SECTION A – Deccan Kingdoms (1 – 20)
-
The founder of the Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi was –
(A) Pulakesin I (B) Mayurasarman (C) Dantidurga (D) Tailapa II
Answer: (B) Mayurasarman
Explanation: Mayurasarman founded the Kadamba dynasty in the 4th century CE, one of the earliest Kannada dynasties. -
The capital of the Western Chalukyas of Badami was –
(A) Kalyani (B) Vatapi (C) Banavasi (D) Pattadakal
Answer: (B) Vatapi
Explanation: Vatapi (modern Badami) was the capital of the Chalukyas, famous for rock-cut temples at Aihole and Pattadakal. -
Pulakesin II defeated –
(A) Harshavardhana (B) Rajendra Chola (C) Mahmud of Ghazni (D) Dharmapala
Answer: (A) Harshavardhana
Explanation: Pulakesin II’s Aihole inscription records his victory over Harsha near the Narmada River. -
The founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was –
(A) Krishna I (B) Amoghavarsha I (C) Dantidurga (D) Govinda III
Answer: (C) Dantidurga
Explanation: Dantidurga defeated the Chalukyas and founded Rashtrakuta rule in the Deccan. -
The Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora was built by –
(A) Amoghavarsha I (B) Krishna I (C) Narasimhavarman II (D) Rajaraja I
Answer: (B) Krishna I
Explanation: Krishna I constructed the magnificent rock-cut Kailasanatha temple at Ellora. -
The famous Kakatiya queen who ruled Warangal was –
(A) Rudrama Devi (B) Rani Durgavati (C) Rani Lakshmi Bai (D) Rani Chennamma
Answer: (A) Rudrama Devi
Explanation: Rudrama Devi (13th century) ruled Warangal and promoted irrigation and administration. -
The Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid represent the –
(A) Dravida (B) Vesara (C) Nagara (D) Indo-Islamic style
Answer: (B) Vesara
Explanation: Hoysala temples are fine examples of Vesara (mixed) style of architecture. -
‘Kavirajamarga’ was written during the reign of –
(A) Krishna I (B) Amoghavarsha I (C) Dantidurga (D) Govinda III
Answer: (B) Amoghavarsha I
Explanation: It is the earliest work in Kannada literature written during Amoghavarsha’s rule. -
The capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas was –
(A) Badami (B) Kalyani (C) Aihole (D) Vengi
Answer: (B) Kalyani
Explanation: Kalyani (Basavakalyan) was their capital in the 10th–12th centuries. -
The founder of the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri was –
(A) Bhillama V (B) Singhana (C) Dantidurga (D) Pulakesin II
Answer: (A) Bhillama V
Explanation: Bhillama V established the Yadava kingdom at Devagiri (Daulatabad). -
Govinda III assumed the title –
(A) Prithvivallabha (B) Vikramaditya (C) Maharajadhiraja (D) Chakravartin
Answer: (A) Prithvivallabha
Explanation: Govinda III expanded Rashtrakuta power and took this title after northern conquests. -
The Later Chalukyas are also known as –
(A) Kalyani Chalukyas (B) Solankis (C) Eastern Chalukyas (D) Kalachuris
Answer: (A) Kalyani Chalukyas
Explanation: They were named after their capital Kalyani. -
The Rashtrakuta inscriptions were mostly in –
(A) Kannada (B) Sanskrit (C) Prakrit (D) Tamil
Answer: (A) Kannada
Explanation: Kannada was the official and literary language of the Rashtrakutas. -
The Hoysalas were originally feudatories of –
(A) Cholas (B) Rashtrakutas (C) Western Chalukyas (D) Pallavas
Answer: (C) Western Chalukyas
Explanation: They served the Chalukyas before rising to independence. -
Rani Rudrama Devi ruled the kingdom of –
(A) Kakatiyas (B) Hoysalas (C) Pallavas (D) Yadavas
Answer: (A) Kakatiyas
Explanation: She ruled the Kakatiya dynasty from Warangal. -
The greatest Hoysala ruler who defeated the Cholas was –
(A) Ballala II (B) Vishnuvardhana (C) Bhillama V (D) Tailapa II
Answer: (B) Vishnuvardhana
Explanation: Vishnuvardhana expanded the Hoysala kingdom and built temples at Belur and Halebid. -
The Eastern Chalukyas ruled which region?
