Class 9 Medieval India: The Cholas Mock Test (ICSE)

Topics in Medieval India: The Cholas

• Sources: inscriptions and the Brihadishwara Temple
• Chola kings
• Chola administration
• Chola art and architecture

Medieval India: The Cholas practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following assemblies during the Chola administration was primarily an assembly of merchants and traders?

   1. (a)Mandalam
   2. (b)Nagaram
   3. (c)Ur
   4. (d)Sabha
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (b) Nagaram+1

   Answer: (b)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which Chola king assumed the title 'Gangaikonda Chola' after his victorious expedition up to the River Ganges?

   1. (a)Rajendra I
   2. (b)Aditya I
   3. (c)Rajaraja I
   4. (d)Vijayalaya
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (a) Rajendra I+1

   Answer: (a)
3. Q3Multiple choice·1 mark
   What is the tall, pyramidal tower over the sanctum of a temple in the Dravidian style of architecture called?

   1. (a)Mandapa
   2. (b)Garbhagriha
   3. (c)Vimana
   4. (d)Gopuram
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (c) Vimana+1

   Answer: (c)
4. Q4Short answer·2 marks
   Name any two territorial divisions of the Chola Empire in descending order of size. Also, name the lowest unit of Chola administration.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First (larger) division, any one of, from largest to smallest: Mandalam (province); Valanadu; Nadu (district); Kurram (group of villages); or any other valid Chola division (Kottam is accepted where the student's textbook places it).+0.5
   2. Second division, a smaller one from the same list, so that the two are in descending order.+0.5
   3. Lowest unit of administration: Ur (the village).+1

   Answer: Any two in descending order from Mandalam (province), Valanadu, Nadu (district), Kurram (group of villages), e.g. Mandalam and Nadu; lowest unit: Ur (village).
5. Q5Long answer·4 marks
   The Cholas made remarkable contributions to art and architecture, particularly in temple building and metallurgy. In this context, answer the following: (a) State any two prominent architectural features of the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur. (b) Mention any two notable characteristics of Chola sculpture and bronze casting.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. (a) First feature, any one of: a tall pyramidal tower (vimana) rising in many tiers over the sanctum; a massive monolithic Nandi (sacred bull); large gateway towers (gopurams); built of granite in the Dravida style; walls decorated with sculptures and paintings; or any other valid feature.+1
   2. (a) Second feature, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. (b) First characteristic, any one of: bronze images cast by the lost-wax (cire perdue) method; the famous Nataraja (dancing Shiva) showing rhythm, balance and grace; graceful, lifelike images with fine detail; bronze images of gods, goddesses and saints carried in temple processions; or any other valid characteristic.+1
   4. (b) Second characteristic, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: (a) Any two of: tall pyramidal vimana over the sanctum, monolithic Nandi, gopurams, granite Dravida style, sculptured walls. (b) Any two of: lost-wax bronze casting, the Nataraja image, graceful and lifelike detail, processional bronzes of gods and saints.
6. Q6Long answer·4 marks
   The Chola period witnessed remarkable achievements in the fields of art and architecture, reflecting their imperial grandeur and religious devotion. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) State two prominent architectural features of Chola temples. [2] (b) Describe the excellence of Chola metal craft, with special reference to the Nataraja bronze sculpture. [2]
   Show answer and step marks

   1. (a) First feature, any one of: tall pyramidal towers (vimanas) over the sanctum (garbhagriha); massive, decorated gateway towers (gopurams); pillared halls (mandapas) in large courtyards; built of stone (granite) in the Dravida style; walls covered with sculptures; or any other valid feature.+1
   2. (a) Second feature, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. (b) Chola bronze icons were cast by the advanced lost-wax (cire perdue) method, giving finely detailed, graceful images.+1
   4. (b) The Nataraja bronze shows Shiva as the Lord of Dance in perfect balance and posture, within a ring of flames, symbolising the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction.+1

   Answer: (a) Any two of: vimanas over the sanctum, gopurams, pillared mandapas, granite Dravida style, sculptured walls. (b) Bronzes were cast by the lost-wax method with fine detail; the Nataraja shows the dancing Shiva in perfect balance within a ring of flames, symbolising creation and destruction.

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