Q31. Which famous freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu is known as “Kappalottiya Tamizhan” (The Tamil Helmsman)?
a) V.O. Chidambaram Pillai
b) Subramania Bharati
c) Veerapandiya Kattabomman
d) Tiruppur Kumaran
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Correct Answer: a) V.O. Chidambaram Pillai
Explanation: V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, also known as “Kappalottiya Tamizhan” (The Tamil Helmsman), was a prominent freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu. He is famous for launching the first indigenous Indian shipping service between Tuticorin and Colombo, challenging the British monopoly in maritime trade.
Q32. Which ancient Tamil text is considered one of the oldest extant works on Tamil grammar?
a) Tirukkural
b) Tolkāppiyam
c) Silappatikaram
d) Manimekalai
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Correct Answer: b) Tolkāppiyam
Explanation: Tolkāppiyam is considered one of the oldest extant works on Tamil grammar. It is a comprehensive text that deals with various aspects of the Tamil language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and poetics. It is believed to have been written between 3rd century BCE and 5th century CE.
Q33. Which famous temple in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Nataraja and known for its bronze sculptures?
a) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
b) Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
c) Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
d) Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
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Correct Answer: c) Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Explanation: The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Nataraja (cosmic dance) form. It is renowned for its bronze sculptures and intricate architecture. The temple is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams, representing the element of space or sky.
Q34. Which Tamil Nadu-born scientist is known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India”?
a) C.V. Raman
b) M.S. Swaminathan
c) S. Chandrasekhar
d) G.N. Ramachandran
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Correct Answer: b) M.S. Swaminathan
Explanation: M.S. Swaminathan, born in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, is known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India”. He played a crucial role in introducing and developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which significantly increased India’s food production and helped achieve food security.
Q35. Which famous battle in 1780 saw Tipu Sultan defeat the British forces in Tamil Nadu?
a) Battle of Pollilur
b) Battle of Arcot
c) Battle of Colachel
d) Battle of Srirangapatna
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Correct Answer: a) Battle of Pollilur
Explanation: The Battle of Pollilur took place in 1780 near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. In this battle, Tipu Sultan, serving under his father Hyder Ali, decisively defeated the British East India Company forces led by Colonel William Baillie. This battle was a significant setback for the British during the Second Anglo-Mysore War.
Q36. Which Tamil Nadu city is known as the “Manchester of South India” due to its textile industry?
a) Chennai
b) Coimbatore
c) Madurai
d) Tiruppur
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Correct Answer: b) Coimbatore
Explanation: Coimbatore is often referred to as the “Manchester of South India” due to its extensive textile industry. The city has a long history of textile manufacturing and is home to numerous cotton mills, textile machinery manufacturers, and related industries, making it a major hub for textile production in India.
Q37. Which famous Tamil poet and philosopher is honored with a 133-foot tall statue off the coast of Kanyakumari?
a) Kamban
b) Thiruvalluvar
c) Bharathidasan
d) Subramania Bharati
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Correct Answer: b) Thiruvalluvar
Explanation: The 133-foot tall statue off the coast of Kanyakumari honors Thiruvalluvar, the famous Tamil poet and philosopher. Thiruvalluvar is best known for his work Tirukkural, a classic Tamil text on ethics and morality. The statue was erected in 2000 to commemorate the poet and his contributions to Tamil literature and culture.
Q38. Which ancient port city in Tamil Nadu was a major center of trade with Rome and Greece?
a) Mamallapuram
b) Poompuhar
c) Nagapattinam
d) Tuticorin
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Correct Answer: b) Poompuhar
Explanation: Poompuhar, also known as Puhar or Kaveripoompattinam, was an ancient port city located at the mouth of the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu. It was a major center of trade with Rome and Greece during the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE). The city is mentioned in several ancient Tamil literary works.
Q39. Which famous Tamil Nadu-born mathematician is known for his contributions to number theory and collaborated with G.H. Hardy?
a) C.P. Ramanujam
b) S. Ramanujan
c) S.R. Srinivasa Varadhan
d) R. Balasubramanian
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Correct Answer: b) S. Ramanujan
Explanation: Srinivasa Ramanujan, born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, was a mathematical genius known for his intuitive and groundbreaking work in number theory, mathematical analysis, and infinite series. He collaborated with the British mathematician G.H. Hardy at Cambridge University, making significant contributions to mathematics despite his lack of formal training.
Q40. Which famous temple in Tamil Nadu is known for its musical pillars?
a) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
b) Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
c) Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli
d) Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
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Correct Answer: c) Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli
Explanation: The Nellaiappar Temple in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, is known for its musical pillars. These pillars, when struck, produce different musical notes. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture and is famous for its intricate carvings and unique musical features.