this context, the given headlines are described as below: 
(a) 
Rajaraja defeated the Cheras and then he seized Madurai and captured the Pandya 
king Amarbhujanga. He also annexed Kalinga. He carried out powerful raids into the 
territory of Western Chalukyas also. He invaded the Island of Sri Lanka and annexed its 
northern parts. Towards the end of his reign he conquered Maldives. Thus, Rajaraja 
made himself the overlord of almost the whole of the present state of Tamil Nadu, parts 
of the State of Karnataka, its adjoining regions, Sri Lanka arid other islands. 
(b) 
Rajaraja I was also a capable administrator, a great builder and a patron of arts and 
literature. A chief mark of his administrative system was an expansion of rural self-
governing institutions. He constructed the famous Brihdeswara Temple (also known as ” 
Rajarajeshwara Temple) at Thanjavur. He endowed and built some Vishnu temples 
also. H0w worshiped Shiva, but was tolerant of other sects and religions, as is evident 
from the fact that he granted to a village to the Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattam in the 
Malay peninsula. 
Question 2. 
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory. In this 
context explain: 
(a) His main Conquests. 
(b) His attainments as a Great Builder. 
Answer: 
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory’. 
In this context the given headlines are explained as under: 
(a) 
His main Conquests: About 1017 AD, he annexed the whole of Sri Lanka. He organised 
the Pandya and Kerala territories and the Island of Sri Lanka into regular provinces of 
his empire. His armies marched through the northern region as far as the Ganga Valley. 
He overpowered Orissa and a portion of Eastern Bengal. To commemorate this event, 
he adopted the title of Gangaikonda and built a new Capital called Gangaikonda-
Cholapuram, identified with Gangakundapuram. In 1025 AD, he despatched a naval 
Page 4


South India and the Cholas 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Mention two ways in which Inscriptions may be used for reconstructing the history of the 
Imperial Cholas. 
Answer: 
The inscriptions provide the following information about the Cholas. 
1. They tell us about the Chola administration. 
2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas. 
3. They inform us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image 
of the deity. 
4. Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by 
conserving a record of sales, mortageges and other forms of transfers of property 
rights in village lands. 
5. Inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on meters of public 
importance. 
Question 2. 
Name one of the masterpieces of the temples built, by the Chola king Rajaraja I. 
Mention one architectural feature of the temple. 
Answer: 
He constructed the famous Brihadeswara Temple also known as Rajarajeshwar Temple 
at Thanjavur.The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an 
assembly hall, all interconnected. 
Question 3. 
Under whose rule, the Cholas rose to imperial greatness towards the end of the 10th 
century AD? 
Answer: 
Under the ruler ship of Sundara Chola’s son, Rajaraja I, the Cholas rose to Imperial 
greatness towards the end of the 10th century AD. 
Question 4. 
Mention any two victories won by Cholas under Rajaraja I. 
Answer: 
Annexation of Kalinga and Maldives. 
 
Question 5. 
Who among the Chola kings adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’? Name the city 
commemorating the event. 
Answer: 
Rajendra I, adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’. Gangakundrapuram or Gangaikonda-
Cholapuram. 
Question 6. 
What names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola kingdom: 
(a) Province, and (b) the District? 
Answer: 
Following names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola 
kingdom: 
1. The Province was named as 
2. The District was named as 
Question 7. 
What was the method of electing members of the village assembly under the Cholas? 
Answer: 
The method of electing members of the village assembly was as such-name-slips of the 
candidates were thrown and mixed up in a pot, from which they were drawn one by one 
a small boy. The results were announced by the village-priest. 
Question 8. 
Mention any two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas. 
Answer: 
Following are the two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas: 
1. To regulate water supply, 
2. To provide education to children. 
Question 9. 
Give one evidence to suggest that the Brihadeswara Temple is a repository of every 
branch of art. 
Answer: 
1. The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an assembly 
hall, all interconnected. 
2. The Maha-mandapa was originally three-storeyed. The top storey was an open 
terrace, with a row of Nandis placed on the top of its walls. 
