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100 question and answers for 10th tamilnadu history

100 questions and answers for 10th Tamil Nadu history

1. Ancient Tamil History (Sangam Age, Chola, Chera, Pandya Dynasties)

Who were the three great Tamil kings of ancient Tamil Nadu?
      • Chera, Chola, and Pandya were known as Moovendhars (Three Crowned Kings).
      • They ruled over different parts of Tamil Nadu and promoted Sangam literature.
Which Sangam literary work describes the life of Kannagi?
      • Silappadikaram, one of the five great Tamil epics.
      • Written by Ilango Adigal, it narrates Kannagi’s revenge against the Pandya king.
Who wrote the epic Manimekalai?
      • Seethalai Sattanar, a Buddhist scholar.
      • It is a continuation of Silappadikaram, focusing on Manimekalai, Kannagi’s daughter.
4. What were the major ports of the Cheras during the Sangam Age?
      • Muziris (modern-day Pattanam, Kerala) and Tondi.
      • These ports were famous for trade with Rome, Greece, and China.
5. Which Tamil king built Kallanai (Grand Anicut)?
      • Karikala Chola built it in the 2nd century CE.
      • The dam was constructed across the Kaveri River and is still in use today.
6. What was the capital of the early Pandya kingdom?
      • Madurai, an important cultural and trade center.
      • It was the seat of the Third Tamil Sangam.
7. Which Pandya king expanded the rule over Sri Lanka?
      • Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan I (13th century CE).
      • He defeated the Sinhalese and controlled Jaffna.
8. Which Greek historian mentioned Tamil kingdoms?
      • Megasthenes (4th century BCE) and Ptolemy (2nd century CE).
      • They described Pandya rulers and the pearl trade.
9. Which Chola king expanded the empire to Southeast Asia?
      • Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE).
      • He conquered Sri Lanka, Maldives, and parts of Indonesia (Srivijaya Kingdom).
10. Which Chola king built the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
    • Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD.
    • The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Dravidian architectural marvel.

Pallava Dynasty

11. Which Pallava ruler defeated Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas?
    • Narasimhavarman I (Mamallan) in 642 CE.
    • He avenged his father’s defeat and captured Vatapi (Badami).
12. What is the famous rock-cut temple built by Pallavas in Mahabalipuram?
    • Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.
    • Built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
Which Nayak king ruled Madurai and developed Meenakshi Temple?

  • Thirumalai Nayak

  • Built Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

Who was the first European power to enter Tamil Nadu for trade?

  • Portuguese

  • Arrived in Chennai in 1522

Which Tamil port was controlled by the British East India Company?

  • Fort St. George (Chennai)

  • Built in 1644

2. Medieval Tamil Nadu History (Islamic Invasions, Vijayanagar, Nayaks, Marathas)

Delhi Sultanate and Madurai Sultanate

13. Who was the first Muslim ruler to invade Tamil Nadu?
  • Malik Kafur (general of Alauddin Khilji) in 1311 AD.
  • He plundered Madurai and Srirangam temples.
14. Which dynasty ruled Madurai after the Pandya kingdom collapsed?
  • Madurai Sultanate (1335–1378 AD).
  • It was later defeated by the Vijayanagar Empire.

Vijayanagar and Nayaks

15. Who established the Vijayanagar Empire and ruled Tamil Nadu?
  • Harihara and Bukka Raya in 1336 AD.
  • They controlled Tamil Nadu after defeating the Madurai Sultanate.
16. Which Nayak ruler built the Meenakshi Temple gopuram?
  • Thirumalai Nayak (1623–1659 AD).
  • He also built the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal in Madurai.

European Arrival and Colonial Period

17. Who built Fort St. George in Chennai?
  • Francis Day, a British official, in 1644 AD.
  • It became the British administrative center in South India.
18. Which battle gave the British control over Tamil Nadu?
  • Battle of Wandiwash (1760 AD).
  • British defeated the French and took control of the Carnatic region.

