1. The Chera dynasty was one of the three great Tamil dynasties along with:
A) Satavahanas and Pallavas
B) Pandyas and Cholas
C) Guptas and Mauryas
D) Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas
Answer: B) Pandyas and Cholas
Explanation: Together they formed the “Muvendar” or “Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam.”
2. The Chera kingdom was located in present-day:
A) Karnataka
B) Kerala and western Tamil Nadu
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Odisha
Answer: B) Kerala and western Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Their core region was Malabar and Kongu Nadu.
3. The capital of the early Cheras was:
A) Uraiyur
B) Vanji (Karur)
C) Madurai
D) Kanchipuram
Answer: B) Vanji (Karur)
Explanation: Vanji was their political and cultural capital in Sangam age.
4. The Chera emblem was:
A) Bow and arrow
B) Tiger
C) Fish
D) Elephant
Answer: A) Bow and arrow
Explanation: Bow symbolized Chera authority.
5. The Cheras were known in Roman sources as:
A) Kalings
B) Sabaras
C) Kedros (Kerala people)
D) Cholas
Answer: C) Kedros (Kerala people)
Explanation: Greek and Roman records referred to Cheras as rulers of “Kerala.”
6. The port city of the Cheras during Sangam age was:
A) Muziris (Muchiri)
B) Tamralipti
C) Puhar
D) Korkai
Answer: A) Muziris (Muchiri)
Explanation: Muziris on Malabar coast was a key Indo-Roman trade port.
7. The main export of Chera kingdom in Sangam age was:
A) Horses
B) Spices, especially pepper
C) Iron
D) Cotton
Answer: B) Spices, especially pepper
Explanation: Roman sources called it “black gold” of Malabar.
8. The Sangam poem Silappadikaram was written by:
A) Ilango Adigal, a Chera prince
B) Kapilar
C) Avvaiyar
D) Banabhatta
Answer: A) Ilango Adigal, a Chera prince
Explanation: Brother of Chera king Senguttuvan, he authored the epic Silappadikaram.
9. Chera king Senguttuvan is famous for:
A) Pearl trade
B) Red flower garland emblem
C) Pattini (Kannagi) cult
D) Conquering Cholas
Answer: C) Pattini (Kannagi) cult
Explanation: He introduced the worship of Kannagi (deified heroine of Silappadikaram).
10. The first Chera ruler mentioned in Sangam literature was:
A) Uthiyan Cheralathan
B) Senguttuvan Chera
C) Imayavaramban Neduncheralathan
D) Perum Cheral Irumporai
Answer: A) Uthiyan Cheralathan
Explanation: He was among the earliest Chera rulers of Sangam period.
11. The Chera ruler who is said to have fed both armies in the Mahabharata war (legendary claim in Sangam texts) was:
A) Neduncheralathan
B) Senguttuvan
C) Perum Cheral Irumporai
D) Mantharan Cheral
Answer: C) Perum Cheral Irumporai
Explanation: He was celebrated in Sangam poems for generosity.
12. The Chera king Senguttuvan Chera extended his rule up to:
A) Kaveri delta
B) Himalayas
C) Sri Lanka
D) Konkan coast
Answer: B) Himalayas
Explanation: Sangam texts mention his northern expedition for Pattini cult.
13. The Sangam text Pathitrupathu provides details about:
A) Chola kings
B) Pandya kings
C) Chera kings
D) Pallavas
Answer: C) Chera kings
Explanation: It records Chera genealogy and exploits.
14. The Greek writer Pliny referred to trade with:
A) Muziris port of Cheras
B) Arikamedu (Pondicherry)
C) Sopara (Maharashtra)
D) Bharuch (Gujarat)
Answer: A) Muziris port of Cheras
Explanation: Muziris was hub of Indo-Roman spice trade.
15. The Cheras supplied pepper to:
A) Rome
B) China
C) Arabia
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Malabar pepper was a global commodity.
16. The Cheras were contemporaries of:
A) Mauryas
B) Guptas
C) Both A and B
D) None
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Sangam Cheras existed during Maurya and early Gupta times.
17. Ashoka’s Rock Edicts mention the:
A) Cholas
B) Pandyas
C) Cheras
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Ashoka refers to Cholas, Pandyas, Satiyaputras and Keralaputras (Cheras).
