Coaching Veteran’s Strategy — Before You Start
- History questions in TNPSC account for 15–20% of GS paper. Never skip this unit.
- Indus Valley, Mauryan Empire, Sangam Age, Bhakti Movement, and Colonial India appear every single year.
- For Group 4 & VAO: focus on Tamil Nadu-specific history — Chola, Pandya, Pallava dynasties + freedom struggle.
- For Group 1 & 2: expect deeper questions on socio-economic causes and impacts, not just dates.
- ⏱ Time management: spend max 1 min per question. Skip & return if stuck.
Practice Questions (1–20)
The Indus Valley Civilization is also known as the Harappan Civilization. Which of the following sites was the first to be excavated?
Explanation:
Harappa was excavated first in 1921 by Daya Ram Sahni under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Mohenjo-daro was excavated in 1922 by R.D. Banerji. Lothal (Gujarat) is the only port city of IVC. Dholavira (Gujarat) is the largest IVC site in India.
⚡ EXAM TRICK: Remember “Harappa = 1921 = Daya Ram Sahni” — this trio appears in TNPSC Group 2 (2018, 2023) and RRB GK sections almost every year. Also: IVC = Bronze Age civilization (~2600–1900 BCE).
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 2 – 2018 | RRB NTPC – 2020 | TNPSC Group 4 – 2022
Which Vedic text is known as the “book of melodies” and is sung by the Udgatri priest?
Explanation:
Sama Veda = “Gyan ka Geet” (Book of Melodies). Sung by Udgatri priest. It has 1,875 verses, mostly derived from Rig Veda. Used during Soma sacrifices.
| Veda | Priest | Key Content | Verses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rig Veda | Hotri | Hymns to gods | 10,552 |
| Sama Veda | Udgatri | Melodies | 1,875 |
| Yajur Veda | Adhvaryu | Sacrificial rites | 3,988 |
| Atharva Veda | Brahma | Spells/charms | 5,987 |
⚡ EXAM TRICK: “RSYA” — Rig(Hotri), Sama(Udgatri), Yajur(Adhvaryu), Atharva(Brahma). This table appears in TNPSC, TRB, and Bank exams frequently. Rig Veda = oldest; Atharva Veda = magic/medicine.
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 1 – 2019 | TRB PG – 2021
Who founded the Maurya Empire? He is also said to have been guided by Chanakya (Kautilya).
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 321 BCE after defeating the Nanda dynasty with the guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya), who authored Arthashastra — the world’s first treatise on statecraft and economics. Capital: Pataliputra (modern Patna). Chandragupta later abdicated and became a Jain monk.
⚡ EXAM TRICK: Maurya Dynasty Order = C-B-A (Chandragupta → Bindusara → Ashoka). Samudragupta belongs to the GUPTA dynasty — a common trap in TNPSC Group 2 exam!
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 2 – 2016, 2021 | Bank PO – 2022
The Sangam Literature is classified into how many major groups based on the landscape (Tinai) system?
Explanation:
| Tinai (Landscape) | Region | Theme | Flower Symbol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurinji | Mountains | Love union | Kurinji flower |
| Mullai | Forests | Patient waiting | Jasmine |
| Marutham | Farmland | Infidelity | Marutham |
| Neithal | Seashore | Longing/separation | Blue lily |
| Paalai | Desert/wasteland | Separation/hardship | Palai |
⚡ EXAM TRICK: Mnemonic → “K-M-M-N-P” (Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, Paalai). This Akam/Puram classification is extremely high-frequency in TNPSC Group 4, VAO, and TRB Tamil exams. Sangam Age: 300 BCE – 300 CE.
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 4 – 2019, 2023 | VAO – 2022 | TRB Tamil – 2021
Which battle is considered the decisive turning point of the Indian Independence movement, marking the end of the Mughal Empire and Maratha power simultaneously?
