Characteristics of Early Medieval India MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Characteristics of Early Medieval India - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - C, A, B, D, E

Key Points

• Caturāmāmashika
  • This officer had control over the least number of villages compared to the others listed.
• Laghu Sāmanta
  • The term "Laghu" means small or minor, indicating that Laghu Sāmanta had control over a small number of villages.
• Sāmanta
  • Sāmanta was a feudal lord who controlled a moderate number of villages.
• Mahā Sāmanta
  • Mahā Sāmanta controlled more villages than a regular Sāmanta, as indicated by the prefix "Mahā" meaning great or large.
• Mahamandalesvara
  • This title was given to the highest-ranking officer, who controlled the largest number of villages.

Additional Information

• Feudal Hierarchy in Ancient India
  • Feudal lords in ancient India were often ranked based on the number of villages they controlled, which also indicated their power and influence.
  • Titles such as Sāmanta, Mahā Sāmanta, and Mahamandalesvara were used to denote different levels of authority and control.
  • Understanding the hierarchy is essential for studying the political and administrative systems of ancient India.

The correct answer is - Ubaidullah

Key Points

• Ubaidullah
  • Ubaidullah was the Umayyad governor of Basra.
  • He played a significant role in the early Islamic conquests.
  • In 711 AD, under Ubaidullah's command, the forces attacked Dahir, the ruler of Sindh.
  • This attack led to the conquest of Sindh and the establishment of Umayyad rule in the region.

Additional Information

• Yazid
  • Yazid was a prominent figure in early Islamic history, known for his role in the Umayyad Caliphate.
  • However, he was not directly involved in the attack on Dahir in 711 AD.
• Habib
  • Habib is a common name in Islamic history, but there is no significant record of a Habib leading the attack on Dahir.
• Musa
  • Musa bin Nusair was a prominent Muslim commander who led the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
  • His contributions were significant in the westward expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate, not in the conquest of Sindh.

The correct answer is: '1) Kansuwa Inscription'.

Key Points

• Kansuwa Inscription:
  • This inscription is significant as it indicates the presence of the Mauryan Empire in Rajasthan.
  • It is believed to be a rock edict associated with the Mauryan ruler, Ashoka, who issued several edicts across his empire to propagate his policies and the teachings of Buddhism.
  • The Kansuwa Inscription provides evidence of the extensive reach of the Mauryan administration and Ashoka's influence in the region.

Additional Information

• Barley Inscription:
  • Not much information is available about this inscription in the context of the Mauryan Empire.
• Ghosundi Inscription:
  • This inscription is associated with the worship of the deity Vasudeva Krishna and is not directly linked to the Mauryan Empire.
  • It dates back to the 2nd century BCE, after the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
• Nandsa Yoop Inscription:
  • This inscription is related to the Yupa pillar, which is often associated with the performance of Vedic sacrifices.
  • It is not directly connected to the Mauryan Empire.

The correct answer is: 'Badwa inscription'.

Key Points

• The Badwa inscription shows the existence of the Maukhari dynasty in Rajasthan.
  • The Maukhari dynasty was an important ruling family in Northern India during the 6th century CE.
  • This inscription provides evidence of their presence and influence in Rajasthan, contributing to our understanding of the regional history and political landscape during that period.

Incorrect Options

• Barli inscription:
  • The Barli inscription does not pertain to the Maukhari dynasty but relates to other historical contexts in Indian history.
• Ghosundi inscription:
  • The Ghosundi inscription is significant for its references to the worship of Vishnu and other local rulers, not the Maukhari dynasty.
• Kansua inscription:
  • The Kansua inscription provides information about other historical events and rulers, but it does not mention the Maukhari dynasty.

Hence, the Badwa inscription is the correct answer as it shows the existence of the Maukhari dynasty in Rajasthan.

Additional Information

• Maukhari Dynasty:
  • The Maukhari dynasty ruled over parts of northern India in the 6th century CE, with Kannauj as their capital.
  • They were contemporaries and sometimes rivals to other prominent dynasties like the Gupta and later the Pushyabhuti dynasties.
• Significance of Inscriptions:
  • Inscriptions are valuable primary sources for reconstructing historical events, dynasties, and cultural practices.
  • They often provide direct evidence of political, social, and religious aspects of the period in which they were created.

The correct answer is - Maul

Key Points

• Panchamahashabda
  • Panchamahashabda refers to the five great sounds or symbols of authority and prestige granted to influential feudal lords.
  • These symbols were a mark of honor and were used to signify the importance and influence of the recipient.
• Jaighant
  • Jaighant is one of the symbols included in Panchamahashabda, representing the sound of a victory drum.
  • It was used to announce victories and significant events, signifying power and strength.
• Shankh
  • Shankh refers to a conch shell, which is another symbol in Panchamahashabda.
  • The sound of the conch shell is considered auspicious and is often used in religious and ceremonial contexts.
• Tamas
  • Tamas, in this context, refers to a symbol associated with darkness or gloom, representing the control over ignorance and evil forces.
  • It was used to signify the power to dispel darkness and evil.

