1. The capital city of the ancient Pandya dynasty was:
A) Kanchipuram
B) Madurai
C) Uraiyur
D) Karur
Answer: B) Madurai
Explanation: The Pandyas ruled from Madurai, famous for Tamil Sangams and temples.
2. The Pandya dynasty was one among the:
A) Three Sangam age kingdoms
B) Nanda dynasties
C) Rajput confederacies
D) Later Guptas
Answer: A) Three Sangam age kingdoms
Explanation: Along with Cheras and Cholas, Pandyas formed the “Muvendar” (Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam).
3. The Pandyas are first mentioned by:
A) Kalidasa
B) Megasthenes
C) Kautilya
D) Ashoka
Answer: D) Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka’s Rock Edict II mentions the Pandyas as neighbors.
4. The Pandya kingdom was famous in Sangam literature for:
A) Trade in pearls
B) Iron weapons
C) Horses
D) Salt
Answer: A) Trade in pearls
Explanation: Madurai and Korkai were pearl fishing and trade centers.
5. The Sangam assemblies were patronized by:
A) Chera kings
B) Chola kings
C) Pandya kings
D) All of the above
Answer: C) Pandya kings
Explanation: Tamil Sangams (literary academies) were associated with the Pandya court.
6. The emblem of the Pandya dynasty was:
A) Tiger
B) Bow
C) Fish
D) Elephant
Answer: C) Fish
Explanation: Double fish (twin fish) was the royal emblem of Pandyas.
7. The earliest Pandya king known from inscriptions is:
A) Nedunjeliyan
B) Kadungon
C) Mudukudumi Peruvaludi
D) Parantaka
Answer: B) Kadungon
Explanation: He revived Pandya power in the 6th century CE after Kalabhra interregnum.
8. The foreign traveler who visited the Pandya kingdom in the 13th century CE was:
A) Ibn Battuta
B) Marco Polo
C) Al-Biruni
D) Hiuen Tsang
Answer: B) Marco Polo
Explanation: He visited during the reign of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I (13th century CE).
9. The main port of the Pandyas was:
A) Puhar (Kaveripattinam)
B) Korkai
C) Muziris
D) Nagapattinam
Answer: B) Korkai
Explanation: Korkai was an ancient port famous for pearl and overseas trade.
10. Which Greek account mentions Pandya kingdom?
A) Indica by Megasthenes
B) Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
C) Geography by Ptolemy
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Greek and Roman sources refer to Pandyas’ trade and wealth.
11. The Pandya king who sent an embassy to the Roman Emperor Augustus (1st century BCE) was:
A) Nedunjeliyan
B) Mudukudumi Peruvaludi
C) Unknown Pandya king
D) Varaguna Pandya
Answer: C) Unknown Pandya king
Explanation: Classical sources mention a Pandya embassy to Rome.
12. The Kalabhra interregnum (3rd–6th century CE) ended with revival of:
A) Cholas
B) Cheras
C) Pandyas
D) Pallavas
Answer: C) Pandyas
Explanation: Kadungon Pandya expelled Kalabhras and restored Pandya rule.
13. The title of Pandya kings in Sangam age was:
A) Chakaravartin
B) Vanavan
C) Perumal
D) Meenavan
Answer: D) Meenavan
Explanation: Referring to their fish emblem and pearl trade connections.
14. The Sangam text Maduraikkanji describes the Pandya king:
A) Nedunjeliyan
B) Karikala Chola
C) Cheran Senguttuvan
D) Mahendravarman
Answer: A) Nedunjeliyan
Explanation: It praises his court and prosperity of Madurai.
15. The Pandya kings were great patrons of:
A) Sanskrit epics
B) Tamil Sangam literature
C) Jain Prakrit texts
D) Arabic works
Answer: B) Tamil Sangam literature
Explanation: Sangam poets like Kapilar, Avvaiyar were patronized by Pandyas.
16. Which Pandya king performed several Vedic sacrifices?
A) Nedunjeliyan
B) Mudukudumi Peruvaludi
C) Kadungon
D) Maravarman Sundara Pandya
Answer: B) Mudukudumi Peruvaludi
Explanation: Mentioned in Sangam works as a great yajna performer.
