India After Harsha MCQ Questions and Answers

Sol. The Rajput identity was fluid in the early medieval period, and various groups, including tribes like the Medas, could be assimilated into the Rajput ranks through the process of Rajputization. Therefore, it is incorrect to state that the Medas were denied entry, as social mobility allowed their inclusion based on political power and landholding status.

Sol. Kalhana, in his famous work Rajatarangini, criticized King Harsha of Kashmir (not to be confused with Harshavardhana of Kannauj) for seizing temple treasures to finance his extravagant lifestyle and military campaigns. This act of temple plundering was seen as a deviation from the traditional respect given to religious institutions.

Explanation: Gold coinage attributed to the North Indian ruler Harsha (7th century CE) predominantly features the image of Shiva and Parvati on the reverse. This depiction often shows Shiva seated, sometimes with his trident, and Parvati seated beside him. While Harsha was known for his tolerance towards various religions, including Buddhism, his gold coinage primarily reflects his Shaiva leanings. The inclusion of Shiva-Parvati on his coins was likely a symbol of royal authority and possibly a personal religious affiliation. Therefore, the other options are not the typical depictions found on Harsha’s gold coins:

Avalokitesvara and Tara are important figures in Buddhism. While Harsha supported Buddhism, they are not the primary deities featured on his gold coinage.

Surya is the sun god in Hinduism, and while a significant deity, is not the most common representation on Harsha’s gold coins.

Sol. The famous commentator of Vedic literature associated with the Paramaras was Uvata. Uvata was a renowned scholar from Kashmir who lived in the 11th or 12th century CE and is known for his commentaries on various Vedic texts. He is specifically associated with the court of the Paramara king Bhoja, a great patron of arts and literature.

Sol. Kshemendra was a prominent Sanskrit poet and satirist of Kashmir who vividly exposed the social evils and corruption of his time through his satirical writings. His works like Narmamala and Samaya Matrika criticized the degeneration of moral values and the administrative inefficiencies of contemporary society.

Sol. The Chola rulers were devout followers of Shaivism, worshipping Lord Shiva as their principal deity. This religious inclination is evident from the magnificent Shiva temples they built, such as the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur, which also served as symbols of their political power and devotion.

Sol. Umed Singh of Kota was the notable patron of the Kota school of painting, which is known for its distinctive style characterized by vibrant colors, detailed figures, and depictions of royal life and hunting scenes. His support played a crucial role in the flourishing of this regional art tradition.

Sol. Rajashekhara, an eminent Sanskrit poet and dramatist, was associated with the Gurjara-Pratihara court and served as the teacher of Mahendrapala I. His works, including Karpuramanjari, reflect a blend of scholarly erudition and courtly culture prevalent under Mahendrapala’s reign.

Sol. The Gahadavala dynasty, ruling parts of North India in the 11th–12th centuries, imposed the Turushka-danda, a special tax likely meant to fund defenses against the incursions of Turkic invaders. This levy highlights the period’s challenges due to frequent external threats and the administrative responses to them.

Sol. The dynasty that adopted Garuda as its emblem after the imperial Guptas was the Rashtrakutas. The imperial Guptas, who ruled from the 4th to the 6th centuries CE, used the Garuda, a mythical bird-like creature and the mount of Lord Vishnu, as their royal emblem. The Rashtrakutas, who rose to power in the Deccan in the 8th century CE, also adopted the Garuda as their dynastic symbol, likely to associate themselves with the prestige and legacy of the Gupta empire and to signify their Vaishnavite affiliations.

Sol. The Chachnama is an important historical source that provides a detailed and vivid description of Sindh, particularly around the time of the Arab conquest led by Muhammad bin Qasim. Originally written in Arabic and later translated into Persian, it offers insights into the political, social, and cultural conditions of Sindh during the 7th–8th centuries.

Sol. Kumaradevi, the queen of Govinda Chandra of the Gahadavala dynasty, is credited with constructing the Dharmachakra-Jina-Vihara at Sarnath, near Varanasi. This act reflects the continued royal patronage towards Buddhist institutions during a period when Buddhism was otherwise witnessing a decline in India.

Sol. Harshavardhana, the 7th-century ruler, adopted various titles during his reign. Among these, Parama-Mahesvara is a significant one. This title translates to “Supreme Lord of Maheshvara,” which is another name for Lord Shiva. The adoption of this title suggests Harsha’s initial or continued reverence for Shaivism. While he later showed patronage towards Buddhism, Parama-Mahesvara reflects an important aspect of his religious leanings.

Sol. In the Chola administration, Ur referred to the general assembly of the village, composed of the common villagers. It played a primary role in the management of village affairs, particularly in non-Brahmadeya (non-Brahmin settlement) villages, ensuring local governance through collective decision-making.

