Consider the following statements regarding Nattar and the local land-owning aristocracy:
1. The Nattar functioned as the executive committee of the Nadu, a territorial division that served as the primary unit of local administration in the Chola state.
2. Members of the Nattar were typically drawn from the Vellalar land-owning aristocracy, who held significant influence over agrarian resource management.
3. Inscriptions from the reign of Rajaraja I (985-1014 CE) indicate that the Nattar were responsible for the assessment and collection of land revenue within their respective jurisdictions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Nattar served as the representative assembly of the Nadu, acting as the primary administrative and judicial link between the central Chola state and local agrarian communities. These members were predominantly from the Vellalar caste, the elite land-owning class whose control over irrigation and land resources made them indispensable to the Chola revenue system. Inscriptions from the era of Rajaraja I confirm that the Nattar exercised significant fiscal authority, including the assessment and collection of land taxes, effectively functioning as the administrative backbone of rural Chola governance.
Consider the following statements regarding Fiscal administration and tax terminology like Kadamai and Kudimai:
1. The 'Uttiramerur' inscription of Parantaka I provides a detailed account of the qualifications and disqualifications for candidates standing for election to the village assemblies.
2. In the Chola fiscal structure, 'Antarayam' was an additional tax levied on the produce, often collected in kind to support the internal administrative requirements of the Nadu.
3. The 'Variyam' committees were composed of hereditary officials appointed directly by the central government in Tanjavur, and these committees held the authority to modify the 'Kadamai' rates without local assembly approval.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Uttiramerur inscription (c. 919-921 CE) details the democratic 'Kudavolai' system for village assembly elections. Statement 2 is correct because 'Antarayam' functioned as a secondary tax or internal levy collected to meet the administrative expenses of the local 'Nadu'. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'Variyam' committees were composed of local villagers selected through a democratic process rather than hereditary central appointees, and they lacked the authority to unilaterally alter 'Kadamai' (the primary land revenue tax), which was governed by established custom and royal decree.
Consider the following statements regarding Naval architecture and ship-building technology of the Chola period:
1. The 'Anjuvannam' and 'Manigramam' merchant guilds played a significant role in the Chola maritime economy, often providing the logistical support and harbor infrastructure necessary for the maintenance of the royal fleet at ports like Nagapattinam.
2. The 'Manimekalai' epic describes the Chola navy as utilizing steam-powered paddle wheels for maneuverability in the shallow waters of the Palk Strait during the naval blockade of the Pandya kingdom in 950 CE.
3. The Chola naval fleet utilized a standardized 'trireme' design, which was characterized by three rows of oarsmen and a bronze-sheathed ram, a technology developed by the Chola naval architects to combat the Arab fleets in the Arabian Sea.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as merchant guilds like Anjuvannam and Manigramam were instrumental in facilitating maritime trade and infrastructure development at major Chola ports. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Manimekalai is a work of ancient Tamil literature predating the 10th century, and steam-powered technology did not exist in the Chola period. Statement 3 is incorrect because the trireme was a Mediterranean design used by Greeks and Romans, whereas Chola naval architecture relied on indigenous 'Sangada' and 'Colandia' ship designs suited for Indian Ocean navigation.
Consider the following statements regarding Urbanization patterns in Chola capital cities:
1. The city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established by Rajendra I in 1025 CE to commemorate his successful military expedition to the Ganges river region.
2. The Chola capital of Thanjavur featured the Brihadisvara Temple, which was completed in 1010 CE under the patronage of Rajaraja I and served as a central node for urban administrative activity.
3. In the Chola administrative structure, the 'Nagarattar' functioned as a powerful merchant guild that influenced urban planning and the development of market centers in capital cities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. Rajendra I founded Gangaikonda Cholapuram around 1025 CE to celebrate his victory in Northern India, while the Brihadisvara Temple, completed by Rajaraja I in 1010 CE, functioned as the socio-economic heart of Thanjavur. The Nagarattar were indeed influential merchant guilds whose commercial activities were instrumental in shaping the urban landscape and market infrastructure of Chola capital cities.
Consider the following statements regarding Judicial administration and the role of Dharma-sanas:
1. Under the Chola administrative framework, the 'Dharmasana-bhatta' served as a legal expert or judge who advised the king on the interpretation of Smritis during the trial of major criminal cases.
2. Chola judicial administration recognized the 'Dharma-sanas' as royal courts, which functioned alongside local village assemblies like the Sabha to adjudicate civil disputes.
3. The Uttaramerur inscription, dating back to the reign of Parantaka I in 919 CE, details the procedural qualifications for members serving in the village judicial committees known as Nyayattar.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the 'Dharmasana-bhatta' acted as a learned legal advisor to the king based on Smriti traditions, while 'Dharma-sanas' functioned as royal courts operating in parallel with the decentralized 'Sabha' (village assembly) system. Furthermore, the 919 CE Uttaramerur inscription provides the definitive procedural framework for the 'Nyayattar' (judicial committees), outlining the strict qualifications and conduct required for members to ensure impartial justice in local administration.
Consider the following statements regarding Mandalam-Valanadu-Nadu administrative hierarchy:
1. The Uttaramerur inscription, dating back to the 10th century, provides detailed information regarding the qualifications and election procedures for members of the village assemblies within the Nadu.
2. Under the Chola administrative structure, the Valanadu acted as an intermediary administrative tier between the Mandalam and the Nadu, facilitating revenue collection and local governance.
3. The Sabha was an assembly of merchant guilds that operated independently of the Nadu, and it was responsible for the maintenance of the royal navy's port facilities in Nagapattinam.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Uttaramerur inscription (c. 919-921 CE) details the 'Kudavolai' system for electing members to the village assembly (Sabha). Statement 2 is correct because the Chola empire was divided into Mandalam (provinces), which were further subdivided into Valanadu (districts) and Nadu (groups of villages) to streamline revenue and local administration. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Sabha was an assembly of Brahmin landowners, not merchant guilds (which were known as 'Manigramam' or 'Ayyavole'), and it did not manage royal naval port facilities.
Consider the following statements regarding Diplomatic missions and overseas embassies of the Chola court:
1. The 1077 CE diplomatic mission sent by Kulothunga I to the Song court consisted of 72 merchants, who were granted special trading privileges in the port of Quanzhou.
2. The Chola copper plate inscriptions confirm that the embassy sent to the Srivijaya kingdom in 1006 CE was tasked with securing the maintenance of the Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam.
3. In 1015 CE, Rajaraja I dispatched a formal embassy to the court of the Chinese Emperor Zhenzong of the Song dynasty, which carried a tribute of pearls, ivory, and medicinal herbs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as historical records confirm Kulothunga I sent a 72-member merchant mission to the Song dynasty in 1077 CE, securing trade rights in Quanzhou. Statement 2 is correct because the 1006 CE embassy to Srivijaya facilitated the endowment of the Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam, as evidenced by the Larger Leiden Copper Plates. Statement 3 is correct because Rajaraja I sent a formal diplomatic mission to Emperor Zhenzong in 1015 CE, carrying luxury goods like pearls and medicinal herbs to solidify maritime trade and political relations.
Consider the following statements regarding Naval logistics and control over the Bay of Bengal trade routes:
1. The 1025 CE expedition resulted in the permanent annexation of the Malay Peninsula into the Chola administrative fold, leading to the direct appointment of Tamil governors in the port of Kedah.
2. The Nagapattinam inscription of 1006 CE details the formation of the 'Anjuvannam' guild as a state-sponsored entity that managed the royal treasury and the distribution of land grants to naval commanders.
3. The administrative reforms of Rajaraja I introduced the 'Mandalam' system, which established a centralized naval command based in the port of Puhar to oversee the taxation of all maritime trade originating from the Arabian Sea.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 1025 CE expedition by Rajendra I was a punitive raid to secure trade routes rather than a permanent annexation, and no Tamil governors were appointed in Kedah. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Anjuvannam was an autonomous guild of foreign merchants, not a state-sponsored entity managing the royal treasury. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Rajaraja I implemented the Mandalam system for provincial administration, the naval command was not centralized in Puhar for Arabian Sea taxation, as the Cholas primarily focused on the Bay of Bengal and maintained decentralized maritime oversight.