17. Pandya rulers followed:
A) Jainism and Buddhism initially
B) Shaivism and Vaishnavism later
C) Both A and B
D) Christianity
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Early Pandyas supported Jainism and Buddhism, later they became Shaivite and Vaishnavite patrons.
18. The Pandya kingdom flourished particularly during:
A) Sangam age and 13th century CE
B) Mauryan period
C) Gupta period
D) Mughal period
Answer: A) Sangam age and 13th century CE
Explanation: Two major peaks: early Sangam and later medieval revival.
19. The Pandya kingdom was famous internationally for:
A) Horses
B) Spices and pearls
C) Silk
D) Iron weapons
Answer: B) Spices and pearls
Explanation: Roman and Chinese sources highlight pearl and spice trade.
20. In Roman sources, the Pandya kingdom is described as:
A) Rich in pearls
B) Rich in elephants
C) Rich in horses
D) Rich in silk
Answer: A) Rich in pearls
Explanation: Pearls were the hallmark of Pandya economy.
21. The Pandya polity was mainly:
A) Feudal monarchy
B) Tribal democracy
C) Centralized monarchy with council of ministers
D) Theocratic state
Answer: C) Centralized monarchy with council of ministers
Explanation: Kingship was hereditary, assisted by ministers.
22. The main military strength of Pandyas was:
A) Horses
B) Elephants
C) Navy
D) Camel corps
Answer: B) Elephants
Explanation: Sangam texts describe Pandya elephant corps.
23. The Sangam port city associated with Pandya trade was:
A) Korkai
B) Sopara
C) Arikamedu
D) Tamralipti
Answer: A) Korkai
Explanation: It was their primary seaport.
24. The Pandya dynasty’s earliest inscriptions are found in:
A) Tamil Brahmi script
B) Devanagari
C) Prakrit Kharosthi
D) Sanskrit Brahmi
Answer: A) Tamil Brahmi script
Explanation: Tamil Brahmi inscriptions (2nd century BCE) mention Pandya rulers.
25. The Pandya kings allied with which northern power occasionally?
A) Mauryas
B) Guptas
C) Satavahanas
D) Pallavas
Answer: A) Mauryas
Explanation: Ashokan edicts show friendly relations with Pandyas.
26. The Pandyas revived their power after the defeat of the Kalabhras under:
A) Nedunjeliyan
B) Kadungon
C) Sundara Pandya
D) Varaguna Pandya
Answer: B) Kadungon
Explanation: Kadungon (c. 6th century CE) expelled the Kalabhras and restored Pandya rule in Madurai.
27. The medieval Pandyas reached their peak under:
A) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
B) Varaguna Pandya II
C) Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I
D) Kadungon
Answer: A) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
Explanation: He ruled (1251–1268 CE), expanded the empire, and challenged Chola supremacy.
28. Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I defeated:
A) Chalukyas
B) Hoysalas and Cholas
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Vijayanagara
Answer: B) Hoysalas and Cholas
Explanation: He defeated the Cholas and also subdued the Hoysalas, marking Pandya supremacy in South India.
29. Which Pandya ruler made extensive donations to the Srirangam temple?
A) Maravarman Sundara Pandya I
B) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
C) Varaguna Pandya II
D) Kadungon
Answer: B) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
Explanation: He donated gold for gilding the shrine of Ranganatha at Srirangam.
30. Marco Polo visited the Pandya kingdom during the reign of:
A) Maravarman Sundara Pandya I
B) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya II
C) Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I
D) Nedunjeliyan
Answer: C) Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I
Explanation: He ruled in the 13th century CE, when Marco Polo described Madurai as prosperous.
31. Marco Polo praised Madurai for its:
A) Iron and steel production
B) Rich pearl fisheries and trade
C) Powerful navy
D) Buddhist monasteries
Answer: B) Rich pearl fisheries and trade
Explanation: He admired the wealth and commerce of the Pandya kingdom.
32. The main rivals of the medieval Pandyas in South India were:
A) Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas
B) Pallavas and Cholas
C) Hoysalas and Cholas
D) Satavahanas
Answer: C) Hoysalas and Cholas
Explanation: The Pandyas often fought wars with both for supremacy.
