Society and Culture in Ancient Tamizhagam: The Sangam Age 6th Social Science Lesson 16 Questions in English

6th Social Science Lesson 16 Questions in English

16. Society and Culture in Ancient Tamizhagam: The Sangam Age

1. Who strove hard and spent many years in retrieving and publishing the Tamil classics and the ancient Tamil texts?

a) ArumugaNavalar

b) U.V.Swaminatha Iyer

c) Damodharam Pillai

d) All the above

2. Which of the following is a work on Tamil grammar?

a) Agananur

b) Purananooru

c) Tholkappiyam

d) All the above

Explanation

Tholkappiyam is a work on Tamil grammar. It represents the quality of Tamil language and the culture of Tamil people of the Sangam Age.

3. Which Professor of University of California said that Tamil is as old as Latin?

a) George L. Hart

b) George L. Thomas

c) George L. Heron

d) George L. Hastings

Explanation

George L. Hart, Professor of Tamil language at the University of California, has said that Tamil is as old as Latin. The language arose as an entirely independent tradition with no influence of other languages.

4. Which of the following text is about Chera kings?

a) Patinapalai

b) Thirukural

c) Pathitrupathu

d) Natrinai

Explanation

The Cheras ruled over the central and north Travancore, Cochin, south Malabar and Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. The Pathitrupathu (a collection of ten decades of verses) provides information about the Chera kings.

5. Which Chera king went on a military expedition to North India?

a) Cheral Irumporai

b) Cheran Senguttuvan

c) Ilanjetchenai

d) None

Explanation

It is known that the Chera king Senguttuvan went on a military expedition to North India. He brought stones from the Himalayas for making the idol of Kannagi, an epic character from Silappathikaram.

6. Who among the following introduced pattini cult?

a) Cheran Senguttuvan

b) Ilanjetchenai

c) Cheral Irumporai

d) None

Explanation

Chera king Senguttuvan introduced pattini cult. CheranSenguttuvan’s younger brother was IlangoAdigal. He was the author of Silappathikaram.

7. Which Chera King issued coins in his name?

a) Chera Senguttuvan

b) CheralIrumporai

c) Ilanjetchenai

d) None

Explanation

Another Chera king, CheralIrumporai, issued coins in his name. Some Chera coins bear their emblem of bow and arrow.

8. Who among the following is a Chera King?

a) Ilanchetsenni

b) KilliValavan

c) Imayavaramban

d) Perunarkilli

Explanation

Prominent Chera Rulers are UdayanCheralathan, Imayavaramban NetunCheralathan, CheranSenguttuvan, CheralIrumporai.

9. The Chola Kingdom during Sangam period extended up to______

a) Thirubhuvanam

b) Venkatam

c) Krishna river

d) Godaveri river

Explanation

The Chola kingdom of Sangam period extended up to Venkatam (Tirupathi) hills. The Kaveri delta region remained the central part of the kingdom. This area was later known as Cholamandalam.

10. Who defeated the combined army of the Cheras, Pandyas and the eleven Velir chieftains?

a) KilliValavan

b) KarikalValavan

c) Perunarkilli

d) Kocengannan

Explanation

KarikalValavan or Karikalan was the most famous of the Chola kings. He defeated the combined army of the Cheras, Pandyas and the eleven Velir chieftains who supported them at Venni, a small village in the Thanjavur region.

11. Which of the following is the port of Cholas?

a) Puhar

b) Thondi

c) Musiri

d) None

Explanation

KarikalValavan converted forests into cultivable lands. He built Kallanai (meaning a dam made of stone) across the river Kaveri to develop agriculture. Their port Puhar attracted merchants from various regions of the Indian Ocean.

12. When it was built, Kallanai irrigated an area of about______ acres.

a) 69,000

b) 69,00

c) 59,000

d) 59,00

Explanation

Kallanai was a dyke, built with stones. It was constructed across the Kaveri to divert water throughout the delta region for irrigation. When it was built, Kallanai irrigated an area of about 69,000 acres.

