Q41. Which Tamil Nadu-born scientist won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the scattering of light?
a) C.V. Raman
b) S. Chandrasekhar
c) G.N. Ramachandran
d) Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
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Correct Answer: a) C.V. Raman
Explanation: C.V. Raman, born in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light and the discovery of the Raman effect. This phenomenon, now known as Raman scattering, has applications in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and materials science.
Q42. Which famous dam in Tamil Nadu is built across the Periyar River?
a) Mettur Dam
b) Mullaperiyar Dam
c) Bhavani Sagar Dam
d) Amaravathi Dam
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Correct Answer: b) Mullaperiyar Dam
Explanation: The Mullaperiyar Dam is built across the Periyar River in Kerala but is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement. The dam, constructed between 1887 and 1895, diverts water eastwards to Tamil Nadu for irrigation and power generation. It has been a source of dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Q43. Which Tamil Nadu city is known as the “Athens of the East” due to its cultural significance?
a) Chennai
b) Coimbatore
c) Madurai
d) Thanjavur
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Correct Answer: c) Madurai
Explanation: Madurai is often referred to as the “Athens of the East” due to its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The city is home to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple and has been a center of Tamil learning, literature, and culture for centuries. Its architectural marvels and cultural contributions have earned it this prestigious nickname.
Q44. Which famous Tamil Nadu-born physicist is known for his work on stellar structure and evolution?
a) C.V. Raman
b) S. Chandrasekhar
c) G.N. Ramachandran
d) E.C.G. Sudarshan
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Correct Answer: b) S. Chandrasekhar
Explanation: Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, born in Lahore (now in Pakistan) but of Tamil origin, was a renowned astrophysicist known for his work on stellar structure and evolution. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his theoretical studies of the physical processes important to the structure and evolution of stars, including the concept of the Chandrasekhar limit.
Q45. Which ancient Tamil epic narrates the story of Kannagi and her husband Kovalan?
a) Silappatikaram
b) Manimekalai
c) Civaka Cintamani
d) Kundalakesi
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Correct Answer: a) Silappatikaram
Explanation: Silappatikaram (The Tale of an Anklet) is an ancient Tamil epic that narrates the story of Kannagi and her husband Kovalan. Written by Ilango Adigal, it is considered one of the five great epics of Tamil literature. The story revolves around themes of justice, chastity, and the power of a woman’s devotion.
Q46. Which famous hill station in Tamil Nadu is known as the “Queen of Hill Stations”?
a) Kodaikanal
b) Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
c) Yercaud
d) Coonoor
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Correct Answer: b) Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Explanation: Ooty, officially known as Udhagamandalam, is often referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, it was established as a summer retreat by the British in the 19th century. Known for its pleasant climate, tea plantations, and scenic beauty, Ooty remains a popular tourist destination.
Q47. Which Tamil Nadu-born scientist is known for his work on the triple helix structure of collagen?
a) C.V. Raman
b) S. Chandrasekhar
c) G.N. Ramachandran
d) M.S. Swaminathan
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Correct Answer: c) G.N. Ramachandran
Explanation: G.N. Ramachandran, born in Ernakulam (now in Kerala) but of Tamil origin, was a renowned physicist and biologist known for his work on the structure of biomolecules. He is particularly famous for his discovery of the triple helix structure of collagen and the development of the Ramachandran plot, a fundamental tool in protein structure analysis.
Q48. Which famous temple in Tamil Nadu is known for its thousand-pillared hall?
a) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
b) Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
c) Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
d) Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
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Correct Answer: c) Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
Explanation: The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is famous for its thousand-pillared hall (Ayiram Kaal Mandapam). This massive hall, with intricately carved pillars, is a marvel of Dravidian architecture. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu), is one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world.
Q49. Which Tamil Nadu-born economist received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on welfare economics?
a) Amartya Sen
b) C. Rangarajan
c) Raghuram Rajan
d) Jagdish Bhagwati
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Correct Answer: a) Amartya Sen
Explanation: Amartya Sen, born in Santiniketan, West Bengal, but of Tamil origin, received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his contributions to welfare economics. His work on social choice theory, economic and social justice, and the economics of famines has been highly influential in the field of development economics.
Q50. Which famous battle in 1799 led to the fall of Tipu Sultan and took place partly in present-day Tamil Nadu?
a) Battle of Pollilur
b) Battle of Arcot
c) Battle of Seringapatam
d) Battle of Porto Novo
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Correct Answer: c) Battle of Seringapatam
Explanation: The Battle of Seringapatam in 1799 led to the fall of Tipu Sultan and the end of the Kingdom of Mysore. While the main battle took place in Srirangapatna (in present-day Karnataka), parts of the campaign were fought in areas that are now part of Tamil Nadu. This battle marked a significant expansion of British control in South India.