South India MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for South India - Download Free PDF

Key Points

• The royal priests occupied significant positions in the Vijayanagara Empire, offering spiritual guidance and acting as advisors to the rulers.
• Krishnashakti Acharya was the royal priest during Harihara Raya II, renowned for his deep spiritual knowledge and guidance.
• Narasihmacharya served under Devaraya II, who was instrumental in maintaining the empire’s stability and preserving its culture.
• Ranganatha Dikshita was associated with Krishnadevaraya, a ruler known for his cultural and literary contributions.
• Tatacharya served under Rama Raya, reflecting the continuity of spiritual and political partnerships in the empire.

Additional Information

• Devaraya II: Known as "Prouda Devaraya," he was one of the most successful rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. His reign saw expansions and the flourishing of art and literature.
• Harihara Raya II: He was the third ruler of the Sangama dynasty and expanded the empire to various regions, ensuring its prosperity.
• Krishnadevaraya: The most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, known for his administrative skills and patronage of Telugu literature. His reign marked the golden era of the empire.
• Rama Raya: He was the regent of the Vijayanagara Empire and played a pivotal role during the Battle of Talikota, which ultimately led to the empire's decline.

The correct answer is - Madurai

Key Points

• Madurai Sultanate
  • The Madurai Sultanate was established in the year 1335 after the decline of the Pandya dynasty in South India.
  • It was a short-lived Islamic kingdom that ruled the region of Tamil Nadu with Madurai as its capital.
  • It was founded by Jalaluddin Ahsan Khan, who declared independence from the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
  • The Sultanate lasted for approximately 43 years, from 1335 to 1378.
• Historical Context
  • The establishment of the Madurai Sultanate occurred during a period of political instability in India, following the collapse of centralized authority in various regions.
  • The Sultanate faced significant resistance from local rulers, particularly the Vijayanagara Empire, which eventually ended its rule.

Additional Information

• Other Sultanates in India
  • Delhi Sultanate: The Delhi Sultanate, established in 1206, was the most prominent Islamic kingdom in India, ruling for several centuries.
  • Bahmani Sultanate: Founded in 1347 in the Deccan region, it was a major Islamic kingdom contemporaneous to the Madurai Sultanate.
  • Faruqi Sultanate: A regional kingdom established in Khandesh, Maharashtra, during the late medieval period.
• Role of Regional Dynasties
  • The rise of regional powers like the Vijayanagara Empire and local Hindu rulers significantly impacted the decline of smaller Sultanates such as Madurai.
  • These dynasties worked to restore Hindu rule in South India and repelled Islamic influence in many regions.
• Legacy of the Madurai Sultanate
  • The Sultanate left behind architectural and cultural influences in the region, though its rule was brief.
  • It serves as a historical example of the fragmentation of power following the weakening of centralized empires like the Delhi Sultanate.

The correct answer is Tipu Sultan.

Key Points

• Tipu Sultan, also known as the "Tiger of Mysore," was one of the most prominent rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore.
• He planted the 'Tree of Liberty' at Srirangapatnam, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution.
• Tipu Sultan became an honorary member of the 'Jacobin Club,' a revolutionary political group in France.
• His association with the Jacobins symbolized his admiration for republican and anti-monarchical ideologies.
• Tipu Sultan was a pioneer in embracing modern ideas of governance and diplomacy during his reign.

Additional Information

• Jacobin Club:
  • A prominent political group during the French Revolution advocating for republicanism and democratic values.
  • Its members were known for their radical ideas and significant influence in shaping revolutionary policies.
• Tree of Liberty:
  • A symbolic act representing freedom and equality inspired by the French Revolution.
  • The planting of a 'Tree of Liberty' was common among revolutionaries to signify the principles of liberty.
• Tipu Sultan's Legacy:
  • He was a pioneer in adopting new military technologies, including the use of rockets in warfare.
  • His contributions to the development of Mysore included advancements in trade, agriculture, and administration.
  • Tipu Sultan's resistance against British imperialism made him a revered figure in Indian history.
• French Revolution:
  • A significant event in world history that began in 1789 and marked the end of monarchy in France.
  • It introduced revolutionary ideas such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, which influenced leaders globally, including Tipu Sultan.

