Focus On Solutions for ICSE Class 9 History Civics Chapter 8 South India And The Cholas

Exercise

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.
In simple words: Inscriptions are like old stone "records" that help historians learn how the Cholas managed their government, what they gave to temples, and how they handled land ownership.

📝 Teacher's Note: Use the analogy of a modern 'registry office' to explain how inscriptions acted as legal documents for property and public decisions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on terms like 'administration', 'gifts to temples', and 'land records' to score high marks.

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.
In simple words: Rajaraja I built the Brihadeswara Temple, which is famous for its large hall for the Nandi bull and its massive interconnected assembly areas.

📝 Teacher's Note: Show images of the Thanjavur temple to help students visualize the interconnected structure mentioned in the answer.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention both names (Brihadeswara and Rajarajeshwar) to show a deeper understanding of the subject.

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.
In simple words: It was during the reign of Rajaraja I, who was the son of Sundara Chola, that the Chola empire became extremely powerful.

📝 Teacher's Note: Emphasize that Rajaraja I is often considered the greatest Chola ruler because he transformed a small kingdom into an empire.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always specify the time period (10th century AD) as it is a key part of the question's context.

Question 4. Mention any two victories won by Cholas under Rajaraja I.
Answer: Annexation of Kalinga and Maldives.
In simple words: Rajaraja I expanded his empire by conquering the regions of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) and the Maldives islands.

📝 Teacher's Note: Briefly explain what 'annexation' means (taking over land by force or law) to help students with vocabulary.

🎯 Exam Tip: Listing specific regions like 'Maldives' highlights the Cholas' unique naval strength compared to other Indian kingdoms.

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.
In simple words: King Rajendra I took the title 'Gangaikonda' after his successful journey to the Ganga River and built a city with a similar name to celebrate this victory.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain that 'Gangaikonda' literally means 'the conqueror of the Ganga'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'Rajendra I' is the son of 'Rajaraja I'—don't confuse their titles.

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
In simple words: The Chola empire was split into provinces and districts to make it easier to govern, similar to how modern countries are divided.

📝 Teacher's Note: Note to students that while the text provided is blank, provinces were typically called 'Mandalams' and districts 'Valanadus' or 'Nadus'.

🎯 Exam Tip: If the question asks for names and the textbook is missing them, refer to your class notes for 'Mandalam' and 'Nadu'.

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.
In simple words: Members were chosen by a lucky draw. Names were put on slips in a pot, and a young boy would pick them out one by one.

📝 Teacher's Note: This is a great example of an early democratic process. You can demonstrate this in class with a mock 'pot election'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the keyword 'name-slips' and 'pot' (Kudavolai system) to describe the election method accurately.

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.
In simple words: The village council was responsible for managing water for the farms and making sure the local children went to school.

📝 Teacher's Note: Highlight how Chola administration cared for public welfare at the grassroots level.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on 'water supply' and 'education' as they are the easiest duties to remember and explain.

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.
In simple words: The temple is like a museum of art because it combines grand architecture, beautiful stone carvings of guardians, and detailed handwriting (calligraphy).

📝 Teacher's Note: Define 'repository' as a place where many things are stored or kept. Explain how the temple "stored" art in its walls and statues.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mentioning 'calligraphy' and 'interconnected halls' provides strong evidence of artistic variety.

Question. 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.
Answer: The Brihadeswara Temple serves as a central hub for various arts, including grand building designs (architecture), stone carvings (sculpture), wall art (painting), and it even supported cultural activities like dance and music.
In simple words: The temple wasn't just for prayer; it was a place where all types of art, from dancing to building, were celebrated and preserved.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain that temples in ancient India were community centers where people learned music and saw artists perform.

🎯 Exam Tip: List at least three types of art (e.g., architecture, sculpture, painting) to show the temple's importance as a cultural center.

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.
In simple words: Rajaraja I was a legendary king who conquered parts of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and South India. He was also a great builder who made the Brihadeswara Temple and supported many different religions.