Sol. A Chinese embassy under the T’ang Emperor Taizong was sent to the court of Harshavardhana. The famous Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang) also visited his court, highlighting the strong cultural and diplomatic exchanges between India and China during Harsha’s reign.

Sol. The Turks introduced musical instruments like the Rabab and the Sarangi into India. These instruments enriched Indian musical traditions, especially in the context of courtly and devotional music during the Sultanate period.

Sol. The presiding deity of the Bhojshala Temple at Dhar is Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom. The temple, associated with King Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty, reflects the ruler’s deep patronage of education and culture.

Sol. Harsha’s ambitions to expand into the Deccan were effectively checked by Pulakesin II, the Chalukya king of Badami. The encounter, recorded in both Indian and Chinese sources, ended in Harsha’s defeat, marking a clear northern boundary to his territorial influence.

Sol. The Rashtrakutas, emerging as a dominant power in the Deccan, frequently confronted the Pratiharas of western India and the Palas of Bengal. These conflicts were part of the larger tripartite struggle for control over the rich Gangetic plains and Kanauj.

Sol. Adi Shankaracharya is traditionally credited with founding the four Mathas (monastic centers) at Dwarka, Puri, Sringeri, and Badrinath, located in the four corners of India. These institutions played a crucial role in the consolidation and spread of Advaita Vedanta philosophy across the subcontinent.

Sol. The Vikramshila Mahavihara, one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning during the Pala dynasty, was located at Antichak in present-day Bihar. Founded by King Dharmapala, it became a prominent institution alongside Nalanda and specialized particularly in the teaching of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Sol. Kulothunga I, a Chola ruler, is known to have persecuted the Vaishnavite saint Ramanuja, forcing him to flee from his kingdom. This conflict arose due to religious intolerance and the king’s patronage of Shaivism, leading to the temporary exile of Ramanuja to the Hoysala kingdom.

Sol. The Saka era begins in 78 AD; thus, adding 556 years to 78 AD yields 634 AD. This method is used to convert dates from the Saka calendar to the Gregorian calendar, and the inscription dated 556 Saka era corresponds to 634 AD.

Sol. The famous Rathas (rock-cut temples) at Mahabalipuram were constructed during the reign of Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla. These monuments reflect the Pallavas’ mastery in Dravidian architecture and their significant patronage of religious art and architecture.

Sol. Vikramshila Mahavihara was established by Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty. The Palas were notable patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and established several significant monasteries and centers of learning, reinforcing their cultural and religious influence across Eastern India.

Sol. The Ramavataram, popularly known as Kamba Ramayanam, is the Tamil version of the Ramayana composed by the poet Kamban. His work is revered for its literary excellence and its adaptation of the epic into the Tamil cultural and linguistic milieu.

Sol. The Prithviraj Raso, attributed to Chand Bardai, refers to Rajputs as Agnikula Kshatriyas, suggesting that they originated from a sacrificial fire pit at Mount Abu. This legend aimed to legitimize their warrior status and noble lineage during medieval times.

Sol. Mahavastu is a Buddhist text concerned with Jataka stories and the life of the Buddha, not a treatise on architecture. In contrast, Manasara, Samarangana Sutradhara, and Mayamata are classical texts that provide detailed guidelines on architecture and town planning.

Sol. Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni’s principal motive behind his Indian expeditions was the acquisition of wealth. His frequent raids targeted rich temples and cities, enabling him to amass vast treasures, strengthen his empire, and fund his military campaigns rather than focusing on religious propagation or territorial expansion.

Sol. The Tribhanga pose, popular in Indian dance and sculpture, involves a graceful threefold bend of the body: at the neck, waist, and knee. This dynamic posture conveys elegance and fluidity and is frequently depicted in classical Indian art forms to enhance the aesthetic appeal of divine and human figures.

Sol. Nimbarkacharya is known for propounding the Bhedabheda philosophy, which suggests that the soul and God are simultaneously distinct and non-distinct. His teachings emphasize a devotional approach, maintaining a unique balance between unity and difference in the relationship between the individual soul and the supreme being.

Sol. Jayapala, the ruler of the Hindu Shahi dynasty of Punjab, faced Muhammad Ghazni’s invasions. Despite initial resistance, he was defeated, marking the beginning of repeated Turkic invasions into the northwestern parts of India and significant political shifts in the region.

Sol. Sugandhadevi, a queen of Kashmir during the 9th–10th centuries, issued coins bearing the image of seated Lakshmi. This depiction symbolizes prosperity and divine favor, and her rule is notable for the rare occurrence of a woman issuing coinage in medieval India.

Sol. Rajatarangini was authored by Kalhana, a 12th-century Kashmiri historian. This chronicle provides a continuous and detailed historical account of the kings of Kashmir and is highly valued for its methodological approach to historiography in early medieval India.