The correct answer is - A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

Key Points

• Velalar
  • Velalar refers to the agricultural community or farmers in ancient South India.
  • They were primarily involved in farming and cultivation.
• Arashar
  • Arashar were rulers or kings in ancient Tamil society.
  • They held significant power and authority over their regions.
• Vaishiyar
  • Vaishiyar refers to the trading community or traders.
  • They were involved in commerce and trade activities.
• Velir
  • Velir were chieftains in ancient Tamil society.
  • They governed smaller regions and were often subordinate to the kings.

Additional Information

• Chieftains
  • Chieftains were local leaders or rulers of smaller territories.
  • They held authority over a clan or a small group of villages.
• Traders
  • Traders were individuals or groups involved in the exchange of goods and services.
  • They played a crucial role in the economy by facilitating trade and commerce.
• Farmers
  • Farmers were the backbone of the agricultural economy.
  • They were responsible for producing food and other agricultural products.
• Kings
  • Kings were the supreme rulers of their kingdoms.
  • They held the highest authority and were responsible for governance and administration.

The correct answer is - Chaya Stambha

Key Points

• Chaya Stambha
  • Chaya Stambha refers to memorial stones found in the Andhra region.
  • These stones are typically inscribed with details commemorating the deceased or significant events.
  • The inscriptions often include narratives of valor, sacrifice, or significant local history.
  • Chaya Stambhas are a part of the cultural and historical heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

Additional Information

• Mathastambha
  • Mathastambha usually refers to a pillar or column found in temples, often bearing religious significance.
  • These pillars are typically associated with spiritual and ritualistic elements rather than memorial functions.
• Chakra Stambha
  • Chakra Stambha refers to a pillar associated with the chakra or wheel, often found in Hindu and Buddhist architecture.
  • These pillars are symbolic and often carry religious or cosmological significance.
• Chatur Stambha
  • Chatur Stambha means "four pillars" and is often used to describe structures supported by four pillars.
  • It is typically related to architectural features rather than memorial stones.

The correct answer is Fernao Nuniz.

Key Points

• He was a Portuguese traveler, chronicler, and horse trader who visited India during the reign of Achyutaraya.
• He gave a detailed account of the history of Vijaynagar.
• He gave the history of the foundation of the city, the subsequent careers of three dynasties of rulers.

Important Points

•  List of important Foreign Travellers visited the Vijayanagar Kingdom:

Vijaynagar Empire 

Vijaynagar Empire is also known as Karnataka Empire. It was founded in 1336 by two brothers Harihar I and Bukka Raya of Sangam dynasty.

The correct answer is (A), (B), (D), (E) onlyKey Points

• Megaliths, derived from Latin word meaning ''large stones'', are monuments that give archaeologists a picture of the megalithic culture which lasted from the Neolithic Stone Age to the early Historical Period (2500 BC to AD 200). 
• Megaliths in India are dated before 3000 BC, with recent findings dating back to 5000 BC in southern India. Megaliths are found in almost all parts of Southern India.  
• The oldest megaliths in India are found in the westernmost part of the country in present-day Afghanistan in the upper Indus Valley.
• Dated to about 3000 BC, they are in the form of stone circles.

• Iron tools and implements - 
  • A rich variety of iron tools are found in Megalithic culture.
  • Large number of metal tools such as utensils, weapons, and carpentry tools indicate widespread use in everyday life.
  • Also, different types of iron tools have been discovered in megalithic monuments.
  • They include a sword, spear, knife, hook, lamp, nail and so on.
• Horses-
  • Bones of various animals found in Megalithic culture.
  • Horses evidence is found.
  • Cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, pigs, and horses were domesticated Megalithic people lived on hunting and domestication of animals.
• Dolmens - 
  • Dolmens were usually built on barren land, so they couldn’t be damaged by agricultural activity, often at an elevation overlooking their habitation settlement, and Marayoor provides ample evidence for this.
  • The dolmens have been disfigured by modern decadence—which pays scant respect to antiquity—a repository of no burial goods, but only broken beer bottles, lays chips packets etc.
• Sacrophagi-
  • A sarcophagi is literally a legged coffin made of terracotta.

  • Similar to pit burials, skeletal remains and primary deposits of grave remains are found in sarcophagi.

Hence, Iron tools and implements, Horses, Dolmens, and Sarcophagi, belong to the Megalithic Culture.

