States PCS: Tamil Nadu GK Questions for TNPSC Examinations
For all Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) exams including Group 1, Group 2, Group 4, VAO, and more.
1. Which ancient port city in Tamil Nadu was famously known as the gateway to Roman trade?
[A] Uraiyur
[B] Kanchipuram
[C] Puhar (Kaveripattinam)
[D] Madurai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Puhar (Kaveripattinam)]
Notes:
Puhar, also called Kaveripattinam, was a major Chola port and center for Indo-Roman maritime trade, evidenced by Roman artifacts found there.
2. Which Pallava ruler is credited with introducing rock-cut architecture at Mahabalipuram?
[A] Mahendravarman I
[B] Narasimhavarman II
[C] Simhavishnu
[D] Nandivarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahendravarman I]
Notes:
Mahendravarman I pioneered rock-cut cave temples at Mahabalipuram, marking the beginning of Pallava rock-cut architecture.
3. Which Pandya king reasserted Tamil dominance by defeating the Hoysalas and Cholas in the 13th century?
[A] Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I
[B] Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya I
[C] Sundara Chola
[D] Veera Ballala III
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I]
Notes:
Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I defeated the Hoysalas and Cholas, restoring Pandya supremacy and fostering prosperity in 13th-century Tamil Nadu.
4. Which Tamil saint is renowned for composing the devotional hymns collectively known as the “Tiruvachakam”?
[A] Sundarar
[B] Thirugnana Sambandar
[C] Appar
[D] Manikkavacakar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manikkavacakar]
Notes:
Manikkavacakar, a prominent Tamil Shaivite saint, composed the “Tiruvachakam,” a revered set of hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Which Nayak ruler is credited with commissioning the major construction of the Meenakshi Temple complex in Madurai?
[A] Viswanatha Nayak
[B] Rani Mangammal
[C] Chokkanatha Nayak
[D] Tirumala Nayak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tirumala Nayak]
Notes:
Tirumala Nayak, a 17th-century Madurai Nayak ruler, expanded and renovated the Meenakshi Temple, adding grand gopurams and mandapams.
6. Who led the Salt Satyagraha at Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu in 1930?
[A] C. Rajagopalachari
[B] Subramania Bharati
[C] V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
[D] Thiruppur Kumaran
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [C. Rajagopalachari]
Notes:
C. Rajagopalachari led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha in Tamil Nadu in 1930, inspired by Gandhi’s Dandi March.
7. Which archaeological site in Tamil Nadu is renowned for its Iron Age urn burials and ancient graffiti marks?
[A] Adichanallur
[B] Keezhadi
[C] Poompuhar
[D] Korkai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adichanallur]
Notes:
Adichanallur in Thoothukudi district is notable for Iron Age urn burials, megalithic remains, and graffiti, with significant finds of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and advanced metallurgy.
8. Which mountain pass serves as a major corridor connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala through the Western Ghats?
[A] Thal Ghat
[B] Bhor Ghat
[C] Palghat Gap
[D] Shencottah Pass
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Palghat Gap]
Notes:
The Palghat Gap is a prominent low pass in the Western Ghats that links Tamil Nadu and Kerala, impacting transport, climate, and monsoon rainfall patterns in the region.
9. Which type of soil predominantly covers the black cotton growing regions of Tamil Nadu?
[A] Regur (Black soil)
[B] Red soil
[C] Alluvial soil
[D] Laterite soil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Regur (Black soil)]
Notes:
Regur, or black soil, rich in minerals and moisture-retentive, is widespread in Tamil Nadu’s cotton regions like Coimbatore and Erode.
10. Which river in Tamil Nadu flows entirely within the state and empties into the Bay of Bengal near Cuddalore?
[A] Palar
[B] Vaigai
[C] Vellar
[D] Thamirabarani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vellar]
Notes:
The Vellar River originates in the Shevaroy Hills, flows entirely within Tamil Nadu, and joins the Bay of Bengal near Cuddalore (Parangipettai).
