The Pandya Kingdom, an ancient South Indian dynasty, played a significant role in shaping the region’s history and culture. Renowned for its trade, maritime activities, and architectural achievements, the Pandya Kingdom left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent. This introduction aims to provide a brief overview of the kingdom, setting the stage for 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that will test candidates’ knowledge in various aspects of Pandya history.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Who succeeded Maravarman Avanisulamani?
- Arikesary Maravarman
- Jayantavarman AKA Seliyan Sendan
- Koccadiyan Ranadhira
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
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Correct Answer: Jayantavarman AKA Seliyan Sendan
Jayantavarman, also known as Seliyan Sendan, indeed ruled as a Pandya ruler in early historic South India, following the reign of King Maravarman Avanisulamani. He ruled from 654 A.D. to 670 A.D. and played a significant role in extending Pandya rule into the Chera territory of Kerala.
2. Which king extended the Pandya rule to the Chera country Kerala?
- Arikesary Maravarman
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
- Koccadiyan Ranadhira
- Jayantavarman AKA Seliyan Sendan
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Correct Answer: Jayantavarman AKA Seliyan Sendan
Jayantavarman, also known as Seliyan Sendan, ruled from 654 A.D. to 670 A.D. and extended the Pandya rule to the Chera country Kerala.
3. During the reign of which king did the Chinese traveler Xuanzang visit Kanchipuram?
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
- Arikesary Maravarman
- Jayantavarman AKA Seliyan Sendan
- Koccadiyan Ranadhira
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Correct Answer: Jayantavarman AKA Seliyan Sendan
Maravarman Avanisulamani was the son and successor of King Kadungon, and he ruled the Pandya dynasty from 620 A.D. to 645 A.D. He successfully revitalized Pandya dynastic power after the Kalabhra interregnum, strengthening the empire.
4. Identify the king who is considered the founder of the Pandya empire.
- Kadungon
- Varguna I
- Srimar Srivallabha
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
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Correct Answer: Kadungon
The Pandyan empire was established by King Kadungon, who defeated the Kalabras in the 6th century AD. The successors of Kadungon engaged in conflicts with the neighboring Chera and Chola Kings.
5. Who succeeded King Kadungon?
- Arikesary Maravarman
- Maravarman Avanisulamani
- Koccadiyan Ranadhira
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
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Correct Answer: Maravarman Avanisulamani
Maravarman Avanisulamani was a Pandya ruler of early historic South India. He was the son and successor of King Kadungon and ruled from 620 A.D. to 645 A.D. He revived the Pandya dynastic power after the Kalabhra interregnum.
6. Who succeeded King Maravarman Arikesari Parankusan?
- Kadalan Valuthi
- Koccadiyan Ranadhira
- Varaguna II
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
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Correct Answer: Koccadiyan Ranadhira
Kochchadaiyan Ranadhira, the son and successor of Arikesari Maravarman, assumed the throne and ruled the Pandya kingdom from 700 A.D. to 730 A.D.
7. Who succeeded King Jayantavarman?
- Maravarman Arikesari Parankusan
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
- Koccadiyan Ranadhira
- Varguna I
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Correct Answer: Maravarman Arikesari Parankusan
Arikesari Maravarman, the son and successor of King Jayantavarman, expanded the Pandya power at the expense of the Cheras. The struggle between the Pandyas and the Pallavas also began during his reign.
8. Who succeeded Srimar Srivallabha?
- Varguna I
- Varagunavarman II
- Prantaka Viranayana
- Sundara Pandya II
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Correct Answer: Varagunavarman II
Varagunavarman II, the son of Srimar Srivallabha, ruled the Pandyan empire from 862 A.D. to 880 A.D. He made efforts to enhance the prestige of the Pandyan dynasty by invading Chola territory.
9. Who succeeded Varagunavarman II?
- Srimar Srivallabha
- Sundara Pandya II
- Prantaka Viranayana
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Prantaka Viranayana
Prantaka Viranayana, the brother of Pandyan King Varagunavarman II, ascended the throne in 880 A.D. and ruled until 900 A.D. During his reign, the Chola emperor invaded the Pandya kingdom, leading the ruler to seek assistance from the King of Ceylon.
10. The rock-cut cave temple at Malaiyadikurichi in Tirunelveli district is attributed to the reign of which king?
- Arikesary Maravarman
- Seliyan Sendan
- Koccadiyan Ranadhira
- Maravarman Rajasimha I
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Correct Answer: Seliyan Sendan
The rock-cut cave temple at Malaiyadikurichi in Tirunelveli district is attributed to the reign of Seliyan Sendan.
Pandya Kingdom Notes for UPSC Exam
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