13. Which Pandya king defeated combined army of Chera, Chola and five Velir Chieftains?

a) Nedunchezhiyan

b) Nanmaran

c) Nediyon

d) MudukudumiPeruvazhuthi

Explanation

Nedunchezhiyan is hailed as the most popular warrior. He defeated the combined army of the Chera, Chola and five Velir Chieftains at Talayalanganam.

14. Who among the following is praised as the lord of Korkai?

a) Nanmaran

b) Nedunchezhiyan

c) MudukudumiPeruvazhuthi

d) Nediyon

Explanation

Nedunchezhiyan is praised as the lord of Korkai. Pandya country was well known for pearl hunting.

15. Which among the following is seen in Pandya Coins?

a) Tiger

b) Elephant

c) Fish

d) Both a and b

Explanation

Pandya kings issued many coins. Their coins have elephant on one side and fish on another side.

16. Who issued coins to commemorate his performance of many Vedic rituals?

a) Nediyon

b) Nanmaran

c) Nedunchezhiyan

d) MudukudumiPeruvazhuthi

Explanation

Pandya kings issued many coins. Their coins have elephant on one side and fish on another side. MudukudimiPeruvazhuthi issued coins to commemorate his performance of many Vedic rituals.

17. Which of the following title is hailed by Cheran?

a) Adhavan

b) Vanavan

c) Kuttuvan

d) All the above

Explanation

The Titles Assumed by cheras are Adhavan, Kuttuvan, Vanavan, Irumporai. The Titles Assumed by Cholas are Senni, Sembiyan, Killi, Valavan.

18. Which of the following is/are correctly matched?

1) Umbrella – venkudai

2) Sceptre – kol

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

Sceptre (kol), drum (murasu) and white umbrella (venkudai) were used as the symbols of royal authority.

19. Which of the following term means Shepard?

a) Kon

b) Ay

c) Mannan

d) Vendan

Explanation

Apart from three great kings, there were several brave independent minor chieftains. The name ‘Ay’ is derived from the ancient Tamil word ‘Ayar’ (meaning shepherd).

20. Who among the following is not a Ay Chieftains?

a) Anthiran

b) Titiran

c) Nediyon

d) Nannan

Explanation

Among Ay chiefs of Sangam Age, Anthiran, Titiran and Nannan were the important names. Nediyon is a Prominent Pandya ruler.

21. Who among the following was the village chief during Sangam period?

a) Nalli

b) Kari

c) Kizhar

d) Janpathi

Explanation

Kizhar was the village chief during Sangam period. The Velirs–Vellalars– constituted the ruling and land-owning class in the ancient Tamizhagam.

22. Who among the following is/are famous Velirs?

a) Kari

b) Pari

c) Pegan

d) All the above

Explanation

The famous Velirs were the seven patrons (KadaiyezhuVallalgal). They were Pari, Kari, Ori, Pegan, Ay, Dairyman and Nalli.

23. Which of the following statement is correct regarding Sangam period?

1) The Kingship was hereditary. The king was called Ko.

2) The Youngest son of the reigning king generally succeeded to the throne.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

The kingship was hereditary. The king was called Ko. It is the shortened form of Kon. Vendan, Kon, Mannan, Kotravan and Iraivan were the other titles by which the king was addressed. The eldest son of the reigning king generally succeeded to the throne.

24. The Young prince during Sangam age were known as_______

a) Ilango

b) Ilanchezhiyan

c) Ilanjeral

d) All the above

Explanation

The crown prince was known as komahan, while the young ones were known as Ilango, Ilanchezhiyan and Ilanjeral.

25. Which of the following statement is incorrect?

1) The income to the state was through taxation.

2) Land tax was the main source of revenue and it was called ‘Irai’.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

The income to the state was through taxation. Land tax was the main source of revenue and it was called ‘Irai’. This apart, the state collected tolls and customs (sungam), tributes and fines.

26. Which of the following statement is correct regarding Sangam age?

1) A wound in the back was considered a disgrace.

