Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:

"Early Cholas ruled over the kingdom of Tamil Nadu during the pre and post Sangam period (C. 600 BCE to 300 CE). Their early capitals were Urayur/Uraiyur (Tiruchirapalli) and Kaveripattinam. Mention of the early Chola, Chera and Pandayas is made in the Ashokan inscriptions (second and thirteenth rock edits). Karikala Chola was the most prominent of the early Cholas who is referred to in a number of Sangam poetic compositions."

(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/84174/3/Unit-7.pdf)

(a) How did the location of the Chola kingdom contribute to its agricultural prosperity?

(b) Discuss King Karikalan's contributions to the Chola dynasty, focusing cn his military achievements and the construction of Kallanai.

(c) How did the Cholas contribute to Tamil art, literature, and architecture?

(a) The Chola kingdom, also known as Cholamandalam, covered present-day Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli districts. Situated northeast of the Pandya territory, between the Pennar and Vellar rivers, it flourished in the fertile valley of the Kaveri river, renowned for its abundant water resources and agricultural prosperity.

(b) Karikalan, the most prominent early Chola ruler, is remembered for his leadership and achievements. He defeated the Chera and Pandya kings at the Battle of Venni and expanded his kingdom beyond Kanchipuram. His construction of the Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut) across the Kaveri River, an engineering marvel still in use, ensured effective irrigation and supported agriculture.

(c) The Cholas were patrons of art, literature, and architecture. Their temples, adorned with intricate sculptures and towering gopurams, served as centres of worship, culture, and economic activity, showcasing their dedication to Tamil heritage.