UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 15
Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched ? 1. Senguttuvan : Chera 2. Udiyanjeral : Chola 3. Nedunjeliyan : Pandya
Correct answer: Option B
History
Options
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (B) — 2 only
Explanation
- The early historical period of Tamilakam was dominated by three major dynasties known as the Muvendar, which included the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
- The Sangam literature is the primary source of information regarding the political history of these three kingdoms.
- Prominent rulers are frequently mentioned in Sangam poems, providing details about their military conquests, patronage of bards, and respective dynasties.
Statement Analysis
- Pair 1. Senguttuvan and Chera: Correct. Senguttuvan, also known as Cheran Senguttuvan, was a renowned ruler of the Chera dynasty.
- Pair 2. Udiyanjeral and Chola: Incorrect. Udiyanjeral was an early king of the Chera dynasty, not the Chola dynasty.
- Pair 3. Nedunjeliyan and Pandya: Correct. Nedunjeliyan was a celebrated ruler of the Pandya dynasty, famous for his victory at Talaiyalanganam.