Table of Contents
Chapter 9 MCQs in English; New Empires And Kingdoms
1. Who was the most famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty?
Answer: B
Samudragupta is regarded as one of the most famous and powerful rulers of the Gupta dynasty. He is considered the great conqueror of the Gupta Empire. Through his military campaigns, he expanded the Gupta Empire by defeating many kingdoms of North India.
Important information about Samudragupta is obtained from the inscription engraved on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad (Prayagraj). This inscription was composed by his court poet and minister Harishena. It describes Samudragupta’s victories, bravery, scholarship, and administrative abilities.
Samudragupta was not only a great warrior but also a patron of art and literature. He was interested in music and poetry. Some of his coins show him playing the veena, which reflects his love for the arts.
Historian V. A. Smith called Samudragupta the “Napoleon of India” because of his military achievements. During his reign, the power and prestige of the Gupta Empire increased greatly.
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2. In which inscription do we find details of Samudragupta’s victories?
Answer: C
Detailed information about the victories and achievements of Samudragupta is found in the Prayag Prashasti inscription. This inscription is engraved on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad (Prayagraj).
The inscription was composed in Sanskrit by Harishena, the court poet and minister of Samudragupta. It presents Samudragupta as a great conqueror, skilled administrator, scholar, and generous ruler.
The Prayag Prashasti states that Samudragupta defeated many kings of Aryavarta and carried out campaigns up to South India. Some kingdoms were directly annexed into his empire, while others were allowed to rule after accepting his supremacy.
This inscription is considered an important source of Gupta history because it provides information about the political condition, military power, and administration of that time.
The word “Prashasti” is a Sanskrit term meaning “praise.” In ancient times, prashastis were written to praise the achievements and qualities of kings.
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3. Select the correct statements:
I. The Allahabad Prashasti inscription is related to Samudragupta.
II. This inscription was composed by Samudragupta’s court poet Ravikirti.
III. “Prashasti” is a Sanskrit word meaning “praise.”
IV. Samudragupta was a great ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
Codes:
Answer: A
Statement True / False Reason
I. The Allahabad Prashasti inscription is related to Samudragupta. True The Prayag Prashasti describes the victories and achievements of Samudragupta.
II. This inscription was composed by Ravikirti. False It was composed by Harishena, not Ravikirti.
III. “Prashasti” means “praise.” True Prashastis describe the achievements and qualities of kings.
IV. Samudragupta was a great Gupta ruler. True He expanded and strengthened the Gupta Empire.
Therefore, only statements I, III, and IV are correct, so the correct answer is A.
Information about Samudragupta comes from the long inscription engraved on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad. It was written in poetic form by Harishena and is known as a prashasti.
Prashastis praised the bravery, military skill, scholarship, and administrative abilities of kings. Samudragupta is described as a great warrior, conqueror, scholar, and patron of arts. He was even compared with gods in the inscription.
During the Gupta period, Sanskrit language and literature developed greatly. Most prashastis were written in Sanskrit. The Prayag Prashasti is considered an important source of Gupta history.
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4. Select the incorrect statement regarding the Prayag Prashasti inscription:
I. It states that Samudragupta defeated nine rulers of Aryavarta and annexed their kingdoms into his empire.
II. Eighteen rulers belonged to Dakshinapatha, and Samudragupta annexed all their kingdoms into his empire.
III. Foreign rulers like the Kushanas and Shakas accepted the supremacy of Samudragupta.
IV. Assam, coastal Bengal, Nepal, and north-western republics obeyed Samudragupta’s orders.
Codes:
Answer: B
Statement True / False Reason
I. Samudragupta defeated nine rulers of Aryavarta and annexed their kingdoms. True The Prayag Prashasti mentions this clearly.
II. He annexed all rulers of Dakshinapatha into his empire. False After defeating the southern rulers, he allowed them to continue ruling under his supremacy.
III. Kushana and Shaka rulers accepted his supremacy. True Many foreign rulers accepted his power and maintained friendly relations.