• Jorwe wares- It does not belong to Megalithic culture.
• It is painted black-on-red and has a matt surface treated with a wash.
• It belongs to Chalcolithic Culture.

The correct answer is Banavasi.

Key Points

• The Kadambas (345–525 CE) was an ancient royal family of Karnataka, India, that ruled northern Karnataka and the Konkan from Banavasi in present-day Uttara Kannada district.
  • Banavasi was the capital of the kadambas dynasty.
  • At the peak of their power under King Kakushtavarma, they ruled large parts of the modern Karnataka state.
  • Kakusthavarman (A.D. 435-455) was the most powerful king and administrator of the Kadamba dynasty.
  • Kakusthavarman established matrimonial relations with the Gangas and the Guptas (dynasties).
  • Mayurasharma a Kannada scholar and a native of Talagunda was the founder of the Kadamba Kingdom of Banavasi.

Additional Information

•  Banavasi is said to be the oldest town in Karnataka earlier known as Konkanapura.
  • it is a temple town.
• The main attraction is the Madhukeshwara Temple which was built in the 9th century.
  • It is a historical place on the banks of the Varada river in Karnataka.
• Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century.
  • These names were derived from the famous Tungabhadra River Pampa.
  • Hampi is famous for its ruins belonging to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar.
    • It is declared a World Heritage site.

The correct answer is 1336 A.D.

Key Points

 Vijayanagara Empire:

• When Muhammad Tughlaq was losing his power in Deccan, the two Hindu princes, Harihar and Bukka founded an independent kingdom in the region between the river Krishna and Tungabhadra in 1336.
• They soon established their sway over the entire territory between the rivers, Krishna, in the north and Cauveri in the south.
• The rising powers of the Vijayanagar empire brought it into the clash with many powers and they frequently fought wars with the Bahmani kingdom. 
• The most famous king of the Vijaynagara Empire was Krishnadeva Raya. The Vijayanagar kingdom reached the pinnacle of its glory during his reign.
• He was successful in all the wars he waged.
• Krishnadeva Raya encouraged trade with the western countries.
• He had a cordial relationship with the Portuguese who had at that time established trade centres on the west coast of India.
• He was not only a great warrior but was also a playwright and a great patron of learning.
• Telugu literature flourished under him. Painting, sculpture, dance and music were greatly encouraged by him and his successors.
• He endeared himself to the people by his personal charm, kindness, and ideal administration. 
• Though a Vaishnavaite, he respected all religions. 
• The decline of the Vijayanagar kingdom began with the death of Krishnadeva Raya in 1529.
• The kingdom came to an end in 1565, when Ramrai was defeated at Talikota by the joint efforts of Adilshahi, Nizamshahi, Qutubshahi and Baridshahi. After this, the kingdom broke into small states.

Additional Information Social and economic life during Vijayanagar empire:

• The Sangama rulers were chiefly Saivaites and Virupaksha was their family deity. But other dynasties were Vaishnavites. Srivaishnavism of Ramanuja was very popular. But all kings were tolerant towards other religions.
• A large number of temples were built during this period and numerous festivals were celebrated. The Epics and the Puranas were popular among the masses.
• The position of women had not improved. However, some of them were learned.
• According to the accounts of the foreign travellers, the Vijayanagar Empire was one of the wealthiest parts of the world at that time.
• Agriculture continued to be the chief occupation of the people. The Vijayanagar rulers provided a stimulus to its further growth by providing irrigation facilities.
• New tanks were built and dams were constructed across the rivers like Tungabhadra.
• There were numerous industries and they were organized into guilds.
• Metalworkers and other craftsmen flourished during this period. Diamond mines were located in Kurnool and Anantapur district.
• Vijayanagar was also a great centre of trade.
• The chief gold coin was the Varaha but weights and measures varied from place to place.
• Inland, coastal and overseas trade led to general prosperity. There were a number of seaports on the Malabar coast, the chief being Cannanore.

The correct answer is Gandaberunda.

Key Points

• The emblem has a red shield charged with a white two-headed bird, Gandaberunda bordered in blue.
• The crest depicts the Lion Capital of Ashoka, on a blue circular abacus with a blue frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of a galloping horse on the left, a Dharmachakra in the center, a bull on the right, and the outlines of Dharmachakra on the extreme left and right as part of Sarnath’s Ashoka Pillar.
• The shield is flanked on either side by red-maned, yellow lion-elephant Sharabha supporters standing on a green, leafy compartment.
• Below the compartment lies written in stylized Devanāgarī, the national motto of India, “सत्यमेव जयते”.