Additional Information

• Maul
  • Maul was not included in Panchamahashabda. The term "Maul" is generally associated with religious or scholarly titles, particularly in Islamic contexts.
  • It does not relate to the symbols of feudal authority and prestige in the context of Panchamahashabda.

The correct code is A, B, E only.Key Points

• Statement A:
  • The Vāyu Purāna refers to Vindhyaśakti, founder of Vākāṭaka dynasty and his son Pravĩra.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The Vāyu Purāna, one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas in Hindu mythology, does indeed mention Vindhyaśakti as the founder of the Vākāṭaka dynasty and his son Pravĩra.
• ​Statement B:
  • ​In early epigraphic records the Ābhīras figure as Generals of the Śaka Mahākshatrapas of Western India.
  • This statement is also correct.
  • The Ābhīras, an ancient tribe, are mentioned in early epigraphic records as the Generals of the Śaka Mahākshatrapas of Western India.
  • They played a significant role in the political landscape of that region.
• ​Statement C:
  • ​The Ikshvākus mentioned in the Kautilya Arthashastra ruled from the city of Madurai.
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • The Ikshvākus were an ancient dynasty associated with the Indian subcontinent, particularly the region of Ayodhya.
  • They are mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Ramayana.
  • However, the Kautilya Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, does not mention the Ikshvākus ruling from the city of Madurai.
• Statement D:
  • ​The Bodhi dynasty flourished in territory that was once within the sphere of Chera.
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • The Bodhi dynasty was an imperial dynasty that ruled over parts of the Indian subcontinent, particularly present-day Andhra, from the 2nd and the 3rd centuries CE.
  • The Chera dynasty, on the other hand, was an ancient dynasty that primarily ruled over the region of Kerala in South India.
• Statement E:
  • ​The Mahāvamina does not mention Chola king Karikāla's invasion of Cylon.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The Mahāvamina, an ancient Buddhist text from Sri Lanka, does not mention the invasion of Cylon (also known as Sri Lanka) by the Chola king Karikāla.

  • The Mahāvamina primarily focuses on the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Therefore, the correct answer is A, B, E only.

The correct answer is - Ubaidullah

Key Points

• Ubaidullah
  • Ubaidullah was the Umayyad governor of Basra.
  • He played a significant role in the early Islamic conquests.
  • In 711 AD, under Ubaidullah's command, the forces attacked Dahir, the ruler of Sindh.
  • This attack led to the conquest of Sindh and the establishment of Umayyad rule in the region.

Additional Information

• Yazid
  • Yazid was a prominent figure in early Islamic history, known for his role in the Umayyad Caliphate.
  • However, he was not directly involved in the attack on Dahir in 711 AD.
• Habib
  • Habib is a common name in Islamic history, but there is no significant record of a Habib leading the attack on Dahir.
• Musa
  • Musa bin Nusair was a prominent Muslim commander who led the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
  • His contributions were significant in the westward expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate, not in the conquest of Sindh.

(A) is false but (R) is true.

Key Points

• The statement: "Land grants were given to only Brahmins." is incorrect.
• Land grants, known as Brahmadeya, agrahara, and many other terms, were not exclusively awarded to Brahmins, but to a range of beneficiaries, including temples, religious institutions, and various different communities. So, Assertion (A) is false.
• The statement: "Such grants are not based on caste. Even barbers were given during the Vijaya nagar kingdom's rule." is accurate.
• During various periods of Indian history, different kingdoms and empires, including the Vijayanagara Empire, awarded land grants to many different individuals and institutions, independent of their caste status. So, Reason (R) is true.
• Therefore, as per the provided options, the correct answer is: A is false, but R is true.

Additional Information

• ​During the medieval period in India, the practice of land grants became widespread across various dynasties.
• These grants, termed as 'Inam', 'Brahmadeya', 'Devyana', 'Matha', 'Agrahara', and others, were typically given by rulers to religious institutions, poets, scholars, Brahmins, and others, frequently as rewards for services.
• Sometimes, these lands were granted tax-free, which meant that the landholder had the right to collect and retain taxes. While Brahmins often benefited from such grants, they were not the only recipients, indicating a certain level of social and occupational complexity.
• This practice played a major role in the expansion of agrarian production, facilitated the spread of Brahmanical social order, and led to the development of regional languages and cultures.

The correct answer is - Martand Sun Temple

Key Points

• Martand Sun Temple
  • The Martand Sun Temple, dedicated to Surya (the Sun God), was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty in the 8th century CE.
  • It is located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
  • The temple is renowned for its grand architecture and the use of stone in its construction, showcasing exceptional artistry of the period.
  • The ruins of the Martand Sun Temple are considered one of the most significant historical remains in the Kashmir Valley, demonstrating the architectural ingenuity of ancient India.

