Post Guptas Age MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Post Guptas Age - Download Free PDF

Key Points

❌ Option (a): He was a Chalukya ruler who defeated the Pallavas at the Battle of Manimangalam. Incorrect.

• Pulakesin II, a Chalukya ruler, defeated Mahendravarman I (father of Narasimhavarman I).
• But it was Narasimhavarman I who avenged his father’s defeat by defeating Pulakesin II in the Battle of Manimangalam (642 CE).
• He ultimately invaded Vatapi, the Chalukya capital, leading to Pulakesin II's death.
• Hence, this option reverses the actual historical event and is factually wrong.

✅ Option (b): He took the title Vatapikonda after defeating Pulakesin II and conquering Vatapi. Correct.

• After three major battles, including the one at Manimangalam, Narasimhavarman I defeated Pulakesin II, the powerful Chalukya ruler.
• He captured the capital city Vatapi (present-day Badami in Karnataka).
• Following this victory, he assumed the title "Vatapikonda", meaning "Conqueror of Vatapi".
• This was a major political and military achievement of his reign.

❌ Option (c): He was the founder of Nalanda Mahavihara and promoted only Buddhism in Kanchi. Incorrect.

• Nalanda Mahavihara was established much earlier, during the Gupta period, not by Narasimhavarman I.
• During his reign, Kanchi was a flourishing center of Hinduism, but Buddhism and Jainism also co-existed peacefully.
• Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang noted the religious harmony and intellectual vibrancy of Kanchi during his visit.
• Therefore, this statement is both factually incorrect and misleading.

❌ Option (d): He visited Sri Lanka as a Buddhist monk and built the Pancha Rathas temple there. Incorrect.

• Narasimhavarman I did intervene in Sri Lanka, but as a military ally, not a monk.
• He helped Sinhalese prince Manavarman reclaim his throne.
• The Pancha Rathas (Rock-cut temples) were built during his reign, but they are located in Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), not in Sri Lanka.
• Hence, this statement is inaccurate in both context and location.

The Correct answer is Chalukya - Tanjore.

Key Points

• Chalukya – Tanjore does not correctly match the given pattern. Hence, 3 is the correct answer.

The correct answer is - Kadamba, Pallava, Ganga

Key Points

• Pulakeshi II was one of the most notable rulers of the Chalukya dynasty, ruling from 610–642 CE.
• The Aihole Prashasti, inscribed by his court poet Ravikirti, glorifies Pulakeshi II's military achievements.
• According to the inscription, Pulakeshi II defeated the following kingdoms:
  • Kadamba: The Kadamba dynasty, based in Banavasi, was one of his early conquests.
  • Pallava: Pulakeshi II successfully repulsed Mahendravarman I of the Pallava dynasty in a famous battle near the river Periyar.
  • Ganga: The Ganga dynasty, based in the southern Karnataka region, also submitted to his power.
• The Aihole Prashasti serves as an important historical document, detailing the expansion of the Chalukya Empire under Pulakeshi II.

Additional Information

• About Pulakeshi II:
  • Pulakeshi II consolidated the Chalukya Empire and extended its boundaries to include much of the Deccan plateau.
  • He is known for his administrative skills and military prowess.
  • His capital was at Vatapi (modern-day Badami in Karnataka).
• Aihole Prashasti:
  • The Aihole Prashasti is written in Sanskrit and is inscribed on a stone tablet.
  • It is one of the most important inscriptions of ancient India, providing insights into the history, politics, and achievements of the Chalukya dynasty.
• Conflicts with Harsha:
  • Pulakeshi II is also famous for defeating Harsha, the ruler of North India, in a battle near the Narmada River.
  • This marked the southern boundary of Harsha's empire and the northern boundary of Pulakeshi II's empire.
• Decline of Pulakeshi II:
  • Later in his reign, Pulakeshi II faced defeat at the hands of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who captured Vatapi.
  • This marked a temporary decline of the Chalukya dynasty.