Consider the following statements regarding Chola maritime relations with the Song Dynasty:
1. The Chola naval expeditions under Rajendra I, while primarily focused on the Srivijaya Empire, secured the Bay of Bengal trade routes that served as the primary transit corridor for Song-bound merchant vessels.
2. The 1077 embassy carried a tribute of 21,000 ounces of gold to the Song court, which led to the immediate establishment of a joint Chola-Song naval task force to suppress piracy in the Strait of Malacca.
3. Song Dynasty records, specifically the 'Song Shi', document that Chola envoys were granted audience with the Chinese emperor and were permitted to trade in pearls, ivory, and aromatics.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Rajendra I's naval campaigns against Srivijaya secured the maritime trade routes, facilitating the flow of goods between the Chola ports and the Song Empire. Statement 3 is correct because the 'Song Shi' (History of Song) explicitly records the arrival of Chola embassies, confirming that these missions were granted imperial audiences and engaged in the trade of luxury commodities like pearls and aromatics. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the 1077 embassy did occur, there is no historical evidence in Chinese or Tamil records of a joint Chola-Song naval task force being formed to suppress piracy.
Consider the following statements regarding Strategic significance of Nagapattinam as a naval base:
1. Nagapattinam served as a primary port for the Chola fleet during the reign of Rajendra I, facilitating the deployment of naval expeditions toward the Srivijaya Empire in 1025 CE.
2. Inscriptions from the period indicate that the Chola navy utilized the natural harbor facilities of Nagapattinam to maintain supply lines for the expeditionary forces operating in the Bay of Bengal.
3. The Chola administration designated Nagapattinam as a 'Pattinam', a coastal town serving as a hub for both maritime trade and naval logistics in the Coromandel region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Nagapattinam served as a vital maritime gateway for the Chola dynasty, particularly under Rajendra I, whose 1025 CE naval expedition against the Srivijaya Empire utilized the port for fleet mobilization and logistical support. Epigraphic evidence confirms that the Chola state managed Nagapattinam as a 'Pattinam,' a sophisticated administrative and commercial hub that integrated naval operations with the flourishing trade networks of the Coromandel coast. All three statements are factually accurate, as the port's strategic geography facilitated both the maintenance of supply lines for overseas military campaigns and the regulation of maritime commerce.
Consider the following statements regarding Fiscal administration and tax terminology like Kadamai and Kudimai:
1. The 'Kadamai' tax was primarily utilized for the maintenance of the Chola standing navy, and its collection was overseen by the 'Puravuvari-tinaikkalam' department established during the reign of Vijayalaya.
2. The 'Kudimai' tax represented the labor dues or service obligations rendered by the peasantry to the village assembly or the local temple authorities.
3. The term 'Kadamai' in Chola inscriptions refers to the land revenue tax, which was typically collected by the state as a share of the agricultural produce.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as 'Kudimai' referred to the labor services or dues owed by the peasantry to local bodies, while Statement 3 is correct because 'Kadamai' was the standard land revenue tax paid to the state as a share of produce. Statement 1 is incorrect because, although the 'Puravuvari-tinaikkalam' was the central revenue department, it was established much later than Vijayalaya's reign (likely under Rajaraja I), and 'Kadamai' was a general land tax rather than a specific levy exclusively for the navy.
Consider the following statements regarding Naval architecture and ship-building technology of the Chola period:
1. The 'Periplus of the Erythraean Sea' provides a detailed account of the Chola naval shipyards at Puhar, noting that the Chola kings imported teak wood from the Mediterranean region to construct their deep-sea vessels.
2. The Chola shipbuilders of the 11th century adopted the 'clinker-built' method from Roman maritime traditions, which involved overlapping hull planks fastened with iron rivets to ensure maximum structural rigidity during monsoon crossings.
3. In the 10th century, the Chola administration introduced the 'Navadhyaksha' office, a central naval ministry modeled after the Mauryan administrative structure, to oversee the standardized production of iron-clad warships.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because they rely on historical inaccuracies: the 'Periplus' dates to the 1st century CE, long before the Chola peak, and Chola shipbuilders utilized indigenous teak from Indian forests rather than importing it from the Mediterranean. Furthermore, Chola naval architecture primarily employed the 'sewn-plank' technique rather than the clinker-built method, and there is no historical evidence for a 'Navadhyaksha' office or iron-clad warships in the 10th-century Chola administration, which relied on decentralized maritime trade guilds and traditional wooden vessel construction.
Consider the following statements regarding Water management and irrigation (Vaykkal and Eri systems):
1. The construction of the Grand Anicut, or Kallanai, was significantly expanded during the Chola era to regulate the flow of the Kaveri and ensure consistent water supply to the Vaykkal irrigation network.
2. Inscriptions from the reign of Rajaraja I detail the role of the 'Eri-variyam', a committee within the village assembly responsible for the maintenance and desilting of communal irrigation tanks.
3. The Vaykkal system in the Chola period functioned as a network of primary and secondary canals that diverted water from the Kaveri River to irrigate the fertile plains of the Tanjavur region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: The Kallanai, originally built by the Cholas in the 2nd century CE, was extensively renovated and strengthened by later Chola rulers to optimize the Kaveri delta's irrigation. The 'Eri-variyam' was a specialized sub-committee of the 'Sabha' (village assembly), as evidenced by the famous Uttaramerur inscriptions, tasked with managing local water resources and communal tanks. The Vaykkal system represented a sophisticated hydraulic engineering feat, utilizing a hierarchical network of canals to distribute river water across the Tanjavur plains, which served as the agricultural heartland of the Chola Empire.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Perundanam and Sirudanam officials:
1. The Perundanam officials were the designated tax collectors for the Brahmadeya lands, and they reported directly to the village assembly rather than the central government during the period of Uttama Chola.
2. The Sirudanam cadre was established during the reign of Kulothunga I to manage the maritime trade routes to Srivijaya, and these officials held the power to appoint the village headmen in the coastal districts.
3. The administrative hierarchy of the Chola state divided officials into Perundanam and Sirudanam based on their military rank, with the Sirudanam officers commanding the elephant corps during the naval campaigns of the 11th century.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
In the Chola administrative hierarchy, 'Perundanam' (great officers) and 'Sirudanam' (lesser officers) were designations based on status and salary rather than specific tax collection or naval military ranks. Statement 1 is false because Perundanam officials were high-ranking central bureaucrats, not village-level tax collectors for Brahmadeya lands. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Sirudanam cadre existed well before Kulothunga I and was not specifically established for maritime trade or the appointment of village headmen. Statement 3 is wrong because the distinction was based on rank and remuneration within the civil and military bureaucracy, and Sirudanam officers did not exclusively command the elephant corps during naval campaigns.
Consider the following statements regarding Fiscal administration and tax terminology like Kadamai and Kudimai:
1. The Chola naval expedition under Rajendra I in 1025 CE targeted the Srivijaya Empire to secure maritime trade routes across the Strait of Malacca.
2. The 'Variyam' system of local administration functioned through committees, such as the 'Eri-variyam' which managed the maintenance of village irrigation tanks.
3. The 'Kudimai' dues were fixed at a uniform rate of one-sixth of the total land output across all Chola provinces, as recorded in the administrative reforms of Rajaraja I in 985 CE.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Rajendra I launched a massive naval expedition in 1025 CE against the Srivijaya Empire to protect maritime trade interests in Southeast Asia. Statement 2 is correct because the Chola administration utilized the 'Variyam' system, where elected committees like 'Eri-variyam' were responsible for managing local irrigation tanks and water resources. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'Kudimai' referred to labor services or dues owed by tenants to the village assembly, and land revenue rates (Kadamai) were not fixed at a uniform one-sixth rate, but varied significantly based on soil fertility, crop type, and local land classification.
