Early Cholas

The correct answer is C. Rajendra I (Chola).

Rajendra Chola I, son of Rajaraja Chola I, led a famous naval expedition against the Srivijaya kingdom around 1025 CE. Srivijaya was a powerful maritime empire controlling the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and nearby islands. Rajendra I's campaign asserted Chola naval dominance in the region and secured control over important sea trade routes.

The other rulers listed did not conduct campaigns against Srivijaya:

* Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta) focused mainly on the Deccan region. * Prataparudra (Kakatiya) ruled much later and was centered in the Deccan. * Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala) focused on South Indian affairs.

Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were prominent ancient port cities in South India during the Sangam period (c. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE). They played a vital role in maritime trade between India and the Roman Empire, as well as Southeast Asia.

* Korkai: Located at the mouth of the Thamirabarani River in present-day Tamil Nadu, it was an important port of the Pandya dynasty. It was particularly famous for its pearl fishery. * Poompuhar (also known as Kaveripattinam): Situated at the mouth of the Kaveri River, it was the chief port of the Early Cholas. It is vividly described in Sangam literature (like *Silappadikaram*) as a bustling hub of international trade. * Muchiri (Muziris): Located on the Malabar Coast (modern-day Kerala), it was a major port of the Chera dynasty. It was the primary center for the pepper trade with the Roman Empire.

Note: In Sangam literature, the term 'Puhar' specifically refers to a river mouth or a harbor town where goods were discharged.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: In South India, especially during the Pallava and Chola periods, Eripatti (tank land) was land donated by individuals or the state, the revenue of which was strictly used for the maintenance and repair of the village irrigation tank (eri).

Pair 2 is INCORRECTLY matched: The description "Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins" refers to Brahmadeya (or Agrahara). Taniyurs (or Taniyur) were a specific administrative unit in the Chola empire. They were exceptionally large villages or settlements that were granted the status of an independent revenue unit, meaning they were not subject to the jurisdiction of the local Nadu (district).

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ghatikas were prestigious institutions of higher learning in ancient South India. They were often located within or attached to temples and served as centers for Vedic and religious studies (notably the famous Ghatika of Kanchipuram).