Explanation:
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) — Ahmad Shah Durrani (Afghans) defeated the Marathas under Vishwasrao and Bhau Sahib. This shattered Maratha supremacy and indirectly opened doors for British expansion. Battle of Plassey (1757) established British supremacy over Bengal. Battle of Buxar (1764) gave British diwani rights. Seringapatam (1799) = defeat of Tipu Sultan.
⚡ EXAM TRICK: Panipat battles: 1st (1526) = Babur vs Ibrahim Lodi | 2nd (1556) = Akbar vs Hemu | 3rd (1761) = Afghans vs Marathas. Tamil Nadu connection: Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan fought British in Mysore Wars — high frequency in Group 1 & Police exams.
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 1 – 2017 | Police SI – 2021
The Ariyalur group of rocks found in Tamil Nadu belongs to which geological period?
Explanation:
The Ariyalur group of rocks in Tamil Nadu (Perambalur/Ariyalur district) is of Cretaceous age (~66–145 million years ago). These are sedimentary rock formations rich in marine fossils, including ammonites and bivalves. This is a Tamil Nadu-specific geography question that appears in VAO and Group 4 exams.
⚡ EXAM TRICK: Ariyalur = Cretaceous = Marine fossils = Sedimentary rocks. Also note: Tamil Nadu has Gondwana coal deposits in Damodar Valley group (Triassic). District-level geography is a VAO exam favorite!
PYQ Ref: TNPSC VAO – 2022 | TNPSC Group 4 – 2023
Which of the following Tamil epics is called “The Epic of the Anklet”?
Explanation:
Silappatikaram (சிலப்பதிகாரம்) = “Epic of the Anklet” — written by Ilango Adigal, a Jain prince. It tells the story of Kannagi and Kovalan. One of the Five Great Tamil Epics (Aimperumkappiyangal). Manimekalai = sequel by Seethalai Saathanar (Buddhist). Civaka Cintamani = Jain epic by Tiruttakkatavar.
⚡ EXAM TRICK: Five Great Epics: Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi, Kundalakesi. Author pairs: Silappatikaram (Ilango Adigal, Jain) ↔ Manimekalai (Seethalai Saathanar, Buddhist) — this contrast is a very frequent TNPSC trap question!
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 4 – 2018, 2022 | TRB Tamil – 2020
The Brihadeeswara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil) in Thanjavur was built by which Chola king?
Explanation:
Raja Raja Chola I (985–1014 CE) built the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, completed around 1010 CE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of “Great Living Chola Temples”). The vimana (tower) is 66 metres tall — tallest in South India. Built entirely from granite without mortar.
⚡ EXAM TRICK: Raja Raja I = Brihadeeswara (Thanjavur) | Rajendra Chola I = Brihadeeswara (Gangaikonda Cholapuram). Both temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Don’t confuse them — this is the #1 trap in Tamil Nadu history questions!
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 2 – 2014, 2018, 2022 | VAO – 2019 | Police – 2021
The famous Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) of 1930 began from which place?
Explanation:
The Dandi March began on 12 March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, and ended at Dandi village, coastal Gujarat on 6 April 1930 (385 km march, 24 days, 78 followers). Gandhi broke the Salt Law here, triggering the Civil Disobedience Movement. Tamil Nadu connection: C. Rajagopalachari led a parallel Salt Satyagraha in Tamil Nadu (Vedaranyam March).
⚡ EXAM TRICK: “Sabarmati to Dandi = 385 km = 24 days = 12 March – 6 April 1930”. Tamil Nadu: Rajaji’s Vedaranyam March (Tiruchirapalli to Vedaranyam). Both facts appear in TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, and Police exams.
PYQ Ref: TNPSC Group 1 – 2016 | Police Constable – 2022 | RRB GK – 2019
Who is known as the “Iron Man of India” and was responsible for the integration of princely states into the Indian Union?
Explanation:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel = Iron Man of India. As first Home Minister and Deputy PM, he integrated 562 princely states into the Indian Union (1947–48). Known for Bismarck-like diplomacy. Hyderabad and Junagadh were integrated through “Police Action.” Patel died on 15 December 1950. His birth anniversary (31 October) is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).
