Q1. Who composed the Silappadikaram, a famous Tamil epic?
- Ilango Adigal
- Tolkappiyar
- Tiruvalluvar
- Perudevanar
Correct Option: 1. Ilango Adigal
Explanation: Ilango Adigal, a Jain monk and a Chera prince, wrote Silappadikaram, meaning “The Tale of the Anklet.”
• It tells the tragic love story of Kannagi and Kovalan.
• Themes include love, betrayal, justice, and virtue.
• It offers deep insight into the urban life, trade, dance, and social norms of ancient Tamil society.
• It also reflects Jain values, especially justice and chastity.
Q2. The grammar text Astadhyayi was authored by:
- Bhamaha
- Bharata Muni
- Panini
- Patanjali
Correct Option: 3. Panini
Explanation: Panini, an ancient Indian linguist, wrote the Astadhyayi, a grammar of Classical Sanskrit, sometime around the 4th century BCE.
• It contains nearly 4,000 rules and is extremely systematic, much like modern programming logic.
• Panini’s grammar standardized Sanskrit and laid the foundation for later grammar, including Patanjali’s Mahabhashya, a major commentary on it.
Q3. The Tirukkural, which is considered the ‘fifth Veda’ in Tamil Nadu, was authored by:
- Agastya
- Ilango Adigal
- Tiruvalluvar
- Tolkappiyar
Correct Option: 3. Tiruvalluvar
Explanation: Tiruvalluvar, a great Tamil poet-philosopher, authored the Tirukkural, a masterpiece of ethical and moral philosophy.
• The text contains 1,330 couplets, divided into three parts:
• Aram (Virtue)
• Porul (Wealth and governance)
• Inbam (Love)
• It is non-sectarian and considered a universal moral guide.
• In Tamil tradition, it is often called the “Fifth Veda” because of its spiritual and cultural depth.
Q4. Which of the following works is considered the first historical book of India?
- Harshacharita
- Rajatarangini
- Gaudavaho
- Vikramankadevacharita
Correct Option: 2. Rajatarangini
Explanation: Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in 1148–49 CE, is the first true historical chronicle in Indian literature.
• It narrates the history of the rulers of Kashmir from legendary times up to the 12th century CE.
• The text is non-mythological in tone, emphasizing sources, chronology, and objectivity, making it a pioneering work in Indian historiography.
Q5. The Sangam literature was produced under the patronage of which South Indian dynasty?
- Cholas
- Cheras
- Pallavas
- Pandyas
Correct Option: 4. Pandyas
Explanation: Sangam literature refers to the works produced in Tamil during the three literary academies (Sangams) held under the Pandya dynasty’s patronage, particularly in Madurai.
• It includes poetry, epics, and grammar works written between 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
• It provides rich details about Tamil society, kingship, warfare, trade, and daily life.
• Major anthologies include Ettutokai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattuppattu (Ten Songs).