Additional Information

• Konark Sun Temple
  • Located in Odisha, the Konark Sun Temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century.
  • The temple is designed in the shape of a gigantic chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely carved stone wheels and seven horses.
• Modhera Sun Temple
  • Situated in Gujarat, the Modhera Sun Temple was constructed during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty in the 11th century.
  • This temple is famed for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture, aligned such that the first rays of the sun illuminate the deities in the sanctum at equinox.
• Khajuraho Sun Temple
  • Khajuraho, known primarily for its group of temples built by the Chandela dynasty, includes some temples dedicated to the Sun God.
  • However, they are more famous for their erotic sculptures and intricate carvings.

Correct answer is: option 2

Key Points Statement I: Indian feudalism was marked by land grants to Brahmanas and military officers.

• Explanation: During the early medieval period in India (circa 600-1200 CE), a feudal-like system emerged where rulers granted land to certain groups as a way to reward services and ensure loyalty. These land grants were known as agraharas for Brahmanas (priests and scholars) and jagirs or iqtas for military officers.
• Agraharas: Brahmanas were given these land grants as a reward for their religious and educational duties. These grants often came with certain tax exemptions and judicial rights within their allotted lands.
• Jagirs/Iqtas: Military officers were given jagirs or iqtas in exchange for their service. They were expected to collect revenue from these lands and maintain troops for the king.
• This system was prevalent under various dynasties, like the Gupta Empire in North India and the Chola Dynasty in South India, among others.
• This practice contributed to the socio-political structure of Indian society, which was highly hierarchical and decentralized.

Statement II: The system led to the rise of centralized political authority.

• Explanation: This statement is incorrect because the system of land grants in Indian feudalism often led to the decentralization of authority rather than centralization.
• Landholders or feudal lords (often referred to as samantas) who were granted lands became powerful in their own right. Over time, their authority within their territories grew, sometimes at the expense of the central king's authority.
• These local lords or samantas would occasionally challenge the central authority or become semi-independent, weakening the central state's control. This resulted in a fragmented political landscape with a proliferation of smaller, often competing principalities and kingdoms.
• The decentralization meant that local rulers and landholders had considerable autonomy, reducing the central king’s ability to enforce a unified and centralized political authority.

Statement III: Peasants were often subject to multiple layers of oppressive taxation.

• Explanation: This statement is correct as it reflects the reality faced by the peasantry under the feudal system.
• Peasants, or cultivators, were typically bound to the land granted to the Brahmanas or military officers. They had to pay various taxes and dues to multiple layers of authority. This often included:
• Taxes to the immediate feudal lord or grantee (who held the agrahara or jagir).
• Additional duties and levies to regional overlords or higher feudal lords if the structure was multilayered.
• Potential demands from the central authority or king, on top of local obligations.
• This heavy taxation was oppressive, reducing the economic freedom and prosperity of the peasants and leading to exploitation. The multiple layers of taxation exacerbated the burden on the peasantry, often leading to peasant revolts and general unrest.
• The system entrenched socio-economic disparities, contributing to the rigid hierarchical structure of medieval Indian society.

The correct code is A, B, E only.Key Points

• Statement A:
  • The Vāyu Purāna refers to Vindhyaśakti, founder of Vākāṭaka dynasty and his son Pravĩra.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The Vāyu Purāna, one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas in Hindu mythology, does indeed mention Vindhyaśakti as the founder of the Vākāṭaka dynasty and his son Pravĩra.
• ​Statement B:
  • ​In early epigraphic records the Ābhīras figure as Generals of the Śaka Mahākshatrapas of Western India.
  • This statement is also correct.
  • The Ābhīras, an ancient tribe, are mentioned in early epigraphic records as the Generals of the Śaka Mahākshatrapas of Western India.
  • They played a significant role in the political landscape of that region.
• ​Statement C:
  • ​The Ikshvākus mentioned in the Kautilya Arthashastra ruled from the city of Madurai.
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • The Ikshvākus were an ancient dynasty associated with the Indian subcontinent, particularly the region of Ayodhya.
  • They are mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Ramayana.
  • However, the Kautilya Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, does not mention the Ikshvākus ruling from the city of Madurai.
• Statement D:
  • ​The Bodhi dynasty flourished in territory that was once within the sphere of Chera.
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • The Bodhi dynasty was an imperial dynasty that ruled over parts of the Indian subcontinent, particularly present-day Andhra, from the 2nd and the 3rd centuries CE.
  • The Chera dynasty, on the other hand, was an ancient dynasty that primarily ruled over the region of Kerala in South India.
• Statement E:
  • ​The Mahāvamina does not mention Chola king Karikāla's invasion of Cylon.
  • This statement is correct.
  • The Mahāvamina, an ancient Buddhist text from Sri Lanka, does not mention the invasion of Cylon (also known as Sri Lanka) by the Chola king Karikāla.