3.Tamil Nadu and Indian Freedom Struggle

19. Who was the first Tamil freedom fighter against the British?
  • Puli Thevar in 1755 AD.
  • He fought against the British and Nawab of Arcot.
20. Which Tamil king was hanged for fighting the British?
  • Veerapandiya Kattabomman in 1799 AD.
  • He refused to pay taxes to the British and was executed.
21. Who was called “Kappalottiya Tamizhan”?
  • V.O. Chidambaram Pillai.
  • He launched India’s first Swadeshi shipping company in 1906.
22. Which Tamil leader led the Salt Satyagraha in Vedaranyam?
  • C. Rajagopalachari in 1930 AD.
  • It was a major protest against British rule.

4. Post-Independence Tamil Nadu

23. Who was the first Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
  • C. Rajagopalachari (1952–1954).
  • He later founded the Swatantra Party.
24. When did Madras State officially become Tamil Nadu?
  • 1969, during the rule of C.N. Annadurai.
25. Who introduced the Midday Meal Scheme in Tamil Nadu?
  • K. Kamaraj, former CM of Tamil Nadu.
  • It helped increase school enrollment.
26. Who founded the DMK party?
  • C.N. Annadurai in 1949.
  • It emerged from Dravidar Kazhagam (Periyar’s movement).
27. Which Tamil Nadu leader was called "Kalaignar"?
  • M. Karunanidhi (DMK leader).
  • Served as Chief Minister for five terms.
28. Who was the first woman Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
  • Janaki Ramachandran, in 1988.
  • She ruled for only 24 days.
29. Which Tamil Nadu CM was also a famous actor?
  • M.G. Ramachandran (MGR).
  • Founded AIADMK in 1972.
30. Which Tamil Nadu CM was known as “Amma”?
  • J. Jayalalithaa (AIADMK leader).
  • Introduced Amma Canteens, Free Laptop Schemes.

5. Colonial Tamil Nadu and British Rule

31. Which treaty ended the First Carnatic War (1746–1748)?
  • Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748).
  • The war was fought between the British and French in Tamil Nadu.
32. Which Tamil Nadu battle led to British supremacy in South India?
  • Battle of Wandiwash (1760).
  • The British defeated the French, gaining control over the Carnatic region.
33. Who was the Nawab of Arcot during the Carnatic Wars?
  • Anwaruddin Khan, followed by Muhammad Ali.
  • The British supported Muhammad Ali to gain control over Tamil Nadu.
34. Who led the South Indian Rebellion against the British in 1801?
  • Maruthu Pandiyars of Sivaganga.
  • They were hanged by the British for leading the revolt.
35. Which Tamil king is known for opposing the Doctrine of Lapse?
  • Velu Nachiyar, Queen of Sivaganga.
  • She fought against the British in 1780 and was the first queen to wage war.
36. Who was the first Tamil Nadu leader to join the Indian National Congress?
  • G. Subramania Iyer.
  • He co-founded The Hindu newspaper and was an early nationalist leader.
37. Which Tamil Nadu revolutionary threw a bomb at a British magistrate?
  • Vanchinathan, in 1911.
  • He assassinated Robert Ashe, a British officer in Tamil Nadu.
38. Who started the Home Rule Movement in Tamil Nadu?
  • Annie Besant in 1916.
  • She played a key role in freedom struggles in Madras Presidency.
39. What was the role of Subramania Bharati in India’s freedom struggle?
  • A Tamil poet and nationalist.
  • Wrote revolutionary songs like “Viduthalai” (Freedom).
40. Who founded the Self-Respect Movement?
  • Periyar E.V. Ramasamy in 1925.
  • The movement fought against caste discrimination and social inequalities.

