2024 · Q5
Consider the following statements about Madurai, the capital city of the Pandya kingdom:
- 1It has been described in Maduraikkanchi as a large grand city, enclosed by walls on three sides and the Vaigai river on the fourth side.
- 2The Arthashastra mentions it as a centre of fine cotton textiles.
- 3Other literary sources describe it as a major craft centre.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- A1 only
- B1 and 2 only
- C2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Madurai was the capital of the Pandya kingdom. Statement 1 is correct: the Sangam text Maduraikkanchi describes Madurai as a large grand city enclosed by walls on three sides with the Vaigai river on the fourth side. Statement 2 is incorrect: the Arthashastra does not mention Madurai as a centre of fine cotton textiles; its textile references concern other regions. Statement 3 is incorrect: no other literary sources describe Madurai as a major craft centre in the sense claimed. Only statement 1 is correct, so the answer is (A). (Cross-checked with Testbook's CDS-I 2024 solutions.)