Ans: A

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: A grant is a sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose. In India, the governor is the constitutional head of a state and has the power to recommend the allocation of grants. Therefore, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the governor. 

Statement 2 is correct: The Constitution has assigned a dual role to the office of governor in the Indian federal system. He is the constitutional head of the state as well as the representative of the Centre (i.e., President). Money bills can be introduced in the state legislature only with the prior recommendation of the governor.

Statement 3 is incorrect: After the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976), ministerial advice has been made binding on the President, but no such provision has been made with respect to the governor.

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The constitutional discretion of the governor is the express discretion mentioned in the Constitution.  Some of the cases in which the governor has constitutional discretion are as follows:

•  Reservation of a bill for the consideration of the President 
• Recommendation for the imposition of the President’s Rule in the state
• While exercising his functions as the administrator of an adjoining union territory (in case of additional charge), etc.

Statement 2 is correct: The appointment of a chief minister when no party has a clear-cut majority in the state legislative assembly or when the chief minister in office dies suddenly and there is no obvious successor falls under the situational discretion of the governor.

The Pandyan dynasty was an ancient Tamil dynasty in South India. It was among the four great kingdoms of Tamil land, the other three being the Pallavas, the Cholas, and the Cheras. The Pandya state was known to Megasthenes, who lived in Pataliputra. Megasthenes, the ancient Greek historian, is the first to reference the Pandya kingdom. According to him, the Pandyan kingdom was known for its renowned pearl trade. Furthermore, his mention of a female ruler hints at potential matriarchal influences within Pandya society.

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Puhar is coterminous with Kaveripattanam, the Chola capital. It was a great centre of trade and commerce, and excavations show that it had a large dock. One of the principal sources of wealth for the Cholas was trade in cotton cloth. These textiles were in great demand in various parts of Southeast Asia and beyond. The Cholas also maintained an efficient navy. The Chola merchants and traders played a pivotal role in facilitating this cotton cloth trade and contributed to the economic prosperity of the Chola Empire.

Statement 2 is correct: According to Tamil Sangam literature and folklore, Karikala is credited with building an extensive system of earthen embankments known as “Kallanai” or “Grand Anicut.” He constructed 160 km of embankment along the Kaveri River. This structure was constructed across the Kaveri River, primarily for agricultural and irrigation purposes. The main objective was to prevent flooding and manage the river’s waters for the benefit of agriculture. This was built with the labour slaves who were brought as captives from Sri Lanka.

Ans: B

Exp:

Tolkappiyam, written by the ancient scholar Tolkappiyar, holds a unique position as the most ancient existing Tamil grammar text and is considered the oldest surviving piece of Tamil literature. This significant work primarily focuses on the intricacies of grammar and poetics. Through its linguistic analysis and discussions on literary techniques, it indirectly sheds light on the politics and social life of the period when it was composed. Tolkappiyam stands as a remarkable bridge between the study of language, literature, and the historical understanding of Tamil civilization.