(A) Andhra (B) Karnataka (C) Tamil Nadu (D) Kerala
Answer: (A) Andhra
Explanation: Their capital was Vengi in Andhra Pradesh. -
The Vesara style of architecture developed mainly under –
(A) Cholas (B) Rashtrakutas (C) Hoysalas (D) Pallavas
Answer: (C) Hoysalas
Explanation: Vesara, a blend of Nagara and Dravida, was perfected by Hoysalas. -
The Kakatiya king famous for irrigation development was –
(A) Rudradeva (B) Ganapatideva (C) Bhaskaravarman (D) Tailapa II
Answer: (B) Ganapatideva
Explanation: He built large tanks for irrigation in Telangana. -
The Yadava dynasty was defeated by –
(A) Rajaraja Chola (B) Harsha (C) Alauddin Khalji (D) Mahmud of Ghazni
Answer: (C) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation: Alauddin Khalji captured Devagiri in 1296 CE, ending Yadava rule.
🌴 SECTION B – South Indian Kingdoms (21 – 40)
-
The founder of the Chola dynasty was –
(A) Vijayalaya (B) Rajaraja I (C) Rajendra I (D) Karikala
Answer: (A) Vijayalaya
Explanation: Vijayalaya established the Chola rule in Thanjavur in the 9th century CE. -
The capital of the Pallavas was –
(A) Madurai (B) Kanchipuram (C) Thanjavur (D) Ujjain
Answer: (B) Kanchipuram
Explanation: Kanchipuram served as their capital and cultural center. -
The Pallava ruler who built the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram was –
(A) Narasimhavarman I (B) Mahendravarman I (C) Nandivarman II (D) Aparajita
Answer: (A) Narasimhavarman I
Explanation: Also called Mamalla; he built rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram. -
The Chola king who built the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur was –
(A) Rajendra I (B) Rajaraja I (C) Vijayalaya (D) Aditya I
Answer: (B) Rajaraja I
Explanation: The Brihadeshwara Temple (UNESCO site) was built around 1010 CE. -
Rajaraja I’s son who conquered Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia was –
(A) Rajendra I (B) Aditya II (C) Vijayalaya (D) Kulottunga I
Answer: (A) Rajendra I
Explanation: He led naval expeditions to Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula. -
The Cholas maintained strong trade relations with –
(A) China and Southeast Asia (B) Persia (C) Rome (D) Africa
Answer: (A) China and Southeast Asia
Explanation: Cholas sent embassies to China and traded through the Bay of Bengal. -
The Cheras ruled mainly in –
(A) Kerala (B) Karnataka (C) Andhra (D) Bengal
Answer: (A) Kerala
Explanation: Cheras controlled the spice trade along the Malabar coast. -
The Pandya capital was –
(A) Kanchipuram (B) Thanjavur (C) Madurai (D) Uraiyur
Answer: (C) Madurai
Explanation: Madurai was the political and cultural capital of the Pandyas. -
Kulasekhara Alvar was a ruler of the –
(A) Cheras (B) Cholas (C) Pallavas (D) Pandyas
Answer: (A) Cheras
Explanation: He was both a Chera king and one of the Tamil Bhakti saints. -
The Cholas followed which architectural style?
(A) Nagara (B) Dravida (C) Vesara (D) Indo-Islamic
Answer: (B) Dravida
Explanation: Chola temples like Brihadeshwara show typical Dravida architecture. -
The main source of Chola administration is –
(A) Inscriptions (B) Buddhist texts (C) Arthashastra (D) Travelogues
Answer: (A) Inscriptions
Explanation: Chola inscriptions detail land, taxes, and village governance. -
The village assemblies under Cholas were called –
(A) Sabha and Ur (B) Ganas (C) Mahajanas (D) Vidhatas
Answer: (A) Sabha and Ur
Explanation: ‘Sabha’ managed Brahmin villages; ‘Ur’ was for non-Brahmin settlements. -
The naval base of the Cholas was located at –
(A) Nagapattinam (B) Tamralipti (C) Calicut (D) Kalyani
Answer: (A) Nagapattinam
Explanation: Nagapattinam was a major port and naval base for overseas expeditions. -
The Pandyas were famous for –
(A) Pearl and maritime trade (B) Silk production (C) Gold mining (D) Cattle farming
Answer: (A) Pearl and maritime trade
Explanation: Pandya coast was known for pearls and sea trade. -
Which dynasty revived Tamil Sangam literature?
(A) Pandyas (B) Pallavas (C) Cholas (D) Cheras
Answer: (A) Pandyas
Explanation: The Pandyas patronized the later Sangam age and Tamil learning. -
Rajaraja I built which famous temple?