The correct answer is - Krishna–Godavari

Key Points

• Vengi Region
  • The Vengi region is historically significant and lies in the Krishna–Godavari Doab.
  • It is located between the Krishna River and the Godavari River in present-day Andhra Pradesh.
  • This area was known for its rich agricultural land and strategic importance during ancient times.
• Historical Importance
  • The Vengi region was ruled by several prominent dynasties, including the Chalukyas of Vengi and the Eastern Gangas.
  • It served as a cultural and trade hub in South India, connecting major regions through its rivers.

Additional Information

• Doab Concept
  • A Doab refers to a tract of land lying between two rivers.
  • In this case, the Krishna–Godavari Doab lies between the Krishna River and the Godavari River.
  • Doabs are often agriculturally fertile due to the availability of water from the surrounding rivers.
• Rivers in South India
  • The Krishna River originates from the Western Ghats and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
  • The Godavari River is the second-longest river in India and also flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Both rivers are crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and cultural practices in the region.
• Dynasties of Vengi
  • The Chalukyas of Vengi ruled this region from the 7th to 12th centuries CE.
  • The Eastern Gangas later controlled the region and contributed to its cultural and architectural development.

The correct answer is - Pulakeshin II

Key Points

• Pulakeshin II
  • The Hyderabad Copper Plate issued during the reign of Pulakeshin II provides significant historical information about his era.
  • It contains records about a solar eclipse that occurred during the third year of his reign.
  • This document is a valuable source for understanding astronomical events and their correlation with the timeline of Pulakeshin II's rule.
  • Pulakeshin II was a prominent ruler of the Chalukya dynasty, known for his military conquests and administration.

Additional Information

• Chalukya Dynasty
  • The Chalukyas were a prominent dynasty in South India, ruling from approximately the 6th to 12th century.
  • Pulakeshin II was one of the most celebrated rulers of this dynasty, known for his victory over Harsha, the ruler of North India.
  • His reign marked significant advancements in culture, art, and architecture, including the construction of the famous Badami cave temples.
• Importance of Copper Plates
  • Copper plates were widely used in ancient India to record royal decrees, grants, and historical events.
  • They are considered primary sources for understanding dynastic history, genealogies, and administrative practices.
  • Such records often include details about astronomical events, helping historians correlate historical timelines with scientific phenomena.

The correct answer is Kanchipuram.

Key Points

• The ca pital city of the Pallavas was Kanchipuram.

• The Pallavas emerged as a formidable power in the South around the 4th century AD and were at the height of their power in the seventh century AD.
• They were able to sustain their rule for about 500 years.
• They buil t great cities, centres of learning, temples, and sculptures and influenced a large part of Southeast Asia in culture. ​

Important Points

• Simha Vishnu is considered the founder of the Pallavas.
  • He put an end to the political disturbances created by Kalabhras.
  • The Land up to Kaveri was acquired by him. 
• Mahendravarman I is considered to be the greatest ruler of the Pallavas.
  • His reign was marked by many architectural and literary achievements which would lay the foundations of the future Art and Culture of South India.
• Narasimhavarman II built the Shore Temple and the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple at Mahabalipuram.
• These temples are based on the Rajsingh style.
• Hiuen Tsang visited Kanchipuram, the capital of Pallavas, during the reign of Narasimha Varman I.​

Additional Information

The correct answer is Pulakesin II.

Important Points

• Aihole inscription was written by Ravikirti who was a poet during the reign of Pulakeshi II.
• Aihole is situated in Karnataka and is widely recognized as the Cradle of Indian Architecture.
• It served as the capital of Chalukyas.
• This inscription gives information about the conquests of Pulakesin, especially how he defeated Harshavardhana.

Additional Information

• Pulakeshin II, the King of the Chalukya dynasty defeated Harshavardhana when he seeks to enlarge his Empire into the southern peninsula of India.
• Chalukya king Pulakesin II had defeated Harshavardhan on the banks of River Narmada in 618 AD.

The correct answer is Pulakesin II.