2) Spies were used not only to find out what was happening within the country, but also in foreign countries.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

The kings and soldiers wore the heroic anklet (Veera kazhal). On the anklet, the name and achievement of the wearer were blazoned. Spies were used not only to find out what was happening within the country, but also in foreign countries. A wound in the back was considered a disgrace and there are instances of kings fasting unto death because they had suffered such a wound in the battle.

27. The term Enberaayam means_____

a) Eight-member group

b) Five-member group

c) Four-member group

d) Seven-member group

Explanation

The King was assisted by a number of officials. They were divided into Aimperunguzhu (five-member committee) and Enberaayam (eight-member group).

28. Which of the following is matched correctly?

1) Kedayam – shield

2) Tomaram – lance

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

The prominent weapons used during this period were sword, kedayam (shield), tomaram (lance), spears, bows and arrows.

29. Which of the following is not the part of army in Sangam age?

a) Infantry

b) Cavalry

c) Chariot force

d) None

Explanation

The king’s army consisted of four divisions, namely, infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariot force.

30. The chief of the army of Sangam age was known as______

a) Paddaikottan

b) Thanaithalaivan

c) Padaithalaivan

d) None

Explanation

The army was known as ‘Padai’. The chief of the army was known as Thanaithalaivan. The king’s army consisted of four divisions, namely, infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariot force.

31. The place where the weapons were kept was known as______

a) Paddaikottil

b) Forts

c) Thanaithalaivan

d) Arasavai

Explanation

The place where the weapons were kept was known as paddaikottil. The forts were protected by deep moats and trenches. The war drum was worshipped as a deity.

32. _______is mentioned as a missile to be thrown at the enemy from a distance.

a) Spears

b) Arrows

c) Chariot

d) Tomaram

Explanation

Tomaram is mentioned as a missile to be thrown at the enemy from a distance. The forts were protected by deep moats and trenches.

33. Which of the following statement is correct during Sangam age?

1) The King was the final authority for appeal.

2) In the villages, Mandram served as the place for dispensing justice.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

The king was the final authority for appeal. In the capital town, the court of justice was called Avai. In the villages, Mandram served as the place for dispensing justice.

34. Which of the following punishment awarded for crimes?

a) Beheading

b) Imposition of fines

c) Execution

d) All the above

Explanation

Punishment was always severe. Execution was ordered for theft cases. The punishment awarded for other crimes included beheading, mutilation of the offending limbs of the body, torture and imprisonment and imposition of fines.

35. Which of the following is known as old village?

a) Perur

b) Sirur

c) Mudur

d) None

Explanation

The Ur was a village, classified into perur (big village), Sirur (a small village) and Mudur (an old village) depending upon its population, size and antiquity.

36. What was the name for a coastal town?

a) Pattinam

b) Puhar

c) Mudur

d) Sirur

Explanation

Pattinam was the name for a coastal town and Puhar was the general term for harbour town. The Ur was a village, classified into perur (big village), Sirur (a small village) and Mudur (an old village) depending upon its population, size and antiquity.

37. _____ was called menpulam.

a) Kurinji

b) Mullai

c) Marutham

d) Neithal

Explanation

Land was classified according to its fertility. Marutham was called menpulam (fertile land). It produced paddy and sugarcane.

38. Which of the following land is/are known as vanpulam?

a) Palai

b) Mullai

c) Kurinji

d) All the above

Explanation

Marutham was called menpulam. The rest of the landscape, excluding Neithal, was called vanpulam (hard land), and it produced pulses and dry grains.

39. Which of the following statement is correct?

1) There was no restriction for women in social life.

2) Forty women poets had lived and left behind their valuable works.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

There was no restriction for women in social life. There were learned and wise women. Forty women poets had lived and left behind their valuable works.

40. ______ was considered the highest virtue of women.

a) Beauty

b) Character

c) Chastity

d) None

Explanation

Marriage was a matter of self-choice. However, chastity (karpu) was considered the highest virtue of women.