Sol. Both the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Gahadavalas ruled over Kannauj at different times. The Gurjara-Pratiharas made Kannauj their capital during their period of ascendancy, and later, the Gahadavalas also controlled this prominent city, highlighting its enduring political importance.

Sol. Prithviraj Raso, the epic poem that glorifies the life and deeds of Prithviraj Chauhan, was composed by Chandbaradai, his court poet. Though the text is semi-historical, it remains a significant source of Rajput valor and medieval romanticized history.

Sol. Nagabhata I was the first prominent ruler of the Pratihara dynasty. He successfully defended western India against Arab invasions, laying the foundations for the dynasty’s later rise to prominence in northern India.

Sol. Nagabhata II, a successor of the Pratihara dynasty, occupied Kannauj and made it a central seat of power. His control over Kannauj was a crucial development that elevated the Pratiharas’ status among the tripartite powers vying for supremacy in northern India.

Sol. The Pala ruler Dharmapala was defeated by the Pratihara ruler Nagabhata II during the contest for Kannauj. This defeat was a significant event in the ongoing tripartite struggle among the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas over control of northern India.

Sol. The founder of the Pratihara dynasty is traditionally considered to be Harichandra or his descendant Nagabhata I, but broadly the dynasty is referred to by the name Pratihara, linked to the legendary lineage that traces its origin to Lakshmana, the brother of Rama, who was a “Pratihara” (door-keeper).

Sol. Bhoja I, the prominent ruler of the Pratihara dynasty, reigned approximately from 840 to 890 A.D. Under his leadership, the Pratihara power reached its zenith, and he successfully maintained dominance over northern India, strengthening the dynasty’s influence during the tripartite struggle.

Sol. Rajyapala was the last significant ruler of the Pratihara dynasty. His weak defense against Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasions led to his downfall and symbolized the final collapse of the Pratihara hold over north India.

Sol. The Chandelas established their capital at Khajuraho, which later became famous for its exquisite temple architecture. The Khajuraho group of monuments reflects the Chandela dynasty’s prosperity and devotion, especially during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Sol. The Pratihara dynasty effectively came to an end around 1018 A.D., after repeated defeats by external invaders like Mahmud of Ghazni and internal decline, marking the collapse of their once formidable empire.

Sol. Statement 2 is incorrect because Rajput rulers divided their kingdoms into administrative units, but not specifically called “jars.” Statement 3 is also incorrect as Rajput women, although respected, did not enjoy equal status with men, especially in terms of political and military rights. Therefore, both statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

Sol. Dhanga was the most prominent ruler of the Chandela dynasty, under whom the dynasty reached its peak of power and architectural patronage. His reign saw the construction of many magnificent temples at Khajuraho, signifying the dynasty’s cultural and political zenith.

Sol. The famous temples at Khajuraho were built by the Chandela rulers. These temples, known for their intricate sculpture and architectural brilliance, were mostly constructed between the 10th and 12th centuries and reflect the artistic achievements of the dynasty.

Sol. The Chandela clan ruled over the Bundelkhand region. They are especially remembered for their contributions to temple architecture and for maintaining regional sovereignty amidst the fragmented political landscape of medieval India.

Sol. The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty declined primarily due to the repeated invasions by Muhammad Ghazni in the early 11th century. These invasions weakened the Pratihara military and economic strength, leading to the disintegration of their empire and the emergence of smaller independent kingdoms.

Sol. The correct matching is:
A. Parihara – Southern Rajasthan (3)
B. Chuhans – Eastern Rajasthan (4)
C. Solankis – Kathiawar (1)
D. Pawaras – Indore (2).
This distribution reflects the geographical domains traditionally associated with these Rajput clans.

Sol. Dhanga, the Chandela ruler, was responsible for building the famous temples at Khajuraho. His reign marked the flourishing of Chandela architectural patronage, with temples known for their intricate carvings and symbolic expression of various aspects of life.

Sol.Upendra, who is also known by the name Krishnaraja, is widely recognized as the founder of the Paramara dynasty. He established their rule in the Malwa region of present-day Madhya Pradesh around the early 9th century CE. Inscriptions and historical records generally support Krishnaraja as the originator of this significant Rajput clan that later became known for its patronage of arts and literature under rulers like Bhoja.

Sol. The Paramara dynasty ruled over the region of Malwa, located in present-day Madhya Pradesh. This area became a center of political activity and cultural achievements under the Paramaras, especially during the reign of Bhoja.

Sol. Ganda, the son of Dhanga, offered resistance to Muhammad Ghazni during his incursions into India. Although Ghazni managed to raid several places, rulers like Ganda attempted to defend their territories against the invading forces.

Sol. Dhara (modern Dhar in Madhya Pradesh) was the capital of the Paramara dynasty. It served as a major cultural and political center under their rule, particularly flourishing during King Bhoja’s reign.