(A) Kailasanatha (B) Brihadeshwara (C) Shore Temple (D) Airavatesvara
Answer: (B) Brihadeshwara
Explanation: A masterpiece of Chola Dravidian architecture at Thanjavur. -
Rajendra I built a new capital called –
(A) Gangaikonda Cholapuram (B) Kanchipuram (C) Madurai (D) Tanjore
Answer: (A) Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Explanation: Built after his victorious northern expedition; means “City of the Ganga Conqueror.” -
The Pallava art is best represented by the temples at –
(A) Mahabalipuram (B) Ellora (C) Badami (D) Halebid
Answer: (A) Mahabalipuram
Explanation: Pallava art reached its zenith in rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram. -
The Pandya dynasty reached its height under –
(A) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya (B) Kulasekhara (C) Rajasimha (D) Nandivarman
Answer: (A) Jatavarman Sundara Pandya
Explanation: He expanded Pandya power and patronized religion and trade. -
Which South Indian dynasty maintained close links with Sri Lanka?
(A) Cholas (B) Pallavas (C) Cheras (D) Pandyas
Answer: (A) Cholas
Explanation: Cholas conquered Sri Lanka under Rajendra I and Rajaraja I.
SECTION C – Eastern Indian Kingdoms (41 – 60)
-
The founder of the Pala dynasty of Bengal was –
(A) Dharmapala (B) Gopala (C) Devapala (D) Mahipala
Answer: (B) Gopala
Explanation: Gopala was elected by local chiefs around 750 CE; he established the Pala dynasty in Bengal.
-
The Palas were great patrons of –
(A) Buddhism (B) Jainism (C) Shaivism (D) Vaishnavism
Answer: (A) Buddhism
Explanation: The Palas patronized Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism; they supported Nalanda and Vikramashila universities.
-
The Pala ruler who founded the Vikramashila University was –
(A) Gopala (B) Dharmapala (C) Devapala (D) Mahipala
Answer: (B) Dharmapala
Explanation: Dharmapala established Vikramashila as a major center of Buddhist learning.
-
Devapala, a famous Pala ruler, was known for –
(A) Defeating the Pratiharas (B) Promoting Shaivism (C) Invading Tibet and Assam (D) Building the Kailasanatha temple
Answer: (C) Invading Tibet and Assam
Explanation: Devapala expanded the Pala Empire into Assam, Nepal, and parts of Orissa.
-
The last important Pala ruler was –
(A) Gopala II (B) Devapala (C) Mahipala I (D) Dharmapala
Answer: (C) Mahipala I
Explanation: Mahipala I restored Pala power temporarily in the 11th century.
-
The Pala Empire was followed by the –
(A) Sena dynasty (B) Pratiharas (C) Cholas (D) Rashtrakutas
Answer: (A) Sena dynasty
Explanation: The Senas replaced the Palas in Bengal during the 11th century CE.
-
The founder of the Sena dynasty was –
(A) Samantasena (B) Ballalasena (C) Lakshmanasena (D) Hemantasena
Answer: (A) Samantasena
Explanation: Samantasena, a Brahmin, founded the Sena dynasty; his descendants ruled Bengal till 1204 CE.
-
The Sena ruler who introduced the Kulin system among Brahmins was –
(A) Ballalasena (B) Lakshmanasena (C) Samantasena (D) Dharmapala
Answer: (A) Ballalasena
Explanation: Ballalasena reformed Brahmin social order by introducing the Kulin hierarchy.
-
The last Sena ruler defeated by Bakhtiyar Khalji was –
(A) Ballalasena (B) Lakshmanasena (C) Hemantasena (D) Gopala III
Answer: (B) Lakshmanasena
Explanation: In 1203 CE, Bakhtiyar Khalji captured Nadia, ending Sena rule.
-
The Palas ruled over –
(A) Bengal and Bihar (B) Assam (C) Gujarat (D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (A) Bengal and Bihar
Explanation: Their empire covered eastern India including Bengal, Bihar, and parts of Odisha.
-
The Senas were followers of –
(A) Shaivism (B) Vaishnavism (C) Buddhism (D) Jainism
Answer: (B) Vaishnavism
Explanation: The Senas revived Brahmanical Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavism, in Bengal.
-
The capital of the Sena dynasty was –
(A) Gauda (B) Tamralipti (C) Kamarupa (D) Ujjain
Answer: (A) Gauda
Explanation: Gauda (modern Bengal region) served as their main capital.
-
Which Pala ruler sent an envoy to the Chinese emperor?
(A) Dharmapala (B) Devapala (C) Mahipala (D) Gopala
Answer: (B) Devapala
Explanation: Records mention his embassy to China, showing active foreign relations.
-
The Palas supported which form of Buddhism?
(A) Hinayana (B) Mahayana and Vajrayana (C) Theravada (D) Zen
Answer: (B) Mahayana and Vajrayana
Explanation: Pala art and monasteries were centers of these two Buddhist traditions.