📝 Teacher's Note: Contrast his military power (wars) with his cultural tolerance (donating to a Buddhist temple) to show his balanced leadership.

🎯 Exam Tip: For 'Conquests', naming 'Sri Lanka' and 'Maldives' is essential. For 'Builder', 'Brihadeswara Temple' is the most important keyword.

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.
In simple words: Rajendra I reached the Ganga river and even sent ships to Indonesia (Java and Sumatra). He built a huge 25km long lake and a grand temple in his new city.

📝 Teacher's Note: Discuss the significance of the "Ganga expedition"—it was a symbolic move to show he was as powerful as northern kings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the naval expedition to 'Java and Sumatra' to highlight that the Cholas had the best navy in India at that time.

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.
In simple words: The King was the most important person, but he let local villages rule themselves. Village councils handled everything from farming water to basic court cases.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain 'decentralization'—the King doesn't have to decide everything; the local people have the power to solve their own small problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on how the King's 'verbal orders' were written down—this shows they had a very organized system of bureaucracy.

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.
In simple words: This famous Shiva temple at Thanjavur was built around 1000 AD. It is famous for its 57-meter high pyramid-shaped tower and a massive single stone on the very top.

📝 Teacher's Note: Mention the engineering feat of the 80-tonne stone—how did they get it to the top without modern cranes? (They used long ramps!)

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the height (57 meters) and the weight of the top stone (80 tonnes) as these are impressive 'outstanding features'.

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 epic ‘Ramayana’ into Tamil in the ninth century AD, it came to be known as Kamban Ramayana. Kamban had translated its earliest Kandas (parts). The later parts (Uttarakhanda) were translated by Qttakuttan. Another renowned poet Pugalendi flourished in the 12th century. He wrote Nalavenda, which is based on the love story of Nala and Damayanti. The Buddhist and the Jain scholars also made a rich contribution to Tamil literature. The Jain Scholar Amrit Sagar wrote a book on poetics, the art of writing poetry. The Buddhist Scholar Buddhamitra wrote ‘Rasolium’, a grammar book.
In simple words: Society had strict castes where merchants were rich but poor people faced hardships. Most people worshipped Shiva, and many famous Tamil books like Kamban's Ramayana were written during this time.

📝 Teacher's Note: Compare the 'Golden Age' of literature here to the Gupta period in the north to show how culture peaked in different eras.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the name 'Kamban' and his work 'Kamban Ramayana' as your primary example for literature.

Question 6. Write a brief note on the development of Tamil Literature under the Cholas.
Answer: The development of literature, art and architecture of the Chola period promoted the cultural value of the Chola rule. The Cholas made lot of improvements in these fields. The Chola rule marked a milestone in the history of Tamil literatures. The Chola kings gave many concessions and patronage to Tamil scholars and writers. Sangam literature deals with emotional and material topics such as love, war, governance and trade with the revival of Cholas power in the middle of the ninth century, the awareness for the literature and art broadened for the first time in history, an imperial state encompassed the entire South India bringing with it the safety and security to the people and provided the opportunity for the people to experience cultures beyond their own. Tamil became a language of the people. One of the best known Tamil work of this period is the Kamban Ramayana by Kamban who flourished during the reign of Kulottunga III. It is the greatest epic in Tamil Literature, and although the author states that he followed Valmiki,his work is not a mere translation or even an adaptation of Sanskrit epic.
In simple words: The Chola period was a major turning point for Tamil literature. Kings supported writers, and books like the Kamban Ramayana were created, which were original and beloved by the people.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain that 'patronage' means financial support given by kings to artists so they can focus on their creative work.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that the 'Kamban Ramayana' was more than just a translation; it was a unique masterpiece in the Tamil language.

Additional Questions

Short Answer Questions:

Question 1. Mention the significance of inscriptions for providing information about the 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 metters of public importance.
In simple words: Inscriptions act like history books written on stone, telling us about the laws, the gifts people gave to temples, and how land was bought or sold.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain that since paper doesn't last for 1000 years, stone inscriptions are our most reliable way to study the ancient past.