18. “Keralaputras” in Ashokan inscriptions refers to:
A) Cholas
B) Pandyas
C) Cheras
D) Satavahanas
Answer: C) Cheras
Explanation: The Mauryan sources identified Cheras as “sons of Kerala.”
19. Chera polity was based on:
A) Feudal monarchy with hereditary rule
B) Republic system
C) Nomadic chieftaincies
D) Priest rule
Answer: A) Feudal monarchy with hereditary rule
Explanation: Like other Tamil kingdoms, Cheras had hereditary kingship.
20. Chera kings patronized:
A) Jainism and Buddhism
B) Vedic religion
C) Bhakti cult
D) All of the above (in different periods)
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They supported different religions at different times.
21. The Sangam text Silappadikaram revolves around which Chera king?
A) Neduncheralathan
B) Senguttuvan
C) Uthiyan
D) Perum Cheral
Answer: B) Senguttuvan
Explanation: It praises his patronage of Kannagi cult.
22. The Sangam epic Manimekalai is associated with:
A) Buddhism
B) Shaivism
C) Jainism
D) Vaishnavism
Answer: A) Buddhism
Explanation: It was a Buddhist epic patronized in Tamil region.
23. The Sangam period Chera society was famous for:
A) Matrilineal system (later Kerala tradition)
B) Pearl trade
C) Spice cultivation
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Trade, agriculture, and matrilineal practices shaped society.
24. The Cheras were known as “Keralas” in:
A) Sanskrit texts
B) Tamil Sangam literature
C) Roman sources
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple sources identify Cheras as rulers of Kerala.
25. The decline of the early Cheras (Sangam age) was due to:
A) Kalabhra invasion
B) Roman collapse
C) Chola conquest
D) Pallava expansion
Answer: A) Kalabhra invasion
Explanation: Like Pandyas, Cheras also suffered under Kalabhra rule in 3rd–6th centuries CE.
26. The Medieval Cheras are also known as:
A) Kongu Cheras
B) Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram
C) Chalukya Cheras
D) Perum Cheras
Answer: B) Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram
Explanation: They ruled from Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) between the 9th–12th centuries CE.
27. The capital of the Medieval Cheras was:
A) Madurai
B) Uraiyur
C) Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur)
D) Vanji (Karur)
Answer: C) Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur)
Explanation: It was their political center in Kerala.
28. The founder of the Kulasekhara Chera dynasty was:
A) Sthanu Ravi Varma
B) Rama Rajasekhara
C) Bhaskara Ravi Varman
D) Rajasekhara Varman
Answer: A) Sthanu Ravi Varma
Explanation: He ruled in the 9th century CE and established the medieval Chera power.
29. The Chera ruler who issued the Jewish Copper Plate Grant (1000 CE) to the Jewish merchant Joseph Rabban was:
A) Rama Kulasekhara
B) Sthanu Ravi Varma
C) Bhaskara Ravi Varman
D) Bhaskara Ravi Kulasekhara
Answer: C) Bhaskara Ravi Varman
Explanation: The grant gave privileges to Jewish traders at Kodungallur.
30. The “Anjuvannam” and “Manigramam” merchant guilds flourished under:
A) Cholas
B) Cheras
C) Pallavas
D) Satavahanas
Answer: B) Cheras
Explanation: These merchant guilds were highly active in Kerala under the Cheras.
31. The ruler associated with the Tharisapalli Copper Plate Grant (849 CE) to Christians was:
A) Rama Rajasekhara
B) Sthanu Ravi Varma
C) Rajasekhara Varman
D) Jatavarman
Answer: B) Sthanu Ravi Varma
Explanation: He granted privileges to Christian merchants at Quilon.
32. The Tharisapalli plates were given to:
A) Jewish traders
B) Muslim merchants
C) Syrian Christian community
D) Buddhist monks
Answer: C) Syrian Christian community
Explanation: It confirmed their rights and privileges in Kerala.
33. The Kulasekhara rulers followed a system of government known as:
A) Chola-type centralized monarchy
B) Temple-centered administration
C) Feudalism based on Brahmadeyas
D) Tribal chieftainship
Answer: B) Temple-centered administration
Explanation: Temples became centers of economy, administration, and society.
