RAS question
The Pandya kingdom during the Sangam period had its capital at:
Correct answer: (D) Madurai.
Madurai was the capital of the Pandya kingdom during the Sangam period.
Explanation
Madurai is the right answer because it was the Pandya capital, and Encyclopaedia Britannica supports the link by stating that Madurai was the site of the Pandya capital. The question is framed through the Sangam period, where the Pandyas matter not only as rulers but also as patrons of Tamil literary culture. Encyclopaedia Britannica notes that Madurai was well known in the early years ce for its Tamil sangam, which fits the point that the legendary Sangam assemblies were held under Pandya patronage. The fish emblem is an additional recall marker for the dynasty, but the location asked here is Madurai.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Thanjavur is wrong because Encyclopaedia Britannica identifies Madurai, not Thanjavur, as the Pandya capital.
- (B) Kanchipuram is wrong because the question asks for the Pandya capital, and the answer is Madurai.
- (C) Uraiyur is wrong because Madurai is the capital identified for the Pandya kingdom.
Concept
This tests the Sangam-age dynasties and their political centres, a recurring RAS Ancient History fact area. It also links polity with Tamil literary patronage, which is why Madurai and the Sangam association are often asked together.