33. The Pandya dynasty reached its height of territorial expansion in the:
A) 7th century CE
B) 9th century CE
C) 13th century CE
D) 15th century CE
Answer: C) 13th century CE
Explanation: Under Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I and his successors, Pandyas dominated most of South India.
34. Which Pandya ruler claimed the title Konerinmaikondan (conqueror of kings)?
A) Kadungon
B) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
C) Varaguna Pandya II
D) Sundara Pandya II
Answer: B) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
Explanation: He adopted the imperial title after his victories.
35. The Pandyas annexed Sri Lanka under:
A) Maravarman Sundara Pandya I
B) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
C) Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I
D) Nedunjeliyan
Answer: B) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
Explanation: He invaded Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and made it a Pandya dependency.
36. The Pandya rulers were famous as:
A) Patrons of temple building and land grants
B) Horse traders
C) Buddhist missionaries
D) Maritime warriors
Answer: A) Patrons of temple building and land grants
Explanation: They endowed temples richly with land and gold.
37. The main source of Pandya economy was:
A) Mining
B) Agriculture and trade
C) Horse imports
D) Military plunder
Answer: B) Agriculture and trade
Explanation: Fertile river valleys and seaports like Korkai sustained prosperity.
38. The Pandya ports were important for trade with:
A) Rome
B) China
C) Arabia
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They traded pearls, spices, and textiles with the West and East.
39. The Pandya kingdom was described as very wealthy by:
A) Hiuen Tsang
B) Marco Polo
C) Al-Biruni
D) Ibn Battuta
Answer: B) Marco Polo
Explanation: He praised Pandya prosperity and resources.
40. Pandya kings assumed the title:
A) Perumal
B) Sambuvaraya
C) Konerinmaikondan
D) Arya Chakravarti
Answer: C) Konerinmaikondan
Explanation: Literally “conqueror of kings,” reflecting imperial status.
41. The Pandyas’ political decline in the 14th century was due to:
A) Invasion of Malik Kafur (Alauddin Khilji’s general)
B) Rise of Cholas
C) Invasion of Marathas
D) Portuguese traders
Answer: A) Invasion of Malik Kafur (Alauddin Khilji’s general)
Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate campaign in 1311 CE weakened the Pandyas.
42. The Pandya rulers issued inscriptions mainly in:
A) Prakrit
B) Sanskrit
C) Tamil
D) Kannada
Answer: C) Tamil
Explanation: They used Tamil and sometimes Sanskrit for royal grants.
43. The medieval Pandya administration was based on:
A) Centralized monarchy with feudal chieftains
B) Republics
C) Democratic councils
D) Military governors only
Answer: A) Centralized monarchy with feudal chieftains
Explanation: Local chiefs (Velir) played a role, but the king was supreme.
44. Pandya taxation included:
A) Land tax
B) Custom duties at ports
C) Professional taxes
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Agriculture and overseas trade were major revenue sources.
45. The Pandyas were contemporaries of:
A) Satavahanas
B) Cholas, Cheras, Hoysalas
C) Guptas
D) Marathas
Answer: B) Cholas, Cheras, Hoysalas
Explanation: They often fought or allied with these dynasties in South India.
46. The Pandyas re-emerged as a major power after the decline of:
A) Mauryas
B) Guptas
C) Cholas
D) Pallavas
Answer: C) Cholas
Explanation: With Chola decline in the 13th century, Pandyas became dominant.
47. The medieval Pandya empire included parts of:
A) Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sri Lanka
B) Deccan plateau
C) Karnataka only
D) Andhra Pradesh alone
Answer: A) Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sri Lanka
Explanation: Their peak expansion covered these regions.
48. The Pandya kingdom was rich because of:
A) Pearl fisheries of Gulf of Mannar
B) Coromandel textile trade
C) Agriculture in fertile plains
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple sources of wealth sustained their prosperity.
49. Pandya inscriptions and records are preserved mainly in:
A) Copper plates and temple walls
B) Palm leaf manuscripts
C) Rock edicts
D) Buddhist texts
Answer: A) Copper plates and temple walls
Explanation: Numerous Pandya copper-plate charters record grants.
50. The Pandya kings were described in Tamil texts as:
A) “Lords of the twin fish”
B) “Lords of elephants”
C) “Lords of the bow”
D) “Lords of the tiger”
Answer: A) “Lords of the twin fish”
Explanation: Reflecting their emblem and maritime trade connections.