34. The administrative division of Chera territory was called:
A) Nadu
B) Ur
C) Desam
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Local governance was based on Nadu (district), Ur (village), Desam (local unit).
35. The ruler Kulasekhara Alvar is remembered as:
A) Shaiva saint
B) Vaishnava saint and Bhakti poet
C) Buddhist monk
D) Jain scholar
Answer: B) Vaishnava saint and Bhakti poet
Explanation: He composed hymns included in the Divya Prabandham.
36. The medieval Cheras maintained friendly relations with:
A) Arabs
B) Chinese
C) Jewish traders
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They encouraged overseas trade with multiple foreign communities.
37. The most important port under the medieval Cheras was:
A) Muziris (Kodungallur)
B) Nagapattinam
C) Korkai
D) Sopara
Answer: A) Muziris (Kodungallur)
Explanation: It continued as a major entrepôt of spice trade.
38. The second important port of the medieval Cheras was:
A) Kollam (Quilon)
B) Madurai
C) Uraiyur
D) Bharuch
Answer: A) Kollam (Quilon)
Explanation: Kollam became a famous international port in the medieval period.
39. The Cheras were contemporaries and rivals of:
A) Cholas and Pandyas
B) Pallavas and Chalukyas
C) Both A and B
D) Guptas
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: They competed with Cholas and Pandyas; at times allied with Chalukyas.
40. The Cheras were defeated by Rajendra Chola I during:
A) His naval expedition to Sri Lanka
B) Kalinga war
C) Gangetic expedition
D) Conflict with Western Chalukyas
Answer: A) His naval expedition to Sri Lanka
Explanation: Rajendra Chola attacked Chera ports during his campaigns.
41. The Chera kings issued inscriptions mainly in:
A) Tamil and Sanskrit
B) Prakrit
C) Kannada
D) Telugu
Answer: A) Tamil and Sanskrit
Explanation: Temple records and copper plates were bilingual.
42. The famous Jewish copper plates of 10th century CE highlight:
A) Chera patronage of Abrahamic communities
B) Roman trade
C) Buddhism in Kerala
D) Decline of temple economy
Answer: A) Chera patronage of Abrahamic communities
Explanation: It shows the multicultural nature of medieval Kerala.
43. The medieval Cheras maintained military alliances with:
A) Rashtrakutas
B) Pandyas
C) Chalukyas
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Depending on Chola rivalry, Cheras allied with these powers.
44. The Chera kings gave extensive land grants to:
A) Buddhist viharas
B) Jain monasteries
C) Brahmanas and temples
D) Sufi saints
Answer: C) Brahmanas and temples
Explanation: Brahmadeya land grants were a feature of administration.
45. The ruler who defeated the Cholas at Kandalur Salai was:
A) Bhaskara Ravi Varman
B) Rama Kulasekhara
C) Rajasekhara Varman
D) Maravarman
Answer: B) Rama Kulasekhara
Explanation: He captured the Chola naval base at Kandalur.
46. The Chera military was famous for its:
A) Infantry
B) Navy
C) War elephants
D) Archery
Answer: C) War elephants
Explanation: Kerala’s elephants were exported and used in battles.
47. The medieval Cheras patronized:
A) Sanskrit poets
B) Bhakti saints
C) Temple-building activity
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their court and temples encouraged cultural growth.
48. The collapse of the Kulasekhara Cheras in the 12th century was due to:
A) Chola invasions
B) Rise of Zamorins of Calicut
C) Civil wars
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple factors weakened their authority.
49. After the fall of the medieval Cheras, political power in Kerala shifted to:
A) Pandyas
B) Zamorins of Calicut and small chieftains
C) Chalukyas
D) Hoysalas
Answer: B) Zamorins of Calicut and small chieftains
Explanation: Local rulers dominated Kerala after Chera decline.
50. The medieval Cheras are remembered for:
A) Maritime trade and multi-religious patronage
B) Military conquests of North India
C) Spread of Buddhism to Sri Lanka
D) Founding of Vijayanagara
Answer: A) Maritime trade and multi-religious patronage
Explanation: Their strength lay in overseas trade and tolerance.
51. The Chera kingdom’s economy was primarily based on:
A) Horse trade
B) Agriculture and spice cultivation
C) Salt production
D) Fishing
Answer: B) Agriculture and spice cultivation
Explanation: The fertile Western Ghats supported pepper, cardamom, and rice cultivation.
