# History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu practice questions (Group 4) > This page has practice questions on History, Culture, Heritage and Socio-Political Movements in Tamil Nadu for the Group 4 / VAO (Combined Civil Services Examination-IV) exam, 20 in all: new questions our editors prepared and the founder approved, not previous-year questions. Tap “Answer and explanation” under each question for the correct answer and a short, sourced explanation. For previous-year papers and official answer keys, see tnpsc.gov.in. Last updated: 2026-10-27 · By TNPSC Guide editorial team URL: https://www.tnpscguide.com/exams/group-4/questions/gs-tn ### Question 1 Which second-century Greek document describes a trade agreement made at Muziris? - A. The Peutinger Table - B. The Vienna Papyrus - C. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea - D. Natural History Correct answer: B. The Vienna Papyrus The Peutinger Table is a road map of the Roman empire; the Vienna Papyrus, a second-century Greek document, describes a trade agreement at Muziris. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard IX, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 3 தொடக்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகமும் பண்பாடும், p. 40 (PDF p. 46)) ### Question 2 In which script was the Tamil language first written? - A. Vatteluthu - B. Asokan Brahmi - C. Grantha - D. Tamil Brahmi Correct answer: D. Tamil Brahmi Tamil was first written in the script called 'Tamil Brahmi'. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard IX, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 3 தொடக்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகமும் பண்பாடும், p. 35 (PDF p. 41)) ### Question 3 What is the study of inscriptions called? - A. Numismatics - B. Epigraphy - C. Archaeology - D. Linguistics Correct answer: B. Epigraphy The study of inscriptions is epigraphy; Tamil Brahmi inscriptions are found at more than thirty places in Tamil Nadu. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard IX, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 3 தொடக்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகமும் பண்பாடும், p. 36 (PDF p. 42)) ### Question 4 What was set up in memory of those who died heroically in battle? - A. Hero stones (nadukal) - B. Urns - C. Touchstones - D. Punch-marked coins Correct answer: A. Hero stones (nadukal) Hero stones were set up for those who died in battle and in cattle raids; the Tolkappiyam describes how they were set up. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard IX, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 3 தொடக்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகமும் பண்பாடும், p. 37 (PDF p. 43)) ### Question 5 Which is NOT among the four recently identified languages said to be Dravidian? - A. Erukala - B. Thanga - C. Cholika - D. Brahui Correct answer: D. Brahui Erukala, Thanga, Kurumba and Cholika are the four recently identified Dravidian languages; Brahui is a known North Dravidian language. Source: தமிழ், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு (Tamil, Standard IX; Samacheer Kalvi) (இயல் 1 உரைநடை உலகம் (திராவிட மொழிக்குடும்பம்), p. 4 (PDF p. 14)) ### Question 6 Which is the oldest grammar of Tamil? - A. Nannool - B. Tolkappiyam - C. Veerasoliyam - D. Ilakkana Vilakkam Correct answer: B. Tolkappiyam The Tolkappiyam by Tolkappiyar is the oldest Tamil grammar; its first two parts deal with language and the third with the grammar of social life. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard IX, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 3 தொடக்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகமும் பண்பாடும், p. 35 (PDF p. 41)) ### Question 7 Which works make up the Pathinen Melkanakku (eighteen major works)? - A. The five great epics - B. The Thirukkural and Naladiyar - C. Pathuppattu and Ettuthogai - D. Thevaram and Thiruvasagam Correct answer: C. Pathuppattu and Ettuthogai Pathuppattu and Ettuthogai are the eighteen major works; they are older than the minor works. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard IX, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 3 தொடக்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகமும் பண்பாடும், p. 35 (PDF p. 41)) ### Question 8 Which of these is one of the Ettuthogai works? - A. Nedunalvadai - B. Kurinjippattu - C. Malaipadukadam - D. Paripadal Correct answer: D. Paripadal The Ettuthogai works are Natrinai, Kurunthogai, Paripadal, Pathitruppathu, Ainkurunooru, Kalithogai, Akananooru and Purananooru. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், ஒன்பதாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard IX, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 3 தொடக்ககாலத் தமிழ்ச் சமூகமும் பண்பாடும், p. 35 (PDF p. 41)) ### Question 9 Match the following. (a) Arathuppal - 1. 133 (b) Porutpal - 2. 25 (c) Inbathuppal - 3. 38 (d) Total chapters - 4. 