  • The Mahāvamina primarily focuses on the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Therefore, the correct answer is A, B, E only.

The correct answer is - C, A, B, D, E

Key Points

• Caturāmāmashika
  • This officer had control over the least number of villages compared to the others listed.
• Laghu Sāmanta
  • The term "Laghu" means small or minor, indicating that Laghu Sāmanta had control over a small number of villages.
• Sāmanta
  • Sāmanta was a feudal lord who controlled a moderate number of villages.
• Mahā Sāmanta
  • Mahā Sāmanta controlled more villages than a regular Sāmanta, as indicated by the prefix "Mahā" meaning great or large.
• Mahamandalesvara
  • This title was given to the highest-ranking officer, who controlled the largest number of villages.

Additional Information

• Feudal Hierarchy in Ancient India
  • Feudal lords in ancient India were often ranked based on the number of villages they controlled, which also indicated their power and influence.
  • Titles such as Sāmanta, Mahā Sāmanta, and Mahamandalesvara were used to denote different levels of authority and control.
  • Understanding the hierarchy is essential for studying the political and administrative systems of ancient India.

The correct answer is: 'Decline of Pallavas, Establishment of Kalyani Chalukyas, Fall of Maitrakas, Rise of Yadavas'.

Key Points

• Decline of Pallavas
  • The Pallavas, dominant in Tamil Nadu, declined in the late 9th century CE.
  • Their fall was primarily due to the rise of the Cholas, who became the dominant power in southern India.
• Establishment of Kalyani Chalukyas
  • The Kalyani Chalukyas, also known as the Western Chalukyas, rose to prominence in the late 10th century CE in Karnataka.
  • Their capital was Kalyani (modern-day Basavakalyan), and they succeeded the Rashtrakutas in the Deccan region.
• Fall of Maitrakas
  • The Maitrakas, who ruled from Vallabhi in Gujarat, declined in the 8th century CE.
  • Their fall was caused by invasions from Arab forces and internal instability.
• Rise of Yadavas
  • The Yadavas of Devagiri emerged as a powerful dynasty in the late 12th century CE in the Deccan region.
  • They were known for their contribution to Marathi culture and for resisting early invasions by the Delhi Sultanate.

Additional Information

• Decline of Pallavas:
  • The Cholas, under rulers like Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, overtook the Pallavas and expanded their influence across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
• Kalyani Chalukyas:
  • They were instrumental in reviving the Chalukya legacy after the Rashtrakutas.
  • Prominent rulers like Vikramaditya VI strengthened their position in the Deccan.
• Fall of Maitrakas:
  • The Maitrakas were one of the early regional powers in western India but faced consistent external pressures.
• Yadavas:
  • Their capital, Devagiri (modern Daulatabad), became a major center of power and trade in the Deccan.

The correct answer is - Ubaidullah

Key Points

• Ubaidullah
  • Ubaidullah was the Umayyad governor of Basra.
  • He played a significant role in the early Islamic conquests.
  • In 711 AD, under Ubaidullah's command, the forces attacked Dahir, the ruler of Sindh.
  • This attack led to the conquest of Sindh and the establishment of Umayyad rule in the region.

Additional Information

• Yazid
  • Yazid was a prominent figure in early Islamic history, known for his role in the Umayyad Caliphate.
  • However, he was not directly involved in the attack on Dahir in 711 AD.
• Habib
  • Habib is a common name in Islamic history, but there is no significant record of a Habib leading the attack on Dahir.
• Musa
  • Musa bin Nusair was a prominent Muslim commander who led the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula.
  • His contributions were significant in the westward expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate, not in the conquest of Sindh.

The correct answer is: '1) Kansuwa Inscription'.

Key Points

• Kansuwa Inscription:
  • This inscription is significant as it indicates the presence of the Mauryan Empire in Rajasthan.
  • It is believed to be a rock edict associated with the Mauryan ruler, Ashoka, who issued several edicts across his empire to propagate his policies and the teachings of Buddhism.
  • The Kansuwa Inscription provides evidence of the extensive reach of the Mauryan administration and Ashoka's influence in the region.

Additional Information

• Barley Inscription:
  • Not much information is available about this inscription in the context of the Mauryan Empire.
• Ghosundi Inscription:
  • This inscription is associated with the worship of the deity Vasudeva Krishna and is not directly linked to the Mauryan Empire.
  • It dates back to the 2nd century BCE, after the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
• Nandsa Yoop Inscription:
  • This inscription is related to the Yupa pillar, which is often associated with the performance of Vedic sacrifices.
  • It is not directly connected to the Mauryan Empire.