IV. Assam, coastal Bengal, Nepal, and north-western republics obeyed him. True These neighbouring states accepted his authority and offered tribute.
Therefore, only statement II is incorrect, so the correct answer is B.
The Prayag Prashasti provides detailed information about Samudragupta’s policy of conquest. Different policies were followed for different regions. The kingdoms of Aryavarta were annexed directly, while the rulers of South India were allowed to continue ruling after accepting his supremacy.
The inscription also mentions that Assam, Nepal, coastal Bengal, and several north-western republics accepted Samudragupta’s authority. They visited his court, offered gifts, and obeyed his orders.
Foreign rulers such as the Kushanas and Shakas also recognized his power. This shows that Samudragupta’s influence extended beyond India.
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5. On the coins of which ruler is he shown playing the veena?
Answer: D
Some special coins of Samudragupta depict him playing the veena. These coins prove that he was not only a great warrior but also a lover of music and art.
During the Gupta period, gold coins were highly important, and many different types of coins were issued. Samudragupta’s coins display his military power, religious beliefs, and love for culture. The image of Samudragupta playing the veena reflects the cultural side of his personality.
According to historians, Samudragupta was not only an able ruler but also a patron of literature and music. His prashastis describe him as a learned and talented king.
The Gupta period is often called the “Golden Age” of Indian history. During this time, art, literature, music, and architecture flourished greatly. The coins of Samudragupta are considered important evidence of this cultural progress.
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6. Who was the first ruler of the Gupta dynasty to assume the title “Maharajadhiraja”?
Answer: A
From the Prayag Prashasti and other inscriptions, it is known that Chandragupta I was the first ruler of the Gupta dynasty to assume the important title “Maharajadhiraja.” This indicates that by his time the power and prestige of the Gupta Empire had increased considerably.
The prashasti of Samudragupta also mentions his ancestors. It states that his father Chandragupta I used the title “Maharajadhiraja,” while his grandfather and great-grandfather were referred to only as “Maharaja.”
During the reign of Chandragupta I, the Gupta Empire expanded, and his political strength increased further through matrimonial alliances with the Licchavi clan. Because of this growing power, he adopted the title “Maharajadhiraja.”
This title was considered highly prestigious in ancient India and was generally used by powerful emperors.
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7. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Answer: B
Statement True / False Reason
A. The Vikram Samvat beginning in 58 BCE is traditionally associated with Chandragupta II. True Tradition associates the Vikram Samvat with Chandragupta II.
B. Chandragupta I established the Shaka Samvat after defeating the Shakas. False Chandragupta I did not establish the Shaka Samvat.
C. Chandragupta II adopted the title “Vikramaditya” after defeating the Shakas. True After defeating the Shakas, Chandragupta II assumed the title “Vikramaditya.”
D. Chandragupta I assumed the title “Maharajadhiraja.” True Chandragupta I was the first Gupta ruler to adopt this title.
Therefore, statement B is incorrect, so the correct answer is B.
The Gupta period is considered one of the most important periods in Indian history. During this time, political stability, cultural growth, and economic prosperity increased significantly. Chandragupta I laid a strong foundation for the Gupta Empire.
Chandragupta II defeated the Shakas and established his authority over western India. After this victory, he adopted the title “Vikramaditya.” Traditionally, the Vikram Samvat is also associated with his name.
The titles adopted by Gupta rulers reflected the power and prestige of their empire. Titles like “Maharajadhiraja” were used only by highly influential rulers.
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8. Who was the court poet of Harshavardhana?
Answer: C
Banabhatta was the famous court poet and writer of Harshavardhana. He composed the Sanskrit work Harshacharita, which describes the life and reign of Harshavardhana.
Banabhatta is regarded as one of the greatest Sanskrit literary figures of the post-Gupta period. He was a highly respected scholar in Harsha’s court. His writings provide valuable information about the social, political, and cultural conditions of that time.