3. Like the outer doorway, other outer entrances are also flanked by dwarapalas. 
4. The numerous Sanskrit and Tamil inscriptions on it are in fine calligraphy. 
5. Another imposing structure in the Temple is the Amman Temple housing 
Brihannayaki, the consort of Brihadeshwara. In brief, the Brihadeswara Temple is 
a repository of every branch of art-architecture, sculpture, painting, jewelry, dance 
and music etc. 
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS 
Question 1. 
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of the 
Cholas. In this context, explain briefly: 
(a) His Conquests. 
(b) His activities as a Great Builder and a Ruler. 
Answer: 
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of 
the Cholas. In this context, the given headlines are described as below: 
(a) 
Rajaraja defeated the Cheras and then he seized Madurai and captured the Pandya 
king Amarbhujanga. He also annexed Kalinga. He carried out powerful raids into the 
territory of Western Chalukyas also. He invaded the Island of Sri Lanka and annexed its 
northern parts. Towards the end of his reign he conquered Maldives. Thus, Rajaraja 
made himself the overlord of almost the whole of the present state of Tamil Nadu, parts 
of the State of Karnataka, its adjoining regions, Sri Lanka arid other islands. 
(b) 
Rajaraja I was also a capable administrator, a great builder and a patron of arts and 
literature. A chief mark of his administrative system was an expansion of rural self-
governing institutions. He constructed the famous Brihdeswara Temple (also known as ” 
Rajarajeshwara Temple) at Thanjavur. He endowed and built some Vishnu temples 
also. H0w worshiped Shiva, but was tolerant of other sects and religions, as is evident 
from the fact that he granted to a village to the Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattam in the 
Malay peninsula. 
Question 2. 
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory. In this 
context explain: 
(a) His main Conquests. 
(b) His attainments as a Great Builder. 
Answer: 
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory’. 
In this context the given headlines are explained as under: 
(a) 
His main Conquests: About 1017 AD, he annexed the whole of Sri Lanka. He organised 
the Pandya and Kerala territories and the Island of Sri Lanka into regular provinces of 
his empire. His armies marched through the northern region as far as the Ganga Valley. 
He overpowered Orissa and a portion of Eastern Bengal. To commemorate this event, 
he adopted the title of Gangaikonda and built a new Capital called Gangaikonda-
Cholapuram, identified with Gangakundapuram. In 1025 AD, he despatched a naval 
expedition for the conquest of king Shailendra’s territories of Java and Sumatra. 
(b) 
His attainments as a Great Builder: Rajendra I got constructed an artificial lake, near 
his new Capital. Its embankments were more than 25 kms. in length. It was filled with 
water from the Kolerun and Vellar rivers. He also constructed a splendid temple at 
Gangaikonda-Cholapuram. Its huge lingam (a symbol of generative power) of solid 
granite is very impressive. 
Question 3. 
Under Cholas, the ruler was the pivot on which turned the whole machinery of the state, 
but actual administration was not highly centralised. In this context, explain briefly. 
(a) The position of the Chola Monarch. 
(b) Functioning of the autonomous rural institutions (Gram Sabhas). 
Answer: 
Under Cholas the ruler was the pivot on which turned the whole machinery of the state, 
but actual administration was not highly centralised. In this context given headlines are 
explained as under: 
(a) 
The position of the Chola Monarch: The king was the pivot, around, which the whole 
system was based. The coronation Ceremony was marked by many festivities. The 
power and glory of the monarch was enchanced with the huge resources of the 
kingdom, vast palace establishment and splendour of the Court. The verbal orders of 
the King were reduced to writing, before they were communicated to the officials 
concerned. 
(b) 
The functioning of the autonomous rural institutions (Gram Sabha): Gram Sabha 
enjoyed full powers in the management of local affairs. The village assemblies 
administered justice within the village except the cases involving serious crimes. They 
regulated water supply, gathered such as temples, schools etc. They could sell or 
donate land for religious purposes. Accounts were maintained with meticulous care. In 
case a defaulter embezzled money, he was severely dealt with.The village assembly on 
its affairs with the help of smaller committees, each looking after specific matters such 
as the tanks, gardens, temples, justice and general management. 
Question 4. 
Study the picture of the Brihadeswara Temple and answer the following questions: 
(a) Name the place where the Temple is located. 
(b) When and by whom was the Temple built? 
(c) To which Deity was the temple dedicated? 