🎯 Exam Tip: For significance questions, always mention that they help in 'reconstructing history'.

Question 2. Who established the rule of the Cholas ?
Answer: Cholaruler Vijayalya(AD 846-871) established Chola rule in Tamil land with Tanjore as his capital during the middle of ninth century.
In simple words: A ruler named Vijayalya started the Chola kingdom in the 800s and made Tanjore the main city.

📝 Teacher's Note: Make sure students can distinguish between Vijayalaya (the founder) and Rajaraja I (the greatest emperor).

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the dates (AD 846-871) and the capital (Tanjore) for a complete answer.

Question 3. Why did Rajaraja undertake a naval expedition against Ceylon and Maldives ?
Answer: Rajaraja (AD 985-1012) was a brilliant general and attacked the kingdoms of Pandyas and Cheras and parts of Mysore. This area was the main region of activities of Arabian traders. In order to strengthen his power along the coast of South India, he took out a naval expedition and attacked both Ceylon and Maldives islands.
In simple words: He wanted to control the sea and trade routes. By attacking these islands, he could manage the business done by Arabian traders along the coast.

📝 Teacher's Note: Discuss how controlling islands like the Maldives helped the Cholas dominate Indian Ocean trade.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention 'Arabian traders' to explain the economic reason behind the naval wars.

Question 4. Name any three great rulers of the Chola dynasty.
Answer:
1. Rajaraja I (AD 985-1012)
2. Raj endra Chola (AD 1012-1044)
3. Rajadhiraj Chola (AD 1044-1052)
In simple words: Three of the most powerful Chola kings were Rajaraja I, Rajendra Chola, and Rajadhiraj Chola.

📝 Teacher's Note: Have students create a timeline to see the succession of these three major kings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Listing the rulers in chronological order shows the examiner you understand the flow of history.

Question 5. Give any two achievements of Rajendra Chola.
Answer:
1. He defeated Mahipala, king of Bengal and adopted the title of Gangaikonda.
2. With a huge navy he defeated Shrivijaya king and solved the problem of Indian merchants who were in trouble by the merchants of Shrivijaya.
In simple words: He won a big battle in Bengal and used his navy to defeat an overseas king to help Indian traders do their business safely.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain that 'Shrivijaya' was a powerful empire in Southeast Asia (Sumatra/Malay Peninsula).

🎯 Exam Tip: The title 'Gangaikonda' is the most important achievement to mention for Rajendra Chola.

Question 6. Name the new capital built by Rajendra Chola.
Answer: The new capital was Gangaikonda-Cholapuram.
In simple words: Rajendra Chola built a city called Gangaikonda-Cholapuram to be his new capital.

📝 Teacher's Note: Ask students to find this city on a map of Tamil Nadu to understand its location near the Kaveri river.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful with the spelling of 'Gangaikonda-Cholapuram' as it is a long but vital name.

Question 7. Why did the Cholas build a strong naval fleet ?
Answer: The Cholas built a strong naval fleet, in order to keep a strong control over the trade activities of Arabian traders with the Indian merchants of the southern coastal region.
In simple words: They built a powerful navy to make sure they could control all the buying and selling of goods happening across the ocean.

📝 Teacher's Note: Remind students that the Cholas were one of the very few Indian empires to have a world-class navy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the phrase 'control over trade activities' to explain the motive behind the navy.

Question 8. What made the Chola administration strong and effective?
Answer: The Cholas system of administration was highly organised and efficient, the king as the pivot of all administration. There was central government, provincial government and local self-government including ‘ur’ – assembly of normal villages, ‘ Sabha’- assembly of Brahmins and ‘nagaram’ – the assembly of merchants. All this well distributed and managed system of administration became strong and effective.
In simple words: The government was strong because it was divided into different levels—from the King at the top down to small village councils for regular people, priests, and merchants.

📝 Teacher's Note: Introduce the three types of assemblies (Ur, Sabha, Nagaram) to show how different groups of people were represented.

🎯 Exam Tip: Listing the three types of assemblies (Ur, Sabha, Nagaram) is the key to scoring full marks here.