Harshavardhana was a powerful ruler of North India about 1400 years ago. During his reign, education, literature, and religion received special patronage.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang also stayed for some time in Harsha’s court, but he was not a court poet. Harishena was the court poet of Samudragupta, while Ravikirti was associated with the Chalukya rulers.
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9. Who wrote the biography “Harshacharita” of Harshavardhana?
Answer: C
Harshacharita was written by Banabhatta. It is a famous Sanskrit work that gives a detailed account of Emperor Harshavardhana’s life, family, and reign.
Banabhatta was the chief scholar and literary figure in Harshavardhana’s court. In his work, he described Harsha’s genealogy, his early life, and the events leading to his accession to the throne.
Harshacharita is not only a biographical text but also an important historical source for understanding the political and social conditions of that period. It provides information about the administration, religion, and cultural life of Harsha’s time.
The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang also described Harshavardhana’s reign, but the author of Harshacharita was Banabhatta.
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10. Consider the following statements regarding Harshavardhana:
I. Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thanesar after the death of his father and elder brother.
II. His brother-in-law Grahavarman was the ruler of Kannauj.
III. After Grahavarman’s death, Harsha brought Kannauj under his control.
IV. Harshavardhana defeated the Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II in the Deccan beyond the Narmada River.
Codes:
Answer: A
Statement True / False Reason
I. Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thanesar after the death of his father and elder brother. True Harsha ascended the throne after the deaths of his father Prabhakaravardhana and elder brother Rajyavardhana.
II. His brother-in-law Grahavarman was the ruler of Kannauj. True Grahavarman ruled Kannauj and was married to Harsha’s sister Rajyashri.
III. After Grahavarman’s death, Harsha took control of Kannauj. True Harsha established his authority over Kannauj after Grahavarman’s death.
IV. Harshavardhana defeated Pulakeshin II. False The Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II stopped Harsha from advancing into the Deccan beyond the Narmada River.
Therefore, statements I, II, and III are correct, so the correct answer is A.
Harshavardhana was a powerful ruler of North India about 1400 years ago. Initially, he ruled Thanesar, but later he made Kannauj an important center of his empire.
Harsha’s brother-in-law Grahavarman was the king of Kannauj. After Grahavarman was killed by the ruler of Bengal, Harsha took control of Kannauj and expanded his empire.
Harsha achieved considerable success in eastern India, but he was unsuccessful in the south. When he attempted to cross the Narmada River and move into the Deccan, he was stopped by the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.
During Harshavardhana’s reign, literature, religion, and education flourished. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang also visited his court.
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11. Consider the following statements about the dynasties of South India and identify the incorrect statement:
I. The Pallava kingdom extended from the regions around Kanchipuram to the Kaveri delta.
II. The Chalukya kingdom was situated between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.
III. The capital of the Chalukyas was Kanchipuram.
Codes:
Answer: C
Statement True / False Reason
I. The Pallava kingdom extended from Kanchipuram to the Kaveri delta. True The Pallava kingdom covered a large region in South India.
II. The Chalukya kingdom was situated between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. True The Chalukya kingdom was located in the Deccan region between these rivers.
III. The capital of the Chalukyas was Kanchipuram. False The capital of the Chalukyas was Aihole, whereas Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallavas.
Therefore, only statement III is incorrect, so the correct answer is C.
The Pallavas and Chalukyas were two major dynasties of South India. There were long conflicts between them, and both frequently attacked each other’s territories.
The Pallava capital was Kanchipuram, an important religious and cultural center of South India. Their kingdom extended up to the Kaveri delta.
The Chalukya kingdom was located between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. Their capital was Aihole, which was an important center of trade and religion. Later, this region became famous for temple architecture.
These South Indian dynasties made significant contributions to art, architecture, and temple construction.
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12. The Aihole inscription is related to which ruler?
Answer: C
The Aihole inscription is related to the Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II. It is a prashasti composed by his court poet Ravikirti, in which the victories and achievements of Pulakeshin II are described.
Pulakeshin II was one of the most famous rulers of the Chalukya dynasty. During his reign, the power and prestige of the Chalukya Empire increased greatly.