-
Bhaskaravarman was the ruler of –
(A) Kamarupa (Assam) (B) Bengal (C) Odisha (D) Tripura
Answer: (A) Kamarupa (Assam)
Explanation: Bhaskaravarman ruled Assam and allied with Harshavardhana.
-
The capital of Bhaskaravarman was –
(A) Pragjyotishpur (B) Vallabhi (C) Kanchi (D) Pataliputra
Answer: (A) Pragjyotishpur
Explanation: Modern Guwahati; it was the capital of ancient Kamarupa.
-
Bhaskaravarman’s contemporary in north India was –
(A) Harshavardhana (B) Pulakesin II (C) Dharmapala (D) Rajaraja I
Answer: (A) Harshavardhana
Explanation: He was Harsha’s ally and supported cultural exchanges with north India.
-
The Bhaumakaras ruled in –
(A) Odisha (B) Bengal (C) Assam (D) Gujarat
Answer: (A) Odisha
Explanation: Bhaumakaras ruled coastal Odisha and patronized Buddhism and temple architecture.
-
The Somavamsis ruled mainly in –
(A) Odisha (B) Bihar (C) Assam (D) Bengal
Answer: (A) Odisha
Explanation: They succeeded the Bhaumakaras and built temples at Bhubaneswar and Puri.
-
The Bhaumakaras were patrons of –
(A) Buddhism (B) Shaivism (C) Jainism (D) Vaishnavism
Answer: (A) Buddhism
Explanation: They supported Buddhist viharas and art in Odisha.
🌄 SECTION D – Western Indian Kingdoms (61 – 80)
-
The Maitrakas ruled over –
(A) Gujarat (B) Bengal (C) Tamil Nadu (D) Assam
Answer: (A) Gujarat
Explanation: The Maitrakas ruled Saurashtra and Kathiawar regions after the Guptas.
-
The capital of the Maitrakas was –
(A) Vallabhi (B) Kalyani (C) Ujjain (D) Patan
Answer: (A) Vallabhi
Explanation: Vallabhi was a great educational center like Nalanda.
-
The Vallabhi University was famous for –
(A) Buddhist learning (B) Military training (C) Mathematics (D) Astronomy
Answer: (A) Buddhist learning
Explanation: It was a renowned Buddhist university in western India.
-
The Maitraka dynasty declined due to –
(A) Arab invasions (B) Chola attack (C) Pala invasion (D) Internal revolt
Answer: (A) Arab invasions
Explanation: Arab raids in the 8th century weakened Maitraka rule.
-
The Solanki rulers of Gujarat are also known as –
(A) Chalukyas of Gujarat (B) Kalyani Chalukyas (C) Paramaras (D) Kalachuris
Answer: (A) Chalukyas of Gujarat
Explanation: Solankis belonged to the Chalukya lineage ruling Gujarat.
-
The capital of the Solankis was –
(A) Anahilapataka (Patan) (B) Vallabhi (C) Dhar (D) Kannauj
Answer: (A) Anahilapataka (Patan)
Explanation: Patan was the capital of Solanki kings.
-
The famous Solanki king who built the Sun Temple at Modhera was –
(A) Bhima I (B) Kumarapala (C) Siddharaja Jayasimha (D) Muladeva
Answer: (A) Bhima I
Explanation: The Sun Temple at Modhera is his most famous construction.
-
Kumarapala, a Solanki ruler, adopted –
(A) Jainism (B) Buddhism (C) Shaivism (D) Islam
Answer: (A) Jainism
Explanation: He became a follower of Jain teacher Hemachandra.
-
The Solanki period is known for –
(A) Temple architecture (B) Greek art (C) Maritime warfare (D) Stepwells only
Answer: (A) Temple architecture
Explanation: The Solankis built ornate temples and stepwells in Gujarat.
-
The famous stepwell ‘Rani ki Vav’ was built at –
(A) Patan (B) Vallabhi (C) Bhubaneshwar (D) Halebid
Answer: (A) Patan
Explanation: Built by Queen Udayamati, wife of Bhima I; a UNESCO heritage site.
-
The Vallabhi University was contemporary of –
(A) Nalanda (B) Takshashila (C) Vikramashila (D) Odantapuri
Answer: (A) Nalanda
Explanation: Vallabhi and Nalanda flourished around the 7th century CE.
-
The Solankis were overthrown by –
(A) Qutbuddin Aibak (B) Alauddin Khalji (C) Muhammad Ghori (D) Mahmud Ghazni
Answer: (C) Muhammad Ghori
Explanation: Muhammad Ghori defeated the last Solanki ruler in the late 12th century.
-
Which Solanki ruler built a vast reservoir near Patan?