52. The Chera kingdom became world famous for exporting:
A) Cotton
B) Pepper and spices
C) Silk
D) Opium
Answer: B) Pepper and spices
Explanation: Pepper from Kerala (known as “black gold”) was highly valued in Rome.
53. The famous Chera port for Indo-Roman trade was:
A) Puhar
B) Muziris (Muchiri)
C) Korkai
D) Arikamedu
Answer: B) Muziris (Muchiri)
Explanation: Muziris on the Malabar coast was a hub of Roman trade.
54. Roman coins found in Kerala indicate:
A) Roman colonization
B) Indo-Roman trade and Roman imports of pepper
C) Roman invasions
D) Missionary work
Answer: B) Indo-Roman trade and Roman imports of pepper
Explanation: Hoards of Roman coins show heavy trade imbalance in favor of Cheras.
55. The Cheras exported pepper and spices mainly to:
A) Rome, Arabia, and China
B) Central Asia
C) Persia only
D) Greece alone
Answer: A) Rome, Arabia, and China
Explanation: They were globally connected through sea trade routes.
56. The Chera rulers encouraged trade by granting privileges to:
A) Jewish merchants
B) Syrian Christians
C) Muslim Arabs
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Copper plate grants confirm privileges given to foreign merchant communities.
57. The guilds Manigramam and Anjuvannam were associated with:
A) Agricultural laborers
B) Merchant traders in Kerala
C) Temple priests
D) Army officials
Answer: B) Merchant traders in Kerala
Explanation: They dominated Indian Ocean trade under Chera patronage.
58. The Chera society was unique because of the prevalence of:
A) Matrilineal system (Marumakkathayam)
B) Strict Brahmanical dominance alone
C) Tribal republics
D) Nomadic clans
Answer: A) Matrilineal system (Marumakkathayam)
Explanation: Property and lineage were traced through the mother’s line in Kerala.
59. The main social groups in Chera society were:
A) Brahmins, warriors, traders, peasants
B) Persians and Arabs
C) Greeks and Romans
D) Only tribes
Answer: A) Brahmins, warriors, traders, peasants
Explanation: Like other Tamil societies, caste divisions existed.
60. The Cheras gave Brahmadeya land grants to:
A) Buddhist monks
B) Jain scholars
C) Brahmins
D) Persian merchants
Answer: C) Brahmins
Explanation: These grants helped Brahmins settle and integrate into Kerala society.
61. Early Chera rulers patronized which religions?
A) Jainism and Buddhism
B) Christianity
C) Islam
D) Sikhism
Answer: A) Jainism and Buddhism
Explanation: Several Sangam references and early cave temples point to Buddhist and Jain patronage.
62. In the medieval period, the Cheras mainly patronized:
A) Shaivism and Vaishnavism
B) Jainism
C) Islam
D) Christianity
Answer: A) Shaivism and Vaishnavism
Explanation: Bhakti movements gained royal support under the Kulasekharas.
63. Kulasekhara Alvar, a Chera king, is remembered as:
A) Jain monk
B) Shaiva saint
C) Vaishnava saint and poet
D) Buddhist scholar
Answer: C) Vaishnava saint and poet
Explanation: His hymns are part of the Divya Prabandham.
64. The Bhakti saints Nayanmars and Alvars flourished during:
A) Early Cheras
B) Medieval Cheras
C) Kalabhra period
D) Pallava dominance only
Answer: B) Medieval Cheras
Explanation: Bhakti saints were prominent during Kulasekhara Chera rule.
65. The Cheras’ temple-centered society meant that:
A) Temples acted as centers of economy and administration
B) Temples were only for worship
C) Temples were ignored in politics
D) Temples were under Buddhist monks
Answer: A) Temples acted as centers of economy and administration
Explanation: Temples managed land, trade, and community functions.
66. The Chera kingdom produced one of the great Tamil epics:
A) Silappadikaram
B) Raghuvamsha
C) Arthashastra
D) Mrichhakatika
Answer: A) Silappadikaram
Explanation: Composed by Ilango Adigal, a Chera prince, it is a landmark of Tamil literature.