(d) Mention outstanding features of the Temple 
Page 5


South India and the Cholas 
EXERCISES 
Question 1. 
Mention two ways in which Inscriptions may be used for reconstructing the history of the 
Imperial Cholas. 
Answer: 
The inscriptions provide the following information about the Cholas. 
1. They tell us about the Chola administration. 
2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas. 
3. They inform us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image 
of the deity. 
4. Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by 
conserving a record of sales, mortageges and other forms of transfers of property 
rights in village lands. 
5. Inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on meters of public 
importance. 
Question 2. 
Name one of the masterpieces of the temples built, by the Chola king Rajaraja I. 
Mention one architectural feature of the temple. 
Answer: 
He constructed the famous Brihadeswara Temple also known as Rajarajeshwar Temple 
at Thanjavur.The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an 
assembly hall, all interconnected. 
Question 3. 
Under whose rule, the Cholas rose to imperial greatness towards the end of the 10th 
century AD? 
Answer: 
Under the ruler ship of Sundara Chola’s son, Rajaraja I, the Cholas rose to Imperial 
greatness towards the end of the 10th century AD. 
Question 4. 
Mention any two victories won by Cholas under Rajaraja I. 
Answer: 
Annexation of Kalinga and Maldives. 
 
Question 5. 
Who among the Chola kings adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’? Name the city 
commemorating the event. 
Answer: 
Rajendra I, adopted the title of ‘Gangaikonda’. Gangakundrapuram or Gangaikonda-
Cholapuram. 
Question 6. 
What names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola kingdom: 
(a) Province, and (b) the District? 
Answer: 
Following names were given to the following territorial divisions of the Chola 
kingdom: 
1. The Province was named as 
2. The District was named as 
Question 7. 
What was the method of electing members of the village assembly under the Cholas? 
Answer: 
The method of electing members of the village assembly was as such-name-slips of the 
candidates were thrown and mixed up in a pot, from which they were drawn one by one 
a small boy. The results were announced by the village-priest. 
Question 8. 
Mention any two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas. 
Answer: 
Following are the two duties assigned to a village assembly under the Cholas: 
1. To regulate water supply, 
2. To provide education to children. 
Question 9. 
Give one evidence to suggest that the Brihadeswara Temple is a repository of every 
branch of art. 
Answer: 
1. The temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an assembly 
hall, all interconnected. 
2. The Maha-mandapa was originally three-storeyed. The top storey was an open 
terrace, with a row of Nandis placed on the top of its walls. 
3. Like the outer doorway, other outer entrances are also flanked by dwarapalas. 
4. The numerous Sanskrit and Tamil inscriptions on it are in fine calligraphy. 
5. Another imposing structure in the Temple is the Amman Temple housing 
Brihannayaki, the consort of Brihadeshwara. In brief, the Brihadeswara Temple is 
a repository of every branch of art-architecture, sculpture, painting, jewelry, dance 
and music etc. 
STRUCTURED QUESTIONS 
Question 1. 
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of the 
Cholas. In this context, explain briefly: 
(a) His Conquests. 
(b) His activities as a Great Builder and a Ruler. 
Answer: 
With the accession of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD) began the most glorious epoch of 
the Cholas. In this context, the given headlines are described as below: 
(a) 
Rajaraja defeated the Cheras and then he seized Madurai and captured the Pandya 
king Amarbhujanga. He also annexed Kalinga. He carried out powerful raids into the 
territory of Western Chalukyas also. He invaded the Island of Sri Lanka and annexed its 
northern parts. Towards the end of his reign he conquered Maldives. Thus, Rajaraja 
made himself the overlord of almost the whole of the present state of Tamil Nadu, parts 
of the State of Karnataka, its adjoining regions, Sri Lanka arid other islands. 
(b) 
Rajaraja I was also a capable administrator, a great builder and a patron of arts and 
literature. A chief mark of his administrative system was an expansion of rural self-
governing institutions. He constructed the famous Brihdeswara Temple (also known as ” 
Rajarajeshwara Temple) at Thanjavur. He endowed and built some Vishnu temples 
also. H0w worshiped Shiva, but was tolerant of other sects and religions, as is evident 
from the fact that he granted to a village to the Buddhist Vihara at Nagapattam in the 
Malay peninsula. 