(A) Siddharaja Jayasimha (B) Bhima I (C) Kumarapala (D) Muladeva
Answer: (A) Siddharaja Jayasimha
Explanation: He constructed the Sahasralinga Talav (a large tank) near Patan.
-
The Maitrakas were originally feudatories of the –
(A) Guptas (B) Rashtrakutas (C) Cholas (D) Kalachuris
Answer: (A) Guptas
Explanation: They declared independence after Gupta decline.
-
The Solankis are best known for their contribution to –
(A) Architecture (B) Science (C) Trade (D) Literature
Answer: (A) Architecture
Explanation: Solanki architecture combined beauty and structural precision.
-
The rulers of Vallabhi were great patrons of –
(A) Buddhism (B) Jainism (C) Vaishnavism (D) Shaivism
Answer: (A) Buddhism
Explanation: Vallabhi was a noted Buddhist center.
-
The famous literary scholar Hemachandra lived under –
(A) Kumarapala (B) Harsha (C) Dharmapala (D) Bhoja
Answer: (A) Kumarapala
Explanation: Hemachandra was a Jain scholar and philosopher under Kumarapala’s patronage.
-
The Solanki kingdom flourished during which centuries?
(A) 10th–13th (B) 6th–8th (C) 8th–9th (D) 13th–15th
Answer: (A) 10th–13th
Explanation: Solanki rule lasted from around 940 CE to 1240 CE.
-
Which city in Gujarat became famous for its stepwell architecture?
(A) Patan (B) Somnath (C) Junagarh (D) Vallabhi
Answer: (A) Patan
Explanation: Patan (Anahilapataka) was the Solanki capital known for stepwells.
-
Who destroyed the Somnath Temple first in 1025 CE?
(A) Mahmud of Ghazni (B) Muhammad Ghori (C) Qutbuddin Aibak (D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: (A) Mahmud of Ghazni
Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni’s 17th invasion targeted the Somnath temple for its wealth.
SECTION E – Northern Indian Kingdoms (81 – 100)
-
The founder of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was –
(A) Nagabhata I (B) Bhoja (C) Mihira Bhoja (D) Ramabhadra
Answer: (A) Nagabhata I
Explanation: Nagabhata I established the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty in western India around 730 CE.
-
The capital of the Gurjara-Pratiharas was –
(A) Kannauj (B) Dhar (C) Ujjain (D) Tripuri
Answer: (A) Kannauj
Explanation: Kannauj became the imperial capital of the Pratiharas during the Tripartite struggle.
-
The most famous Pratihara ruler was –
(A) Mihira Bhoja (B) Nagabhata II (C) Mahipala (D) Govindachandra
Answer: (A) Mihira Bhoja
Explanation: Mihira Bhoja (836–885 CE) expanded the empire and took the title Adivaraha (incarnation of Vishnu).
-
The Tripartite struggle for Kannauj was among –
(A) Palas, Rashtrakutas, and Pratiharas (B) Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras (C) Hoysalas, Yadavas, and Kakatiyas (D) Kalachuris, Solankis, and Paramaras
Answer: (A) Palas, Rashtrakutas, and Pratiharas
Explanation: These three powers competed for supremacy over north India and Kannauj.
-
The Pratihara king who repelled Arab invasions in Rajasthan was –
(A) Nagabhata I (B) Mihira Bhoja (C) Dharmapala (D) Devapala
Answer: (A) Nagabhata I
Explanation: He defeated Arab forces from Sindh and stopped their expansion into India.
-
The Gurjara-Pratiharas were patrons of –
(A) Vaishnavism (B) Jainism (C) Buddhism (D) Shaivism
Answer: (A) Vaishnavism
Explanation: They followed Vaishnavism but were tolerant of other faiths.
-
The Pratihara empire declined due to –
(A) Rashtrakuta invasions (B) Chola invasions (C) Ghurid invasion (D) Mongol attack
Answer: (A) Rashtrakuta invasions
Explanation: Continuous wars with the Rashtrakutas weakened the Pratihara empire.
-
The Paramaras ruled over –
(A) Malwa (B) Bengal (C) Orissa (D) Gujarat
Answer: (A) Malwa
Explanation: Their capital was Dhar; the most famous ruler was King Bhoja.
-
King Bhoja of the Paramaras was famous as –
(A) A scholar and patron of learning (B) A conqueror (C) A saint (D) A trader
Answer: (A) A scholar and patron of learning
Explanation: Bhoja authored Samarangana Sutradhara and patronized Sanskrit learning.
-
The capital of the Paramaras was –
(A) Dhar (B) Kannauj (C) Tripuri (D) Anahilapataka
Answer: (A) Dhar
Explanation: Dhar in Malwa was the capital and cultural center of the Paramaras.