Consider the following statements regarding Urbanization patterns in Chola capital cities:
1. The capital city of Palaiyarai served as the primary administrative seat until 1070 CE, when the administrative functions were transferred to Kanchipuram following the coronation of Adhirajendra.
2. Archaeological excavations at the site of Poompuhar indicate that the Chola administration utilized a grid-based urban layout to manage the influx of goods from maritime trade routes.
3. The 'Manigramam' guild maintained significant influence over the commercial infrastructure of Chola port cities, facilitating trade links between the capital and Southeast Asian maritime networks.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Chola capital shifted from Palaiyarai to Gangaikonda Cholapuram under Rajendra I, not Kanchipuram under Adhirajendra. Statement 2 is correct as archaeological findings at Poompuhar reveal a planned urban layout with grid-pattern streets designed to facilitate efficient port operations and trade storage. Statement 3 is correct because Manigramam, a powerful merchant guild, played a pivotal role in managing commercial infrastructure and acting as intermediaries for Chola maritime trade with Southeast Asian kingdoms.
Consider the following statements regarding Judicial administration and the role of Dharma-sanas:
1. The Chola naval expeditions under Rajendra I to the Srivijaya Empire were supported by a legal code that regulated maritime trade disputes and property rights for merchant guilds like the Manigramam.
2. The 'Ayyavole-500' merchant guild maintained its own private courts that operated independently of the Chola king's Dharma-sanas, following the legal statutes established during the reign of Aditya I.
3. In the Chola administrative structure, the 'Perundaram' officials held the authority to override the decisions of the village Sabha regarding temple land endowments based on the legal precedents set by the 10th-century Kanchipuram judicial council.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Chola naval expeditions were underpinned by complex maritime trade regulations and agreements that protected merchant guilds like Manigramam in Southeast Asia. Statement 2 is incorrect because while guilds like Ayyavole-500 enjoyed significant autonomy, their judicial functions were ultimately sanctioned by and integrated within the broader Chola legal framework rather than operating as independent, sovereign entities. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chola village Sabhas (assemblies) functioned with high levels of local autonomy, and Perundaram officials were primarily administrative and military officers who lacked the legal authority to override the traditional, consensus-based judicial decisions of the Sabha regarding temple land endowments.
Consider the following statements regarding Trade guilds like Ayyavole and Manigramam:
1. The Nanadesis were a sub-group of the Manigramam guild that specialized in the horse trade from the Persian Gulf, and they maintained a permanent military garrison in the port of Nagapattinam.
2. The 11th-century inscriptions found at Lobu Tuwa indicate that the Ayyavole guild operated under the direct administrative supervision of the Chola royal treasury, which determined the price of pepper exports.
3. The Valanjiyar merchant group, often associated with the Ayyavole-500, functioned as a branch of the Chola bureaucracy that oversaw the construction of temple tanks in the Kaveri delta region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because these guilds operated as autonomous corporate bodies rather than state-controlled entities. The Nanadesis and Ayyavole-500 were independent merchant associations that maintained their own private security forces and trade networks, independent of the Chola royal treasury or bureaucracy. Furthermore, the Lobu Tuwa inscription in Sumatra documents the presence of the Ayyavole guild in international maritime trade, but it provides no evidence of Chola state price-fixing or bureaucratic oversight of temple construction.
Consider the following statements regarding Temple as an administrative and economic hub:
1. In the 10th century, the Chola state introduced the 'Devadana-Vetti' system, which allowed temple authorities to conscript local village labor for the construction of naval dockyards at Nagapattinam.
2. Under the agrarian reforms of the 11th century, temple lands were classified as 'Vellanvagai' holdings, which allowed the temple to collect land revenue directly from the central state treasury for the maintenance of naval vessels.
3. The inscriptions at the Tiruvaiyaru temple mention that the administrative council of the temple was responsible for the direct appointment of the Chola naval commanders, known as the 'Kadal-Adhipatis'.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are historically inaccurate fabrications: the 'Devadana' system referred to land grants for temple maintenance rather than labor conscription for naval dockyards, and temple lands were classified as 'Devadana' or 'Brahmadeya' rather than 'Vellanvagai', which specifically referred to non-Brahmin peasant proprietor lands. Furthermore, there is no epigraphic evidence from Tiruvaiyaru or elsewhere suggesting that temple councils appointed naval commanders ('Kadal-Adhipatis'), as military appointments were strictly under the jurisdiction of the central Chola monarchy and the king's council.
Consider the following statements regarding Chola naval expedition to Srivijaya (Kadaram):
1. Following the successful expedition, the Chola administration established a system of maritime trade guilds, such as the Manigramam, to oversee commercial activities in Southeast Asian ports.
2. The expedition was initiated by Rajaraja Chola I in 1010 CE, following the successful completion of the Great Temple at Thanjavur and the consolidation of the Malabar coast.
3. The Large Leiden Grant records that Rajendra Chola I confirmed the land grants for the Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam, which was originally commissioned by the Srivijayan king.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Cholas utilized merchant guilds like Manigramam and Ayyavole to facilitate trade and maintain influence in Southeast Asian ports. Statement 3 is correct because the Large Leiden Grant documents Rajendra Chola I's patronage of the Chudamani Vihara, which was established by the Srivijayan king Sri Mara Vijayottungavarman. Statement 2 is incorrect because the naval expedition to Srivijaya was launched by Rajendra Chola I in 1025 CE, not Rajaraja Chola I in 1010 CE.
Consider the following statements regarding Revenue collection and land survey under Rajaraja I:
1. Rajaraja I expanded the naval fleet to secure trade routes in the Bay of Bengal, and the costs for maintaining these vessels were derived from the 'vari-pottagam' tax collected from the northern districts.
2. The land survey of 1001 CE involved the use of the 'velis' measurement unit, and this standard was linked to the irrigation projects initiated by Parantaka I to improve rice cultivation in the Kaveri delta.
3. The revenue administration under Rajaraja I utilized the 'taram' system, which classified land into various grades based on soil fertility and irrigation potential to determine the state's share.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Rajaraja I implemented a sophisticated land revenue system using the 'taram' classification, which assessed land based on soil fertility and irrigation access to standardize tax collection. Statement 1 is incorrect because 'vari-pottagam' refers to the royal revenue register or accounts department, not a specific tax levied on northern districts for naval maintenance. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the 1001 CE land survey was a landmark administrative achievement using the 'veli' unit, it was a systemic innovation of Rajaraja I's own reign rather than a continuation of irrigation standards established by Parantaka I.
Consider the following statements regarding Water management and irrigation (Vaykkal and Eri systems):
1. Village assemblies, known as Sabhas, possessed the legal authority to levy 'Eri-ayam', a specific water tax collected from landowners to fund the periodic repair of embankments and sluice gates.
2. The Chola administration established the 'Variyam-kudai' office during the reign of Parantaka I, which functioned as a central ministry to oversee the inter-state water sharing agreements with the contemporary Pandya kingdom.
3. The 'Eri-patti' system involved the endowment of land by the monarch to the temple, where the resulting agricultural revenue was earmarked for the construction of coastal naval dry-docks in Nagapattinam.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Chola inscriptions, such as the Uttaramerur records, confirm that village Sabhas managed local irrigation through 'Eri-ayam' (tank tax) to maintain essential water infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 'Variyam' system referred to committees (like the Eri-variyam) managing local village affairs, not a central ministry for inter-state water diplomacy. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'Eri-patti' (tank land) was a specific land endowment dedicated exclusively to the maintenance of village irrigation tanks, not for financing naval dry-docks.
Consider the following statements regarding Temple as an administrative and economic hub:
1. The Kudumiyamalai inscriptions record that temple priests held the legal authority to oversee the mobilization of the Chola fleet, ensuring that maritime trade duties were collected directly by the temple administration.
2. Chola inscriptions from the 11th century indicate that temple authorities acted as financial intermediaries, lending temple funds to village assemblies at an interest rate of approximately 12.5 percent.