51. In the early Sangam period, Pandya kings patronized:
A) Jainism and Buddhism
B) Christianity
C) Islam
D) Zoroastrianism
Answer: A) Jainism and Buddhism
Explanation: Several Sangam works show Pandya support for Jain and Buddhist monks.
52. In the medieval period, the dominant religions under Pandya patronage were:
A) Shaivism and Vaishnavism
B) Jainism
C) Buddhism
D) Islam
Answer: A) Shaivism and Vaishnavism
Explanation: Pandyas became strong patrons of Hindu temples and Bhakti movement.
53. The Pandya king Nedunjeliyan performed:
A) Ashvamedha sacrifices
B) Jain rituals
C) Buddhist councils
D) Roman festivals
Answer: A) Ashvamedha sacrifices
Explanation: Sangam poems describe Pandya kings performing Vedic yajnas.
54. The Pandya kingdom was famous for:
A) Religious tolerance
B) Persecution of other faiths
C) Only Buddhism
D) Monotheism
Answer: A) Religious tolerance
Explanation: They supported multiple faiths—Jainism, Buddhism, Shaivism, Vaishnavism.
55. The Bhakti movement saints who flourished under Pandya rule were:
A) Alvars and Nayanmars
B) Buddhists
C) Jains
D) Sufi saints
Answer: A) Alvars and Nayanmars
Explanation: Bhakti saints spread Shaiva and Vaishnava devotion during medieval Pandya era.
56. The Pandya dynasty contributed significantly to:
A) Tamil Sangam literature
B) Sanskrit grammar
C) Pali canon
D) Persian poetry
Answer: A) Tamil Sangam literature
Explanation: They patronized Sangam poets like Avvaiyar, Kapilar, and Nakkeerar.
57. The Sangam literary work Maduraikkanji praises:
A) Cholas
B) Pandyas
C) Cheras
D) Pallavas
Answer: B) Pandyas
Explanation: It describes Madurai under Pandya rule.
58. The Pandya kings patronized temple architecture in:
A) Nagara style
B) Dravida style
C) Vesara style
D) Indo-Islamic style
Answer: B) Dravida style
Explanation: They built temples in the South Indian Dravida style.
59. The famous Meenakshi Temple at Madurai received contributions from:
A) Pandyas
B) Cholas
C) Nayakas
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Originally Pandya-built, later expanded by Cholas and Nayakas.
60. The Pandya art style is most evident in:
A) Rock-cut caves and temples of Madurai region
B) Stupas of North India
C) Mauryan polished pillars
D) Mughal forts
Answer: A) Rock-cut caves and temples of Madurai region
Explanation: Many Pandya cave temples exist in Madurai and Tirunelveli.
61. The Pandya emblem of twin fish appears on:
A) Coins and seals
B) Temple sculptures
C) Inscriptions
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: It symbolized prosperity and maritime heritage.
62. Pandya coins were mostly made of:
A) Gold
B) Copper and silver
C) Iron
D) Lead
Answer: B) Copper and silver
Explanation: Many copper and silver coins with fish emblem are found.
63. The Pandya society was described in Sangam literature as:
A) Stratified with Brahmanas, warriors, traders, and peasants
B) Tribal egalitarian society
C) Nomadic society
D) Urban only
Answer: A) Stratified with Brahmanas, warriors, traders, and peasants
Explanation: Social divisions existed but poets and women also had prominence.
64. Women poets like Avvaiyar flourished under:
A) Pandya patronage
B) Gupta patronage
C) Maurya patronage
D) Satavahana patronage
Answer: A) Pandya patronage
Explanation: Avvaiyar was a famous Sangam poetess in Pandya court.
65. The Pandya kingdom maintained strong trade links with:
A) Rome and Greece
B) Southeast Asia
C) China and Arabia
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their ports connected them with West and East.
66. Roman coins have been found in Pandya territory, proving:
A) Pandyas paid tribute to Rome
B) Active Indo-Roman trade
C) Roman conquest of Madurai
D) Roman settlements in Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) Active Indo-Roman trade
Explanation: Roman gold coins are found in Korkai and Madurai regions.