Question 9. Name the two languages promoted by the Cholas.
Answer: The two languages promoted by the Cholas were Sanskrit and Tamil. Poems and plays were also written in Tajnil by leading poets arid dramatists. The works of Tamil writers were collected in eleven volumes which are known as ‘Tirumurais’.
In simple words: The Cholas supported the use of Tamil and Sanskrit for writing poems, plays, and religious books.

📝 Teacher's Note: Mention that while Sanskrit was used for religious rituals, Tamil was the language of the common people and great literature.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention 'Tirumurais' to show specific knowledge of their literary collections.

Question 10. Name any two features of temple built by the Cholas.
Answer: The chief features of Chola temples are their massive vimanas or towers and spacious courtyards. Most of the Chola temples were built in the Dravidian style.
In simple words: Chola temples are known for their huge towers called vimanas and their big open outdoor areas.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain that 'Dravidian style' refers to the unique architectural style found in South India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the architectural term 'Vimana' to describe the temple towers.

Question 11. Which is the best example of Chola temples ?
Answer: The best example of Chola temple is the Brihadeshvara or Shiva temple at Tanjavur.
In simple words: The most famous and grand Chola temple is the Brihadeshvara Temple built for Lord Shiva in Tanjore.

📝 Teacher's Note: Remind students this is the same temple discussed in earlier questions—it's very important!

🎯 Exam Tip: Linking the temple to 'Tanjavur' (Thanjavur) makes the answer more precise.

Question 12. What is known as the ‘gopuram’ ?
Answer: The ‘gopuram’ is the structure of entrance of the temple.
In simple words: The gopuram is the big, decorated gateway that you walk through to enter a temple.

📝 Teacher's Note: Contrast the 'Vimana' (tower over the main deity) with the 'Gopuram' (tower over the entrance gate).

🎯 Exam Tip: Define it simply as the 'entrance gateway' to be clear and concise.

Question 13. To what use was the temple put during the Chola period?
Answer: The temple in the Chola kingdom was the center of social activity. The money donated by the people was used for decoration and maintenance of the temples. Some temples also participated in inland and overseas trade. The temples also provided employment to large number of people and also provided food, clothing and housing facilities and education. Medical aid and hospitals were also established by the temples.
In simple words: Temples were more than just places for prayer; they were like community centers that gave people jobs, ran schools, and even had hospitals.

📝 Teacher's Note: This shows that temples were the heart of the economy and social welfare, not just religious centers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention 'employment' and 'social activity' to explain why the temple was so important to everyday life.

Question 14. Name one important literary source that gives information about the Cholas. Name the author of this text and the ruler, whose exploits its describes.
Answer: Kalingattuparani is an important literary source about the Cholas. It was a war song by Jayankondar, the court poet of Kulottunga. It celebrates the victory of Kulottunga Chola I over the Kalinga King, Anantavarman Chodaganga in the Chola-Kalinga war. Kulottunga Chola I is the hero of this magnificent work.
In simple words: 'Kalingattuparani' is a war song written by a poet named Jayankondar. It tells the story of how King Kulottunga I won a big war in Kalinga.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain that 'exploits' means bold or daring feats, usually in a battle.

🎯 Exam Tip: You must remember three names for this answer: the book (Kalingattuparani), the author (Jayankondar), and the king (Kulottunga I).

Question 15. Name the last ruler of the Cholas.
Answer: Rajadhiraj Chola (AD 1044-1052) was the last great ruler of Chola dynasty.
In simple words: The final important king of the Chola family was Rajadhiraj Chola.

📝 Teacher's Note: Clarify that while there were minor kings later, Rajadhiraj was the last "great" one before the empire declined.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the title 'last great ruler' to ensure accuracy.

Question 16. Who finally defeated the Cholas ?
Answer: Cholas were defeated by Chalukyas in AD 1052, in the famous battle of Koppam.
In simple words: The Cholas were ultimately beaten by the Chalukya kingdom in a major battle at a place called Koppam.