3. The Uttaramerur inscription of the Parantaka I era details the administrative role of the local sabha in managing temple lands, which were categorized as devadana for tax-exempt status.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kudumiyamalai inscriptions primarily pertain to music and musical notations, not the mobilization of the Chola fleet. Statement 2 is correct as 11th-century Chola inscriptions confirm that temples functioned as 'banks,' lending accumulated endowments to village assemblies (sabhas) at standard interest rates, often around 12.5 percent (1/8th). Statement 3 is correct because the Uttaramerur inscriptions of Parantaka I provide a comprehensive account of local self-governance, including the management of devadana lands, which were tax-exempt endowments granted to temples.
Consider the following statements regarding Brahmadeya and Devadana land grant categories:
1. Brahmadeya lands were tax-free land grants gifted to Vedic scholars, often managed by a local assembly known as the Sabha.
2. During the reign of Rajaraja I, the Chola naval fleet successfully launched an expedition to the Maldives, referred to in inscriptions as the 'old islands of the sea'.
3. The Devadana category of land grants was specifically designated for the maintenance and upkeep of Hindu temples under the Chola administrative framework.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Brahmadeya lands were tax-exempt grants to Brahmins, governed by autonomous village assemblies called Sabhas. Statement 2 is correct because Rajaraja I expanded Chola maritime power, and his inscriptions explicitly mention the conquest of the 'old islands of the sea' (Maldives). Statement 3 is correct because Devadana lands were specifically endowed to provide revenue for the maintenance, rituals, and administration of Hindu temples under the Chola administrative system.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Perundanam and Sirudanam officials:
1. In the context of the Chola naval expeditions, the Perundanam officials were tasked with the logistical coordination of the fleet, including the procurement of supplies from the coastal ports during the reign of Rajendra I.
2. Under the Chola administrative framework, the Sirudanam officials frequently worked under the supervision of the Perundanam, ensuring that the directives issued by the central secretariat were implemented at the village level.
3. The distinction between Perundanam and Sirudanam is documented in the inscriptions of the 10th-century Chola period, which categorize state officials based on their proximity to the royal court and the scale of their administrative jurisdiction.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Chola administration classified state officials into 'Perundanam' (high-ranking) and 'Sirudanam' (lower-ranking) based on their proximity to the royal court and scope of authority, as evidenced by 10th-century epigraphic records. During the expansionist era of Rajendra I, Perundanam officials held significant responsibilities in managing the complex logistics of naval expeditions, while Sirudanam officials acted as the executive arm that ensured central administrative directives were effectively implemented at the local village level under the oversight of their superiors.
Consider the following statements regarding Military organization of the Velaikkarar troops:
1. The Velaikkarar regiments were established by Parantaka I to oversee the collection of maritime customs duties at Nagapattinam, and they operated as a permanent revenue-collection agency for the royal treasury.
2. The Velaikkarar troops were primarily recruited from the maritime guilds of the Manigramam, and they received their official commissions directly from the naval admiral during the reign of Rajaraja I.
3. Inscriptions from the 12th century describe the Velaikkarar as a specialized infantry division of the Chola army, which functioned under the direct command of the hereditary village assemblies known as the Sabha.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The Velaikkarar were not a revenue-collection agency or a guild-based maritime force, but rather elite, highly loyal bodyguard units who swore an oath to protect the king with their lives, often committing to die alongside him. They were not under the command of village Sabhas; instead, they functioned as a specialized military corps directly loyal to the monarch, and their origins are associated with the later Chola period rather than being established by Parantaka I or commissioned by naval admirals.
Consider the following statements regarding Nattar and the local land-owning aristocracy:
1. Records from the period of Kulottunga I (1070-1120 CE) demonstrate that the Nattar acted as intermediaries between the central Chola bureaucracy and the local agrarian population.
2. The Nattar maintained communal archives that documented land grants and temple endowments, ensuring the continuity of local administrative records across successive Chola reigns.
3. The title of 'Nattudaiyar' was frequently associated with the leading families of the Nattar, reflecting their hereditary status as major landowners in the Kaveri delta region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Nattar functioned as a powerful assembly of landholders in the 'nadu' (territorial division), acting as essential intermediaries for tax collection and administrative communication between the central Chola state and the peasantry. They maintained meticulous communal archives of land rights and temple endowments, which provided the legal framework for land tenure stability across successive reigns. The title 'Nattudaiyar' denoted these influential local elites, whose hereditary control over fertile lands in the Kaveri delta made them the backbone of Chola rural administration.
Consider the following statements regarding Uttiramerur inscription and democratic election procedures:
1. The Uttiramerur inscription mentions the 'Panchavara' committee, which was responsible for overseeing temple construction and was elected by the village assembly during the reign of Rajaraja I.
2. The Uttiramerur inscription, dating back to the reign of Parantaka I in 919 CE, provides a detailed account of the 'Kudavolai' system used for electing members to the village assembly committees.
3. The Chola naval fleet utilized the port of Nagapattinam as its primary base, and the records of the 'Anjuvannam' guild confirm their direct involvement in the naval administration of the Malabar coast.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Uttiramerur inscription, issued during the reign of Parantaka I (919 CE), provides a comprehensive description of the 'Kudavolai' system, a sophisticated method of democratic election by lot for village committees. Statement 1 is incorrect because the inscription belongs to the reign of Parantaka I, not Rajaraja I, and the 'Panchavara' committee was specifically tasked with the collection of the five-fold tax (panchavara), not temple construction. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Nagapattinam was a significant Chola port, the 'Anjuvannam' were foreign merchant guilds (comprising Jews, Christians, and Muslims) that operated independently in coastal trade rather than serving as administrative bodies for the Chola naval fleet.
Consider the following statements regarding Military organization of the Velaikkarar troops:
1. The Velaikkarar soldiers maintained a unique socio-military status, often functioning as a corporate guild that held land grants in exchange for their military service to the Chola state.
2. The Velaikkarar military organization was governed by the 'Dandanayaka' office, which provided for the rotation of troops between the capital at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the frontier garrisons in the Pandya country.
3. Records from the period of Rajendra I show that the Velaikkarar troops were composed of foreign mercenaries from the Srivijaya kingdom, who were integrated into the Chola military hierarchy following the naval expedition of 1025 CE.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because the Velaikkarar were elite bodyguards who functioned as a powerful corporate guild, often receiving land grants (brahmadeya or devadana) to maintain their loyalty and military readiness. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Velaikkarar were not governed by the Dandanayaka office but functioned as an autonomous, oath-bound unit dedicated to the king's personal protection, often independent of the standard bureaucratic military hierarchy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Velaikkarar were not foreign mercenaries from Srivijaya; rather, they were indigenous Tamil soldiers who took a sacred vow (velai) to defend the monarch, and their origins predate the 1025 CE expedition.
Consider the following statements regarding Role of Perundanam and Sirudanam officials:
1. The Sirudanam officials functioned as the junior-level administrative staff, primarily responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of irrigation records and the collection of local land revenue in the nadus.
2. The Perundanam officials in the Chola administration represented the higher-ranking cadre of the bureaucracy, often serving as direct intermediaries between the central government and the local autonomous sabhas.
3. The Perundanam officials were primarily responsible for the construction of the Great Temple at Thanjavur, and their administrative authority was restricted to the oversight of temple treasury accounts during the reign of Parantaka I.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
In the Chola administrative hierarchy, 'Perundanam' referred to high-ranking officials who acted as key links between the central government and local assemblies, while 'Sirudanam' comprised lower-ranking officials tasked with routine administrative duties like revenue collection and record-keeping at the local level. Statement 3 is incorrect because the construction of the Brihadisvara Temple (Great Temple) at Thanjavur was commissioned by Rajaraja I, not Parantaka I, and the authority of Perundanam officials was far broader than mere oversight of temple treasury accounts, encompassing significant civil and military administrative responsibilities.