⚡ EXAM TRICK: 562 princely states | 31 Oct = Rashtriya Ekta Diwas | Statue of Unity (Gujarat, 182m = world’s tallest statue). Common Bank PO, RRB, Police, and TNPSC Group 2 question. “Bismarck of India” is another title for Patel!
PYQ Ref: Bank PO – 2021 | RRB NTPC – 2022 | TNPSC Group 2 – 2019
⚡ Quick Fire Round — Questions 11 to 20
11. The Pallava dynasty is famous for its contribution to which architectural style?
Options: (A) Nagara (B) Dravida (C) Vesara (D) Pala
✅ Answer: (B) Dravida — Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram) is the classic example. Pallavas = founders of Dravidian temple architecture. UNESCO World Heritage: “Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.”
⚡ Trick: Pallava → Dravidian → Mahabalipuram. Do not confuse with Nagara style (North India).
12. Who wrote “Thirukkural” and it is also called “Poyyamozhi” (words of truth)?
Options: (A) Avvaiyar (B) Kamban (C) Thiruvalluvar (D) Ilango Adigal
✅ Answer: (C) Thiruvalluvar — 1330 couplets | 3 books: Aram, Porul, Inbam | Thiruvalluvar Day: January 15/16 (Pongal) | Statue at Kanyakumari (133 ft = 133 chapters).
⚡ Trick: 1330 couplets = 133 chapters × 10 = ALWAYS asked in TNPSC! 133 ft statue = symbolic.
13. The First Carnatic War (1746–1748) was connected to which European conflict?
Options: (A) Seven Years War (B) War of Austrian Succession (C) Thirty Years War (D) Spanish Succession War
✅ Answer: (B) War of Austrian Succession — Fought between British and French in South India (Tamil Nadu). Dupleix (French) vs British. Battle of Adyar (1746) near Chennai — French won. Ended with Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748).
⚡ Trick: 3 Carnatic Wars: 1st-Austrian War, 2nd-Seven Years War, 3rd-British won permanently. Tamil Nadu = battleground of Anglo-French rivalry.
14. Which act gave the British East India Company monopoly over trade with India and China?
Options: (A) Regulating Act 1773 (B) Pitt’s India Act 1784 (C) Charter Act 1813 (D) Charter Act 1833
✅ Answer: (C) Charter Act 1813 — This act ended the Company’s monopoly over Indian trade (except China tea). Charter Act 1833 ended ALL monopolies. Regulating Act 1773 = first act to regulate Company. Pitt’s India Act = dual control.
⚡ Trick: 1813 = India trade open | 1833 = China trade also open | 1853 = last Charter Act | 1858 = Company rule ended → Crown rule. Timeline must be memorized for Group 1 & RRB!
15. Veerapandiya Kattabomman was hanged at which place in Tamil Nadu?
Options: (A) Dindigul (B) Kayathar (C) Sivagangai (D) Tirunelveli
✅ Answer: (B) Kayathar — Hanged by the British on 16 October 1799. He was the Polygaris (Palamcottah) ruler who resisted British taxation. “Veeran” Kattabomman = first armed resistance against British in Tamil Nadu.
⚡ Trick: Kattabomman = Kayathar = 1799. Same year as Tipu Sultan’s death (Seringapatam). Tamil Nadu freedom fighters are HIGH priority for VAO & Group 4!
16. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on which date?
Options: (A) 13 March 1919 (B) 13 April 1919 (C) 13 April 1920 (D) 6 April 1919
✅ Answer: (B) 13 April 1919 — Baisakhi Day. General Dyer ordered firing on unarmed civilians in Amritsar (Punjab). ~1000+ killed. Led Rabindranath Tagore to return his knighthood. Triggered the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).
⚡ Trick: “Baisakhi = 13 April = Jallianwala”. Tagore returned knighthood; Gandhi returned “Kaiser-i-Hind” medal. Both acts of protest — asked in Police and Bank exams!
