UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Thanjavur Palace to be preserved

Q1. The architectural character of the Thanjavur Palace is often described as a 'Nayak–Maratha fusion.' Which one of the following best describes what this term denotes?

• A. A Dravidian Nayak substructure of the 16th century later expanded with Maratha architectural elements
• B. A structure built entirely by the Bhonsle Marathas with no earlier Nayak core
• C. An Indo-Saracenic complex introduced by the British after their capture of Thanjavur
• D. A Chola-period temple complex subsequently converted into a royal palace by the Nayaks

Q2. With reference to the building history of the Thanjavur Palace, consider the following statements: 1. Construction of the palace was begun during Nayak rule in the 16th century. 2. After 1674, the Thanjavur Marathas expanded the palace over roughly two centuries. 3. The palace was originally built by the Maratha ruler Ekoji I and only later expanded by the Nayaks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Construction of the palace was begun during Nayak rule in the 16th century.
2. After 1674, the Thanjavur Marathas expanded the palace over roughly two centuries.
3. The palace was originally built by the Maratha ruler Ekoji I and only later expanded by the Nayaks.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The Saraswathi Mahal Library, housed within the Thanjavur Palace, holds a manuscript and book collection of approximately how many volumes?

• A. About 3,500 volumes
• B. About 39,300 volumes
• C. About 49,000 volumes
• D. About 5,000 volumes

Q4. The large-scale enrichment of the Saraswathi Mahal Library, through the collection and copying of a vast number of manuscripts, is most closely associated with which ruler?

• A. Serfoji II, the Maratha scholar-king (1798–1832)
• B. Sevappa Nayak, who single-handedly assembled the entire collection
• C. Ekoji I, the first Maratha ruler of Thanjavur
• D. Raja Raja Chola I, patron of the Brihadeeswarar Temple

Q5. In which year was the maintenance of the Thanjavur Palace transferred to the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, following a report on its weak structural condition?

• A. 1955
• B. 1966
• C. 1972
• D. 1987

Q6. In the context of the pre-1972 custodianship of the Thanjavur Palace, the abbreviation 'PWD' refers to which of the following?

• A. Public Works Department
• B. Palace Welfare Directorate
• C. Protected Works Division
• D. Public Welfare Department

Q7. Approximately how many monuments across Tamil Nadu are under the protection of the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology?

• A. 89
• B. 15
• C. 3,691
• D. 900

Q8. The only Underwater Archaeology Museum under the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology is located at which of the following sites?

• A. Poompuhar
• B. Mahabalipuram
• C. Thanjavur
• D. Adichanallur

Q9. Among the manuscripts held at the Saraswathi Mahal Library, the largest share by language is in which language?

• A. Sanskrit
• B. Tamil
• C. Telugu
• D. Marathi

Q10. The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, part of the UNESCO 'Great Living Chola Temples' World Heritage Site, was commissioned by which ruler?

• A. Raja Raja Chola I
• B. Rajendra Chola I
• C. Rajaraja Chola II
• D. Kulottunga Chola I

Q11. Who was the first ruler and founder of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom?

• A. Sevappa Nayak
• B. Achuthappa Nayak
• C. Raghunatha Nayak
• D. Vijaya Raghava Nayak

Q12. With reference to the protection of monuments in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 governs centrally protected monuments administered by the Archaeological Survey of India. 2. Monuments of State importance in Tamil Nadu are protected under the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966. 3. The Thanjavur Palace is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 governs centrally protected monuments administered by the Archaeological Survey of India.
2. Monuments of State importance in Tamil Nadu are protected under the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966.
3. The Thanjavur Palace is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3