🛕 Indian History · Topic 9 of 9
Start with the study notes on Post-Gupta & Early Medieval (definitions, examples and a quick revision), then work through 70 practice questions, each with the correct answer and a clear explanation of why it is right. When you are ready, take this topic as an interactive quiz to test yourself.
Topic overview
Harsha (606–647 CE) of the Pushyabhuti dynasty ruled north India from Kannauj.
Example: Harsha's march south was stopped on the Narmada by the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II, as recorded in the Aihole inscription by the poet Ravikirti.
Their greatest king was Pulakeshin II. They built temples at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, in the Vesara style, which mixes northern and southern features.
The Cholas (9th–13th centuries) were the greatest power of the South.
After Harsha, Kannauj became the prize in the Tripartite Struggle among three powers:
Examples:
From about the 8th century, warrior clans called Rajputs (from rajaputra, “son of a king”) ruled much of north and west India.
Examples:
Remember: The Rajputs were brave, but their constant rivalries kept them from uniting against the Turks.
Example: Other great temples: the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu, and the Sun Temple at Konark, built by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Gangas.
| Misconception | Correct understanding |
|---|---|
| Harsha conquered the whole of India. | He was stopped on the Narmada by Pulakeshin II. |
| The Kailasa Temple at Ellora was built from stone blocks. | It was carved out of a single rock, from the top down. |
| Mahmud of Ghazni founded an empire in India. | He only raided for wealth; the Delhi Sultanate came later. |
| Prithviraj Chauhan lost both Battles of Tarain. | He won the first (1191) and lost the second (1192). |
| Buddhism grew stronger in this age. | It declined in India as Hinduism revived through Bhakti and temples. |
Who wrote the Harshacharita?
Banabhatta.
Which Chinese pilgrim visited India during Harsha's reign?
Hiuen Tsang.
Who stopped Harsha's advance south?
The Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.
Which dynasty built Mahabalipuram?
The Pallavas.
Who built the Kailasa Temple at Ellora?
The Rashtrakuta king Krishna I.
Which Chola king built the Brihadeeswara Temple?
Rajaraja I.
Which three powers fought the Tripartite Struggle?
The Palas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas.
Who won the Second Battle of Tarain?
Muhammad Ghori, in 1192.
Key takeaway: After Harsha, India split into rival regional kingdoms that built magnificent temples and spread Bhakti, but their disunity let the Turks in.
Notes written by Velnov for students and exam aspirants, following the topics of the NCERT ancient Indian history syllabus. Dates marked c. (circa) are approximate.
Q1. medium
The most powerful ruler of North India in the early 7th century CE, who ruled from Kannauj, was:
Answer: A — Harshavardhana
Harshavardhana (Harsha) of the Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty ruled c. 606-647 CE, building a large empire in North India with Kannauj as his capital. He was the last great Hindu emperor of the north before the medieval period.
Q4. medium
The Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha's reign and left a detailed account was:
Answer: A — Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang)
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India c. 630-644 CE during Harsha's reign, studied at Nalanda, and wrote 'Si-yu-ki' ('Records of the Western World'), a vital source for 7th-century India.
Q6. medium
Harsha is remembered as a patron of learning and literature. Which Sanskrit plays are attributed to him?
Answer: A — Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika
Harsha himself is credited with writing three Sanskrit plays: Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda. He was a generous patron who supported Nalanda and held grand religious assemblies.
Q8. medium
The most important dynasty of the Deccan in the 6th-8th centuries CE, rivals of the Pallavas, were the:
Answer: A — Chalukyas of Badami (Vatapi)
The Chalukyas of Badami (Vatapi), founded by Pulakeshin I, dominated the Deccan. Their greatest ruler, Pulakeshin II, defeated Harsha but was later defeated by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I.
Q10. medium
The Chalukyas of Badami are famous for pioneering which style of temple architecture and rock-cut caves at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal?
Answer: A — The Vesara style (a blend of Nagara and Dravida) and early experiments in temple building
The Chalukyas developed the Vesara style (a fusion of northern Nagara and southern Dravida) and left magnificent temples and cave shrines at Badami, Aihole ('cradle of Indian temple architecture') and Pattadakal (a UNESCO site).
