Gandaraditya was a
Chola king
Identifying Gandaraditya in South Indian History
The question asks to identify who Gandaraditya was among the given options. Let's analyze the possibilities presented:
- Vaisnava saint of South India
- Buddhist teacher
- Temple architect of the Chola dynasty
- Chola king
To answer this, we need to recall information about prominent figures in South Indian history, particularly during the period when the Chola dynasty was powerful.
Gandaraditya as a Chola Ruler
Historical records and inscriptions confirm that Gandaraditya was indeed a ruler of the great Chola dynasty. He was the son of Parantaka I, one of the most successful early Chola kings. Gandaraditya reigned in the mid-10th century CE.
During his time, the Chola kingdom faced challenges, particularly from the Rashtrakutas. Gandaraditya is also known for his religious inclinations and is sometimes associated with devotional literature. However, his primary historical identity is that of a king who inherited and ruled the Chola kingdom, despite a relatively short reign.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at why the other options are not correct identities for Gandaraditya:
- Vaisnava saint of South India: While South India had many revered Vaisnava saints (like the Alvars), Gandaraditya is not known as one of them. His association, if any religious, is more commonly linked to Shaivism, which was popular among the Cholas, and his identity is primarily royal.
- Buddhist teacher: Buddhism had a presence in South India, but Gandaraditya is not documented as a Buddhist teacher or scholar. The Cholas were predominantly patrons of Hinduism (both Shaivism and Vaisnavism).
- Temple architect of the Chola dynasty: The Chola dynasty was renowned for its magnificent temple architecture, but Gandaraditya is known as a king who patronized arts and perhaps composed poetry (like his work 'Thiruvisaippa'), not as an architect himself.
- Chola king: This option aligns perfectly with historical records. Gandaraditya succeeded his father Parantaka I and ruled as the Chola king.
Therefore, based on historical evidence, Gandaraditya's identity is that of a Chola king.
Context of Gandaraditya's Reign in Chola History
Gandaraditya's reign falls within the middle period of the Imperial Cholas. Here is a simplified lineage:
| Ruler | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vijayalaya Chola | Founder | Revived Chola power |
| Aditya I | Son of Vijayalaya | Expanded territory |
| Parantaka I | Son of Aditya I | Major conquests, lost ground to Rashtrakutas later |
| Gandaraditya | Son of Parantaka I | Ruled during challenges |
| Arinjaya Chola | Brother of Gandaraditya | Short reign |
| Parantaka II (Sundara Chola) | Son of Arinjaya | Stabilized kingdom |
| Rajaraja I | Son of Parantaka II | Greatest Chola ruler, built Brihadeeswarar Temple |
This table shows Gandaraditya's place in the royal lineage of the Chola dynasty, confirming his status as a Chola king.
Conclusion on Gandaraditya's Identity
Based on historical accounts and his position in the royal lineage of the Chola dynasty, Gandaraditya was a Chola king. His reign was significant as it occurred during a transitional phase for the empire.
Revision Table: Key Chola Figures
| Figure | Primary Identity | Period/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Vijayalaya | Chola King | Founder of Imperial Chola line |
| Parantaka I | Chola King | Major conqueror, faced Rashtrakutas |
| Gandaraditya | Chola King | Son of Parantaka I, faced challenges |
| Rajaraja I | Chola King | Empire builder, temple constructor |
| Rajendra I | Chola King | Son of Rajaraja I, expanded empire north and overseas |
| Ramanuja | Vaisnava Saint | Major philosopher and saint (later period) |
Additional Information on Chola Dynasty
The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India. They ruled from the 9th to the 13th century CE. Known for their:
- Powerful navy
- Extensive trade networks
- Grand temple architecture (e.g., Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple)
- Well-organized administration, including local self-governance
- Patronage of Tamil literature and art
Gandaraditya was a part of this illustrious lineage, contributing to the ongoing history and challenges of the Chola empire during his time as king.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
A sphere of volume V is made of a material with lower density than water. While on Earth, it floats on water with its volume f1V (f1 < 1) submerged. On the other hand, on a spaceship accelerating with acceleration a < g (g is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth) in outer space, its submerged volume in water is f2V. Then:
A railway wagon (open at the top) of mass M1 is moving with speed v1 along a straight track. As a result of rain, after some time it gets partially filled with water so that the mass of the wagon becomes M2 and speed becomes v2. Taking the rain to be falling vertically and the water stationery inside the wagon, the relation between the two speeds v1 and v2 is :
Consider the following statements:
1. Distance between the longitudes becomes zero on North Pole and South Pole.
2. Distance between the longitudes is maximum on the Equator.
3. Number of longitudes is more than number of latitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
One block of 2⋅0 kg mass is placed on top of another block of 3⋅0 kg mass. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0⋅2. The bottom block is pulled with a horizontal force F such that both the blocks move together without slipping. Taking acceleration due to gravity as 10 m/s2, the maximum value of the frictional force is :
