Q1. “Bijanti” government is compared to the Chola’s for
(a) Rural democracy
(b) Administrative system
(c) Land revenue collection system
(d) Display of wealth
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (d) Display of wealth
Explanation: The Bijanti government, likely referring to Vijayanagar rulers, is compared to the Cholas for their grand architecture, temples, and royal patronage, reflecting a display of wealth and cultural grandeur, similar to Chola traditions.
Q2. Who was the famous Deccan Hindu King whose fleet crossed the Bay of Bengal with an army and conquered a number of states in Sumatra, Java and Malaysia ?
(a) Rajaraja I
(b) Rajendra Chola
(c) Pulakesin
(d) Mahipala II
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (b) Rajendra Chola
Explanation: Rajendra Chola, son of Rajaraja I, led naval expeditions across the Bay of Bengal, expanding influence to Southeast Asia.
Q3. Which dynasty was well-known for excellent village administration ?
(a) Pandyas
(b) Pallavas
(c) Cholas
(d) Chalukyas
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (c) Cholas
Explanation: The Chola dynasty is renowned for its efficient village administration, with local self-governance through sabhas and ur councils, ensuring grassroots participation in decision-making.
Q4. Which of the following statements is correct ?
(a) The village was the basic unit of Chola administration.
(b) The Chola kingdom was on the decline in the 9th century.
(c) Amoghavarsha is the best remembered of the Chola kings.
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (a) The village was the basic unit of Chola administration.
Explanation: The Chola dynasty had a well-organized administrative system, with the village as the basic unit. Local assemblies like sabhas and ur managed revenue, justice, and public works, showcasing grassroots governance.
Q5. Assertion (A): The Cholas had a conquest of Southeast.
Reason (R): They had developed a very strong fleet.
(a) if A and R both are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) if A and R both are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) if A is incorrect but R is correct
(d) if A is correct but R is incorrect
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (a) if A and R both are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The Chola dynasty conducted naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, especially Sri Lanka and Indonesia, using their powerful fleet. Hence, both the assertion and reason are correct and causally linked.