67. Pandya trade exports included:
A) Pearls, pepper, elephants, textiles
B) Horses, wheat, iron
C) Opium, silk, carpets
D) Gold and silver
Answer: A) Pearls, pepper, elephants, textiles
Explanation: Classical sources highlight these commodities.
68. The Chinese pilgrim who mentioned Pandya territory was:
A) Fa-Hien
B) Xuanzang
C) I-Tsing
D) Al-Biruni
Answer: B) Xuanzang
Explanation: He noted southern kingdoms including Pandyas in his travel accounts.
69. The Pandya kingdom was also visited by:
A) Marco Polo
B) Ibn Battuta
C) Megasthenes
D) Alberuni
Answer: A) Marco Polo
Explanation: He praised Madurai’s wealth in the 13th century.
70. The Gulf of Mannar was crucial for Pandyas because of:
A) Salt pans
B) Pearl fisheries
C) Shipbuilding
D) Horse breeding
Answer: B) Pearl fisheries
Explanation: This was their major source of wealth and foreign trade.
71. The Pandya dynasty contributed to Bhakti literature through patronage of:
A) Alvar and Nayanmar saints
B) Buddhist monks
C) Jain monks
D) Persian poets
Answer: A) Alvar and Nayanmar saints
Explanation: Their hymns enriched Tamil devotional literature.
72. Pandya temple architecture influenced:
A) Khmer temples in Cambodia
B) Indonesian Hindu temples
C) Sri Lankan shrines
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Tamil maritime power spread Dravida style abroad.
73. The Pandya period witnessed literary growth in:
A) Pali
B) Tamil
C) Sanskrit
D) Persian
Answer: B) Tamil
Explanation: Sangam and post-Sangam works were produced.
74. The Pandya kingdom’s prosperity impressed foreign travelers like:
A) Marco Polo
B) Arab traders
C) Chinese pilgrims
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Multiple sources confirm their wealth and trade.
75. The most important cultural legacy of the Pandyas was:
A) Promotion of Tamil literature and temple architecture
B) Decline of South Indian trade
C) Spread of Islam
D) Introduction of Persian art
Answer: A) Promotion of Tamil literature and temple architecture
Explanation: Their legacy lies in cultural and economic contributions.
76. The decline of the early Pandyas was caused by:
A) Maurya invasion
B) Kalabhra occupation
C) Gupta conquest
D) Rashtrakuta attacks
Answer: B) Kalabhra occupation
Explanation: The Kalabhra interregnum (3rd–6th century CE) disrupted Pandya rule until Kadungon revived it.
77. The later (medieval) Pandya dynasty declined in the:
A) 10th century CE
B) 14th century CE
C) 7th century CE
D) 5th century CE
Answer: B) 14th century CE
Explanation: The dynasty declined after invasions by Delhi Sultanate generals.
78. The most immediate cause of Pandya decline was:
A) Invasion of Malik Kafur (1311 CE)
B) Chola conquest
C) Rise of Vijayanagara
D) Portuguese traders
Answer: A) Invasion of Malik Kafur (1311 CE)
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji’s general looted Madurai, weakening the Pandyas.
79. After the Pandya decline, their territory came under:
A) Cholas
B) Cheras
C) Vijayanagara Empire
D) Rashtrakutas
Answer: C) Vijayanagara Empire
Explanation: Vijayanagara absorbed Madurai in the 14th century.
80. The Pandyas were finally replaced by:
A) Madurai Sultanate
B) Portuguese traders
C) Nayakas of Madurai
D) Cholas
Answer: A) Madurai Sultanate
Explanation: After Delhi Sultanate invasions, Madurai Sultanate was established.
81. The Madurai Sultanate lasted until it was defeated by:
A) Vijayanagara Empire
B) Delhi Sultanate
C) Cholas
D) Marathas
Answer: A) Vijayanagara Empire
Explanation: Vijayanagara rulers crushed the Madurai Sultanate in 1370s CE.
82. The Later Pandyas had constant succession disputes between:
A) Chola princes
B) Brothers of the royal family
C) Ministers and generals
D) Foreign invaders
Answer: B) Brothers of the royal family
Explanation: Internal civil wars weakened the dynasty before external invasions.
83. One reason for the Pandya decline was:
A) Overextension of empire
B) Invasion by Sultanate armies
C) Civil wars
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Civil wars, invasions, and overexpansion led to their downfall.