67. The sequel to Silappadikaram was:
A) Periyapuranam
B) Manimekalai
C) Ramayana
D) Kuruntokai
Answer: B) Manimekalai
Explanation: Written by Sattanar, it reflects Buddhist influence in Tamilakam.
68. The Sangam text Pathitrupathu is important because:
A) It records genealogy of Chera kings
B) It explains Vedic rituals
C) It describes Chola victories
D) It deals with astronomy
Answer: A) It records genealogy of Chera kings
Explanation: It is a crucial source for early Chera history.
69. The Chera art style is best reflected in:
A) Rock-cut cave temples and sculptures in Kerala & Tamil Nadu
B) Indo-Islamic domes
C) Mughal forts
D) Nagara-style temples
Answer: A) Rock-cut cave temples and sculptures in Kerala & Tamil Nadu
Explanation: They built rock-cut temples at places like Vizhinjam.
70. The Cheras encouraged maritime trade with:
A) Roman Empire
B) Arab merchants
C) Chinese Song dynasty
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Kerala ports connected the West and the East.
71. The Chinese traveler who mentioned Kerala trade was:
A) Hiuen Tsang
B) I-Tsing
C) Ma Huan
D) Fa-Hien
Answer: C) Ma Huan
Explanation: He visited during the later medieval period and noted Kerala spice trade.
72. Chinese coins and ceramics found in Kerala are evidence of:
A) Arab settlements
B) Strong Indo-China trade under Cheras
C) Buddhist missions
D) Persian conquest
Answer: B) Strong Indo-China trade under Cheras
Explanation: Chinese trade items prove Kerala’s global commerce.
73. The Arabs called Kerala:
A) Malabar
B) Hindustan
C) Cheranadu
D) Tamilakam
Answer: A) Malabar
Explanation: The Arab world knew Kerala as “Malabar,” famous for spices.
74. The main contribution of Cheras to Indian culture is:
A) Tamil epics and Bhakti literature
B) Overseas spice trade
C) Temple-based society
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Cheras blended economy, religion, and literature into a lasting legacy.
75. The Chera society became famous in history for:
A) Spice trade and cultural pluralism
B) Wars against Guptas
C) Conquest of Delhi
D) Mongol trade
Answer: A) Spice trade and cultural pluralism
Explanation: They promoted a multicultural society with Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
76. The early Cheras (Sangam age) declined mainly due to:
A) Roman invasions
B) Kalabhra occupation
C) Gupta expansion
D) Arab raids
Answer: B) Kalabhra occupation
Explanation: Like Cholas and Pandyas, Cheras also suffered under the Kalabhras (3rd–6th century CE).
77. The medieval Cheras (Kulasekharas of Mahodayapuram) declined by the:
A) 9th century CE
B) 12th century CE
C) 6th century CE
D) 14th century CE
Answer: B) 12th century CE
Explanation: They weakened after constant wars with Cholas and the rise of local powers like Zamorins.
78. The immediate cause of decline of Kulasekharas was:
A) Chola invasions
B) Internal civil wars among chieftains
C) Rise of Calicut Zamorins
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Foreign invasions, internal strife, and emergence of new local rulers led to their collapse.
79. After the decline of Cheras, political power in Kerala passed to:
A) Cholas
B) Pandyas
C) Zamorins of Calicut and local Nair chiefs
D) Rashtrakutas
Answer: C) Zamorins of Calicut and local Nair chiefs
Explanation: Regional powers rose in Kerala after Chera decline.
80. The decline of Roman Empire in 5th century CE affected the Cheras by:
A) Reducing overseas spice trade
B) Ending Buddhism
C) Stopping pepper cultivation
D) Leading to Muslim invasion
Answer: A) Reducing overseas spice trade
Explanation: With fall of Rome, Indo-Roman commerce declined, impacting Chera revenues.
81. The Chera dynasty is remembered in history primarily for:
A) Maritime spice trade
B) Patronage of Sangam and Bhakti literature
C) Cultural pluralism
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They shaped Kerala’s economy, culture, and society.
82. The Cheras’ emblem was:
A) Fish
B) Bow
C) Tiger
D) Elephant
Answer: B) Bow
Explanation: The bow symbolized Chera authority.