-
The Kalachuris ruled from –
(A) Tripuri (Jabalpur) (B) Dhar (C) Kannauj (D) Vallabhi
Answer: (A) Tripuri (Jabalpur)
Explanation: The Kalachuris, also called Chedis, ruled central India with their capital at Tripuri.
-
The Kalachuris were feudatories of the –
(A) Rashtrakutas (B) Cholas (C) Pratiharas (D) Palas
Answer: (A) Rashtrakutas
Explanation: They served under Rashtrakutas before becoming independent.
-
The Gahadavalas ruled over –
(A) Kannauj and Varanasi (B) Gujarat (C) Odisha (D) Bengal
Answer: (A) Kannauj and Varanasi
Explanation: The Gahadavalas controlled the eastern Ganga plain region.
-
The most powerful Gahadavala ruler was –
(A) Govindachandra (B) Jayachandra (C) Chandradeva (D) Nagabhata
Answer: (A) Govindachandra
Explanation: Govindachandra consolidated Gahadavala power and resisted Muslim invasions.
-
Jayachandra, the Gahadavala ruler, was defeated by –
(A) Muhammad Ghori (B) Mahmud of Ghazni (C) Alauddin Khalji (D) Qutbuddin Aibak
Answer: (A) Muhammad Ghori
Explanation: Jayachandra was defeated and killed in the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE).
-
The Gurjara-Pratiharas were contemporaries of –
(A) Palas and Rashtrakutas (B) Cholas and Pandyas (C) Hoysalas (D) Satavahanas
Answer: (A) Palas and Rashtrakutas
Explanation: These three dynasties dominated the early medieval political scene.
-
King Bhoja’s famous book on architecture is –
(A) Samarangana Sutradhara (B) Arthashastra (C) Manasollasa (D) Rajatarangini
Answer: (A) Samarangana Sutradhara
Explanation: Written by Bhoja, it deals with architecture, sculpture, and town planning.
-
The Paramaras were overthrown by –
(A) Delhi Sultanate (B) Rashtrakutas (C) Chalukyas (D) Kalachuris
Answer: (A) Delhi Sultanate
Explanation: The Paramaras declined after Muslim invasions in the early 14th century.
-
Which northern dynasty played a major role in the Tripartite struggle?
(A) Gurjara-Pratiharas (B) Gahadavalas (C) Paramaras (D) Solankis
Answer: (A) Gurjara-Pratiharas
Explanation: They fought the Palas and Rashtrakutas for control of Kannauj.
-
The Gahadavalas are remembered for –
(A) Promoting Hindu religion and learning (B) Sea trade (C) Buddhist patronage (D) Jain philosophy
Answer: (A) Promoting Hindu religion and learning
Explanation: They were staunch Hindus and patrons of temples and Sanskrit scholars.
SECTION F – Economy, Administration, and Polity (101 – 120)
-
The early medieval Indian polity is generally characterized by –
(A) Centralization of power
(B) Decentralization and regionalism
(C) Republican system
(D) Absence of monarchies
Answer: (B) Decentralization and regionalism
Explanation: After the Guptas, power became fragmented and local chiefs (Samantas) gained autonomy.
-
The term ‘Samanta’ in early medieval India referred to –
(A) Village headman
(B) Feudatory chiefs
(C) Traders
(D) Soldiers
Answer: (B) Feudatory chiefs
Explanation: Samantas were local rulers who accepted the king’s suzerainty in exchange for land and privileges.
-
Which of the following was a key feature of the early medieval administration?
(A) Bureaucratic centralization
(B) Hereditary offices
(C) Frequent elections
(D) No taxation
Answer: (B) Hereditary offices
Explanation: Administrative and military positions often became hereditary under feudal conditions.
-
Legitimation of kingship was ensured mainly through –
(A) Religious rituals and temple donations
(B) Elections
(C) Trade guilds
(D) People’s assemblies
Answer: (A) Religious rituals and temple donations
Explanation: Kings legitimized their rule through yajnas, inscriptions, and temple patronage.
-
The ‘agrahara’ grant referred to –
(A) Land given to Brahmins
(B) Land leased to peasants
(C) Tax-free market town
(D) Pastoral land
Answer: (A) Land given to Brahmins
Explanation: Agraharas were tax-free villages granted to Brahmins for religious and educational purposes.
-
The economy of early medieval India was primarily –
(A) Urban industrial
(B) Agricultural and rural
(C) Maritime-based
(D) Hunting-based
Answer: (B) Agricultural and rural
Explanation: The majority of the population was engaged in agriculture under feudal relations.