Additional Information Karnataka state symbols:

The correct answer is Dang.Key Points

• The Dang tribe is not a major tribe of South India. 
• The Dang tribe is actually a tribe from the Dangs district of Gujarat, which is located in western India.
• Toda, Badaga, and Irula are all major tribes of South India.

Additional Information

• The Toda tribe and the Badaga tribe are primarily located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.
• The Toda tribe is known for their unique language, which is only spoken by around 2,000 people.
• The Badaga tribe has a matrilineal system of inheritance, which means that property and titles are passed down through the female line.
  • This tribe is known for their traditional agriculture practices.
• The Irula tribe is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India, which means that they are entitled to certain government benefits and protections.
  • The Irula tribe is primarily located in Tamil Nadu and is known for their expertise in snake catching and basket weaving.

The correct answer is Red Sand Stone.

Key Points

• The Badami Chalukya era (7th and 8th century) was an important period in the development of South Indian architecture especially in karnataka.
• Their style of architecture is called “Chalukyan architecture” or “Karnata Dravida architecture”.
• Nearly a hundred monuments built by them, rock cut (cave) as well as structural, and are found in the Malaprabha river basin in modern Bagalkot district of northern Karnataka.
• The building material they used was reddish-golden Sandstone found locally.
• Though they ruled a vast empire, the Chalukyan workshops concentrated most of their temple building activity in a relatively small area within the Chalukyan heartland – Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal and Mahakuta in modern Karnataka state.

Additional Information

• The Western Chalukyas ruled over an extensive area in the Deccan for about two centuries from 543 to 755 AD.
• The most important ruler of this dynasty was Pulakesin II.
• The Aihole inscription issued by him gives the details of his reign.

The correct answer is the 8th century

Key Points

Krishna I

• He conquered the territories that were still under the Chalukyas
• He also occupied Konkan.
• Krishna I also defeated Vishnuvardhana of Vengi and the Ganga king of Mysore.
• He was a great patron of art and architecture.
• The Kailash Temple at Ellora was built by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I.
• The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu cave temples and monasteries located along the sloping basalt cliff at Ellora Caves.
• Generally, most of the excavation was completed by Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (r. c. 756 - 773) in the eighth century, although some elements were added later. 

The correct answer is Bukka I.

Key Points

Ferishta gives a short account of the kingdom of Vijayanagara (about 1378 A.D.), from which the following extracts are taken:

” The princes of the house of Bahmanee maintained themselves by superior valour only, for in power, wealth, and extent of the country the roles of Beejanuggur were greatly their superiors. The seaport of Goa, the fortress of Malgaon, ... belonged to the roy of Beejanuggur, and many districts of Tulghautwere in his possession. His country was well peopled, and his subjects submissive to his authority. The roles of Malabar, Ceylon, and other islands and other countries kept ambassadors at his court, and sent annually rich presents.”

• Here, Beejanuggur implies to Vijayanagara.
• The kingdom of Vijayanagara was founded by Harihara and Bukka, two of five brothers (surnamed Sangama).
• Ferishta, the Persian historian, provides some information about Bukka I, one of the early rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, in his work "Tarikh-i Firishta".
• According to Ferishta, Bukka I was one of the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara Empire.
• He succeeded his brother, Harihara I, as the ruler of the kingdom in 1356 CE.
• Ferishta describes Bukka I as a brave and wise ruler who was respected by his subjects.
• He notes that Bukka I maintained a large and well-equipped army and was successful in expanding the boundaries of his kingdom through military conquests.
• Ferishta also mentions that Bukka I was a devout Hindu who patronized many Hindu temples and institutions during his reign.
• Ferishta also mentions that the kingdom was well-peopled, and that the king received ambassadors from neighboring states and countries, including the rais (chiefs) of Malabar, Ceylon, and other places.

• These ambassadors brought with them rich gifts and presents, which were presented to the king as a sign of respect and allegiance.

Hence, the above lines were said by the Persian historian Ferishta for the Vijayanagara ruler Bukka I.