Q11. medium
The great rivals of the Chalukyas in South India, ruling from Kanchipuram, were the:
Answer: A — Pallavas
The Pallavas ruled from Kanchipuram (Kanchi) and dominated the Tamil country and parts of the eastern Deccan from the 6th to 9th centuries CE. They were bitter rivals of the Chalukyas of Badami.
Q13. medium
The famous shore temple and the monolithic 'Rathas' (chariot temples) at Mahabalipuram were built by the:
Answer: A — Pallavas
The Pallavas built the magnificent monuments at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) - the rock-cut Rathas (Pancha Rathas), the Shore Temple, and the great relief 'Descent of the Ganga/Arjuna's Penance'. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q15. medium
The dynasty that supplanted the Chalukyas of Badami in the Deccan in the mid-8th century was the:
Answer: A — Rashtrakutas
The Rashtrakutas, founded by Dantidurga (who overthrew the Chalukyas around 753 CE), became the dominant power of the Deccan and were involved in the tripartite struggle for Kannauj.
Q17. medium
The Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha, a patron of learning, wrote which work in Kannada?
Answer: A — Kavirajamarga (the earliest Kannada work on poetics)
Amoghavarsha I wrote 'Kavirajamarga', the earliest available Kannada literary work (on poetics), and is compared to a philosopher-king. He also patronised Jain scholars.
Q19. medium
The Pala dynasty, great patrons of Buddhism, ruled which region?
Answer: A — Bengal and Bihar (eastern India)
The Palas (founded by Gopala, c. 750 CE) ruled Bengal and Bihar. They were devout Buddhists who patronised Nalanda and founded Vikramashila and Odantapuri universities, and promoted Mahayana/Vajrayana Buddhism.
Q21. medium
The greatest ruling power of South India from the 9th to 13th centuries CE, famous for its temples and navy, was the:
Answer: A — Imperial Cholas
The Imperial Cholas (revived by Vijayalaya c. 850 CE) became the dominant power of South India, famous for their grand temples, efficient local self-government, powerful navy, and overseas conquests.
Q24. medium
The Cholas are especially famous for their well-developed system of:
Answer: A — Local self-government (village assemblies like the Ur and Sabha)
Chola local self-government was remarkably advanced. Villages were managed by assemblies - the 'Ur' (general assembly) and the 'Sabha'/'Mahasabha' (of Brahmadeya villages). The Uttaramerur inscriptions detail their elaborate elected committees.
Q26. medium
Chola art is world-famous for its exquisite bronze sculptures, especially the image of:
Answer: A — Nataraja (Shiva as the cosmic dancer)
Chola bronze casting (using the lost-wax technique) reached its zenith in the iconic image of Nataraja - Shiva performing the cosmic dance (Ananda Tandava) within a ring of flames - a masterpiece of world art.
Q27. medium
The term 'Rajput' (from Sanskrit 'Rajaputra', son of a king) refers to warrior clans that rose to prominence in North and Western India after the:
Answer: A — Death of Harsha (7th century CE onward)
After Harsha's death (647 CE), North India fragmented into many kingdoms. From about the 8th century, various Rajput clans (Pratiharas, Chauhans, Solankis, Paramaras, Chandelas, etc.) rose to power, dominating the region until the Turkish invasions.
Q29. medium
The Gurjara-Pratihara ruler who is credited with successfully resisting the westward Arab expansion into India was:
Answer: A — Nagabhata I (and later Mihira Bhoja)
The Gurjara-Pratiharas, notably Nagabhata I and the powerful Mihira Bhoja (Bhoja I), checked the eastward advance of the Arabs from Sindh, acting as a bulwark defending North India for over two centuries.
Q32. medium
The famous historical chronicle of Kashmir, 'Rajatarangini' ('River of Kings'), was written by:
Answer: A — Kalhana
Kalhana's 'Rajatarangini' (12th century CE) is a Sanskrit chronicle of the kings of Kashmir. It is often regarded as one of the earliest works of genuine historical writing in India.