Sol. Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a general of Muhammad Ghori and later the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, conquered the kingdom of Bundelkhand in 1203 A.D. This marked the expansion of Muslim rule into central India.

Sol. Bhoja was the most celebrated ruler of the Paramara dynasty. Renowned as a scholar-king, Bhoja patronized learning, art, and architecture, and authored several treatises himself, making his reign a golden age for Malwa.

Sol. Siyaka II established the independent Paramara dynasty by successfully resisting the weakening Rashtrakuta authority and asserting control over Malwa. His leadership paved the way for the rise of Paramara prominence in central India.

Sol. Harshavardhana was the last prominent Hindu emperor to rule over a large part of North India before the onset of Islamic invasions. After his death in the 7th century, no single ruler could establish comparable dominance over the entire region.

Sol. The first Muslim expedition into India occurred in 712 A.D., led by Muhammad-bin-Qasim, who conquered Sindh and parts of Multan. This marked the beginning of Islamic political influence in the Indian subcontinent.

Sol. Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty earned the title Kaviraja Malavachakravartin, reflecting his dual excellence as a king and a patron of literature and the arts. His reign witnessed an extraordinary cultural renaissance in Malwa.

Sol. Raja Dahir was the Hindu ruler of Sindh at the time of Muhammad-bin-Qasim’s invasion in 712 A.D. His defeat led to the establishment of Arab rule in Sindh, forming a significant chapter in early Indo-Islamic history.

Sol. Raja Dahir was the Hindu ruler of Sindh at the time of Muhammad-bin-Qasim’s invasion in 712 A.D. His defeat led to the establishment of Arab rule in Sindh, forming a significant chapter in early Indo-Islamic history.

Sol. Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty established a renowned university at Dhara (Dhar), making it a celebrated center of learning. His patronage of education and the arts marked a golden period in central Indian history.

Sol. Muhammad Ghor established the first Islamic empire in India by laying the foundations for Muslim rule after defeating Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 A.D.). His conquests paved the way for the Delhi Sultanate.

Sol. The first Muslims to invade India were the Arabs, led by Muhammad-bin-Qasim during the early 8th century. Their conquest primarily covered Sindh and parts of present-day southern Punjab.

Sol. The correct matching is: A. Hemachandra – Dvyasraya Kavya (1) B. Jayanka – Prithviraja Vijaya (3) C. Padmagupta – Navasahasanka Charita (2) D. Sandhyakar Nandi – Ramacharita (4). These literary works provide valuable historical and cultural insights into early medieval India.

Sol. The Second Battle of Tarain took place in 1192 A.D. between Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan. This battle ended in a decisive victory for Muhammad Ghori, leading to the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India.

Sol. Prithviraj Chauhan was the Rajput king defeated and killed in the Second Battle of Tarain. His defeat marked the fall of major Rajput resistance to the Islamic invaders in northern India.

Sol. The First Battle of Tarain occurred in 1191 A.D. In this battle, Prithviraj Chauhan successfully repulsed Muhammad Ghori’s forces, temporarily halting his advance into northern India.

Sol. Nagabhata I was indeed a great ruler who founded the prominence of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, and Bhoja I was another significant ruler. However, Mahendrapala I was not the son of Bhoja I; he was a successor but not directly his son. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Sol. Statement 1: The supremacy over Kannauj was a major source of struggle between the Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas.

This statement is correct. The control of Kannauj was highly coveted due to its strategic location and economic importance. The tripartite struggle for dominance over this region among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas was a defining feature of North Indian politics in the 8th to 10th centuries CE.

Statement 2: The theory that Rajputs were descendants of Agnikula was first put forward by Colonel Tod.

This statement is correct. Colonel James Tod, in his influential work “Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan,” popularized the Agnikula (fire-born) origin myth for several Rajput clans. According to this legend, these clans originated from a sacrificial fire pit on Mount Abu.

Statement 3: It is after Yanashakti that the Chandella kingdom was called Jejakabhukti.

This statement is not correct. The region ruled by the Chandellas was known as Jejakabhukti from the beginning of their independent rule, roughly in the 9th century CE, with Nannuka as the founder. While Yanashakti (also known as Jayashakti) was an important early ruler of the Chandela dynasty, the name Jejakabhukti predates his reign. The name is believed to be derived from an earlier ruler or a local tribal name.

Statement 4: During the Arab rule over Sindhu in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D., Dzimmis were those exempted from Jizya payment.

This statement is not correct. During the Arab rule over Sindh (which began in the early 8th century AD, not the 6th and 7th), Dhimmi (not Dzimmis) were non-Muslims (primarily Hindus and Buddhists) who were allowed to practice their religion in exchange for paying the Jizya, a poll tax. They were not exempted from it.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.