Consider the following statements regarding Brahmadeya and Devadana land grant categories:
1. Brahmadeya villages were required to pay a fixed portion of their agricultural produce to the local Nadu assembly, which then redistributed the surplus to the royal palace in Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
2. The Chola naval expedition to Srivijaya in 1025 CE was led by Rajendra I, who established a permanent military garrison in the Malay Peninsula to regulate the spice trade with the Tang Dynasty.
3. The Kudavolai system of electing village representatives was first introduced during the reign of Parantaka I and functioned as a hereditary appointment process for the irrigation committee.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Brahmadeya lands were tax-free grants given to Brahmins, exempt from local Nadu taxation. Statement 2 is incorrect as the 1025 CE expedition by Rajendra I was a punitive raid to secure trade routes rather than a permanent occupation, and the trade was with the Song Dynasty, not the Tang. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kudavolai system was a democratic lottery-based selection process for village committees, not a hereditary appointment system.
Consider the following statements regarding Revenue collection and land survey under Rajaraja I:
1. The land survey conducted in 1001 CE utilized the 'padikaval' system to establish village boundaries, and this administrative framework was subsequently adopted by the Western Chalukyas.
2. The Chola inscriptions at Tanjavur record that the land survey was completed in 1014 CE, and the tax records were maintained by the 'variyar' officials who reported directly to the provincial governors.
3. Rajaraja I introduced the 'puravuvari-tinaikkalam' department to oversee maritime trade duties, and this office functioned as the primary authority for collecting land revenue in the coastal provinces.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 'padikaval' was a system of village protection rights, not a land survey method, and the Chola survey used the 'veli' as a standard unit of measurement. Statement 2 is false as the Tanjavur inscriptions date the survey to 1001 CE, not 1014 CE, and 'variyars' were local committee members rather than officials reporting to provincial governors. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 'puravuvari-tinaikkalam' was the central land revenue department established by Rajaraja I to oversee land assessment and tax collection, not specifically a maritime trade authority.
Consider the following statements regarding Naval logistics and control over the Bay of Bengal trade routes:
1. The Chola state exercised control over the strategic Strait of Malacca by establishing maritime outposts that regulated the passage of merchant vessels carrying spices and aromatic woods.
2. Chola naval logistics relied on a network of 'taniyurs' or autonomous settlements that served as administrative hubs for the maintenance of shipbuilding yards along the Coromandel coast.
3. Under the administrative reforms of Uttama Chola, the 'Variyams' or village committees were responsible for managing the local irrigation infrastructure that supported the agricultural surplus required to sustain the naval workforce.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Chola naval expeditions, notably under Rajendra I (1025 CE), aimed to secure the Strait of Malacca to dominate the spice trade route. Statement 2 is correct because 'taniyurs' functioned as large, autonomous administrative units that facilitated the mobilization of resources and labor necessary for the Chola maritime infrastructure. Statement 3 is correct as the 'Variyams' were essential village committees that managed local resources, including irrigation, which provided the agricultural surplus and tax revenue vital for sustaining the state's military and naval apparatus.
Consider the following statements regarding Trade guilds like Ayyavole and Manigramam:
1. The 1025 CE naval expedition of Rajendra Chola I against the Srivijaya Empire resulted in the formal dissolution of the Manigramam guild to allow for direct state control over the Malacca Strait.
2. The 1088 CE inscription from Barus in Sumatra records the activities of the Ayyavole guild in the context of maritime trade networks between South India and the Indonesian archipelago.
3. The Chola administration utilized the 'Vellalar' landholding class to collect revenue, which was then partially redistributed to support the infrastructure of merchant guilds in coastal administrative units.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Chola naval expedition against Srivijaya was aimed at securing trade routes rather than dissolving merchant guilds; in fact, guilds like Manigramam flourished and expanded their operations in Southeast Asia following Chola naval dominance. Statement 2 is correct as the 1088 CE Tamil inscription at Barus (Sumatra) explicitly documents the presence and commercial activities of the 'Ayyavole-500' guild, highlighting the deep integration of South Indian merchant networks in the Indonesian archipelago. Statement 3 is correct because the Chola state relied on the Vellalar landed elite for local revenue collection and often patronized merchant guilds through tax concessions or administrative support to facilitate the maritime trade that fueled the empire's economy.
Consider the following statements regarding Revenue collection and land survey under Rajaraja I:
1. Rajaraja I initiated a comprehensive land survey in 1001 CE, which resulted in the systematic categorization of land holdings for tax assessment across the Chola heartland.
2. Under the administrative reforms of Rajaraja I, the 'ur' assembly held the authority to reallocate temple lands, and this practice was formalized in the 990 CE royal decree concerning agricultural productivity.
3. The 'kadamai' tax was assessed during the reign of Rajaraja I based on the 'vellan-vagai' classification, and this revenue was distributed equally among the village elders and the central royal treasury.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Rajaraja I conducted a landmark land survey in 1001 CE to standardize tax assessment across his empire. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 'ur' assembly managed village affairs, but temple lands were typically managed by the 'devadana' committees, and there is no record of a 990 CE royal decree authorizing the reallocation of temple lands. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'kadamai' was a land revenue tax collected by the state, and while it was assessed on 'vellan-vagai' lands, the revenue was primarily collected for the royal treasury and local administrative needs rather than being split equally with village elders.
Consider the following statements regarding Nattar and the local land-owning aristocracy:
1. During the 11th century, the Nattar played a critical role in the implementation of the Chola land survey, which categorized soil productivity to standardize tax rates across the Nadu.
2. The Chola Navy utilized the administrative networks of the Nattar to facilitate the procurement of provisions and labor for maritime expeditions launched from ports like Nagapattinam.
3. The Nattar exercised judicial authority in local disputes concerning land boundaries and irrigation rights, often acting in consultation with the village assemblies known as Sabhas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Nattar, as the assembly of the Nadu (territorial division), were instrumental in the Chola land surveys (notably under Rajaraja I) by validating local landholdings and productivity assessments for revenue standardization. They functioned as a crucial logistical link for the Chola state, mobilizing resources and labor from the hinterlands to support the naval infrastructure at ports like Nagapattinam. Furthermore, the Nattar exercised significant local judicial and administrative autonomy, often coordinating with the Brahmin-dominated Sabhas to manage communal resources like irrigation and land disputes, ensuring the stability of the Chola agrarian economy.
Consider the following statements regarding Uttiramerur inscription and democratic election procedures:
1. The 'Kudavolai' election procedure allowed individuals who had served on the 'Tottavariyam' committee for three consecutive years to stand for immediate re-election to the same post.
2. In the Chola administrative structure, the 'Nadu' functioned as the largest territorial unit, and the 'Perunguri' assembly held the authority to collect taxes from the 'Brahmadeya' lands on behalf of the central government.
3. Under the Chola administrative framework, the village was divided into thirty wards, and candidates for the 'Variyams' were required to possess at least one-fourth of a veli of land and own a house built on their own site.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Uttiramerur inscription (c. 919-921 CE) mandates that candidates for the village assembly must own a house and at least one-fourth of a veli of land to ensure a stake in the village. Statement 1 is incorrect because the inscription strictly prohibited immediate re-election for those who had already served on committees, enforcing a cooling-off period to prevent power consolidation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 'Mandalam' was the largest territorial unit, and the 'Perunguri' (the village assembly of Brahmadeya villages) functioned as a self-governing body rather than a tax-collecting agency for the central government.
Consider the following statements regarding Trade guilds like Ayyavole and Manigramam:
1. The Anjuvannam guild was primarily composed of indigenous agrarian landowners who managed the internal distribution of spices, while the Manigramam guild focused on the export of textiles to the Abbasid Caliphate.
2. The Manigramam guild operated as an autonomous mercantile corporation that received royal charters from the Chola monarchs to facilitate trade in the Southeast Asian peninsula.
3. The Ayyavole-500 guild, headquartered in Aihole, maintained a significant presence in the port city of Mahabalipuram during the reign of Kulothunga I.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Anjuvannam consisted primarily of foreign merchants (Jewish, Christian, and Muslim) rather than indigenous agrarian landowners. Statement 2 is correct as Manigramam functioned as a powerful, autonomous mercantile corporation that received royal patronage and charters from Chola rulers to expand trade networks into Southeast Asia. Statement 3 is correct because the Ayyavole-500, a prominent merchant guild originating from Aihole, extended its influence across the Indian Ocean and maintained significant commercial operations in major Chola ports, including those active during the reign of Kulothunga I.