Q34. medium
Mahmud of Ghazni, who raided India many times in the early 11th century, is most infamous for plundering which temple?
Answer: A — The Somnath Temple (Gujarat)
Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India about 17 times, primarily to loot its wealth. His most notorious raid (1025 CE) was the sack of the fabulously rich Somnath Temple in Gujarat. He did not aim to establish an empire in India.
Q36. medium
The last great Hindu Rajput king of Delhi/Ajmer, who was defeated by Muhammad Ghori at the Second Battle of Tarain (1192), was:
Answer: A — Prithviraj Chauhan III
Prithviraj Chauhan III defeated Muhammad Ghori at the First Battle of Tarain (1191) but was defeated and killed at the Second Battle of Tarain (1192). This victory paved the way for the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
Q38. medium
The Sena dynasty, which succeeded the Palas in Bengal, is associated with which famous Sanskrit poet who wrote the 'Gita Govinda'?
Answer: A — Jayadeva
Jayadeva, a poet in the court of the Sena king Lakshmanasena, wrote the 'Gita Govinda' - a lyrical Sanskrit poem on the love of Radha and Krishna, a landmark of devotional (Bhakti) literature.
Q40. medium
The philosopher who propounded 'Vishishtadvaita' (qualified non-dualism) and gave a philosophical basis to Vaishnava Bhakti was:
Answer: A — Ramanujacharya
Ramanujacharya (11th-12th century CE) propounded Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), emphasising loving devotion (Bhakti) to a personal God (Vishnu). His philosophy strongly influenced the later Bhakti movement.
Q42. medium
The Hoysala dynasty of Karnataka is famous for building star-shaped, intricately carved temples at:
Answer: A — Belur, Halebidu and Somnathpura
The Hoysalas built ornate temples with star-shaped platforms and lavish soapstone carvings at Belur (Chennakesava Temple), Halebidu (Hoysaleswara Temple) and Somnathpura - a distinctive regional style now a UNESCO World Heritage grouping.
Q44. medium
The 'Kadambari', one of the world's earliest novels/romances in Sanskrit, was written by:
Answer: A — Banabhatta
Banabhatta, Harsha's court poet, wrote 'Kadambari', a Sanskrit prose romance regarded as one of the earliest novels in world literature, alongside his historical biography 'Harshacharita'.
Q46. medium
The early medieval period (post-Harsha, c. 750-1200 CE) in North India is generally characterised by:
Answer: A — Political fragmentation among many regional (largely Rajput) kingdoms and the growth of feudalism and regional cultures
After Harsha, North India split into many competing regional kingdoms (the Rajputs, Palas, Pratiharas, etc.). This era saw growing 'feudalism', regional languages and literatures, and magnificent regional temple styles - but political disunity that left India vulnerable to Turkish invasions.
Q48. medium
Chola society and economy were notably prosperous. The Cholas maintained a powerful navy that gave them control over:
Answer: A — The Bay of Bengal and trade routes to Southeast Asia
The Chola navy - among the strongest in Asian history - dominated the Bay of Bengal ('Chola Lake'), enabling conquests in Sri Lanka and the Maldives and a famous naval expedition against the Srivijaya empire, boosting maritime trade with Southeast Asia and China.
Q50. medium
Which pair is correctly matched (dynasty - famous monument)?
Answer: A — Pallavas - Mahabalipuram; Rashtrakutas - Ellora Kailasa; Cholas - Brihadeeswara Temple
The Pallavas built Mahabalipuram, the Rashtrakutas the Kailasa Temple at Ellora, and the Cholas the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur - three of the greatest monuments of early medieval South India.
Q52. medium
The Bhakti saints and Advaita philosophers of the post-Gupta period contributed to which major development?
Answer: A — The revival and reshaping of Hinduism and the decline of Buddhism in India
The Bhakti movement (Alvars, Nayanars) and philosophers like Shankaracharya and Ramanuja revitalised Hinduism with devotion and philosophy, absorbing popular support and contributing significantly to the decline of Buddhism in its Indian homeland.
