Analyzing Historical Pairings in South India

This question asks us to identify which historical figures are incorrectly matched with their associated locations in South India. Let's examine each pair:

Pair (i): Gopala Nayak - Dindugal

Gopala Nayak was a significant Palayakarrar (Poligar) chief. Historical records confirm his association with the region of Dindugal. Therefore, this pairing is correct.

Pair (ii): Dhoondaji Wagh - Madurai

Dhoondaji Wagh was a military adventurer and leader who rose to prominence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily active in the western Deccan region, particularly around Bednur (modern Karnataka). While he fought against the British alongside rulers like Tipu Sultan, his main area of operation was not Madurai. Madurai is located in the southern Tamil region, and Dhoondaji Wagh's activities were concentrated further north. Thus, this pairing is incorrect.

Pair (iii): Marudhupandyas - Ettayapuram

The Marudhupandyas, known as Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu, were the rulers of the Sivaganga kingdom in Tamil Nadu. They were prominent figures in the late 18th century, known for their resistance against the British. Ettayapuram, on the other hand, was a different principality, famous later as the birthplace of the poet Subramania Bharati. The Marudhupandyas are historically associated with Sivaganga, not Ettayapuram. Therefore, this pairing is incorrect.

Pair (iv): Pulithevan - Nerkattanseval

Puli Thevan was one of the earliest Palayakarrars to resist the British in the 18th century. He was the Palayakarrar of Nerkattanseval, a region in present-day Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. This pairing is historically accurate and therefore correct.

Conclusion on Incorrect Pairings

Based on the analysis, the incorrectly paired items are:

• (ii) Dhoondaji Wagh - Madurai
• (iii) Marudhupandyas - Ettayapuram

Therefore, the option that correctly identifies these incorrect pairings is the one stating '(ii) and (iii) only'.