1. Which ruler is credited with establishing the Chola dynasty’s stronghold in the Kaveri delta?
   A) Rajendra Chola
   B) Vijayalaya Chola
   C) Rajaraja Chola
   D) Karikala Chola
   
2. What was the main reason for the Cholas’ expansion?
   A) Religious conversion
   B) Trade and territorial control
   C) Alliance with the Mughals
   D) Support from the British
   
3. What was the primary role of Chola temples in society?
   A) Only religious centers
   B) Centers of economic, social, and cultural life
   C) Military forts for defending against invaders
   D) Places where only priests were allowed
   
4. Which of the following was a significant architectural contribution of the Cholas?
   A) Sun Temple at Konark
   B) Brihadeshwara Temple
   C) Qutub Minar
   D) Elephanta Caves
   
5. Which of the following was NOT a reason for the rise of the Chola Empire?
   A) Efficient administration
   B) Powerful navy
   C) Weak opposition from local rulers
   D) British support
   
6. Which form of governance did the Cholas introduce to manage local administration?
   A) Direct rule by the king
   B) Democratic elections for village councils
   C) Feudal lordship system
   D) Administration only by royal family members
   
7. Why did the Cholas maintain a strong navy?
   A) To conquer lands beyond India
   B) To protect trade routes and expand their influence in Southeast Asia
   C) To defend against the Mongols
   D) To enforce religious laws
   
8. What kind of economic activity was largely supported by the Chola rulers?
   A) Heavy industry and mining
   B) Agriculture and trade
   C) Shipbuilding for British merchants
   D) Banking and finance
   
9. Which ruler constructed the famous temple at Gangaikondacholapuram?
   A) Rajaraja Chola I
   B) Rajendra Chola I
   C) Karikala Chola
   D) Narasimhavarman
   
10. Which neighboring regions were influenced by Chola expeditions?
    A) Arabia and Persia
    B) Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka
    C) Europe and China
    D) Central Asia and Afghanistan
    

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Answers and Explanations

1. B) Vijayalaya Chola
   Vijayalaya Chola defeated the Muttaraiyar chiefs and established Chola rule in the Kaveri delta.
   
2. B) Trade and territorial control
   The Cholas expanded their empire to strengthen trade networks and political dominance.
   
3. B) Centers of economic, social, and cultural life
   Chola temples played a crucial role beyond religion, serving as administrative and economic hubs.
   
4. B) Brihadeshwara Temple
   The Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur is one of the finest examples of Chola architecture.
   
5. D) British support
   The Chola Empire flourished due to its military strength, administrative efficiency, and trade, long before British involvement in India.
   
6. B) Democratic elections for village councils
   Chola rulers implemented a well-organized system where local self-governance played a significant role.
   
7. B) To protect trade routes and expand their influence in Southeast Asia
   The Cholas maintained a strong navy to secure trade routes and establish influence in Southeast Asian kingdoms.
   
8. B) Agriculture and trade
   The Cholas promoted agricultural expansion and international trade, ensuring economic prosperity.
   
9. B) Rajendra Chola I
   Rajendra Chola I built the temple at Gangaikondacholapuram to commemorate his victories.
   

B) Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka
Chola expeditions led to significant influence in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asian regions like present-day Indonesia and Malaysia.