📝 Teacher's Note: The Battle of Koppam is a significant event in South Indian history where the Chola king was killed on the battlefield.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always name the specific battle ('Battle of Koppam') for a high-scoring answer.

Question 17. Give an example of sculpture during the Chola period.
Answer: The Cholas excelled in making images of gods and goddesses made of stone and bronze; e.g., the bronze image of Lord Shiva as ‘Nat4raja’ – Lord of Dance, is an excellent work of art.
In simple words: A famous example of Chola art is the bronze statue of Shiva performing his cosmic dance, known as Nataraja.

📝 Teacher's Note: Chola bronzes are world-famous. If possible, show a picture of the Nataraja to show the incredible detail in the metalwork.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the term 'Bronze Nataraja' as it is the most iconic example of Chola sculpture.

Question 18. Who wrote the Tamil Ramayana ?
Answer: Kamban wrote the Tamil Ramayana.
In simple words: A famous poet named Kamban translated and wrote the Ramayana story in the Tamil language.

📝 Teacher's Note: This version is so famous that it's often called 'Kamba Ramayanam'.

🎯 Exam Tip: This is a common one-word answer question—just remember 'Kamban'

Question 1. With reference to the sources of information about the Cholas, give the significance of the following: (a) Chola Inscriptions. (b) Brihadeshwara Temple.
Answer:
(a) Chola lnscriptions—The inscription provide the following information about the Cholas.
1. They give information about the Chola administration. For example, the Uttaramerur inscription gives information on the village administration, taxation and land revenue.
2. They record gifts and endowments to temples and brahmanas. Copper-plate inscriptions are the records of grants of villages, plots of land or other privileges to individuals or institutions by the Cholas. For example, the Leyden grant (so called as they are preserved in the Museum of Leyden in Holland) of Parantaka Chola and those of Parakesari Uttama Chola are among the most important.
3. They tell us about the construction of a temple or the setting up of a new image of the deity.
4. Some inscriptions have preserved the decisions and agreements on matters of public importance. These include royal orders on taxation and land revenue resolutions of village assemblies, judgement delivered against persons guilty of theft, murder and other crimes.
5. Inscriptions on temple walls served the purpose of a public registrations by conserving a record of sales, mortgages and other forms of transfers of property rights in village lands.
(b) Brihadeshwara Temple — The Brihadeshwara temple is the finest monument of a splendid period of South Indian history and the most beautiful specimen of Tamil architecture. The temple has been declared as a World Heritage Sity by UNESCO. It is one of the best specimens of Dravidian style of architecture. The main structure of the temple has a great building to temples. The taxes on land were collected by the officials from the village councils vimana (tower) and is crowned by a massive dome consisting of a single block of stone. The massive temple building is covered from the base to the top with sculptures and decorative mouldings. The shrine houses a gigantic ShivaLingam, cut in a monolithic rock.
In simple words: Inscriptions tell us how the government worked and how crimes were punished. The Brihadeswara temple is a world-famous building that shows the peak of South Indian architecture and art.

📝 Teacher's Note: Explain the 'monolithic rock'—it means the ShivaLingam was carved out of one single, giant piece of stone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mentioning the 'Uttaramerur inscription' and 'UNESCO World Heritage' status adds great value to your answer.

Question 2. With reference to the Chola period explain the following” (a) Taxes imposed by the Cholas. (b) Administration of the Kingdom, (c) The three types of village assemblies.
Answer:
(a) The revenue of the Chola Kingdom came from taxes on land and produce of the land and tax on trade. Part of the revenue was kept for the king and the rest was used for public works.
(b) The administration was highly organised and divided into central, provincial and local self governments in order to get better results.
(c) The three types of village assemblies were as follows:
1. ‘ur’ — the assembly of common villages.
2. ‘Sabha’ — the assembly of Brahmins.
3. ‘nagaram’ — the assembly of merchants
In simple words: The kingdom made money from land and trade taxes. It had a very organized government that gave different groups of people, like farmers and merchants, their own councils.

