Question

What was South India famous for?

Answer 1

Hint: South India has a rich history in music, dance, culture, sculptures, clothing which were even spread across South East Asia. The iconic temple style prevalent in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala is also quite famous.
Complete answer: In ancient times, South India was famous for dynasty rulers of Chola, Pallava in Tamil Nadu, Chehra, Pandyas, Satavahana, Chalukyas in Karnataka etc. The period also witnessed the fascinating Ajanta and Ellora-rock cut temples under Rashtrakuta. Architecture, trade-in fishes and spices and literature (Kannada, Tamil, Sanskrit) were prominent. Buddhism, Jainism and Bhakti movements (Vaishnavism) marked the presence of various religions.
In medieval times, it was the Vijayanagara Empire that didn't let Mughals invade and enter into South India. Tipu sultan's Mysore and Marathas in Maharashtra contributed to making South India well-known in Indian history.
In modern times, with the advent of Britishers South India witnessed four Anglo-Mysore and three Anglo-Maratha wars. Pepper and cardamom trade and ports and railway lines were constructed there. Few of them were under British rule while Goa was under Portuguese and Pondicherry under French. Hyderabad was the last princely state ruled by Nizam was forcibly taken by the Indian government in 1948.

Note: South India today comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Puducherry (Union Territories). After independence, states were reorganized and the latest state in the list is Telangana.