-
The term ‘Bali-Kara-Bhoga’ in inscriptions refers to –
(A) Three types of taxes
(B) Temple donations
(C) Religious gifts
(D) Military levies
Answer: (A) Three types of taxes
Explanation: Bali (tribute), Kara (tax), Bhoga (produce share) were common forms of revenue.
-
Feudalism in early medieval India was based on –
(A) Land grants and personal allegiance
(B) Free trade and democracy
(C) Industrial production
(D) Foreign investment
Answer: (A) Land grants and personal allegiance
Explanation: Feudal relations developed as rulers granted land to officials and samantas in return for loyalty and service.
-
The ‘donee’ in a land grant inscription was usually –
(A) A Brahmin or temple
(B) A soldier
(C) A trader
(D) A farmer
Answer: (A) A Brahmin or temple
Explanation: Land was gifted mainly to Brahmins and temples to gain religious merit.
-
The principal unit of local administration was –
(A) Village (Grama)
(B) District
(C) Empire
(D) Mandala
Answer: (A) Village (Grama)
Explanation: The village formed the basic unit of administration, both in revenue and judicial matters.
-
Water resources in early medieval India were mainly managed by –
(A) Local communities and kings jointly
(B) British officers
(C) Feudal lords alone
(D) Buddhist monks
Answer: (A) Local communities and kings jointly
Explanation: Tank irrigation and canals were often built by rulers but maintained by local people.
-
Coins during this period were mostly made of –
(A) Gold, silver, and copper
(B) Bronze only
(C) Iron
(D) Tin
Answer: (A) Gold, silver, and copper
Explanation: Different metals were used regionally, though gold coins declined in circulation.
-
Which dynasty issued gold coins called ‘Dinara’?
(A) Guptas (B) Cholas (C) Hoysalas (D) Pandyas
Answer: (A) Guptas
Explanation: The Guptas continued the Kushana tradition of gold coins called Dinaras; later, silver and copper dominated.
-
The term ‘Bhukti’ in inscriptions meant –
(A) District or administrative division
(B) Religious endowment
(C) Market center
(D) Port town
Answer: (A) District or administrative division
Explanation: A Bhukti was a territorial division under a governor or vishayapati.
-
The Cholas are known for their efficient system of –
(A) Village self-government
(B) Military rule
(C) Centralized taxation
(D) Maritime restrictions
Answer: (A) Village self-government
Explanation: Chola inscriptions show autonomous village assemblies (Sabha, Ur) managing local affairs.
-
Temple wealth during this period mainly came from –
(A) Land endowments and donations
(B) Foreign loans
(C) Slave labor
(D) Mining revenues
Answer: (A) Land endowments and donations
Explanation: Temples received lands and taxes from kings and devotees; they became economic centers.
-
Trade guilds such as ‘Manigramam’ and ‘Ayyavole 500’ were active in –
(A) South India
(B) North India
(C) Western India only
(D) Assam
Answer: (A) South India
Explanation: These merchant guilds traded across South and Southeast Asia.
-
Ports like Nagapattinam and Tamralipti were famous for –
(A) Overseas trade with Southeast Asia
(B) Military fortifications
(C) Shipbuilding only
(D) Religious pilgrimages
Answer: (A) Overseas trade with Southeast Asia
Explanation: Indian goods like spices, textiles, and ivory were exported to Sri Lanka and Java.
-
The famous trade route connecting north and south India was –
(A) Dakshinapatha
(B) Uttarapatha
(C) Silk Route
(D) Aryavarta Patha
Answer: (A) Dakshinapatha
Explanation: Dakshinapatha connected northern markets with peninsular ports.
-
Temple-centered urbanization refers to –
(A) Growth of towns around major temples
(B) Rural self-sufficiency
(C) City-states like Athens
(D) Military cantonments
Answer: (A) Growth of towns around major temples
Explanation: Temples became focal points of economy and social life, attracting artisans and merchants.
SECTION G – Religion, Society, and Culture (121 – 140)
-
The dominant religions of early medieval India were –
(A) Vaisnavism and Saivism
(B) Buddhism and Jainism
(C) Islam and Christianity
(D) Judaism and Zoroastrianism
Answer: (A) Vaisnavism and Saivism
Explanation: Brahminical Hinduism revived with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva across regions.
-
The temple became a center of –
(A) Religious, social, and economic life
(B) Only worship
(C) Military training
(D) Political rebellion
Answer: (A) Religious, social, and economic life
Explanation: Temples functioned as banks, employers, and educational institutions besides being religious places.
-
The Nagara style of temple architecture developed mainly in –
(A) North India
(B) South India
(C) Deccan
(D) Sri Lanka
Answer: (A) North India
Explanation: The Nagara style features curvilinear towers (Shikharas) like those at Khajuraho.
