Tamil literature, tradition and culture - Art and architecture, Historical sites, Ethnic groups of Tamil Nadu - One Line Questions

1. The 'Kurunthogai' is one of the earliest anthologies of Sangam poetry, consisting of poems of how many lines each? 4 to 8 lines
2. The 'Aingurunuru' is a collection of poems from the Sangam period, each section consisting of how many poems? 50
3. The architectural marvel of the Thanjavur Big Temple features a massive central tower (Vimana) weighing approximately how much? 200 tons
4. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu is historically known for their martial traditions and association with the Maravar community? Thevar
5. The ethnic group known as 'Chettiars' in Tamil Nadu are traditionally associated with which occupation? Trade and moneylending
6. Which of the following is NOT an example of Sangam literature? Periya Puranam
7. Which Tamil literary work is a collection of 400 short poems on love and war, attributed to the Sangam era? Purananuru
8. The 'Bhakti' movement in Tamil Nadu saw the rise of influential devotional poets who composed hymns. Who among these is NOT typically associated with the Saivite Nayanmars? Periyazhwar
9. The 'Thirukkural', a classic Tamil text on ethics, politics, and love, was authored by whom? Tiruvalluvar
10. The 'Pattupattu' (Ten Idylls) and 'Ettuthogai' (Eight Anthologies) are major collections of poetry from which literary period? Sangam Period
11. The architectural style characterized by large gopurams (temple towers) is most prominent in temples built by which dynasty? Vijayanagara
12. The rock-cut cave temples at Tirumayam, known for their intricate carvings, were primarily patronized by which dynasty? Pandyas
13. The rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram were primarily patronized by which dynasty? Pallavas
14. The rock-cut elephant at Mahabalipuram is an example of monolithic sculpture and is known by which name? Yali
15. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu is historically associated with the region of Kongu Nadu and has traditionally been involved in agriculture and industry? Gounder
16. The architectural style of the Gangaikondacholapuram temple, built by Rajendra Chola I, is similar to but distinct from the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, primarily in what aspect? Layout and proportions
17. Which historical city in Tamil Nadu was the capital of the Pandya kingdom and is renowned for its Meenakshi Amman Temple? Madurai
18. Which historical site, located near Madurai, is believed to be an ancient Tamil trade port and city mentioned in Sangam literature? Alagankulam
19. Which historical city, known as the 'City of Thousand Temples', was a major Pallava and later Chola capital and a centre of learning? Kanchipuram
20. Which historical city served as the capital of the Cholas and is known for its ancient fortifications and the Uraiyur market? Uraiyur
21. Which historical site, located in the Ramanathapuram district, was an important Pandya port and pearl fishing centre mentioned in ancient texts? Korkai
22. Which Pallava king is credited with the creation of the monolithic Rathas and cave temples at Mahabalipuram? Narasimhavarman I
23. The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the earliest structural stone temples in South India, dating back to the reign of which Pallava king? Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)
24. Which ancient Tamil epic describes the love story of Kovalan and Kannagi? Silappatikaram
25. Which group of people are traditionally associated with weaving and are a significant ethnic group in Tamil Nadu? Sengunthar
26. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu is traditionally known for their role in trade, finance, and business, often associated with the Chettinad region? Chettiar
27. The temples at Rameswaram, particularly the Ramanathaswamy Temple, are known for their extensive and intricate corridors, considered the longest in the world. These were largely built during which period? Vijayanagara-Nayaka period
28. The art of 'Tanjore painting' (Thanjavur painting), known for its rich colours, gold foil, and embellishments like glass beads and semi-precious gems, flourished under which patronage? Nayaka rulers and Maratha rulers
29. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Living Chola Temples includes temples built by which dynasty? Cholas
30. The temple complex at Chidambaram is renowned for its association with the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva and is known as the 'Natarajar Temple'. This temple's architectural grandeur is primarily attributed to which rulers? Cholas and later dynasties
31. The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by which Chola king? Raja Raja Chola I
32. The architectural style of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, with its towering gopurams, showcases influences from which period? Vijayanagara-Nayaka Period
33. The 'Natyashastra', a foundational text for Indian performing arts, has strong influences and parallels with which aspect of Tamil tradition? Sangam poetry's description of music and dance
34. The 'Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam', a collection of stories about the divine sports of Lord Shiva in Madurai, was composed by whom? Paranjothi Munivar
35. The 'Nalayira Divya Prabandham' is a collection of devotional hymns in Tamil dedicated to which deity? Vishnu
36. The tradition of 'Kavadiattam' (a ritual dance) is closely associated with the worship of which Tamil deity? Murugan
37. The epic 'Manimekalai' is a sequel to which other major Tamil epic? Silappatikaram
38. Which of the following is considered one of the five great epics of Tamil literature, dealing with Buddhist themes? Manimekalai
39. The 'Periya Puranam', a significant work in Tamil literature, details the lives of the Nayanmars (devotees of Shiva) and was authored by whom? Sekkizhar
40. Which historical site, known for its magnificent temples and palaces, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and later its governors (Nayakas) in Tamil Nadu? Madurai
41. Which historical site in Tamil Nadu is famous for its monolithic rock-cut temples carved during the Pallava period? Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
42. The Sangam period is primarily associated with which literary works? Pattu-p-pattu and Ettu-k-togai
43. The 'Siddhar' tradition in Tamil Nadu is known for its emphasis on mysticism, alchemy, and a unique form of poetry. Who is considered one of the most prominent Siddhars? Agathiyar
44. The 'Jivaka Chintamani', an important Jain epic in Tamil literature, was written by whom? Tiruttakkatevar
45. The 'Kamba Ramayanam', a Tamil version of the epic Ramayana, was composed by whom? Kambar
46. The ancient port city of Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam), described in Sangam literature, is believed to have been located near the mouth of which river? Kaveri
47. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu has traditionally been associated with agriculture and land ownership, forming a significant part of the rural population? Velalar
48. The 'Tirumurai' is a compilation of devotional hymns in Tamil literature, primarily dedicated to which deity? Shiva
49. The ethnic group 'Mudaliar' is a prominent community in Tamil Nadu, historically associated with which roles? Warrior class and administrators
50. The ethnic group known as 'Nadar' in Tamil Nadu has historically been associated with which occupation, leading to significant social and economic changes? Pearl diving and toddy tapping