Key Points

• Pulakesin II defeated Harshavardhana when he invaded the Chalukya kingdom in the Deccan.
• Pulakeshin II, the King of the Chalukya dynasty defeated Harshavardhana when he sought to enlarge his Empire into the southern peninsula of India.
• He defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada river in 618-619 AD.
• The Aihole inscription was written by the Ravikirti, court poet of Chalukya King, Pulakesin II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE.

Additional Information

• Chalukya dynasty:  
  • It lasted from 543 A.D. to 755 A.D.
  • Pulakesin I was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty. He established a small kingdom with Vatapi or Badami as its capital.
  • The Western Chalukyas ruled over an extensive area in the Deccan for about two centuries after which the Rashtrakutas became powerful.
  • The family of Western Chalukyas had its offshoots like the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi and the Chalukyas of Kalyani.
  • Kirtivarman II was the last of the rulers of the Chalukyas.
  • He was defeated by Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

The correct answer is Sanskrit.

Key Points

• The Harshacharita is the biography of Indian emperor Harshavardhana, who ruled North India from 606 to 647 CE and was a ruler of the Vardhana dynasty.
• It was written by Banabhatta, who was a Sanskrit writer in the seventh century CE and was the Court Poet (Asthana Kavi) of Harshavardhana.
• It was the first composition of Banabhatta and marks the beginning of the writing of historical poetic works in the Sanskrit language.
• It was written in poetic prose which narrates the biography of the emperor Harsha in eight chapters.
• It was translated into English by Edward Byles Cowell and Frederic William Thomas in 1897.​

Additional Information

• Banabhatta also wrote the drama 'Kadambri’.
• Emperor Harshavardhana wrote the book Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarsika.
• Pushyabhuti was the founder of the Vardhana dynasty or Pushyabhuti dynasty.​

The correct answer is Pallava. Key Points

• The Pallava dynasty was an early 4th-century to late 9th-century CE line of rulers in southern India.
• Pallava was able to sustain their rule for about 500 years.
• Mahendravarman I is considered to be the greatest ruler of the Pallavas.
• Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallavas.
• Their territories at the height of their powers extended from the northern part of Andhra Pradesh to River Kaveri in the South.
• Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram and the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple at Kanchipuram are famous temples constructed during the reign of Pallavas.
• The Pallavas were great patrons of learning.
• The symbol of the Pallavas was the Lion (Simha) and the Bull (Nandi), It was interchangeable depending on the preference of the ruler. 

Additional Information

• Pandya.
  • Pandya dynasty started near about 6th century BC and ended around the 15th century AD.​
  • The capital of Pandyas was Madurai.
  • The symbol of the Pandya Dynasty was the fish.
• ​Chera.
  • ​The Chera Dynasty is also called the Keralaputra dynasty.
  • Their capital was Muziri also known as Vanchi.
  • Uthiyan Cheralathan, and is widely considered the founder of the Chera Dynasty.
  • Rama Varma Kulakshekhra was the last king of the Chera Dynasty.
  • The bow was the royal emblem of the Chera Kingdom.
• ​Chola.
  • Vijayalaya was the founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty.​
  • Thanjavur (Tanjore) was the capital of Cholas.
  • Jumping Tiger was the royal emblem of the Cholas.
  • Rajendra Chola III Was the last king of this dynasty​

The Correct Answer is Option (4) i.e. Krishneshwara Temple.

Key Points

• Krishneshwara Temple at Rameshwaram was built by Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
• Krishna III ruled from 936-968 AD and was famous for his expeditions. He defeated the Cholas at Takkolam.
• The Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled from 755 to 975 AD. Dantidurga was the founder of the dynasty.

The correct answer is Harshavardhana's court poet was Harishena.

Key Points

• Banabhatta was the court poet of king Harshavardhana. Banabhatta wrote Harshvardhan's biography Harshacharita in Sanskrit.
• Harshavardhana was born in 590 AD.
• He belonged to the Vardhana dynasty.
• He ruled North India from 606 AD to 647 AD.
• Kannauj city, present-day Uttar Pradesh was his capital.
• The Chinese Traveller Xuanzang visited the king and wrote about his reign.
• Emperor Samudragupta's court poet was Harisena.

