Early South Indian Kingdoms

Correct answer is (1). 

Sarkar was NOT a unit in the Chola administrative system. Sarkar was a Persian term used in the Mughal administrative system, much later in history. The Chola administrative units were Mandalam (province), Kottam (district), Nadu (sub-district comprising several villages), and the village assembly (Ur or Sabha).

Rajraja I (also known as Rajaraja I) was the Chola ruler who defeated the Chera ruler (known as Bhaskara Ravi Varman) and destroyed the Chera navy at Kandalur Salai. This naval victory was a significant achievement that established Chola maritime dominance. Parantak I fought the Cheras but didn't destroy their navy, while Aditya and Rajendra I had different military achievements.

The Chola dynasty maintained extensive trade networks across the Indian Ocean. Horses were one of their most significant imports, primarily from Arabia and Persia, as these animals were essential for building and maintaining a strong cavalry. India did not have native horse breeds suitable for warfare, making this import crucial for military power.

The Chola dynasty was renowned for its maritime trade network. Diplomatic missions to China were primarily motivated by commercial interests, aiming to strengthen trade relations that would benefit both economies. The Cholas exported textiles, spices, and other goods to China while importing luxury items like silk and porcelain.

The Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni is credited with finally defeating the Sakas (Scythians) who had invaded Northwestern India. His victory is documented in the Nasik cave inscription where he claims to have defeated the Sakas and restored the prestige of the Brahminical religion. The Sakas had ruled parts of India for several centuries before this defeat.

Raja Raja Chola's conquests of the Chera and Pandya territories, as well as Sri Lanka, were strategically motivated. By controlling these regions, the Cholas could dominate the lucrative sea trade routes between Southeast Asia and China. The naval expedition to Sri Lanka and the Maldives gave the Cholas control over important ports and shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean.

Rajendra Chola's northern expedition to the Ganges valley was primarily a demonstration of the Chola Empire's military might and reach. While his armies did bring water from the Ganges as a symbolic gesture, the expedition's main purpose was to project power and enhance the Chola's prestige across the Indian subcontinent, showing they could challenge northern kingdoms.

Kadungon is traditionally regarded as the founder of the early Pandyan dynasty that ruled parts of Tamil Nadu. He is credited with reviving Pandyan power after the Kalabhra interregnum, a period when Tamil country was under the rule of the Kalabhras. His reign marked the beginning of a new era for Pandyan authority in the region.

Besides Ceylon,the Cholas sent military expedition in Maldives

Correct Answer: Cholas

It depicts the story of Jatakas.

The Sangam literature was composed in Tamil language during the Sangam period (roughly 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE). This corpus of ancient Tamil poetry is among the earliest available literary works in any Indian language after Sanskrit literature. The texts provide valuable insights into the culture, society, and politics of ancient Tamilakam.

The term 'Sangam' refers to the assembly or academy of Tamil scholars and poets who are said to have patronized and produced the Sangam literature. According to Tamil tradition, three Sangams (academies) were held in ancient times where poets gathered to compose and critique literary works. The name derives from the Tamil word for 'association' or 'gathering'.

Uraiyur (also known as Uraiyur or Tiruchirappalli) was the early capital of the Chola dynasty before they shifted their capital to Thanjavur (then known as Tanjore). Uraiyur was an important city in ancient Tamil country and served as the political center of the Cholas during their early period of ascendancy in the Tamil region.