Question 2. 
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory. In this 
context explain: 
(a) His main Conquests. 
(b) His attainments as a Great Builder. 
Answer: 
King Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD) raised the Chola empire to the pinnacle of glory’. 
In this context the given headlines are explained as under: 
(a) 
His main Conquests: About 1017 AD, he annexed the whole of Sri Lanka. He organised 
the Pandya and Kerala territories and the Island of Sri Lanka into regular provinces of 
his empire. His armies marched through the northern region as far as the Ganga Valley. 
He overpowered Orissa and a portion of Eastern Bengal. To commemorate this event, 
he adopted the title of Gangaikonda and built a new Capital called Gangaikonda-
Cholapuram, identified with Gangakundapuram. In 1025 AD, he despatched a naval 
expedition for the conquest of king Shailendra’s territories of Java and Sumatra. 
(b) 
His attainments as a Great Builder: Rajendra I got constructed an artificial lake, near 
his new Capital. Its embankments were more than 25 kms. in length. It was filled with 
water from the Kolerun and Vellar rivers. He also constructed a splendid temple at 
Gangaikonda-Cholapuram. Its huge lingam (a symbol of generative power) of solid 
granite is very impressive. 
Question 3. 
Under Cholas, the ruler was the pivot on which turned the whole machinery of the state, 
but actual administration was not highly centralised. In this context, explain briefly. 
(a) The position of the Chola Monarch. 
(b) Functioning of the autonomous rural institutions (Gram Sabhas). 
Answer: 
Under Cholas the ruler was the pivot on which turned the whole machinery of the state, 
but actual administration was not highly centralised. In this context given headlines are 
explained as under: 
(a) 
The position of the Chola Monarch: The king was the pivot, around, which the whole 
system was based. The coronation Ceremony was marked by many festivities. The 
power and glory of the monarch was enchanced with the huge resources of the 
kingdom, vast palace establishment and splendour of the Court. The verbal orders of 
the King were reduced to writing, before they were communicated to the officials 
concerned. 
(b) 
The functioning of the autonomous rural institutions (Gram Sabha): Gram Sabha 
enjoyed full powers in the management of local affairs. The village assemblies 
administered justice within the village except the cases involving serious crimes. They 
regulated water supply, gathered such as temples, schools etc. They could sell or 
donate land for religious purposes. Accounts were maintained with meticulous care. In 
case a defaulter embezzled money, he was severely dealt with.The village assembly on 
its affairs with the help of smaller committees, each looking after specific matters such 
as the tanks, gardens, temples, justice and general management. 
Question 4. 
Study the picture of the Brihadeswara Temple and answer the following questions: 
(a) Name the place where the Temple is located. 
(b) When and by whom was the Temple built? 
(c) To which Deity was the temple dedicated? 
(d) Mention outstanding features of the Temple 
 
Answer: 
On the basis of the study of the picture of Brihadeswara Temples, the given 
headlines are answered as follows: 
(a) The Brihadeswara Temple is located at Thanjavur. 
(b) In 1000 AD, Rajaraja the Great, of the Chola dynasty built the Temple. 
(c) The Temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
(d) The Temple consists of the Nandi mandapa, a pillared portico and an assembly hall, 
all interconnected and in the center of a spacious walled enclosure; Its massive tower 
rises to a height of 57 meters and is shaped like pyramid. It has thirteen successive 
story and its top is crowned by a single block stone, 8.6 meters high and it weighs about 
80 tonnes. The interior walls of the temple are decorated with elaborate painting and 
magnificent sculptures. 
Question 5. 
Discuss people’s social life under Imperial Cholas with reference to: 
(a) Caste System (b) Religion (c) Literature and Cultural Activities 
Answer: 
(a) 
The caste system very much prevailed in Southern Ind.a. Besides the prosperous 
Brahmins, merchants had emerged as a powerful class by virtue of their wealth. The 
social status of the lower castes was pitiable. They could not draw water from the 
common wells, nor were they allowed to enter temples. 
(b) 
The Chola emperors were worshipers of Lord Shiva, but they were by no means 
intolerant of other sects and religions. 
(c) 
The Chola era, was the ‘Golden Age’ of Tamil literature. Kamban translated the Sanskrit