NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

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The narrative of the Tamil epic Silappadikaram centres around a merchant named Kovalan who resided in which city?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AKanchipuram
BUraiyur
CPuhar
DMadurai

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Puhar

Explanation

The Silappadikaram ("The Tale of an Anklet") is the earliest of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature, composed by the poet-prince Ilango Adigal. It serves as a crucial source for understanding the cultural and social history of the Sangam Age.

Detailed Analysis

Puhar (Kaveripattinam): The narrative introduces Kovalan as the son of a wealthy merchant named Masattuvan who resided in Puhar. Puhar was the flourishing port city and an early capital of the Chola kingdom. The initial part of the epic, detailing his marriage to Kannagi and his relationship with the courtesan Madhavi, is set in this city.
Madurai: While a significant portion of the epic-specifically the tragic turn of events, Kovalan's execution by the Pandya king, and Kannagi's revenge-takes place in Madurai, it is not the city where Kovalan originally resided. He migrated there later in the story to restore his fortune.
Other Cities: Uraiyur was another Chola capital known for its cotton trade, and Kanchipuram became a prominent center of power and learning under the Pallavas. Neither is the residence of Kovalan in the epic's narrative.

Key Takeaway: Kovalan was a merchant from Puhar (Chola Kingdom), whereas the climax of the epic involving his execution occurred in Madurai (Pandya Kingdom).

Your note

More from Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

Consider the following statements regarding ancient Indian metallurgy: 1. The Harappans were master craftsmen in copper metallurgy but were unaware of bronze manufacturing. 2. The successors of the Harappans in the Gangetic plains belonged to the Iron Age. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the famous pillar at Mehrauli, which of the following statements is incorrect?

easy

In the context of Stupa architecture, what is the primary function of the 'relic casket'?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the structure of a Stupa: 1. The pradakshina patha was a path laid around the stupa, usually surrounded by railings. 2. Devotees walked around the stupa in an anti-clockwise direction to ward off evil spirits. 3. The entrance to the path was through gateways, which were typically plain and devoid of sculpture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the construction and decoration of Stupas and Temples: 1. Kings and queens were the sole financiers of these structures. 2. An association of ivory workers paid for one of the gateways at Sanchi. 3. Merchants, farmers, and garland makers also contributed to the decorations. 4. The names of ordinary men and women were never inscribed on pillars or railings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

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The correct option is

Puhar

Explanation

Detailed Analysis

Puhar (Kaveripattinam): The narrative introduces Kovalan as the son of a wealthy merchant named Masattuvan who resided in Puhar. Puhar was the flourishing port city and an early capital of the Chola kingdom. The initial part of the epic, detailing his marriage to Kannagi and his relationship with the courtesan Madhavi, is set in this city.
Madurai: While a significant portion of the epic-specifically the tragic turn of events, Kovalan's execution by the Pandya king, and Kannagi's revenge-takes place in Madurai, it is not the city where Kovalan originally resided. He migrated there later in the story to restore his fortune.
Other Cities: Uraiyur was another Chola capital known for its cotton trade, and Kanchipuram became a prominent center of power and learning under the Pallavas. Neither is the residence of Kovalan in the epic's narrative.

Key Takeaway: Kovalan was a merchant from Puhar (Chola Kingdom), whereas the climax of the epic involving his execution occurred in Madurai (Pandya Kingdom).