Aihole was an important capital and trade center of the Chalukyas. Gradually, it also became a major religious center where many temples were constructed.
The Aihole Prashasti written by Ravikirti mentions the ancestors of Pulakeshin II and his military campaigns. It is from this inscription that we learn he stopped the powerful North Indian ruler Harshavardhana from advancing beyond the Narmada River.
The Aihole inscription is considered an important historical source for the history of South India.
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13. The Aihole inscription prashasti was composed by ________.
Answer: C
The Aihole inscription prashasti was composed by Ravikirti, the court poet of the Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II. This prashasti describes the victories, achievements, and ancestors of Pulakeshin II.
Aihole was an important capital and commercial center of the Chalukyas. Over time, it also became famous as a religious center where many temples were built.
Ravikirti was a learned Sanskrit poet. In his prashasti, he praised the strength of Pulakeshin II and the expansion of his empire. It is also through this inscription that we know Pulakeshin II stopped Harshavardhana from crossing the Narmada River.
The Aihole inscription is regarded as an important source for the history of South India. It provides information about Chalukya administration, military policy, and political conditions.
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14. Which of the following statements regarding the administration of South Indian kingdoms is incorrect?
Answer: C
Statement True / False Reason
A. The village was the primary unit of administration. True Villages were the main administrative units in South India, and land revenue was a major source of income.
B. Administrative posts were hereditary. True Many administrative positions passed from one generation to another within the same family.
C. One person worked in only one post. False Often, a single person held more than one administrative office.
D. Influential local people had strong influence in administration. True Merchants, artisans, and local officers played important roles in administration.
Therefore, statement C is incorrect, so the correct answer is C.
In South India, villages were considered the most important units of administration. Land revenue collected from villages formed the major source of state income.
Gradually, many administrative positions became hereditary. This meant that after the father, the son often inherited the same office.
In many cases, a single person handled multiple responsibilities. For example, some officials managed judicial, administrative, and military duties together.
Local administration was strongly influenced by merchants, artisans, and other important personalities who actively participated in economic and administrative activities.
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15. Which powers ultimately ended the Pallava and Chalukya dynasties?
Answer: D
The Pallava and Chalukya dynasties were ultimately ended by the Cholas and Rashtrakutas. Therefore, the correct answer is “A and C.”
For a long time, the Pallavas and Chalukyas were powerful dynasties of South India. There were continuous wars between them, and both attacked each other’s territories and capitals.
Over time, new powerful dynasties emerged in South India. The Rashtrakutas weakened the power of the Chalukyas, while the Cholas ended the influence of the Pallavas.
Later, the Chola dynasty became a very powerful empire in South India. They made important contributions in maritime trade, administration, and temple architecture.
The Rashtrakutas also established their influence in the Deccan region and patronized art, literature, and architecture.
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16. The organization of Brahmin landowners was called ________.
Answer: C
During the Pallava period, the organization of Brahmin landowners was known as the “Sabha.” It was an important institution of local administration.
The Sabha managed various local activities such as irrigation, agricultural work, road construction, and temple maintenance.
Mainly Brahmin landowners participated in these Sabhas. They carried out administrative and economic functions through various sub-committees.
Local administration in South India was highly developed, and these Sabhas played a major role in village administration.
Pallava inscriptions mention many such local institutions, showing the advanced administrative system of that period.
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17. What was the name of the organization of merchants?
Answer: B
In South India, many kinds of local assemblies and organizations functioned. Among them, an important organization of merchants was called the “Nagaram.” It was a guild of traders that managed commercial activities, exchange of goods, and economic affairs.
Pallava inscriptions mention different local assemblies. The organization of Brahmin landowners was known as the “Sabha,” while the organization of merchants was called the “Nagaram.”
These organizations were probably controlled by wealthy landowners and influential merchants. Their role was not limited only to trade; they also played an important part in local administration and economic activities.
Many such local assemblies and organizations continued functioning for hundreds of years, showing that local administration in South India was highly developed.
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18. Who was the author of the famous play Abhijnana Shakuntalam?