Consider the following statements regarding Naval logistics and control over the Bay of Bengal trade routes:
1. The Tiruvalangadu copper plate inscriptions record the naval prowess of the Chola fleet, detailing the capture of Kadaram during the reign of Rajendra Chola I.
2. The Chola administration utilized the 'Valanjiyar' and 'Manigramam' merchant guilds to oversee the collection of customs duties at key ports like Nagapattinam and Mamallapuram.
3. The naval expedition of Rajendra Chola I in 1025 CE targeted the Srivijaya Empire to secure unhindered access to the maritime trade routes connecting the Bay of Bengal to the South China Sea.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. The Tiruvalangadu plates explicitly commemorate Rajendra I's naval victory over Kadaram (Srivijaya), while the Valanjiyar and Manigramam guilds were pivotal in managing trans-oceanic trade and port administration during the Chola era. Furthermore, the 1025 CE expedition was a strategic move to dismantle Srivijaya's monopoly over the Straits of Malacca, thereby securing vital maritime routes linking the Bay of Bengal to the South China Sea for Indian merchants.
Consider the following statements regarding Temple as an administrative and economic hub:
1. The Brihadisvara temple complex includes a dedicated naval training wing established in 1025 CE, which served as the primary administrative headquarters for the maritime expedition to Srivijaya.
2. The Rajarajesvaram temple at Thanjavur, completed in 1010 CE by Rajaraja I, functioned as a major repository for state-sanctioned gold deposits and agricultural tax revenue.
3. During the reign of Rajendra I, the temple treasury at Gangaikonda Cholapuram functioned as the central bank for the Chola Empire, issuing standardized copper coins that circulated throughout the Southeast Asian trade network.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Brihadisvara temple (Rajarajesvaram) acted as a socio-economic hub where the state deposited gold, land grants, and tax revenues to support temple rituals and local development. Statement 1 is incorrect as there is no historical evidence of a 'naval training wing' within the temple complex; Chola naval operations were coordinated through royal administrative centers and ports like Nagapattinam. Statement 3 is incorrect because while temples managed wealth, they did not function as central banks issuing standardized currency; the Chola coinage system was managed by royal mints, and trade in Southeast Asia relied on a mix of local and imported bullion rather than a unified Chola-issued copper currency.
Consider the following statements regarding Water management and irrigation (Vaykkal and Eri systems):
1. Under the administrative reforms of Kulothunga I, the 'Vaykkal-vari' was standardized as a uniform tax rate across the entire Chola empire, replacing the diverse regional irrigation cess structures that existed under his predecessors.
2. The 'Tala-vaykkal' canals were designed primarily for the transport of naval supplies from the interior hinterlands to the port of Puhar, serving as the main arteries for the Chola maritime logistics network.
3. The Vairamegha-tata, a large irrigation tank in Uttiramerur, was managed under the supervision of local officials who recorded water distribution rights in the village land survey registers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Vairamegha-tata (named after the Pallava king Dantivarman) was a crucial irrigation tank in Uttiramerur, where the famous inscriptions detail the administrative oversight of water distribution and land rights by the local Sabha. Statement 1 is incorrect because there is no historical evidence that Kulothunga I standardized a 'Vaykkal-vari' tax; instead, Chola land revenue and irrigation cesses remained largely decentralized and dependent on local agrarian conditions. Statement 2 is incorrect because 'Vaykkal' refers exclusively to irrigation channels used for agriculture, not naval logistics; the Chola maritime network relied on river mouths and coastal ports rather than interior irrigation canals for transport.
Consider the following statements regarding Diplomatic missions and overseas embassies of the Chola court:
1. The Chola embassy sent to the court of the Western Chalukyas in 1068 CE was intended to formalize a maritime alliance against the rising influence of the Ghaznavid naval forces in the Arabian Sea.
2. In 1058 CE, the Chola court received an envoy from the Abbasid Caliphate, which led to the adoption of the Islamic lunar calendar for calculating the dates of maritime trade expeditions.
3. The diplomatic correspondence between Rajendra I and the king of Kedah in 1020 CE included a provision for the mutual extradition of political dissidents who sought refuge in overseas ports.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are historically inaccurate. Statement 1 is false because the Chola-Chalukya conflict was primarily territorial, and the Ghaznavids were a land-based power in North India without a naval presence in the Arabian Sea. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no historical evidence of the Chola court adopting the Islamic lunar calendar, and trade expeditions were governed by seasonal monsoon winds rather than religious calendars. Statement 3 is fabricated, as Chola diplomatic interactions with the Srivijaya Empire (Kedah) were focused on trade security and maritime hegemony rather than extradition treaties for political dissidents.
Consider the following statements regarding Mandalam-Valanadu-Nadu administrative hierarchy:
1. The Chola empire was divided into provinces known as Mandalams, which were further subdivided into units called Valanadus during the reign of Rajaraja I.
2. The Mandalam was the smallest administrative unit in the Chola hierarchy, and it functioned under the direct supervision of the village headman known as the Uraiyar.
3. Rajaraja I introduced the system of Nadu as a new administrative tier in the 11th century to replace the existing Valanadu structure established by his predecessor Parantaka I.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because Rajaraja I reorganized the Chola empire into provinces called Mandalams, which were further divided into Valanadus for better revenue administration. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Mandalam was the largest administrative unit, not the smallest, and the village (Ur) was the smallest unit governed by the Ur-sabha. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Nadu was an ancient, pre-existing territorial assembly of landholders that predated the Chola dynasty, and it was not a new tier introduced by Rajaraja I to replace the Valanadu.
Consider the following statements regarding Chola naval expedition to Srivijaya (Kadaram):
1. The Kanyakumari inscriptions describe the Chola naval victory as the primary reason for the adoption of the 'Nagari' script in the administrative records of the Srivijayan capital, Palembang.
2. The naval campaign concluded with the signing of a formal peace accord in 1027 CE, which granted the Chola state the right to appoint the hereditary governors of the Kedah region.
3. The Chola maritime policy, formalized in the 1030 CE 'Kadaram Treaty', established a permanent Chola garrison in Sumatra to manage the collection of customs duties on Chinese silk imports.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the Chola naval expedition led by Rajendra I in 1025 CE was primarily a punitive raid to protect maritime trade routes rather than a colonial expansion involving administrative reforms or treaties. There is no historical evidence in the Kanyakumari inscriptions or elsewhere regarding the adoption of the 'Nagari' script in Palembang, the signing of a 1027 CE peace accord for hereditary governorships, or a 1030 CE 'Kadaram Treaty' establishing permanent garrisons for customs collection. The campaign was a display of naval hegemony that forced the Srivijayan king, Sangrama Vijayatungavarman, to acknowledge Chola suzerainty, but it did not result in the formal administrative integration or treaty-based governance described.
Consider the following statements regarding Diplomatic missions and overseas embassies of the Chola court:
1. The diplomatic mission sent by Rajendra I to the Khmer Empire in 1025 CE resulted in a formal maritime treaty that established a joint naval patrol to protect merchant vessels in the Gulf of Thailand.
2. The Song dynasty records mention that the Chola embassy of 1033 CE requested the establishment of a permanent administrative office in Canton to oversee the collection of customs duties on Tamil textiles.
3. The 1012 CE diplomatic exchange between the Chola court and the Pagan Kingdom of Burma focused on the exchange of architectural blueprints for the construction of the Brihadisvara Temple.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are historically inaccurate fabrications: Rajendra I's naval expeditions were primarily military campaigns to assert hegemony rather than formal treaty-based maritime patrols; Song dynasty records confirm Chola embassies were focused on tribute-trade relations rather than establishing administrative offices for customs collection in Canton; and the Brihadisvara Temple was completed in 1010 CE, predating the alleged 1012 CE exchange, which had no connection to Burmese architectural blueprints.