6. Tamil Nadu During Independence and Post-Independence

41. When did Tamil Nadu officially become part of the Indian Union?
  • 15th August 1947, with India’s independence.
42. Which Tamil Nadu leader was the last Governor-General of India?
  • C. Rajagopalachari (1948–1950).
  • He was also the first Chief Minister of Madras State.
43. Who was the first elected Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
  • K. Kamaraj in 1954.
  • He implemented educational reforms and industrial growth.
44. Who introduced the Kula Kalvi Thittam (Caste-based Education Scheme)?
  • C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) in 1953.
  • It was opposed by Periyar and Dravidian leaders.
45. Who founded the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)?
  • C.N. Annadurai in 1949.
  • The party split from Periyar’s Dravidar Kazhagam.
46. Who became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
  • C.N. Annadurai in 1967.
  • He renamed Madras State as Tamil Nadu in 1969.
47. Which Tamil Nadu leader popularized the Midday Meal Scheme?
  • M.G. Ramachandran (MGR).
  • He expanded the school meal program in the 1980s.
48. Who is known as “Iron Lady of Tamil Nadu”?
  • J. Jayalalithaa (AIADMK leader).
  • She served as Chief Minister for six terms.
49. Which Tamil Nadu Chief Minister promoted the idea of a separate Tamil nation?
  • C.N. Annadurai, but he later dropped the demand.
  • DMK shifted to state autonomy within India.
50. Which Tamil Nadu politician was known as "Makkal Thilagam"?
  • M.G. Ramachandran (MGR).
  • He was a popular actor-turned-politician.

7. Economic and Social Movements in Tamil Nadu

51. Who started the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee?
  • S. Satyamurti.
  • He played a key role in freedom movements in Madras Presidency.
52. What was the purpose of the Justice Party in Tamil Nadu?
  • Fought for non-Brahmin rights.
  • Laid the foundation for Dravidian politics.
53. Who was the first Tamil Nadu woman to become a Governor in India?
  • M. Fathima Beevi (Governor of Tamil Nadu, 1997).
54. Which Tamil Nadu city is known as the ‘Detroit of India’?
  • Chennai, due to its automobile industry.
55. What was the impact of the Dravidian Movement in Tamil Nadu?
  • It led to social justice, reservation policies, and Tamil identity assertion.

8. Important Places and Events in Tamil Nadu History

56. Which Tamil Nadu site has the oldest human habitation?
  • Keeladi (Sivagangai District).
  • Archaeological evidence shows a Tamil civilization over 2,500 years old.
57. Which city was the capital of the Chola Empire?

Thanjavur

58. Which Tamil Nadu port was an important Roman trade center?

Muziris

59. Which Tamil Nadu leader was the first Speaker of the Indian Parliament?
  • G.V. Mavalankar (originally from Gujarat, but served in Tamil Nadu).
60. Which Tamil Nadu city is famous for the ‘Jallikattu’ tradition?

Madurai

9. Tamil Nadu’s Contribution to Science and Arts

61. Who was the first Indian to win the Fields Medal in Mathematics?
  • Akshay Venkatesh, born to Tamil parents.
62. Which Tamil Nadu scientist discovered the Raman Effect?
  • C.V. Raman (born in Tamil Nadu).
63. Who was the first Tamil Nadu scientist to win a Nobel Prize?
  • Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (Chemistry, 2009).
64. Which Tamil Nadu-based musician won an Oscar?
  • A.R. Rahman.

10. Miscellaneous Tamil Nadu History Facts

65. Which Tamil Nadu monument is known as the ‘White House of South India’?
  • Vivekananda House (Chennai).
66. Which Tamil Nadu fort was a major site of British rule?
  • Fort St. George, Chennai.
67. Which Tamil Nadu festival is associated with Tamil identity?

Pongal

68. Which is the oldest known Tamil inscription?

  • The Mangulam Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions (2nd century BCE).

  • Found near Madurai, these prove Tamil’s ancient script history.

69. Which Tamil Nadu city was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire’s Tamil region?

  • Gingee (Senji Fort).

  • It was an important military stronghold.

70. What was the original name of Chennai before British rule?

  • Madrasapatnam.

  • The British later renamed it Madras before it officially became Chennai in 1996.