17. The Poona Pact (1932) was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and whom?
Options: (A) Jawaharlal Nehru (B) Muhammad Ali Jinnah (C) B.R. Ambedkar (D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
✅ Answer: (C) B.R. Ambedkar — Gandhi fasted unto death against separate electorate for Dalits (Communal Award). Poona Pact = reserved seats within Hindu electorate (not separate). Signed at Yerwada Jail. 148 reserved seats (not 71 as originally).
⚡ Trick: Poona Pact = Gandhi vs Ambedkar = 1932 = Yerwada Jail = Dalit reserved seats. Critical for TNPSC Polity + History overlap questions in Group 1 & 2!
18. Who started the Self-Respect Movement in Tamil Nadu?
Options: (A) C.N. Annadurai (B) E.V. Ramasamy Periyar (C) M. Karunanidhi (D) B. Munuswamy Naidu
✅ Answer: (B) E.V. Ramasamy Periyar — Founded Self-Respect Movement in 1925. Also started “Kudi Arasu” magazine. Father of the Dravidian movement. His birthday (17 September) = Social Justice Day in Tamil Nadu.
⚡ Trick: Periyar = 1925 = Self-Respect = Anti-caste = Kudi Arasu. Annadurai = DMK founder (1949). These are the most asked Tamil social reform questions!
19. The Quit India Movement was launched on which date?
Options: (A) 8 August 1940 (B) 9 August 1942 (C) 8 August 1942 (D) 15 August 1942
✅ Answer: (C) 8 August 1942 — “Do or Die” speech at Gowalia Tank, Mumbai. Resolution passed at AICC session. Gandhi and other leaders arrested on 9 August. Most violent mass movement of independence struggle.
⚡ Trick: “8 August 1942 = Quit India Launched | 9 August = Kranti Diwas (Revolution Day).” The date confusion (8 vs 9) is a classic trap. 8 = resolution, 9 = arrests & movement begins.
20. India gained independence on 15 August 1947. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
Options: (A) C. Rajagopalachari (B) Jawaharlal Nehru (C) Lord Mountbatten (D) Sardar Patel
✅ Answer: (C) Lord Mountbatten — First GG of independent India (June–November 1947). First Indian GG: C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji, Tamil Nadu) in 1948 — also last GG before India became a Republic (1950).
⚡ Trick: First GG = Mountbatten | First Indian GG = Rajaji (Tamil Nadu!) | First President = Rajendra Prasad. Tamil Nadu pride: Rajaji was both GG and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu — asked in VAO, Group 4, Police!
Answer Key & Quick Scorecard
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Score Guide: 18–20 = Excellent (Distinction Level) | 14–17 = Good (Pass with Merit) | 10–13 = Average (Need Revision) | Below 10 = Revise This Topic Immediately
Rapid Revision — Key Facts from This Set
- Harappa (1921, Daya Ram Sahni) → Mohenjo-daro (1922, R.D. Banerji)
- Vedas: Rig(Hotri) | Sama(Udgatri) | Yajur(Adhvaryu) | Atharva(Brahma)
- Maurya: Chandragupta (321 BCE) → Bindusara → Ashoka | Chanakya = Arthashastra
- Sangam 5 Tinais: Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neithal, Paalai
- 5 Great Tamil Epics: Silappatikaram(Ilango), Manimekalai, Civaka Cintamani, Valayapathi, Kundalakesi
- Brihadeeswara: Raja Raja Chola I (Thanjavur) | Gangaikonda Cholapuram: Rajendra Chola I
- Dandi March: 12 March – 6 April 1930 | Sabarmati to Dandi (385 km)
- Sardar Patel: Iron Man | 562 Princely States | 31 Oct = Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
- Periyar: Self-Respect Movement 1925 | 17 Sep = Social Justice Day in TN
- Quit India: 8 August 1942 | First Indian GG: Rajaji (Tamil Nadu)
Related Exams & Tags:
TNPSC Group 2
TNPSC Group 4
VAO Exam
Indian History MCQ
Tamil Nadu History
Police Exam
TRB
RRB GK
Bank Exam GK
Sangam Age
Chola Dynasty
Freedom Struggle
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