84. The Pandya kingdom’s decline allowed which dynasty to rise in Tamil Nadu?
A) Cholas
B) Pallavas
C) Vijayanagara
D) Cheras
Answer: C) Vijayanagara
Explanation: Vijayanagara filled the power vacuum after Pandya decline.
85. Which Pandya king was ruling when Malik Kafur invaded?
A) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
B) Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I
C) Sundara Pandya IV
D) Varaguna Pandya II
Answer: C) Sundara Pandya IV
Explanation: He faced the Delhi Sultanate invasion.
86. The Pandyas’ foreign trade mainly declined because:
A) Fall of Roman Empire
B) Arab domination of Indian Ocean trade
C) Portuguese entry
D) Decline of Buddhism
Answer: B) Arab domination of Indian Ocean trade
Explanation: From 8th century onwards, Arabs controlled maritime trade routes.
87. The Pandya dynasty was one of the earliest in India to:
A) Issue copper coins
B) Promote overseas trade extensively
C) Introduce Buddhism
D) Adopt Persian language
Answer: B) Promote overseas trade extensively
Explanation: They traded pearls and spices with Rome, Arabia, and China.
88. The Pandya dynasty left behind inscriptions mainly in:
A) Sanskrit and Tamil
B) Kannada
C) Telugu
D) Prakrit
Answer: A) Sanskrit and Tamil
Explanation: Inscriptions were bilingual, but predominantly Tamil.
89. Pandya rule is important for South Indian history because:
A) It shows continuity from Sangam to medieval era
B) It promoted Tamil literature
C) It developed temple culture
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The dynasty’s cultural contributions spanned centuries.
90. The Pandyas were unique among Indian dynasties for:
A) Their pearl fisheries as a major revenue source
B) Their extensive embassies to Rome
C) Their Bhakti patronage
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Maritime trade, religion, and literature made them distinctive.
91. The Pandyas are remembered in Sangam texts as:
A) Lords of the bow
B) Lords of the fish
C) Lords of the tiger
D) Lords of the elephant
Answer: B) Lords of the fish
Explanation: The fish was their royal emblem.
92. Pandya legacy in Tamil Nadu includes:
A) Meenakshi Temple at Madurai
B) Sangam literature
C) Bhakti movement patronage
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Pandya rule deeply influenced Tamil religion and culture.
93. The decline of the Pandya dynasty opened Tamil Nadu to:
A) Delhi Sultanate control
B) Vijayanagara hegemony
C) Nayak rule
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: A chain of rulers followed the Pandyas in succession.
94. The Pandya dynasty is often paired with which two other Tamil dynasties?
A) Cheras and Cholas
B) Pallavas and Satavahanas
C) Hoysalas and Rashtrakutas
D) Guptas and Mauryas
Answer: A) Cheras and Cholas
Explanation: Together they formed the “Muvendar” (three crowned kings).
95. Which modern state was the core region of the Pandya kingdom?
A) Kerala
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Karnataka
Answer: C) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Madurai was their capital, located in modern Tamil Nadu.
96. The Pandya dynasty symbolized:
A) Maritime trade and cultural patronage
B) Agricultural decline
C) Weak governance
D) Persian dominance
Answer: A) Maritime trade and cultural patronage
Explanation: They thrived on sea trade and temple building.
97. The most enduring Pandya contribution was:
A) Sangam poetry
B) Temple architecture
C) Maritime trade
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their multi-dimensional legacy shaped Tamil civilization.
98. In medieval times, Pandya kings sent embassies to:
A) Rome
B) China
C) Arabia
D) All of the above
Answer: B) China
Explanation: Chinese records mention embassies from Pandya rulers.
99. The Pandyas are remembered in Indian history as:
A) The first Tamil dynasty to achieve overseas trade fame
B) Patrons of Bhakti saints
C) Rulers of Madurai, the cultural capital
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their contributions spanned politics, trade, and culture.
100. The Pandya dynasty’s overall significance lies in:
A) Linking ancient Sangam culture with medieval Bhakti era
B) Promoting international trade
C) Contributing to Tamil identity
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Pandyas stand out as a long-lasting dynasty shaping Tamilakam’s history.