Consider the following statements regarding Mandalam-Valanadu-Nadu administrative hierarchy:
1. The Nadu served as a primary agricultural unit of administration, consisting of a cluster of villages that functioned as a self-governing assembly known as the Sabha or Ur.
2. The Valanadu was primarily a military cantonment established during the naval expeditions to Srivijaya in 1025 CE, and it held no jurisdiction over civilian land revenue administration.
3. The administrative hierarchy of the Chola state originated from the Sangam period, where the Valanadu was documented as the primary unit of taxation in the Purananuru poems.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Nadu was the foundational agricultural unit, comprising groups of villages managed by local assemblies like the Ur (non-Brahmin) or Sabha (Brahmin). Statement 2 is incorrect because the Valanadu was a major administrative division created by Chola rulers like Rajaraja I to group several Nadus for efficient revenue collection, not a military cantonment. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Valanadu system was a later medieval innovation of the Imperial Cholas, whereas Sangam-era administration was based on smaller territorial units like the Ur and did not utilize the Valanadu structure.
Consider the following statements regarding Strategic significance of Nagapattinam as a naval base:
1. The naval base at Nagapattinam was constructed following the formal treaty with the Sailendra dynasty in 1005 CE, which provided the Cholas with exclusive docking rights in the Malacca Strait.
2. The Nagapattinam port was established as a dedicated naval shipyard by Parantaka I in 920 CE, and it served as the primary base for the Chola invasion of the Rashtrakuta territories.
3. The Chola administration enforced a state monopoly on all maritime trade passing through Nagapattinam, as recorded in the 1070 CE copper plate grants of Kulothunga I.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because they misattribute historical events and administrative policies. Statement 1 is false as the Chola-Sailendra relationship was defined by diplomatic tension and conflict, not a 1005 CE treaty granting docking rights. Statement 2 is incorrect because Nagapattinam was a long-standing commercial port, not a shipyard established by Parantaka I for Rashtrakuta campaigns, which were primarily land-based. Statement 3 is inaccurate as Chola maritime policy was characterized by the encouragement of merchant guilds like the Manigramam and Ayyavole, rather than a state monopoly on all maritime trade.
Consider the following statements regarding Variyam system of village assemblies:
1. The Kudavolai system of secret ballot, which involved drawing palm-leaf tickets from a pot, was introduced by Rajaraja I to standardize the selection of village officials across the entire Chola heartland.
2. The Uttaramerur inscription of Parantaka I, dated to 919 CE, details the qualifications and disqualifications for members seeking election to the village committees known as Variyams.
3. The Eri-variyam committee oversaw the maintenance of public roads and trade routes, and its members were selected through a process of nomination by the local governor during the reign of Kulothunga I.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because the Uttaramerur inscription of Parantaka I provides the most detailed historical evidence regarding the democratic qualifications, age limits, and disqualifications for members of the village assemblies (Sabhas). Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kudavolai system predates Rajaraja I and was a traditional practice refined by the Cholas, not a standardization measure introduced by him. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Eri-variyam was specifically responsible for the maintenance of village tanks and water bodies, and members were selected via the Kudavolai system rather than by gubernatorial nomination.
Consider the following statements regarding Chola maritime relations with the Song Dynasty:
1. The Chola administration established a dedicated 'Overseas Trade Ministry' in Nagapattinam during the reign of Kulothunga I to coordinate directly with the Song Dynasty's maritime trade commissioners in Guangzhou.
2. Song Emperor Huizong issued a decree in 1102 that exempted all Chola merchant ships from port duties, effectively granting the Chola Empire a most-favored-nation status within the Canton maritime customs system.
3. The 1015 Chola mission to the Song court resulted in the signing of a formal naval defense pact, which allowed the Chola navy to establish a permanent replenishment base in the Fujian province.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
None of the statements are correct because the Chola administration functioned through traditional local assemblies and royal officials rather than a dedicated 'Overseas Trade Ministry', and there is no historical evidence for a 1102 tax-exemption decree or a formal naval defense pact with the Song Dynasty. While Chola-Song relations were characterized by vibrant commercial exchanges and diplomatic missions (such as the 1015 embassy sent by Rajendra I), these interactions were strictly trade-oriented and did not involve institutionalized administrative integration or military basing rights in Fujian.
Consider the following statements regarding Brahmadeya and Devadana land grant categories:
1. The Uttaramerur inscription, dating back to the 10th century, provides detailed regulations regarding the qualifications and selection process for members of the village assembly.
2. The Devadana grants were primarily overseen by the Ur assembly, which functioned as a non-Brahmin village council responsible for collecting land revenue for the central Chola treasury.
3. Chola administration utilized the 'Variyam' system, where committees were formed to oversee specific village functions such as irrigation, temple management, and justice.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 10th-century Uttaramerur inscription (Parantaka I) details the 'Kudavolai' system for selecting village assembly members. Statement 3 is correct because the 'Variyam' system established specialized committees (variyars) to manage essential local services like irrigation and temple administration. Statement 2 is incorrect because Devadana lands were granted to temples and were typically managed by the 'Sabha' (the assembly of Brahmins) or the temple authorities themselves, rather than the 'Ur' (the general assembly of non-Brahmin landowners) which primarily managed non-Brahmin villages.
Consider the following statements regarding Judicial administration and the role of Dharma-sanas:
1. During the reign of Rajaraja I, the 'Karanmai' land tenure system was formally integrated into the judicial process to resolve water-sharing disputes between the Chola navy's coastal garrisons and local agrarian guilds.
2. The Manur inscription of 800 CE describes the establishment of a centralized Supreme Court in Thanjavur that functioned as the final appellate authority for all village-level Dharma-sanas.
3. The 'Vijnaneshwara' commentary, written during the peak of the Chola period, provides the primary legislative framework that governed the naval recruitment policies and the jurisdiction of maritime courts in Nagapattinam.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because they conflate historical terms and functions: 'Karanmai' was a land tenure right rather than a judicial mechanism for naval disputes, the Manur inscription (Pandyan era) pertains to village assembly regulations rather than a centralized Supreme Court in Thanjavur, and the 'Mitakshara' commentary by Vijnaneshwara was composed under the Western Chalukyas, not the Chola administration. The Chola judicial system relied primarily on local assemblies like the 'Sabha' and 'Ur' for dispute resolution, and maritime jurisdiction was managed through merchant guilds like the 'Manigramam' rather than a unified legislative framework based on the Vijnaneshwara commentary.
Consider the following statements regarding Variyam system of village assemblies:
1. The Chola administration categorized villages into Ur and Sabha, where the Ur assembly functioned as a democratic body for non-Brahmin landholders, and its members were appointed directly by the Chola monarch.
2. The Pon-variyam committee was responsible for the auditing of gold coins used in temple transactions, and its members were required to hold office for a period of five years according to the records found at Ennayiram.
3. The Samvatsara-variyam served as the annual executive committee of the village assembly, and its members were chosen by the king to oversee the implementation of royal edicts regarding military recruitment.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All statements are incorrect because the Chola village assemblies (Sabha) were autonomous bodies where members were selected through a lottery system (Kudavolai), not appointed by the monarch. The Ur was an assembly of non-Brahmin landholders, but the Pon-variyam dealt with gold/finance, not with a fixed five-year tenure, and the Samvatsara-variyam functioned as an annual executive committee overseeing general village administration rather than military recruitment. The Chola administration was characterized by local self-governance, and the king did not directly interfere in the internal selection of committee members.
Consider the following statements regarding Variyam system of village assemblies:
1. The Uttaramerur inscription specifies that members of the Totta-variyam, or garden committee, were appointed by the royal treasury to ensure the efficient taxation of produce from orchards.
2. The Panchavara-variyam was a specialized committee tasked with the collection of land revenue, and its members were recruited from the merchant guilds known as the Manigramam.