-
The Dravida style of temples developed in –
(A) South India
(B) North India
(C) Gujarat
(D) Bengal
Answer: (A) South India
Explanation: Dravida temples have pyramidal towers (Vimanas), e.g., Brihadeshwara Temple.
-
The Vesara style is a blend of –
(A) Nagara and Dravida styles
(B) Greek and Persian styles
(C) Buddhist and Jain styles
(D) Indian and Islamic styles
Answer: (A) Nagara and Dravida styles
Explanation: The Vesara style evolved in the Deccan under the Chalukyas and Hoysalas.
-
The Bhakti movement in South India was led by –
(A) Nayanars and Alvars
(B) Kabir and Nanak
(C) Shankaracharya and Ramanuja
(D) Buddha and Mahavira
Answer: (A) Nayanars and Alvars
Explanation: Nayanars (Shaivite saints) and Alvars (Vaishnavite saints) preached emotional devotion.
-
The Bhakti movement emphasized –
(A) Personal devotion over ritualism
(B) Vedic sacrifices
(C) Ascetic life only
(D) Rational philosophy
Answer: (A) Personal devotion over ritualism
Explanation: Bhakti saints rejected caste and priestly rituals, emphasizing love and surrender to God.
-
The philosopher who propounded Advaita (non-dualism) was –
(A) Shankaracharya
(B) Ramanujacharya
(C) Madhavacharya
(D) Vallabhacharya
Answer: (A) Shankaracharya
Explanation: Shankara taught monism—Brahman and Atman are identical.
-
Ramanujacharya was the proponent of –
(A) Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism)
(B) Dvaita
(C) Advaita
(D) Sunyavada
Answer: (A) Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism)
Explanation: Ramanuja emphasized a personal God and devotional surrender.
-
Madhavacharya’s philosophy is known as –
(A) Dvaita (dualism)
(B) Advaita
(C) Vishishtadvaita
(D) Charvaka
Answer: (A) Dvaita (dualism)
Explanation: He taught that God and the soul are eternally distinct.
-
The Tamil Bhakti saints belonged mainly to –
(A) 6th–9th centuries CE
(B) 1st century BCE
(C) 12th–14th centuries CE
(D) Gupta period
Answer: (A) 6th–9th centuries CE
Explanation: The Bhakti movement started in Tamil Nadu during this time under Pallava rule.
-
Temples served as centers for –
(A) Learning and record keeping
(B) Political conspiracies
(C) Foreign missions
(D) None of these
Answer: (A) Learning and record keeping
Explanation: Temple complexes kept land records, inscriptions, and served as schools and libraries.
-
The concept of Dana in this period meant –
(A) Charity and gift giving
(B) Tax collection
(C) Wage payment
(D) War donation
Answer: (A) Charity and gift giving
Explanation: Dana became a religious act, especially land and wealth donations to Brahmins or temples.
-
The concept of Tirtha referred to –
(A) Pilgrimage
(B) Holy war
(C) Land tax
(D) Feudal title
Answer: (A) Pilgrimage
Explanation: Visiting sacred places became an important religious duty.
-
Untouchability during this period –
(A) Became more rigid
(B) Declined completely
(C) Was not practiced
(D) Was abolished by law
Answer: (A) Became more rigid
Explanation: The Varna system became more hierarchical and caste boundaries solidified.
-
Women in early medieval India –
(A) Had limited property rights
(B) Ruled independently in many cases
(C) Enjoyed absolute freedom
(D) Could not own land at all
Answer: (A) Had limited property rights
Explanation: Women had rights to stridhan (personal property), though inheritance was male-dominated.
-
A notable woman ruler of this period was –
(A) Rani Rudrama Devi (B) Razia Sultan (C) Ahilyabai Holkar (D) Nur Jahan
Answer: (A) Rani Rudrama Devi
Explanation: She ruled the Kakatiya kingdom of Warangal effectively in the 13th century.
-
Education in this period was mainly imparted in –
(A) Agraharas, Mathas, and Mahaviharas
(B) Modern universities
(C) Military schools
(D) Palace courts only
Answer: (A) Agraharas, Mathas, and Mahaviharas
Explanation: Brahmin and Buddhist institutions became major educational centers.
-
Nalanda and Vikramashila were centers of –
(A) Buddhist learning
(B) Vedic rituals
(C) Jain education
(D) Muslim theology
Answer: (A) Buddhist learning
Explanation: Both were world-renowned universities supported by the Palas.
-
Regional languages that developed during this period include –
(A) Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi
(B) Greek and Latin
(C) Sanskrit only
(D) Persian and Arabic
Answer: (A) Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi
Explanation: Regional kingdoms promoted local languages and literatures alongside Sanskrit.