Additional Information

• Harshavardhana was defeated by the south Indian emperor Pulkesin II of the Chalukya Dynasty in the Battle of Narmada.
• Harsha is widely believed to be the author of three Sanskrit plays "Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika "
• The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited India during his reign.
• Harshavardhana established a large centre of knowledge which was called Bhadra Vihar at Kannauj.
• Banabhatta's Harshacharita and an account of Hieun Tsang was the major source of information about Harsha's period

The correct answer is Aihole.

Key Points:

• Aihole in Karnataka state, India, is known as the Cradle of Indian architecture.
• It was the first capital of Chalukyas where they built numerous temples dating back to the 6th century CE. 
• Later the capital was changed to Badami by Pulkeshin 1 in 543.

Additional InformationChalukya dynasty:

• It lasted from 543A.D. to 755 A.D.
• Pulakesin I was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty.
• He established a small kingdom with Vatapi or Badami as its capital.
• The Western Chalukyas ruled over an extensive area in the Deccan for about two centuries after which the Rashtrakutas became powerful.
• The family of Western Chalukyas had its offshoots like the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi and the Chalukyas of Kalyani.
• Kirtivarman II was the last of the rulers of the Chalukyas.
• He was defeated by Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

The correct answer is Gauda.

Key Points

• Emperor Harshavardhana
  • He is better known as Harsha, lived from 590 to 647 CE and was the last ruler of the Vardhana Empire, the last great empire in ancient India before the Islamic Invasion.
  • He ruled from 606 CE to 647 CE. After Harshavardhana's death, however, the Vardhana or Pushyabhuti Dynasty came to an end and its empire dissolved.
  • Rajyashri was Harshavardhana's sister.
  • Rajyashree was married to Maukhari King Grihavarman. After many years, Grihavarman was defeated and killed in the battle by Devagupta, the king of Malwa.
  • Widow Rajyashree was also taken prisoner. Seeing such untoward happening to his family, Rajyavardhan attacked Malwa and defeated Devgupta.
  • After this, Shashank, the ruler of the Gaur dynasty of West Bengal, made close relations with Rajyavardhan. But Shashank had met the king of Malwa.
  • Shashank betrayed and killed Rajyavardhan.
  • After his brother's death, at the age of 16, Harshavardhana became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar and declared war on Shashanka to avenge his brother and embarked upon a campaign of Digvijay, i.e. to conquer the world (which in this context means conquering whole India). 

Additional Information

• Kanyakubja Brahmins
  • It is a Brahmin community found in central India and certain parts of the east, mainly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Nepal, and Orissa. The word Kanyakubja means Brahmins of the Kannauj region.
• Junagadh
  • It is a city in the western Indian state of Gujarat.
  • Mahabat Maqbara is the huge 19th-century mausoleum of a local ruler, which showcases intricate Indo-Islamic architectural details.
  • Uparkot Fort, founded around 300 BC, has city views from its ramparts. Within the fort are the stone-cut step-wells Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuwo, plus Buddhist caves. To the west, Darbar Hall Museum is housed in a former palace. 
• Magadha
  • It was a region and one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, 'Great Kingdoms' of the Second Urbanization in what is now south Bihar at the eastern Ganges Plain.
  • Magadha was ruled by the Brihadratha dynasty, the Pradyota dynasty, the Haryanka dynasty, and the Shaishunaga dynasty.

The correct answer is Kannauj.

Key Points

• King Harshvardhan established a large centre of knowledge which was called 'Bhadra-Vihar' at Kannauj.
• King Harshvardhan who ruled from AD 606-647 was the younger son of Prabhakarvardhana.

Important Points

• Kannauj was the capital of Harshavardhana's kingdom which was shifted by him from Thaneshwar.
• King Harshvardhan was one of the greatest kings of the Indian subcontinent.

Additional Information

• The extensive information regarding Harshavardhana's reign is provided by the Harsha Charita of Banabhatta.
• Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang, described that Harsha conquered the entire country within the first six years of his reign but he did not occupy even North India completely nor his wars and conquests were limited to the first six years of his reign.