11. Tamil Nadu and Indian Politics

71. Who was the first Tamil Nadu Governor after independence?
  • Sri Prakasa (1947–1952).
  • He was a senior Congress leader and freedom fighter.
72. Which Tamil Nadu CM served the longest term?
  • M. Karunanidhi (DMK leader).
  • He was CM for over 19 years across five terms.
73. Who was the founder of AIADMK?
  • M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in 1972.
  • It split from DMK due to political differences.
74. Which Tamil Nadu leader played a role in the Mandal Commission?
  • M. Karunanidhi.
  • He strongly supported OBC reservations.
75. Who was the first non-Brahmin Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu?
  • P. Subbarayan (1926–1930).
  • He was a Justice Party leader.
76. Which Tamil Nadu politician introduced the Two-Language Policy?
  • C.N. Annadurai in 1967.
  • Tamil Nadu follows only Tamil and English in education.
77. Which Tamil Nadu CM introduced Amma Canteens?
  • J. Jayalalithaa in 2013.
  • It provided subsidized food for the poor.
78. Which Tamil Nadu leader became the Vice President of India?
  • R. Venkataraman.
  • He later became the 8th President of India (1987–1992).
79. Which Tamil Nadu movement led to the abolition of Devadasi practice?
  • Self-Respect Movement (Periyar, 1925).
  • It led to the banning of Devadasi system in 1947.
80. Who was the first Tamil Nadu woman to serve in the Union Cabinet?
  • Lakshmi N. Menon (Minister of External Affairs, 1957).

12. Tamil Nadu and Cultural Heritage

81. Which Tamil Nadu festival is known as the Tamil New Year?
  • Puthandu (April 14).
  • It marks the first day of the Tamil calendar.
82. Which Tamil epic is considered the Tamil "Iliad"?
  • Silappadikaram, written by Ilango Adigal.
83. Which temple is called the ‘Big Temple’ in Tamil Nadu?
  • Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur.
  • Built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD.
  •  
84. Which classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu?
  • Bharatanatyam.
  • It was revived in the 20th century by Rukmini Devi Arundale.
85. What is the main architectural style of Tamil Nadu temples?
  • Dravidian Architecture.
  • Features include gopurams (towers) and vimanas (domes).
86. Which Tamil Nadu city is known for bronze statue making?
  • Swamimalai (near Kumbakonam).

Famous for Chola bronze idols

87. Which UNESCO site in Tamil Nadu has rock-cut temples?
  • Mahabalipuram (Pallava architecture, 7th century).
88. Which Tamil Nadu literature work is a collection of 1,330 couplets?
  • Thirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar.
89. Which Tamil Nadu tradition is linked to Pongal celebrations?
  • Jallikattu (bull-taming sport).
90. Which Tamil Nadu musician was awarded the Bharat Ratna?
  • M.S. Subbulakshmi (Carnatic singer, 1998).

13. Tamil Nadu’s Role in Science & Technology

91. Who was the first Tamil scientist to work with NASA?
  • Mayilsamy Annadurai.
  • He led the Chandrayaan-1 project.
92. Which Tamil Nadu scientist is known as the ‘Missile Man of India’?
  • Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
  • He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
93. Which Tamil Nadu city is known as the "Healthcare Capital of India"?
  • Chennai, due to its world-class medical facilities.
94. Who was the first Tamil Nadu scientist to receive the Padma Bhushan?
  • G.N. Ramachandran (Structural Biology, 1970).
95. Which Tamil Nadu dam is one of the oldest in the world?
  • Kallanai (Grand Anicut, built by Karikala Chola).
96. Which Tamil Nadu city is the IT hub of South India?
  • Chennai, also known as “Cyberabad of the South”.

14. Modern Tamil Nadu and Current Affairs

97. Which Tamil Nadu leader was instrumental in abolishing the zamindari system?
  • K. Kamaraj.
98. Which Tamil Nadu city has Asia’s largest bus terminal?
  • Chennai (Koyambedu Bus Terminal).
99. Which Tamil Nadu island was a key point in the Chola naval expansion?
  • Dhanushkodi, near Rameswaram.
100. Which Tamil Nadu project is one of India’s largest solar parks?
  • Kamuthi Solar Power Project.

