Tamil literature, tradition and culture - Art and architecture, Historical sites, Ethnic groups of Tamil Nadu - Question Bank
1. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu is historically associated with the region of Kongu Nadu and has traditionally been involved in agriculture and industry?
2. 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?
3. The 'Kurunthogai' is one of the earliest anthologies of Sangam poetry, consisting of poems of how many lines each?
4. 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?
5. The 'Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam', a collection of stories about the divine sports of Lord Shiva in Madurai, was composed by whom?
6. The ethnic group 'Mudaliar' is a prominent community in Tamil Nadu, historically associated with which roles?
7. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Living Chola Temples includes temples built by which dynasty?
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?
9. The rock-cut cave temples at Tirumayam, known for their intricate carvings, were primarily patronized by which dynasty?
10. Which of the following is considered one of the five great epics of Tamil literature, dealing with Buddhist themes?
11. The ethnic group known as 'Nadar' in Tamil Nadu has historically been associated with which occupation, leading to significant social and economic changes?
12. 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?
13. 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?
14. The tradition of 'Kavadiattam' (a ritual dance) is closely associated with the worship of which Tamil deity?
15. Which historical site, located in the Ramanathapuram district, was an important Pandya port and pearl fishing centre mentioned in ancient texts?
16. The 'Jivaka Chintamani', an important Jain epic in Tamil literature, was written by whom?
17. 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?
18. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu is traditionally known for their role in trade, finance, and business, often associated with the Chettinad region?
19. 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?
20. The 'Pattupattu' (Ten Idylls) and 'Ettuthogai' (Eight Anthologies) are major collections of poetry from which literary period?
21. Which historical city served as the capital of the Cholas and is known for its ancient fortifications and the Uraiyur market?
22. The 'Nalayira Divya Prabandham' is a collection of devotional hymns in Tamil dedicated to which deity?
23. The rock-cut elephant at Mahabalipuram is an example of monolithic sculpture and is known by which name?
24. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu has traditionally been associated with agriculture and land ownership, forming a significant part of the rural population?
25. The architectural style of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, with its towering gopurams, showcases influences from which period?
26. The 'Periya Puranam', a significant work in Tamil literature, details the lives of the Nayanmars (devotees of Shiva) and was authored by whom?
27. The ancient port city of Poompuhar (Kaveripattinam), described in Sangam literature, is believed to have been located near the mouth of which river?
28. The 'Tirumurai' is a compilation of devotional hymns in Tamil literature, primarily dedicated to which deity?
29. Which Pallava king is credited with the creation of the monolithic Rathas and cave temples at Mahabalipuram?
30. The ethnic group known as 'Chettiars' in Tamil Nadu are traditionally associated with which occupation?
31. The 'Aingurunuru' is a collection of poems from the Sangam period, each section consisting of how many poems?
32. Which historical city, known as the 'City of Thousand Temples', was a major Pallava and later Chola capital and a centre of learning?
33. The 'Kamba Ramayanam', a Tamil version of the epic Ramayana, was composed by whom?
34. 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?
35. Which ethnic group in Tamil Nadu is historically known for their martial traditions and association with the Maravar community?
36. The architectural marvel of the Thanjavur Big Temple features a massive central tower (Vimana) weighing approximately how much?
37. The 'Natyashastra', a foundational text for Indian performing arts, has strong influences and parallels with which aspect of Tamil tradition?
38. Which historical site, located near Madurai, is believed to be an ancient Tamil trade port and city mentioned in Sangam literature?
39. The 'Thirukkural', a classic Tamil text on ethics, politics, and love, was authored by whom?
40. Which Tamil literary work is a collection of 400 short poems on love and war, attributed to the Sangam era?
41. The rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram were primarily patronized by which dynasty?
42. Which group of people are traditionally associated with weaving and are a significant ethnic group in Tamil Nadu?
43. The epic 'Manimekalai' is a sequel to which other major Tamil epic?
44. Which historical city in Tamil Nadu was the capital of the Pandya kingdom and is renowned for its Meenakshi Amman Temple?
45. The architectural style characterized by large gopurams (temple towers) is most prominent in temples built by which dynasty?
46. Which of the following is NOT an example of Sangam literature?
47. The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by which Chola king?
48. Which historical site in Tamil Nadu is famous for its monolithic rock-cut temples carved during the Pallava period?
49. The Sangam period is primarily associated with which literary works?
50. Which ancient Tamil epic describes the love story of Kovalan and Kannagi?