Q54. medium
The transition from ancient to medieval India is generally marked by:
Answer: A — The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE) after the Turkish conquests
The Turkish conquests culminating in the Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE) are conventionally taken as the transition from 'ancient/early medieval' to the 'medieval' (Sultanate) period of Indian history, which follows in the next major phase of study.
Q56. medium
The tripartite struggle for Kannauj weakened North India in a way that:
Answer: A — Left it politically divided and vulnerable to the later Turkish invasions
The long, exhausting tripartite struggle among the Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas drained their resources and left North India fragmented among quarrelling kingdoms - a disunity that made it easier for later Turkish invaders to succeed.
Q58. medium
The great centres of learning that flourished in the post-Gupta/early medieval period included Nalanda, Vikramashila, Odantapuri and:
Answer: A — Valabhi (in Gujarat)
Besides the Buddhist universities of Nalanda, Vikramashila and Odantapuri (in the east), Valabhi in Gujarat was another famous centre of learning of this age, attracting students from across India.
Q60. medium
Harsha's capital, Kannauj, became so important that it later became the focus of the:
Answer: A — Tripartite Struggle among the Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas
Kannauj, Harsha's capital, symbolised paramount power over North India. After his death it became the prize in the Tripartite Struggle among the Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas.
Q62. medium
The Rashtrakuta empire is praised by the Arab traveller Al-Masudi as one of the greatest empires of the world. Its capital was:
Answer: A — Manyakheta (Malkhed)
The Rashtrakuta capital was Manyakheta (Malkhed) in Karnataka. Arab travellers ranked the Rashtrakuta ruler among the four greatest kings of the world, reflecting the empire's power and prosperity.
Q64. medium
Which of these was a major Chola export in its flourishing overseas trade?
Answer: A — Textiles, spices and precious stones
The Cholas exported fine textiles (cotton and silk), spices, precious stones and metalware to Southeast Asia and China through powerful merchant guilds, importing gold, camphor and Chinese goods in return.
Q66. medium
The 'Chola Lake' was a name given by historians to which body of water, reflecting Chola naval dominance?
Answer: A — The Bay of Bengal
Because of their overwhelming naval power and conquests across it (Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and expeditions to Southeast Asia), the Bay of Bengal came to be called the 'Chola Lake' during the height of Chola power.
Q68. medium
Which early medieval dynasty of Odisha/Kalinga built the Jagannath Temple at Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark?
Answer: A — The Eastern Ganga dynasty
The Eastern Ganga dynasty of Kalinga (Odisha) built the great Jagannath Temple at Puri (under Anantavarman Chodaganga) and the Sun Temple at Konark (under Narasimhadeva I) - masterpieces of the Kalinga/Odisha temple style.
Q70. medium
Which best describes the religious landscape of the post-Gupta/early medieval period?
Answer: A — Resurgent Hinduism (Bhakti, temple worship, Puranic gods), declining Buddhism, continuing Jainism, and the early arrival of Islam
The period saw a vigorous revival of Hinduism through Bhakti, grand temple-building and Puranic worship; the gradual decline of Buddhism in India; the continuation of Jainism (especially in the west and Karnataka); and the first arrival of Islam via Arab traders and the Sindh conquest.
Q2. hard
The dynasty to which Harshavardhana belonged was the:
Answer: A — Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty
Harsha belonged to the Pushyabhuti or Vardhana dynasty of Thanesar. After the murder of his brother Rajyavardhana, Harsha united Thanesar and Kannauj and expanded his power across North India.
Q3. hard
The biography of Harsha, 'Harshacharita', was written by his court poet:
Answer: A — Banabhatta
Banabhatta, Harsha's court poet, wrote the 'Harshacharita' (a biography) and the romance 'Kadambari'. These, along with Hiuen Tsang's account, are the main sources for Harsha's reign.
Q5. hard
Harsha's northward and southward expansion was checked when he was defeated on the Narmada by the Chalukya king:
Answer: A — Pulakeshin II
Harsha's ambition to expand into the Deccan was halted when the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II defeated him on the banks of the Narmada river (c. 618-619 CE), confining Harsha's empire to the north.