Answer: A
Mahakavi Kalidasa is regarded as one of the greatest writers of Sanskrit literature. He is famous for his beautiful depiction of royal courts, nature, society, and human emotions in his literary works.
One special feature of Kalidasa’s plays is that kings and most Brahmin characters are shown speaking Sanskrit, while common people and women use Prakrit language. This provides information about the social and linguistic system of that period.
Among Kalidasa’s most famous works, Abhijnana Shakuntalam is especially important. The play is based on the love story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. Besides the love story, it also presents a picture of contemporary society, royal courts, and administration.
The play also mentions the mistreatment of poor fishermen by royal officials, giving insight into the social conditions of the time.
Thus, the author of Abhijnana Shakuntalam was Kalidasa.
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19. Whose story is described in the famous book Abhijnana Shakuntalam?
Answer: D
Abhijnana Shakuntalam is one of the most famous plays in Sanskrit literature, written by Mahakavi Kalidasa. It is based on the love story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala.
According to the story, King Dushyanta goes into the forest, where he meets Shakuntala. Both fall in love with each other. Later, several events take place, including separation and reunion.
The play also beautifully portrays the society, royal court, royal officials, and common people of that period. Kalidasa gave a highly impressive description of human emotions and nature.
Since the play narrates the story of both King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, the correct answer is “B and C.”
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20. What did villagers bring for the king?
Answer: D
In ancient times, whenever kings toured their kingdoms, the villagers along the route welcomed and honored them. Villagers brought curd, jaggery, and flowers as gifts for the king.
Not only gifts, but they also arranged food and fodder for the king’s soldiers and animals. This was considered a symbol of loyalty and respect toward the ruler.
Villagers also wished to meet the king directly so that they could present their complaints, problems, and requests before him. This helped the king understand the condition of his kingdom, while the people got an opportunity to express their concerns.
Thus, villagers brought curd, jaggery, and flowers for the king, so the correct answer is “All of the above.”
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21. Consider the following statements:
I. Information about Samudragupta is obtained from the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
II. Harishena was the court poet and minister of Samudragupta.
III. The word “Prashasti” means “praise.”
Choose the correct answer from the codes below:
Answer: D
The Gupta period is considered an important phase in Indian history. During this time, Samudragupta was one of the most famous rulers. Important information about him comes from the inscription engraved on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad. This inscription was composed by Harishena, who served as both poet and minister in Samudragupta’s court.
Statement I is correct because the Allahabad Pillar Inscription is regarded as a major source of information about Samudragupta’s life, victories, and administration. It describes his military campaigns, political policies, and personality in detail.
Statement II is also correct. Harishena was not only a poet but also a minister. He composed a long Sanskrit prashasti praising Samudragupta. This shows the close connection between literature and politics during the Gupta period.
Statement III is also correct because “Prashasti” is a Sanskrit word meaning “praise.” In prashastis, the qualities, victories, and bravery of kings were glorified. During the Gupta age, prashasti writing became highly important. Samudragupta was presented as a great warrior, scholar, and poet.
The prashasti also reveals that kings of that period were admired not only for military skill but also for excellence in music, literature, and art. Samudragupta is even shown playing the veena on some of his coins, reflecting the cultural advancement of the Gupta age.
22. Match the following:
List-I List-II
1. Aryavarta a. Organization of merchants
2. Dakshinapatha b. 12 rulers defeated by Samudragupta
3. Nagaram c. 9 rulers defeated by Samudragupta
4. Sabha d. Organization of Brahmin landowners
Codes:
Answer: A
The prashasti of Samudragupta provides information about the expansion of his empire and his relations with rulers of different regions. Harishena described four categories of rulers and Samudragupta’s policies toward them.
List-I Correct Match Explanation
Aryavarta 9 rulers defeated by Samudragupta Aryavarta referred to North India. Samudragupta defeated nine rulers there and annexed their kingdoms into his empire.
Dakshinapatha 12 rulers defeated by Samudragupta Dakshinapatha referred to South India. Samudragupta defeated twelve rulers but allowed them to continue ruling after accepting his authority.
