Explanations:The question involves evaluating the accuracy of three statements related to the state of Kerala. Let's break down each statement to understand the historical and cultural context:
1. "Raja Chola founded the state of Travancore." This statement is false. The Chola dynasty, which was a powerful empire in South India, did not have any direct involvement in the founding of Travancore. The state of Travancore was established by the Venad Kingdom, which later became Travancore under the rule of Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. Marthanda Varma is considered the founder of the modern Travancore state.
2. "Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala." This statement is true. Onam is indeed the most significant and widely celebrated harvest festival in Kerala. It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The festival is associated with the agricultural cycle and is a time of joy, feasting, and cultural activities.
3. "Trivandrum was changed to Thiruvananthapuram." This statement is also true. The city of Trivandrum, which was the capital of the erstwhile Travancore state, was officially renamed to Thiruvananthapuram in 1991. The name Thiruvananthapuram is derived from the ancient temple of Lord Anantha Padmanabha, which is a significant religious and cultural landmark in the city.
By evaluating each statement, we can conclude that only the second and third statements are true. Therefore, the correct answer is Option D, which states "Only 2, 3."
Understanding the historical and cultural context of these statements is crucial for correctly identifying the true statements. It is important to be aware of the founding history of Travancore, the significance of Onam, and the renaming of Trivandrum to Thiruvananthapuram to avoid common misconceptions and answer such questions accurately.