Q7. hard
Harsha held great religious assemblies. The famous quinquennial (every five years) assembly of charity was held at:
Answer: A — Prayag (Allahabad)
Harsha held a grand assembly at Prayag (Allahabad) every five years, where he distributed his accumulated wealth in charity. He also held a special religious assembly at Kannauj, described by Hiuen Tsang.
Q9. hard
The Aihole inscription, which praises the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II, was composed by his court poet:
Answer: A — Ravikirti
The Aihole inscription, composed by the Jain poet Ravikirti, glorifies Pulakeshin II and mentions his victory over Harsha. It is also a valuable literary reference, comparing Ravikirti to Kalidasa.
Q12. hard
The Pallava king who defeated and killed the Chalukya Pulakeshin II and captured Badami was:
Answer: A — Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)
Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) avenged an earlier Pallava defeat by defeating and killing Pulakeshin II and capturing the Chalukya capital Vatapi (Badami), earning the title 'Vatapikonda' ('conqueror of Vatapi').
Q14. hard
The Pallava king Mahendravarman I, a versatile genius, wrote which humorous Sanskrit play?
Answer: A — Mattavilasa Prahasana
Mahendravarman I (a poet, musician and architect) wrote the satirical Sanskrit farce 'Mattavilasa Prahasana'. He also pioneered Pallava rock-cut cave temples (such as at Mandagapattu).
Q16. hard
The magnificent monolithic Kailasa Temple at Ellora, carved out of a single rock, was built by the Rashtrakuta king:
Answer: A — Krishna I
The stunning Kailasa (Kailasanatha) Temple at Ellora, carved top-down from a single rock, was built by Rashtrakuta king Krishna I - one of the greatest achievements of rock-cut architecture in the world.
Q18. hard
The 'Tripartite Struggle' of the 8th-9th centuries CE for control of Kannauj was fought between the Palas, the Rashtrakutas, and the:
Answer: A — Gurjara-Pratiharas
The Tripartite Struggle for the strategic city of Kannauj was fought among the Palas of Bengal, the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan, and the Gurjara-Pratiharas of the north. The Pratiharas ultimately held Kannauj.
Q20. hard
The Pala king who founded the famous Vikramashila University was:
Answer: A — Dharmapala
Dharmapala, the greatest Pala ruler, founded Vikramashila University (Bihar), which rivalled Nalanda as a great centre of Buddhist learning. He also revived Nalanda.
Q22. hard
The Chola king who built the magnificent Brihadeeswara (Rajarajeswara) Temple at Thanjavur was:
Answer: A — Rajaraja I
Rajaraja I (985-1014 CE) built the towering Brihadeeswara Temple (Rajarajeswaram) at Thanjavur, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He also expanded Chola power and conquered parts of Sri Lanka.
Q23. hard
The Chola king who led a naval expedition to Southeast Asia (against the Srivijaya empire) and to the Ganga in the north was:
Answer: A — Rajendra I (Gangaikonda Chola)
Rajendra I extended Chola power, led a victorious expedition to the Ganga (taking the title 'Gangaikonda Chola'), built the capital Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and sent a naval expedition against the Srivijaya empire of Southeast Asia.
Q25. hard
The Uttaramerur inscriptions of the Chola period are important because they describe:
Answer: A — The detailed election procedures and functioning of village assembly committees
The Uttaramerur inscriptions (of Parantaka I) give a detailed account of how village assembly (Sabha) committees were constituted - the qualifications of candidates, the 'kudavolai' (pot-ticket) lottery system of selection, and rules for removal - a remarkable record of local democracy.
Q28. hard
According to one popular legend, several major Rajput clans claimed origin from a sacrificial fire-pit at Mount Abu. They are called the:
Answer: A — Agnikula (fire-born) Rajputs
The Agnikula legend claims four Rajput clans - the Pratiharas, Chauhans (Chahamanas), Solankis (Chalukyas) and Paramaras - arose from a fire sacrifice performed by sage Vasistha at Mount Abu. Other clans claimed solar or lunar descent.