15. Ancient and Medieval Tamil Nadu

101. Who was the founder of the Pallava dynasty?
  • Simhavishnu (575 CE–600 CE).
  • He expanded Pallava rule in Tamil Nadu.
102. What is the capital of the Pallavas?
  • Kanchipuram.
  • It was a major religious and cultural center.
103. Which Pallava ruler built the Kailasanatha Temple?
  • Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
  • The temple is in Kanchipuram.
104. Who built the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram?
  • Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla).
  • He was also called Mamalla, meaning “Great Wrestler”.
105. Who were the greatest maritime traders of ancient Tamil Nadu?
  • The Cholas.
  • They established trade links with China and Southeast Asia.
106. What was the official language of the Chola empire?
  • Tamil.
  • Tamil inscriptions were found in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand.
107. Which Chola king constructed the Grand Anicut (Kallanai)?
  • Karikala Chola.
  • It is one of the oldest dams still in use today.
108. What was the capital of the Pandya dynasty?
  • Madurai.
  • It was a major center of Tamil culture and trade.
109. Who was the last great Pandya king?
  • Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I (1268–1312 CE).
  • He expanded Pandya rule to Sri Lanka and Kerala.
110. What is the significance of the Battle of Talikota (1565)?
  • It led to the fall of Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Tamil Nadu’s Nayak rulers emerged from its decline.

16. Colonial Tamil Nadu and Freedom Struggles

111. Who founded the first Tamil printing press?
  • Veeramamunivar (Constanzo Beschi).
  • He printed the first Tamil Bible in the 18th century.
112. Who led the Poligar Rebellion in Tamil Nadu?
  • Kattabomman and Maruthu Pandiyars.
  • They opposed British rule in 1799–1801.
113. What was the significance of the Vellore Mutiny (1806)?
  • It was one of India’s first armed uprisings against the British.
  • It took place at Vellore Fort.
114. Who was the first Tamil Nadu leader to be called “Desabandhu”?
  • C. Rajagopalachari.
  • He was also called “Rajaji”.
115. What role did Tamil Nadu play in the Quit India Movement (1942)?
  • Leaders like Kamaraj and Satyamurti were arrested.
  • Protests were held in Madurai and Chennai.
116. Who was known as the ‘Father of Tamil Journalism’?
  • G. Subramania Iyer.
  • He founded The Hindu newspaper in 1878.
117. What was the role of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai?
  • He started the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company.
  • He was called “Kappalottiya Tamizhan” (Tamil Helmsman).

17. Post-Independence Tamil Nadu

118. Who renamed Madras State as Tamil Nadu?
  • C.N. Annadurai in 1969.
119. What was the impact of the Anti-Hindi Agitations in Tamil Nadu?
  • It led to the Two-Language Policy (Tamil & English).
120. Which Tamil Nadu Chief Minister introduced the Nutritious Meal Scheme?
  • M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in 1982.
121. What is the significance of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Council?
  • It was abolished in 1986 by M.G.R..
122. Which Tamil Nadu leader was India’s first Dalit President?
  • K.R. Narayanan (1997–2002).
123. Which Tamil Nadu-based company is India’s largest IT exporter?
  • TCS (Tata Consultancy Services, Chennai).
124. What is the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project?
  • A nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu.
  • Built with Russian assistance.
125. Which Tamil Nadu city is called the "Manchester of South India"?
  • Coimbatore, due to its textile industry.
126. What is the Neutrino Observatory in Tamil Nadu?
  • A scientific research center in Theni district.
127. Which Tamil Nadu project is India’s largest desalination plant?
  • Nemmeli Desalination Plant, Chennai.

18. Tamil Nadu’s Contribution to Literature and Cinema

128. Who wrote the Tamil epic "Manimekalai"?
  • Seethalai Sathanar.
  • It is a Buddhist epic from the Sangam Age.
129. Who is known as the "Father of Modern Tamil Poetry"?
  • Subramania Bharati.
  • His works inspired the freedom movement.
130. Who introduced the "Dravidian Model" in Tamil Nadu cinema?
  • C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.
  • They used cinema to spread Dravidian ideology.
131. Who was the first Tamil Nadu actor to become a Chief Minister?
  • M.G. Ramachandran (MGR).
132. Who won the first Oscar from Tamil Nadu?
  • A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire, 2009).
133. Which Tamil Nadu writer won the Jnanpith Award for Tamil literature?
  • Jayakanthan (2002).