3. The Variyam system functioned under the supervision of the Sabha, an assembly of Brahmin landholders in the Brahmadeya villages, which operated through sub-committees responsible for temple management, irrigation, and justice.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Uttaramerur inscription details the democratic functioning of the Sabha in Brahmadeya villages, where sub-committees (Variyams) managed irrigation, temples, and justice. Statement 1 is incorrect because Variyam members were chosen through a lottery system (Kudavolai) from qualified villagers, not appointed by the royal treasury. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Panchavara-variyam was a committee responsible for collecting taxes in kind, and its members were local villagers selected via the lottery process, not recruited from merchant guilds like Manigramam.
Consider the following statements regarding Uttiramerur inscription and democratic election procedures:
1. The Uttiramerur inscription details the 'Samvatsara-variyam' committee, which was tasked with the annual audit of village accounts and was composed of members selected through a lottery system held in the presence of the royal tax collector.
2. The Chola maritime expansion into Southeast Asia was supported by the 'Nanadesi' guild, which received royal patronage during the reign of Kulottunga I to establish permanent naval outposts in the Kadaram region.
3. The Chola naval expeditions under Rajendra I, which targeted the Srivijaya kingdom in 1025 CE, were facilitated by the extensive maritime trade networks managed through the 'Manigramam' and 'Ayyavole' merchant guilds.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Chola naval expedition against Srivijaya in 1025 CE relied on the logistical and financial support of powerful merchant guilds like Manigramam and Ayyavole, which dominated Indian Ocean trade. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Uttiramerur inscription specifies that the lottery (Kudavolai) was conducted in the presence of the village assembly (Sabha) and local priests, not the royal tax collector. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the Nanadesi guild was influential, there is no historical evidence that they established 'permanent naval outposts' in Kadaram; the Chola military presence in Southeast Asia was primarily a series of strategic naval raids rather than a permanent colonial occupation.
Consider the following statements regarding Strategic significance of Nagapattinam as a naval base:
1. The strategic positioning of Nagapattinam allowed the Chola navy to monitor the trade routes connecting the Palk Strait to the northern reaches of the Bay of Bengal.
2. The Chola rulers granted tax exemptions to the Buddhist vihara at Nagapattinam, which functioned as a significant cultural and navigational landmark for merchant vessels arriving from Southeast Asia.
3. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Chola naval base at Nagapattinam supported the transit of diplomatic missions sent to the Song Dynasty of China during the 11th century.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Nagapattinam served as a pivotal maritime hub, with its geography enabling the Chola navy to secure trade routes across the Bay of Bengal, while the Chudamani Vihara, patronized by Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, acted as a vital navigational beacon and cultural bridge for Southeast Asian merchants. Furthermore, historical records and archaeological findings confirm that Nagapattinam was the primary embarkation point for the frequent Chola diplomatic and commercial embassies sent to the Song Dynasty, cementing its role as a nexus of international maritime diplomacy.
Consider the following statements regarding Urbanization patterns in Chola capital cities:
1. During the reign of Kulothunga I, the administrative focus shifted towards the development of the city of Chidambaram, which functioned as a major religious and bureaucratic hub by the late 11th century.
2. The construction of the Great Living Chola Temples in Darasuram was initiated by Rajaraja II in 1146 CE to serve as the new centralized legislative assembly for the Chola dynasty.
3. The Chola inscriptions at Uttaramerur provide detailed evidence of the 'Kudavolai' system, which governed the election of representatives to the local administrative committees within urban centers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Kulothunga I significantly patronized Chidambaram, transforming it into a major religious and administrative center. Statement 3 is correct because the Uttaramerur inscriptions provide a definitive record of the 'Kudavolai' system, a sophisticated democratic method for electing village committee members. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram was built by Rajaraja II as a religious monument, not as a legislative assembly, as the Chola administration functioned through traditional monarchical and local sabha structures rather than a centralized parliament.
Consider the following statements regarding Naval architecture and ship-building technology of the Chola period:
1. During the reign of Rajendra Chola I, the naval expedition of 1025 CE against the Srivijaya Empire utilized a multi-tiered ship design capable of transporting heavy infantry and war elephants across the Bay of Bengal.
2. The Chola maritime technology included the use of the magnetic compass, which was introduced to the Coromandel coast by Chinese emissaries during the reign of Parantaka I to facilitate navigation between the Chola ports and the Malay Peninsula.
3. The Chola naval vessels, referred to as 'Kalam' in contemporary inscriptions, utilized the 'sewn-plank' technique where wooden planks were joined using coir ropes rather than iron nails to enhance flexibility in rough seas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Rajendra I's 1025 CE expedition utilized advanced logistical vessels capable of long-distance troop and elephant transport across the Bay of Bengal. Statement 3 is correct because the 'sewn-plank' technique (using coir to bind planks) was a hallmark of Indian Ocean shipbuilding, providing structural flexibility against rough currents. Statement 2 is incorrect because the magnetic compass was not introduced to the Coromandel coast during Parantaka I's reign; historical evidence suggests its adoption in Indian maritime navigation occurred much later, and Chola mariners primarily relied on traditional methods like stellar navigation and monsoon wind patterns.
Consider the following statements regarding Chola naval expedition to Srivijaya (Kadaram):
1. The naval expedition against the Srivijaya Empire was launched by Rajendra Chola I in 1025 CE to secure maritime trade routes across the Bay of Bengal.
2. The Thiruvalangadu copper plate inscriptions provide detailed accounts of the Chola fleet crossing the ocean and capturing the king of Kadaram, Sangrama Vijayatungavarman.
3. The Chola navy utilized the 'Kattumaram' and large-scale 'Vangam' vessels, which were instrumental in transporting troops across the Indian Ocean to the Malay Peninsula.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The 1025 CE expedition by Rajendra Chola I was a strategic move to protect trade interests in the Bay of Bengal, as corroborated by the Thiruvalangadu plates which explicitly document the defeat of King Sangrama Vijayatungavarman. Historical records confirm that the Chola navy employed advanced maritime technology, including 'Vangam' (large ships) and 'Kattumaram' (log rafts), which were essential for their successful trans-oceanic military logistics to the Malay Peninsula. All three statements are historically accurate, reflecting the sophisticated naval prowess and administrative reach of the Chola Empire.
Consider the following statements regarding Military organization of the Velaikkarar troops:
1. Epigraphic evidence from the reign of Kulothunga I indicates that the Velaikkarar regiments were organized into distinct units known as 'velaikkara-padai', often associated with specific temple endowments.
2. The Velaikkarar troops served as the elite personal bodyguard of the Chola monarchs, specifically sworn to protect the sovereign even at the cost of their own lives.
3. During the 11th century, the Velaikkarar troops were granted the right to manage the internal administration and security of the Rameswaram temple complex under a royal decree.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Velaikkarar were elite royal bodyguards who took an oath (velai) to protect the king with their lives, often linked to temple endowments as confirmed by epigraphic records from the reign of Kulothunga I. Historical inscriptions, particularly the Polonnaruwa inscription, explicitly document that these troops were entrusted with the administration and security of the Rameswaram temple complex during the 11th century. As all three statements accurately reflect the historical role and administrative functions of these elite Chola military units, they are collectively correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Chola maritime relations with the Song Dynasty:
1. In 1077, a Chola embassy consisting of 72 merchants was dispatched to the court of Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty to formalize maritime trade relations.
2. Archaeological findings of Chola-era copper coins in the Zhejiang province confirm that the Song government adopted the Chola currency as a legal tender for international transactions in the late 11th century.
3. The Chola maritime administration utilized the 'Manigramam' guild to oversee commercial interests and facilitate the exchange of spices and textiles at major Song ports like Quanzhou.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
In 1077, Kulothunga Chola I sent a mission of 72 merchants to the Song court to strengthen trade, and merchant guilds like Manigramam were indeed instrumental in managing Chola commercial networks across Southeast Asia and China. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Chola-era coins have been found in China, there is no historical evidence that the Song government ever adopted foreign currency as legal tender, as the Song economy relied on its own copper and iron coinage.