Q30. hard
The Chandela dynasty of Bundelkhand is world-famous for building which group of temples?
Answer: A — The Khajuraho temples
The Chandelas built the celebrated Khajuraho temples (Madhya Pradesh), famous for their Nagara-style architecture and intricate sculptures (including erotic art). The Kandariya Mahadeva temple is the grandest. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q31. hard
The Solanki (Chalukya) rulers of Gujarat are associated with which famous stepwell and temple complex?
Answer: A — The Rani ki Vav (stepwell) at Patan and the Sun Temple at Modhera
The Solankis of Gujarat built the exquisite Rani ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) at Patan (a UNESCO site) and the beautiful Sun Temple at Modhera, showcasing the refined temple architecture of western India.
Q33. hard
The Arab conquest of Sindh in 712 CE was led by:
Answer: A — Muhammad bin Qasim
In 712 CE, the young Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh (defeating King Dahir), establishing the first Muslim foothold in India. However, Arab power in Sindh remained limited and did not expand deep into the subcontinent.
Q35. hard
The scholar who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni and wrote the 'Kitab-ul-Hind' (an account of India) was:
Answer: A — Al-Biruni
Al-Biruni, the great Central Asian scholar, came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni and wrote 'Tahqiq-i-Hind' (Kitab-ul-Hind) - a remarkably objective study of Indian religion, science, philosophy and society.
Q37. hard
The Second Battle of Tarain (1192) is a turning point in Indian history because it:
Answer: A — Opened the way for Turkish/Muslim rule and the founding of the Delhi Sultanate in North India
Muhammad Ghori's decisive victory over Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) broke Rajput resistance and led to the establishment of Turkish rule, culminating in the Delhi Sultanate (1206) under Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
Q39. hard
The philosopher who revived and systematised Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism) and established four mathas across India in the 8th century CE was:
Answer: A — Adi Shankaracharya
Adi Shankaracharya (c. 788-820 CE) revitalised Hinduism through Advaita (non-dualist) philosophy, debated Buddhists and Mimamsakas, and founded four mathas (at Sringeri, Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath/Joshimath) - contributing to the decline of Buddhism.
Q41. hard
The Bhakti tradition of Tamil Nadu was led by the Vaishnava 'Alvars' and the Shaiva:
Answer: A — Nayanars
Early South Indian Bhakti (6th-9th centuries CE) was spread by the Vaishnava Alvars (devotees of Vishnu) and the Shaiva Nayanars (devotees of Shiva), whose Tamil devotional hymns emphasised intense personal love of God across castes.
Q43. hard
The Eastern Ganga ruler Narasimhadeva I built which magnificent temple, conceived as a colossal chariot of the Sun god?
Answer: A — The Sun Temple at Konark (Odisha)
The Sun Temple at Konark, built by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty (13th century CE), is designed as a giant stone chariot with 24 wheels and seven horses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q45. hard
Which foreign traveller's account is the most important source for understanding society during Harsha's reign?
Answer: A — Hiuen Tsang's 'Si-yu-ki'
Hiuen Tsang's 'Si-yu-ki' ('Records of the Western Regions') gives a detailed, first-hand account of the geography, society, religion, and administration of 7th-century India under Harsha - a source of immense value.
Q47. hard
The famous university of Vikramashila, founded by the Palas, specialised particularly in the study of:
Answer: A — Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism
Vikramashila, founded by Dharmapala, became a leading centre of Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism and produced famous scholars like Atisha Dipankara, who took Buddhism to Tibet. It was destroyed, like Nalanda, in the late 12th century.
Q49. hard
The Chola king Kulottunga I is known for sending a large trade mission of merchants to which country?
Answer: A — China (Song dynasty)
Kulottunga I sent a large embassy/trade mission of merchants to Song China, reflecting the flourishing Chola maritime trade with China and Southeast Asia. Chola merchant guilds (like the Ayyavole and Manigramam) were very active.