70 - A. (a) 3, (b) 4, (c) 1, (d) 2 - B. (a) 4, (b) 3, (c) 2, (d) 1 - C. (a) 3, (b) 4, (c) 2, (d) 1 - D. (a) 2, (b) 4, (c) 3, (d) 1 Correct answer: C. (a) 3, (b) 4, (c) 2, (d) 1 Virtue 38, wealth 70, love 25; 133 chapters in all. Source: தமிழ், ஏழாம் வகுப்பு, முதல் பருவம், தொகுதி 1 (Tamil, Standard VII, Term I, Volume 1; Samacheer Kalvi) (இயல் 2 திருக்குறள் (நூல் வெளி), p. 49 (PDF p. 57)) ### Question 10 To which collection of works does the Thirukkural belong? - A. Pathuppattu - B. Pathinen Keezhkanakku (the eighteen minor works) - C. Ettuthogai - D. The five great epics Correct answer: B. Pathinen Keezhkanakku (the eighteen minor works) The Thirukkural is one of the eighteen minor works (Pathinen Keezhkanakku); it has three divisions: Arathuppal, Porutpal and Inbathuppal. Source: தமிழ், ஆறாம் வகுப்பு, முதல் பருவம், தொகுதி 1 (Tamil, Standard VI, Term I, Volume 1; Samacheer Kalvi) (இயல் 2 திருக்குறள் (நூல் வெளி), p. 49 (PDF p. 57)) ### Question 11 What are the three divisions of the Thirukkural? - A. Kalaviyal, Karpiyal, Oozhiyal - B. Payiraviyal, Illaraviyal, Thuravaraviyal - C. Arasiyal, Amaichiyal, Ozhibiyal - D. Arathuppal, Porutpal, Inbathuppal Correct answer: D. Arathuppal, Porutpal, Inbathuppal The Thirukkural has three divisions: Arathuppal (virtue), Porutpal (wealth) and Inbathuppal (love). Source: தமிழ், ஆறாம் வகுப்பு, முதல் பருவம், தொகுதி 1 (Tamil, Standard VI, Term I, Volume 1; Samacheer Kalvi) (இயல் 2 திருக்குறள் (நூல் வெளி), p. 49 (PDF p. 57)) ### Question 12 Consider the following statements. 1. Ettayapuram was an eastern palayam. 2. Naduvakurichi was a western palayam. 3. Nagalapuram was a western palayam. Which are correct? - A. 1 and 2 only - B. 2 and 3 only - C. 1 and 3 only - D. 1, 2 and 3 Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only Ettayapuram was eastern and Naduvakurichi western; Nagalapuram was eastern, so 3 is wrong. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 6 தொடக்ககால கிளர்ச்சிகள், p. 69 (PDF p. 75)) ### Question 13 In Tamil Nadu, from whom did the first resistance to British expansion come? - A. Veerapandiya Kattabomman - B. Puli Thevar - C. The Marudhu brothers - D. Dheeran Chinnamalai Correct answer: B. Puli Thevar The first resistance came from Puli Thevar, who ruled Nerkattumseval in the Tirunelveli region. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 6 தொடக்ககால கிளர்ச்சிகள், p. 68 (PDF p. 74)) ### Question 14 Who introduced the palayakkarar system in Tamil Nadu? - A. Viswanatha Nayakkar - B. Thirumalai Nayakkar - C. Hyder Ali - D. Yusuf Khan Correct answer: A. Viswanatha Nayakkar Viswanatha Nayakkar, who became the Nayak of Madurai in 1529, introduced the system with the help of his minister Ariyanathar. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 6 தொடக்ககால கிளர்ச்சிகள், p. 68 (PDF p. 74)) ### Question 15 Consider the following. 1. Sir Pitti Theagaraya 2. Alamelu Mangai Thayarammal 3. M. Singaravelar Whom does the textbook name among the founders of the SILF? - A. 1 and 3 only - B. 1 and 2 only - C. 2 and 3 only - D. 1, 2 and 3 Correct answer: B. 1 and 2 only Thirty leaders including Natesanar, Theagaraya, T.M. Nair and Alamelu Mangai Thayarammal formed it; Singaravelar was a labour leader. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 10 தமிழ்நாட்டில் சமூக மாற்றங்கள், p. 127 (PDF p. 133)) ### Question 16 Who started the journal 'Dravida Pandian' in 1885? - A. Periyar - B. Dr C. Natesanar - C. Iyothee Thass - D. M. Singaravelar Correct answer: C. Iyothee Thass In 1882 Iyothee Thass and John Rathinam founded the 'Dravidar Kazhagam'; Iyothee Thass started 'Dravida Pandian' in 1885. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 5 19ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் சமூக சமய சீர்திருத்த இயக்கங்கள், p. 65 (PDF p. 71)) ### Question 17 In which year was the Madras Non-Brahmin Association formed? - A. 1882 - B. 1909 - C. 1916 - D. 1925 Correct answer: B. 1909 The Dravidian movement arose to protect non-Brahmins; the Madras Non-Brahmin Association was formed in 1909. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 10 தமிழ்நாட்டில் சமூக மாற்றங்கள், p. 127 (PDF p. 133)) ### Question 18 Assertion [A]: In 1867 Ramalinga set up a free kitchen for all at Vadalur. Reason [R]: He had the famine of 1866 in mind. - A. [A] is true but [R] is false - B. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A] - C. [A] is false but [R] is true - D. Both [A] and [R] are true but [R] is not the correct explanation of [A] Correct answer: B. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A] The textbook says the Vadalur kitchen of 1867 was set up in view of the 1866 famine; [R] explains [A]. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 5 19ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் சமூக சமய சீர்திருத்த இயக்கங்கள், p. 64 (PDF p. 70)) ### Question 19 Where was Ramalinga Adigal, known as Vallalar, born? - A. Vadalur - B. Erode - C. Kanchipuram - D. Marudhur Correct answer: D. Marudhur Ramalinga Adigal (1823-1874), known as Vallalar, was born at Marudhur near Chidambaram. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 5 19ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் சமூக சமய சீர்திருத்த இயக்கங்கள், p. 64 (PDF p. 70)) ### Question 20 What did Ramalinga call the love and compassion shown to all living beings, including plants? - A. Self-respect - B. Jeevakarunyam - C. Sanmargam - D. Thiruvarutpa Correct answer: B. Jeevakarunyam Ramalinga called his love and compassion for all living beings, including plants, jeevakarunyam. Source: சமூக அறிவியல், பத்தாம் வகுப்பு, தமிழ் வழி (Social Science, Standard X, Tamil medium; Samacheer Kalvi) (வரலாறு அலகு 5 19ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் சமூக சமய சீர்திருத்த இயக்கங்கள், p. 64 (PDF p. 70)) ## Sources - [Official syllabus page](https://www.tnpsc.gov.in/english/syllabus.html) - [Notifications](https://www.tnpsc.gov.in/English/Notification.aspx)