UPSC CSE 2026 | Ancient History – Sangam Age (Tamilakam)
Question:
Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are not correctly matched?
- Senguttuvan : Chera
- Udiyanjerai : Chola
- Nedunjeliyan : Pandya
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
✅ Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
Detailed Explanation (Accurate | NCERT + Standard Sources)
This question tests your knowledge of Sangam Age rulers and their dynasties in Tamilakam (ancient Tamil country).
Analysis of Each Pair
| Pair | King | Given Dynasty | Actual Dynasty | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senguttuvan | Chera | Chera | Correct | Famous Chera ruler; hero of Silappatikaram; led northern expedition |
| 2 | Udiyanjerai | Chola | Chera | Incorrect | Early Chera king (Udiyan Cheralathan); mentioned in Purananuru |
| 3 | Nedunjeliyan | Pandya | Pandya | Correct | Famous Pandya king; victory at Talaiyalanganam; hero of Maduraikkanci |
Conclusion:
Only Pair 2 is not correctly matched.
Udiyanjerai (also spelled Udiyan Cheralathan / Udinjerel) belonged to the Chera dynasty, not Chola.
Key Facts About These Kings (High-Yield for UPSC)
1. Senguttuvan (Chera)
- Also known as Cheran Senguttuvan or Red Chera.
- Greatest ruler of the Chera dynasty (2nd century CE).
- Military achievements recorded in the Tamil epic Silappatikaram.
- Introduced the Pattini cult (worship of Kannagi) in Tamil Nadu.
- Led a famous expedition to North India.
- Contemporary of Gajabahu II of Sri Lanka.
2. Udiyanjerai / Udiyan Cheralathan (Chera)
- One of the earliest known Chera kings.
- Mentioned in Sangam literature (Purananuru).
- Known for his generosity (legend of feeding the Pandava army during Mahabharata war in folklore).
- Ruled from Vanji (capital of Cheras).
3. Nedunjeliyan (Pandya)
- Famous Pandya ruler (often called Neduncheliyan or Aryappadai Kadantha Neduncheliyan).
- Victorious in the Battle of Talaiyalanganam.
- Praised in the Sangam poem Maduraikkanci by Mangudi Marudan.
- His capital was Madurai (Pandya capital).
Visual: Map of Sangam Age Kingdoms
Map showing Chera, Chola, and Pandya territories during the Sangam Age.
Quick Revision Table: Major Sangam Kings
| Dynasty | Capital | Emblem | Famous Kings | Key Literary Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chera | Vanji (Karur) | Bow & Arrow | Senguttuvan, Udiyan Cheralathan, Nedunjeral Adan | Silappatikaram, Patitrupathu |
| Chola | Uraiyur / Puhar | Tiger | Karikala, Kocengannan | Pattinappalai |
| Pandya | Madurai | Fish (Carp) | Nedunjeliyan, Nediyon | Maduraikkanci |
UPSC Strategy & Common Traps
- Udiyanjerai is frequently confused with Chola kings because of the similar-sounding names.
- Remember: Udiyan + Cheralathan = Early Chera ruler.
- Senguttuvan is almost always linked with Chera + Silappatikaram.
- Nedunjeliyan is the signature Pandya king of Sangam literature.
Pro Tip:
In Sangam questions, always link:
- Senguttuvan → Chera
- Karikala → Chola
- Nedunjeliyan → Pandya
Why This Question Matters for UPSC CSE 2026
- Direct from Sangam Age / Early Tamil History (Class 11–12 NCERT + Tamil Nadu Board)
- Tests factual accuracy of rulers and dynasties
- Frequently asked in Prelims (match the following / incorrect pair type)
- Helps in differentiating the three great dynasties of Tamilakam
CrackTarget One-Line Revision:
“Udiyanjerai was a Chera king, not Chola. Senguttuvan (Chera) and Nedunjeliyan (Pandya) are correctly matched.”
Prepared with complete accuracy for UPSC CSE 2026.
Based on NCERT, Sangam literature references, and standard UPSC material.
#UPSC2026 #SangamAge #CheraCholaPandya #Tamilakam #CrackTarget
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