Q51. hard
The 'Kailasa Temple' at Ellora is considered an engineering marvel because it was:
Answer: A — Carved out of a single monolithic rock from the top downward (not built up from blocks)
The Kailasa Temple was excavated top-down from a single basalt cliff, removing about 200,000 tonnes of rock. This monolithic 'rock-cut' method (rather than assembling blocks) makes it one of the most astonishing works of ancient engineering.
Q53. hard
The overall significance of the early medieval age for South India was:
Answer: A — The flowering of Dravidian temple architecture, bronze art, maritime trade, Bhakti devotion, and sophisticated local self-government
Under the Pallavas, Cholas and others, South India saw a cultural golden age: magnificent Dravidian temples, world-class Chola bronzes, powerful maritime trade and naval reach, the Bhakti movement, and remarkably developed village self-government.
Q55. hard
Which of the following correctly matches philosopher with philosophy?
Answer: A — Shankara - Advaita (non-dualism); Ramanuja - Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism); Madhva - Dvaita (dualism)
The three great Vedanta schools are: Shankara's Advaita (the soul and Brahman are one), Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism, God with attributes), and Madhva's Dvaita (soul and God are eternally distinct) - foundational to Hindu philosophy.
Q57. hard
Which statement about the Rajputs is correct?
Answer: A — They were brave warriors but their mutual rivalries and lack of unity contributed to their defeat by the Turks
The Rajputs were renowned for valour, chivalry and their code of honour, and built splendid forts and temples. However, their constant internecine warfare and failure to unite against a common enemy hastened their defeat by the more organised Turkish forces.
Q59. hard
Which observation best summarises the ancient-to-early-medieval span of Indian history covered in this course?
Answer: A — From Stone Age tools to the Harappan cities, Vedic culture, great empires (Maurya, Gupta), and rich regional kingdoms - a continuous evolution of Indian civilization over millennia
Ancient and early medieval India witnessed a remarkable, continuous evolution: from prehistoric tools and the Harappan cities, through the Vedic age and the rise of Buddhism/Jainism, to the great Maurya and Gupta empires and the vibrant regional kingdoms - laying the enduring foundations of Indian civilization.
Q61. hard
The Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built which famous temple at Kanchipuram?
Answer: A — The Kailasanatha Temple
Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built the Kailasanatha Temple and the Vaikunta Perumal Temple at Kanchipuram - among the earliest structural stone temples of the Pallavas, marking the shift from rock-cut to structural architecture.
Q63. hard
The Chola village assembly system had two main types of assemblies: the 'Ur' (for ordinary villages) and the 'Sabha' (for Brahmadeya villages). A third, for merchant towns, was the:
Answer: A — Nagaram
The Chola local assemblies were the Ur (general village assembly), the Sabha/Mahasabha (of Brahmadeya villages, with elected committees), and the Nagaram (assembly of merchant/trading towns). Above villages were larger units like the Nadu and Mandalam.
Q65. hard
Atisha Dipankara, the great scholar from Vikramashila who spread Buddhism, travelled to which country?
Answer: A — Tibet
Atisha Dipankara Srijnana, a renowned scholar of Vikramashila University, travelled to Tibet in the 11th century and played a major role in reviving and reforming Tibetan Buddhism.
Q67. hard
The philosopher Madhvacharya, who founded the Dvaita (dualist) school, was based in which region?
Answer: A — Karnataka (Udupi)
Madhvacharya (13th century CE), founder of the Dvaita (dualist) Vedanta school, was based at Udupi in Karnataka. He taught that the individual soul and God (Vishnu) are eternally distinct, strongly influencing Vaishnava devotion.
Q69. hard
The extensive land grants and the rise of self-sufficient village economies in the early medieval period led some historians to describe the era as one of:
Answer: A — 'Indian feudalism' with a decline of trade and towns (a debated thesis)
Historians like R. S. Sharma argued that the proliferation of land grants, decline of long-distance trade and de-urbanisation created an 'Indian feudalism' of self-sufficient villages and landed intermediaries. This thesis is debated, with others pointing to continued trade and towns.