Maharashtra State PSC Model Paper 3

The correct answer is 1(B), 2(C), 3(A).

• They ruled in the central and northern parts of Tamil Nadu. (Cholamandalam)
• Their capital was Uraiyur (near Tiruchirapalli) 
  • Puhar (Kaviripattinam) was an alternative royal residence and chief port town.
• Emblem: Tiger
• They have an efficient Navy.
• King Karikala defeated the confederacy of Cheras, Pandyas, and eleven minor chieftains in the Battle of Venni.
• Trade and commerce flourished.

Cheras

• They controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu.
• Vanji was their capital and the ports of the west coast, Musiri, and Tondi was under their control.
• Emblem: bow and arrow.
• The Cheras owed its importance to trade with the Romans.
• The greatest ruler of Cheras was Senguttuvan, the Red Chera, or the Good Chera.
  • Epic Silapathikaram has a mention of his achievements like his expedition to the Himalayas where he defeated many north Indian rulers.
  • Senguttuvan introduced the Pattini cult or the worship of Kannagi as the ideal wife in Tamil Nadu.
  • He was the first to send an embassy to China from South India.

Pandyas

• The Pandyas ruled from Madurai.
• Korkai was their main port. 
• It was famous for pearl fishery and chank diving.
• Emblem: Fish.
• Trade was prosperous.
• Sati, caste, idol worship was common.
  • They adopted the Vedic religion of sacrifice and patronized Brahmin priests.