Nagaram Organization of merchants In South India, “Nagaram” was the organization of traders and merchants managing trade and economic activities.
Sabha Organization of Brahmin landowners “Sabha” was the assembly of Brahmin landowners responsible for irrigation, agriculture, roads, and temples.
These institutions show that administration during the Gupta period and in South Indian kingdoms was not dependent only on kings. Local organizations also played an important role, making governance more effective and organized.
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23. Consider the following statements:
I. Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thanesar.
II. Harshavardhana brought Kannauj under his control.
III. Harshavardhana was stopped near the Narmada River by Pulakeshin II.
Choose the correct answer from the codes below:
Answer: D
Harshavardhana was one of the important rulers of ancient India. Information about him mainly comes from Harshacharita written by Banabhatta and the accounts of the Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang). Harsha belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty and ruled about 1400 years ago.
Statement I is correct because Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thanesar after the death of his father and elder brother. This shows that succession in ancient kingdoms did not always pass automatically to the eldest son; circumstances also played a role.
Statement II is also correct. Harsha’s brother-in-law ruled Kannauj. After he was killed by the ruler of Bengal, Harsha occupied Kannauj and later launched campaigns against Bengal. This reflects his policy of imperial expansion.
Statement III is also correct. Harsha achieved great success in North India, but when he attempted to advance into the Deccan across the Narmada River, he was stopped by the Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II. This event is considered an important example of conflict between the powerful kingdoms of North and South India.
Pulakeshin II was the most famous ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. His achievements were described in a prashasti written by Ravikirti. This inscription also mentions his success against Harshavardhana. The event shows that South Indian kingdoms were powerful enough to challenge northern rulers.
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24. Match the following:
List-I List-II
1. Harishena a. Harshacharita
2. Banabhatta b. Prashasti of Pulakeshin II
3. Ravikirti c. Prashasti of Samudragupta
4. Harshacharita d. Biography of Harshavardhana
Codes:
Answer: A
In ancient Indian history, inscriptions, prashastis, and biographies are important historical sources. They provide information about kings, administration, wars, and society.
List-I Correct Match Explanation
Harishena Prashasti of Samudragupta Harishena was the poet and minister of Samudragupta and composed the famous Allahabad Prashasti.
Banabhatta Harshacharita Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana and wrote Harshacharita in Sanskrit.
Ravikirti Prashasti of Pulakeshin II Ravikirti composed the Aihole Prashasti describing Pulakeshin II’s victories.
Harshacharita Biography of Harshavardhana Harshacharita is considered the biography of Harshavardhana.
These works show that poets and scholars held an important place in royal courts. They not only created literature but also preserved the achievements of rulers for history.
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25. Consider the following statements regarding Monolithic (Ekashma) temples:
I. They were carved out of a single huge rock.
II. These temples were constructed from bottom to top.
III. They were different from brick-built temples.
Choose the correct answer from the codes below:
Answer: C
Ancient Indian architecture is famous throughout the world. During this period, many cave temples and rock-cut temples were constructed. Such temples are known as “Monolithic” or “Ekashma” temples. The word “Ekashma” means a structure made from a single stone or rock.
Statement I is correct because monolithic temples were carved out of one huge rock or hill. No separate stones were joined together. The entire temple was created from a single rock mass.
Statement II is incorrect. Brick temples were generally constructed from bottom to top, but rock-cut temples were carved from top to bottom. Craftsmen first shaped the upper portion and gradually moved downward. This required great technical skill and precision.
Statement III is correct because monolithic temples were completely different from brick-built temples. Brick temples were built by joining layers of bricks or stones, whereas monolithic temples were carved from one single rock. This reflects the extraordinary technical skill of ancient Indian artisans.
The construction of such temples must have involved many challenges. Craftsmen had to carefully consider the strength, balance, shape, and design of the rock. Even a small mistake could damage the entire structure. Therefore, these temples are regarded as masterpieces of engineering and artistic excellence.