Ans: A

Exp:

The southern end of the Indian peninsula, situated south of the Krishna River, was divided into three

kingdoms: Chola, Pandya, and Chera or Kerala.

Statement 1 is correct. The Pandyas are mentioned by Megasthenes, who says that their kingdom was celebrated for pearls. He also speaks of it being ruled by a woman, which suggests some matriarchal influence in Pandya society. 

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Pandya territory occupied the southernmost and south-eastern portions of the Indian peninsula. and it roughly included the modern districts of Tirunelveli, Ramnad, and Madurai in Tamil Nadu, with its capital at Madurai. 

Ans: A

Exp:

Many of the Sangam texts, including the didactic ones, were written by the brahmana scholars of Prakrit or Sanskrit. The didactic texts cover the early centuries of the Christian era and prescribe a code of conduct not only for the king and his court but also for the various social groups and occupations. These categories could have been possible only after the fourth century, when brahmanas rose in number under the Pallavas. The texts also refer to the grants of villages and also to the descent of kings from the solar and lunar dynasties.

Pair 1 is incorrect: Besides the Sangam texts, we have a text called Tolkkappiyam, which deals with grammar and poetics.

Pair 2 is correct: In addition, we have the twin Tamil epics, Silappadikaram and Manimekalai. The two were composed around the sixth century. The first is considered to be the brightest gem of early Tamil literature. It deals with a love story in which a dignitary called Kovalan prefers a courtesan called Madhavi of Kaveripattanam to his wedded wife Kannagi from a noble family. The author apparently seems to be a Jaina and tries to locate the scenes of the story in all the kingdoms of the Tamil state. The other epic, Manimekalai, was written by a grain merchant from Madurai. It deals with the adventures of the daughter born of the union of Kovalan and Madhavi.

Pair 3 is incorrect:  Another important Tamil text deals with philosophy and wise maxims and is called Tirukkural. 

Ans: B

Exp: 

The Pandyas ruled from Madurai. Korkai was their main port, located near the confluence of Thampraparani with the Bay of Bengal. It was famous for pearl fishery and chank diving.

• Trade Hub: Korkai served as a bustling trade hub for the Pandya kingdom. It was strategically located on the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, making it an ideal location for maritime trade with other parts of India and with foreign regions.
• Foreign Trade: Korkai played a crucial role in facilitating trade between the Pandya kingdom and various foreign countries, including those in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It was a gateway for trade in goods such as spices, gemstones, textiles, and other valuable commodities.
• Economic Prosperity: The revenue generated from trade at Korkai contributed significantly to the economic prosperity of the Pandya kingdom. It helped the Pandya rulers establish and maintain their power and influence in the region.

Ans: C

Exp: 

Statement 1 is correct: Karikalan, son of Ilanjetchenni, is portrayed as the greatest Chola of the Sangam age. Pattinappalai gives a vivid account of his reign. Karikalan’s foremost military achievement was the defeat of the Cheras and Pandyas, supported by as many as eleven Velir chieftains at Venni. 

Statement 2 is correct: He is credited with converting forest into habitable regions and developing agriculture by providing irrigation through the embankment of the Kaveri and building reservoirs. Kaveripattinam was a flourishing port during his time. Another king, Perunarkilli, is said to have performed the Vedic sacrifice of Rajasuyam. Karikalan’s death was followed by a succession dispute between the Puhar and Uraiyur branches of the Chola royal family. 

Ans: D

Exp: 

During the Sangam Age in South India, which spanned from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE, there were several major urban centres where craft production was common. These centres played a significant role in the economic and cultural life of the region. Craft production included various skilled activities such as metalwork, pottery, textiles, jewellery making, and more.  There is evidence of craft production such as bronze vessels, beads and gold works, textiles, shell bangles and ornaments, glass, iron smithy, pottery making. Craft production was common in the major urban centres such as Arikamedu, Uraiyur, Kanchipuram, Kaveripattinam, Madurai, Korkai, and Pattanam in Kerala.