41. Does the Sons and daughters had equal shares in their parents’ property?

a) Yes

b) No

c) Yes, with certain conditions

d) None

Explanation

Sons and daughters had equal shares in their parents’ property. There was no restriction for women in social life. There were learned and wise women.

42. The primary deity of the Tamils was______

a) Mayon

b) Kotravai

c) Seyon

d) None

Explanation

The primary deity of the Tamils was Seyon or Murugan. Other gods worshipped during Sangam period were Sivan, Mayon (Vishnu), Indiran, Varunan and Kotravai. The Hero stone (natukkal) worship was in practice. Buddhism and Jainism also co-existed.

43. The hero stones were erected to________

a) Dead people

b) People who sacrificed their lives

c) Both a and b

d) None

Explanation

The ancient Tamils had a great respect for the heroes who died in the battle field. The hero stones were erected to commemorate heroes who sacrificed their lives in war.

44. Which of the following statement is incorrect?

1) Caste did not develop in Tamizhagam as it did in the northern India.

2) Varuna system came to the Dravidian south comparatively late.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

Caste did not develop in Tamizhagam as it did in the northern India. Varuna system (occupation-based caste) came to the Dravidian south comparatively late.

45. The rich people during Sangam age wore______

a) Muslin

b) Silk

c) Cotton

d) All the above

Explanation

The rich people wore muslin, silk and fine cotton garments. The common people wore two pieces of clothes made of cotton.

46. The term Kalingam means_______

a) Elephant

b) Snake

c) Rat

d) Fish

Explanation

The Sangam literature refers to clothes, which were thinner than the skin of a snake (Kalingam). Women adorned their hair plaits with flowers. Both men and women wore a variety of ornaments. They were made of gold, silver, pearls, precious stones, conch shells and beads. The People were fond of using aromatic perfumes.

47. Which of the following statement about Sangam age is correct?

1) The major occupations of the people were: agriculture, cattle rearing, fishing and hunting

2) Weaving was the most common part-time occupation of the farmers and a regular fulltime job for many others.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

The major occupations of the people were: agriculture, cattle rearing, fishing and hunting. Other craftsmen like carpenter, blacksmith, goldsmith, and potters were also part of the population. Weaving was the most common part-time occupation of the farmers and a regular fulltime job for many others.

48. Indira vizha was celebrated in_______

a) Capital City

b) Coastal area

c) Forest

d) Desert

Explanation

People celebrated several festivals. The harvest festival, (Pongal) and the festival of spring, kaarthigai, were some of them. Indira vizha was celebrated in the capital.

49. Kalangaraillangu Sudar means_____

a) Light House

b) Harbor

c) Dockyard

d) None

Explanation

Warehouses for storing the goods were built along the coast. The chief ports had light houses, which were called Kalangaraillangu Sudar.

50. Mummy of Ramses II of_____ found black pepper corns stuffed into his nostrils and in his abdomen

a) Egypt

b) South Africa

c) Iran

d) None

Explanation

When the Mummy of Ramses II of the Egypt was uncovered, archaeologists found black pepper corns stuffed into his nostrils and in his abdomen (as a part of embalming process practised in olden days).

51. Which of the following is correctly matched?

1) Nalangadi – evening bazaar

2) Allangadi – morning bazaar

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

There were two kinds of markets or bazaars in the leading cities like Puhar and Madurai. In Madurai they were Nalangadi (the morning bazaar) and Allangadi (the evening bazaar). In those markets large varieties as well as large quantities of goods were sold and purchased.

52. Which of the following is not port city?

a) Musiri

b) Tondi

c) Korkai

d) Vanchi

Explanation

Major Ports of the Sangam age are Musiri, Tondi, Korkai. The major occupations of the people were: agriculture, cattle rearing, fishing and hunting.

53. In which century Sangam period slowly went into a decline?

a) 3rd century AD

b) 4th century AD

c) 2nd century AD

d) 5th century AD

Explanation

Towards the end of the 3rd century AD (CE), the Sangam period slowly went into a decline. Following the Sangam period, the Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country.

54. Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country for about______

a) Two and half centuries

b) One and half centuries

c) Three and half centuries

d) Four and half centuries

Explanation

Following the Sangam period, the Kalabhras had occupied the Tamil country for about two and half centuries. We have very little information about Kalabhras.

55. Which of the following literature was/were during Kalabhras period?

a) NavalarCharithai

b) Yapernkalam

c) Periapuranam

d) All the above

Explanation

The literary sources for Kalabhras period include Tamil NavalarCharithai, Yapernkalam and Periapuranam. SeevakaChinthamani and Kundalakesi were also written during this period.

56. During which era Jainism and Buddhism became prominent in Tamil Nadu?

a) Sangam age

b) Ashoka period

c) Post Sangam age

d) Kalabhras

Explanation

In Tamizhagam, Jainism and Buddhism became prominent during Kalabhras period.

57. ______ writes of Muziris in his Natural History as the ‘first emporium (shopping complex) of India’.

a) Ptolmey

b) Pliny

c) It-Sing

d) None

Explanation

The Roman writer Pliny the Elder writes of Muziris in his Natural History as the ‘first emporium (shopping complex) of India’. A temple of Augustus was built at Muziris, which had a Roman colony.

58. Papyrus document is now in_____

a) Vienna museum

b) Madras museum

c) Egypt museum

d) Delhi museum

Explanation

A papyrus document (now in Vienna museum) of 2nd century BC (BCE) records the agreement between two merchants’ shippers of Alexandria and Muziris.

59. Which of the following statement is correct?

1) Trade and commerce continued to flourish during this period. So, the Kalabhra period is not a dark age, as it is portrayed.

2) Many works under PathinenKeezhkanakku were composed during Kalabhra age.

a) 1 alone

b) 2 alone

c) 1, 2

d) None

Explanation

Many works under PathinenKeezhkanakku were composed. Trade and commerce continued to flourish during Kalabhras period. So, the Kalabhra period is not a dark age, as it is portrayed.

60. The time span of Sangam Period is______

a) 3rd century BC (BCE) to c. 3rd century AD (CE)

b) 3rd century BC (BCE) to c. 5th century AD (CE)

c) 5th century BC (BCE) to c. 3rd century AD (CE)

d) 5th century BC (BCE) to c. 5th century AD (CE)

Explanation

The time span of Sangam period is from 3rd century BC (BCE) to c. 3rd century AD (CE). The region is between Vengadam (Tirupathi hill) in the north to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) in the south, Bounded by sea on the east and the west.

61. What Culture does Sangam period belongs to?

a) Chalcolithic

b) Megalithic

c) Neolithic

d) Mesolithic

Explanation

The Sangam age belongs to Iron age. The Sangam age belongs to Megalithic culture. The polity was Kinship. The Dynasties ruled were The Cheras, the Cholas and the Pandyas.

62. Which among the following is megalithic monument?

a) Hero stones

b) Burials

c) Forts

d) Both a and b

Explanation

The Megalithic Monument of the Sangam age are Burials and Hero stones found in southern India.

63. _______ are the foreign notice as source of Sangam age.

a) Pliny’s Natural History

b) Ptolemy’s Geography

c) Megasthenes’s Indica

d) All the above

Explanation

Foreign Notices as the source of Sangam age are The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, Pliny’s Natural History, Ptolemy’s Geography, Megasthenes’s Indica, Rajavali, Mahavamsa and Dipavamsa.

64. Velvikudi and Chinnamanur are _____inscriptions of Sangam age.

a) Copper plate

b) Iron plate

c) Bronze plate

d) Stone

Explanation

Copper Plates inscriptions of Sangam age are Velvikudi and Chinnamanur copper plates.

65. ______ Inscriptions are the source of Sangam age.

a) Hathigumpha

b) Pugalur

c) Mangulam

d) All the above

Explanation

Inscription that are the source of Sangam age are Hathigumpha Inscription of King Karavela of Kalinga, Pugalur (near Karur) Inscription, Ashokan Edicts II and XIII, and inscriptions found at Mangulam, Alagarmalai and Kilavalavu (all near Madurai).