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Tag: Unit III: Emergence of Regional Kingdoms (600–1200 CE)

  • UGC NET History Unit-3 Emergence of Regional Kingdoms (600–1200 CE) MCQs

    SECTION A – Deccan Kingdoms (1 – 20)

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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.

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

    8. ‘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.

    9. 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.

    10. 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).

    11. 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.

    12. 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.

    13. 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.

    14. 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.

    15. 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.

    16. 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.

    17. 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.

    18. 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.

    19. 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.

    20. 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)

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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.

    5. 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.

    6. 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.

    7. 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.

    8. 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.

    9. 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.

    10. 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.

    11. 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.

    12. 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.

    13. 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.

    14. 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.

    15. 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.

    16. 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.

    17. 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.”

    18. 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.

    19. 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.

    20. 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)

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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)

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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)

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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).

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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).

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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)

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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)

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. 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.