Ans: A

Exp:

Option 1 is correct: In the Sangam Age there were 2 types of text: Narrative and didactic. The narrative texts are called Melkannakku (18 Major Works consisting of eight anthologies and ten idylls), and are considered works of heroic poetry in which heroes are glorified and perpetual wars and cattle raids are frequently mentioned. The didactic works are called Kilkanakku or Eighteen Minor Works.

Option 2 is correct: Tiruvalluvar’s “Tirukkural”, which is a famous work on ethics, philosophy, polity, and love, and is considered the fifth Veda of Tamil Nadu or Bible of Tamil Land.

Option 3 is correct: Silappadikaram (considered the brightest gem of early Tamil literature which deals with love story of Kovalan, who prefers a courtesan Madhavi of Kaveripattnam to his noble wedded wife Kannagi)

Option 4 is correct: Manimekalai (a sequel to Silappaddikaram and is considered the ‘Odyssey of Tamil poetry’, which deals with the adventures of the daughter born of the union of Kovalan and Madhavi and her subsequent conversion to Buddhism) were written in the period between the 5th and 6th centuries .

Ans: C

Exp:

Statement-I is correct: Women in the Sangam period appear to have been educated. This is testified by many poems contributed by women poets to the corpus of Sangam literature. Women are also described as engaged in various economic activities such as paddy plantation, cattle rearing, basketmaking, spinning, etc.

Statement- II is incorrect: The position of widows was more or less miserable in the sangam Age.  They were prohibited to decorate themselves or participate in any form of amusement.

Ans: C

Exp:

Option 1 is correct: The Vellalas held the bulk of the land and employed Kadaisiyan (agricultural labour) to do the manual farm work. Some agricultural laborers known as Pariyars, also worked in animal skins and used them as mats.

Option 2 is correct:  The class of warriors was an important element in polity and society. Commanders of the army were credited with the title of Enadi at a formal ceremony.

Option 3 is correct:  The ruling class was called Arasar, and its members had marriage relations with the Vellalas (rich peasants), which formed the fourth caste of peasants.

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Madurai was the capital of Pandyas. The Pandyas are first mentioned by Megasthenes in his Indica, wherein he refers to a Pandya Kingdom famous for pearls and ruled by a woman (which may suggest some matriarchal influence in the Pandya society).

Statement 2 is correct: The Pandya kings profited from trade with the Roman Empire and even sent embassies to the Roman emperor Augustus. They performed Vedic sacrifices and the Brahmanas enjoyed considerable influence in their territory.

Statement 3 is incorrect:  Sangam Literature mentions Pandya rulers and describes the Pandya kingdom as wealthy and prosperous. The early Pandya kings were Nediyon, Palshalai, Mudukudumi, and other prominent Pandya kings.

Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Pulkeshin was the most powerful and famous king of this dynasty, who achieved many military successes. His eulogy was written by his court poet Ravikirti in the Aihole Inscription, which describes his victories against the Kadambas of Banavasi, Alupas and Gangas of Mysore. He also led expeditions against eastern Deccan kingdoms, south Kosala and Kalinga.

Statement 2 is correct: Hsuan Tsang visited his kingdom and he describes that even though Pulkeshin II was Hindu, he was tolerant towards Buddhism and Jainism.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Pulkeshin-II was the contemporary of Harsha Vardhana. He was defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of river Narmada. Thus Pulkeshin-II acquired the title of dakshinapatheshvara (lord of the south).