The Tolkappiyam is
- A.A work of grammar.
- B.A Tamil poem in praise of Rajendra Chola.
- C.An ancient didactic work in Tamil.
- D.A drama composed by a Chera King.
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, A work of grammar. The Tolkappiyam, written by Tolkappiyar, is the oldest surviving work of Tamil grammar.
The Tolkappiyam belongs to the early Sangam tradition. It has three books: Ezhuthu, on letters and sounds; Sol, on words and their use; and Porul, on the subject matter of poetry. The Porul section is especially valuable to historians, because its account of the akam (love) and puram (war and public life) themes and of the five landscapes, or tinai, throws light on early Tamil society.
B is wrong because Rajendra Chola ruled in the eleventh century, long after the Tolkappiyam was composed, and his praise survives mainly in inscriptions. C is wrong because the best known ancient didactic work in Tamil is the Tirukkural of Tiruvalluvar, not the Tolkappiyam. D is wrong because the Tolkappiyam is not a drama; the Chera prince Ilango Adigal wrote the epic Silappatikaram.
Exam tip: Tolkappiyam means grammar, Tirukkural means ethics, Silappatikaram means epic.
Practice Questions
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- C.He led an armed uprising against the British in the 1870s
- D.He was a radical leader of the Indian National Congress
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Read the full explanation →Why did the early nationalists oppose the Council Act of 1892?
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3. The ideal of sulh-i kul was implemented through state policies
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- A.1 and 2 only
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4. It had greatly influenced the Brahmo Samaj
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- A.1 and 2 only
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- C.1,2 and 3
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Show answer
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