83. The Cheras’ capital during Sangam period was:
A) Madurai
B) Karur (Vanji)
C) Kanchipuram
D) Mahodayapuram
Answer: B) Karur (Vanji)
Explanation: Vanji (Karur) was their ancient capital.
84. The capital of Medieval Cheras was:
A) Madurai
B) Uraiyur
C) Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur)
D) Puhar
Answer: C) Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur)
Explanation: The Kulasekhara Cheras ruled from Mahodayapuram.
85. The Chera ruler associated with the Silappadikaram epic was:
A) Perum Cheral Irumporai
B) Senguttuvan Chera
C) Uthiyan Cheralathan
D) Mantharan Cheral
Answer: B) Senguttuvan Chera
Explanation: He is glorified in the epic written by his brother Ilango Adigal.
86. Which Chera ruler introduced the Pattini (Kannagi) cult?
A) Senguttuvan Chera
B) Perum Cheral Irumporai
C) Neduncheralathan
D) Sthanu Ravi Varma
Answer: A) Senguttuvan Chera
Explanation: He deified Kannagi, heroine of Silappadikaram.
87. The Chera polity was characterized by:
A) Hereditary monarchy with feudal chieftains
B) Republics
C) Theocratic rule
D) Nomadic governance
Answer: A) Hereditary monarchy with feudal chieftains
Explanation: Like other Tamil kingdoms, kingship was hereditary.
88. The Cheras encouraged a multicultural society by:
A) Patronizing Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism
B) Granting privileges to Christians and Jews
C) Trading with Arabs and Chinese
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Chera Kerala was a melting pot of cultures and faiths.
89. The medieval Chera kings issued copper plate grants to:
A) Brahmins
B) Syrian Christians
C) Jews
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Grants to multiple communities highlight Chera tolerance and trade promotion.
90. The Chera dynasty is most associated with which river valley?
A) Ganga
B) Periyar and Bharathapuzha
C) Krishna
D) Godavari
Answer: B) Periyar and Bharathapuzha
Explanation: These rivers supported agriculture in Kerala.
91. The Arabs knew the Chera land (Kerala) as:
A) Tamilakam
B) Malabar
C) Cheranadu
D) Keralaputra
Answer: B) Malabar
Explanation: Malabar coast was famous for spices in Arab records.
92. Which foreign traveler described Kerala as rich in pepper and trade?
A) Marco Polo
B) Ibn Battuta
C) Pliny the Elder
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Roman, Arab, and European travelers praised Kerala’s pepper.
93. The Chera military strength was noted for:
A) Horses
B) Elephants
C) Camel corps
D) Navy only
Answer: B) Elephants
Explanation: Kerala elephants were exported and used in wars.
94. The Chera administration was centered around:
A) Temples
B) Forts
C) Cities only
D) Republic councils
Answer: A) Temples
Explanation: Temples functioned as administrative and economic hubs.
95. The Cheras’ decline was hastened by:
A) Chola invasions
B) Arab domination of trade
C) Rise of Zamorins of Calicut
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple factors weakened Chera authority.
96. The Chera contribution to literature includes:
A) Silappadikaram
B) Pathitrupathu
C) Bhakti hymns of Kulasekhara Alvar
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Chera period enriched Tamil literature in different phases.
97. The Chera economy is significant in Indian history because:
A) It linked India to global maritime trade
B) It produced surplus iron
C) It focused on inland trade only
D) It was closed to foreigners
Answer: A) It linked India to global maritime trade
Explanation: Cheras were central to Indo-Roman, Indo-Arab, and Indo-China trade.
98. The Chera legacy in Kerala includes:
A) Temple-based society
B) Matrilineal traditions
C) Religious pluralism
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These features shaped Kerala’s long-term history.
99. The most enduring Chera symbol in South Indian history is:
A) Twin fish emblem
B) Bow emblem
C) Tiger emblem
D) Conch emblem
Answer: B) Bow emblem
Explanation: The bow represented Chera sovereignty.
100. The Cheras’ place in Indian history can be summed up as:
A) Regional dynasty only
B) A maritime power that shaped Kerala’s cultural identity
C) A North Indian power
D) A Buddhist-only dynasty
Answer: B) A maritime power that shaped Kerala’s cultural identity
Explanation: Their strength lay in trade, cultural patronage, and multi-religious tolerance.