General Studies I
Q.1
Easy
Which ancient Tamil sangam is known as the 'Golden Age' of Tamil literature?
A First Sangam
B Second Sangam
C Third Sangam
D Fourth Sangam
Correct Answer:
C. Third Sangam Explanation:
The Third Sangam (1st-3rd century CE) is considered the Golden Age of Tamil literature, producing works like Silappatikaram and Manimekalai.
Q.2
Easy
Who was the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
A C. Rajagopalachari
B K. Kamaraj
C Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
D O.P. Ramasamy
Correct Answer:
A. C. Rajagopalachari Explanation:
C. Rajagopalachari served as the first Chief Minister of Madras State (1952-1954), which later became Tamil Nadu.
Q.3
Easy
The Chola dynasty reached its zenith under which ruler?
A Rajaraja I
B Rajendra Chola I
C Karikala
D Parantaka I
Correct Answer:
B. Rajendra Chola I Explanation:
Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) expanded the Chola empire significantly, conquering territories in South India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.
Q.4
Easy
Which UNESCO World Heritage site is located in Tamil Nadu and is known for its Meenakshi Temple?
A Madurai
B Kanchipuram
C Rameswaram
D Thanjavur
Correct Answer:
A. Madurai Explanation:
Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites and a UNESCO recognized heritage site.
Q.5
Easy
What is the capital of Tamil Nadu?
A Coimbatore
B Chennai
C Madurai
D Salem
Correct Answer:
B. Chennai Explanation:
Chennai (formerly Madras) is the capital of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Q.6
Medium
Which Pallava king is credited with building the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram?
A Mahendravarman I
B Narasimhavarman I
C Narasimhavarman II
D Parameswara Varman I
Correct Answer:
C. Narasimhavarman II Explanation:
Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), who ruled in the 7th century, constructed the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.
Q.7
Easy
Which river is known as the 'Dakshina Ganga' (Ganges of the South) and flows through Tamil Nadu?
A Tungabhadra
B Godavari
C Kaveri
D Periyar
Correct Answer:
C. Kaveri Explanation:
The Kaveri River is regarded as the 'Dakshina Ganga' and is one of the major rivers in South India, flowing through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Q.8
Medium
The Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu was primarily led by which personality in the 20th century?
A Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
B Anna Durai
C Karunanidhi
D Jayalalithaa
Correct Answer:
A. Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Explanation:
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy (1879-1973) was the founder and primary leader of the Dravidian movement, advocating for social equality and Tamil language preservation.
Q.9
Medium
Which Tamil saint-poet is known for the devotional work 'Tiruvacakam'?
A Appar
B Sambandar
C Sundaramurthy Nayanar
D Manikkavasagar
Correct Answer:
D. Manikkavasagar Explanation:
Manikkavasagar (9th century) composed 'Tiruvacakam', a collection of 655 verses of Tamil devotional poetry dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Q.10
Hard
As of 2024, what is the total number of districts in Tamil Nadu?
Explanation:
Tamil Nadu has 38 districts as per the latest administrative reorganization, including districts created through subdivision of larger districts.