📝 Teacher's Note: Make sure students understand that 'public works' means building roads, canals, and temples for everyone to use.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between 'Ur', 'Sabha', and 'Nagaram' based on who belonged to each assembly.

Question 3. With reference to the Chola Administration, write short notes on: (a) The King, the chief administrator (b) Local Self-Government
Answer:
(a) TheKing was the pivot of administration with the help of the council of ministers. The King also went on tours to observe the public problems.
(b) Cholas were good administrators. They believed in local self-government. In many of the villages the administration was carried out, not by the government officials but by the villagers themselves. These villages had three types of village assemblies, namely, the ur, the sabha and the nagaram. There are long inscriptions on the walls of some of the village temples giving details of how the ur and sabha were organised.
In simple words: The King was the main leader but had ministers to help him. He also traveled to see things for himself. Most importantly, villages were allowed to manage their own local affairs.

📝 Teacher's Note: Contrast the King's role (big decisions/war) with the village's role (daily life/farming) to show the balance of power.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention that the King 'went on tours'—it shows he was an active and caring leader, not just sitting in a palace.

Question 4. Study the picture of the Brihadeshwara Temple and answer the following questions: (a) W’ho built this temple ? (b) To which deity is the temple dedicated ? (c) Mention two special features of this temple.

Answer:
(a) Brihadesh vara temple at Tanjavur was built by the Chola King Rajaraja-1.
(b) It is dedicated to Lord Shiv.
(c) The main structure of the temple has a great vimana or tower consisting of 13 successive stores rising to a height of 190 feet. Its top is crowned by a massive dome of a single block of stone about 25 feet high and weighing about 80 tons.
In simple words: This temple for Lord Shiva was built by Rajaraja-1. It has a huge 13-story tower that is 190 feet tall with a giant 80-ton stone sitting on the top.

📝 Teacher's Note: Emphasize the height (190 feet)—it was one of the tallest buildings in the world when it was first built!

🎯 Exam Tip: Note down the specific height (190 feet) and the weight of the dome stone (80 tons) for accuracy.

Question 5. With reference to the South Indian temples answer the following questions: (a) The role of the temple as an employer. (b)The role of the temple as a landlord. (c) The role of the temple as centres of learning.
Answer:
(a) The temple provided employment to large number of people in various types of works and means of livelihood to a large number of people. The temples used to take care of the welfare of its workers by providing food, clothing and housing facilities and by arranging proper education and establishing hospitals.
(b) The temple owned large areas of land, so the temple authorities worked as big landlords.
(c) Various types of people from different communities came together in the temple and discussed several matters of public problems and views. This resulted in the promotion of knowing and learning the various aspects of social structure and state of progress.
In simple words: Temples were like giant companies that gave people jobs, owned lots of farm land, and were places where everyone met to learn and talk about important topics.

📝 Teacher's Note: This explains why temples were so wealthy—they collected rent from the lands they owned, just like a landlord.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention 'employment' and 'welfare of workers' to explain the economic side of temples.

Question 6. With reference to Chola literature, write on the following: (a) Kalingattuparani (b) Religious and secular literature.
Answer:
(a) It is a 12th century poem and a war song by Jayankondar, the court poet of Kulottunga I. It is the most fascinating historical work in Tamil literature which celebrates the victory of Kulottunga Chola I over the Kalinga King, Anantavarman Chodaganga in the Chola Kalinga war. It gives a vivid and a graphic description of battle scenes and also provides details about the route taken by Kulottunga’s army. It is hailed as one of the masterpieces of Tamil literature with its majestic styles and diction.
(b) Tamil Ramayan and stories from Ramayana and Mahabharat are the religious literature. The secular literature are treaties on grammar by Buddhamitra and Rawankashi
In simple words: 'Kalingattuparani' is an amazing war poem that describes battles in great detail. The Cholas also had religious books like the Tamil Ramayana and practical books about how to use grammar.

📝 Teacher's Note: 'Secular' literature refers to books that aren't about religion, like books on science, math, or grammar.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between 'Kamban's Ramayana' (religious) and grammar books (secular) to show you understand both types.