Early Medieval Period MCQ: Uttaramerur Inscription, Pratihara Dynasty & Rajatarangini

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Who wrote 'Dayabhaga'?

   • A.Vigyaneshwara
   • B.Jimutvahana✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Rajashekhara
   • D.Bhoja

   Explanation: Jimutvahana wrote 'Dayabhaga', a famous book on law.

2. Q2.Who was the ruler of Gujarat who defeated Muhammad Ghori in 1178 AD?

   • A.Prithviraj Chauhan
   • B.Bhimdev II✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Jaichand
   • D.Kumarpala

   Explanation: The first battle of Muhammad Ghori was against Raja Bhimdev-II of Gujarat who inflicted a major defeat on him.

3. Q3.What was the capital of the Parmara dynasty?

   • A.Ujjain
   • B.Dhara✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Mandu
   • D.Vidisha

   Explanation: The capital of the Parmara dynasty was Dhara.

4. Q4.The presiding deity of the Bhojshala temple is:

   • A.Goddess Lakshmi
   • B.Goddess Durga
   • C.Goddess Saraswati✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Goddess Parvati

   Explanation: Bhojshala temple is located in Dhar and the presiding deity is Goddess Saraswati.

5. Q5.Who assumed the title of 'Avanisingh'?

   • A.Simhavishnu✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Mahendravarman I
   • C.Narasimhavarman I
   • D.Nandivarman

   Explanation: Pallava ruler Simhavishnu (575-600 AD) assumed the title of 'Avanisingh'.

6. Q6.Which Tamil text is known as the 'Bible of Tamil Land' or 'Laghuveda'?

   • A.Silappadikaram
   • B.Manimekalai
   • C.Kural (Muppal)✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Tolkappiyam

   Explanation: Kural, also known as 'Muppal', is considered the Bible and Laghuveda of Tamil literature. It was written by the famous poet Tiruvalluvar.

7. Q7.Who is the author of the Tamil epic 'Silappadikaram'?

   • A.Sittalai Sattanar
   • B.Ilango Adigal✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Tiruvalluvar
   • D.Tolkappiyar

   Explanation: The author of the Tamil literature 'Silappadikaram' was Ilango Adigal, the grandson of Chola King Karikal.

8. Q8.Which Pallava ruler wrote the humorous play 'Mattavilasa Prahasana'?

   • A.Narasimhavarman I
   • B.Mahendravarman I✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Paramesvaravarman I
   • D.Nandivarman II

   Explanation: Mahendravarman I (600-630 AD) composed a humorous book titled 'Mattavilasa Prahasana'.

9. Q9.The famous Uttaramerur inscription belongs to which dynasty and provides details about what?

   • A.Pallava - Temple Architecture
   • B.Chola - Village Administration✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Chalukya - Military Conquests
   • D.Rashtrakuta - Land Grants

   Explanation: A detailed description of the Chola village administration (Gram Sabha) is found in the Uttaramerur inscription.

10. Q10.Which Chola King sent a mission of 72 merchants to China in 1077 AD?

    • A.Rajaraja I
    • B.Rajendra I
    • C.Kulottunga I✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Rajadhiraja I

    Explanation: During the reign of Chola ruler Kulottunga I in 1077 AD, a Chola delegation of 72 merchants was sent to China.

11. Q11.Who composed the Aihole Inscription?

    • A.Harisena
    • B.Ravikirti✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Kalhana
    • D.Bilhana

    Explanation: The Aihole inscription provides the saga of Chalukya King Pulakeshin II's achievements and was composed by Ravikirti.

12. Q12.The term 'Yavanapriya' mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts referred to:

    • A.Ivory
    • B.Pepper✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Fine muslin
    • D.Pearls

    Explanation: Indian black pepper was a favorite of Greeks/Romans, and that is why in Sanskrit it is called 'Yavanapriya'.

13. Q13.In the context of South Indian history, 'Manigramam' and 'Nanadesi' were:

    • A.Villages granted to Brahmins
    • B.Trade guilds/unions✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Names of famous temples
    • D.Administrative units

    Explanation: Various trade unions existed in South Indian townships like Manigramam, Nanadesi, Valanjiyar, etc., to encourage trade.

14. Q14.Which Pratihara ruler assumed the title of 'Adivaraha'?

    • A.Vatsaraja
    • B.Nagabhata II
    • C.Mihir Bhoja✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Mahendrapala I

    Explanation: Mihir Bhoja was the most powerful ruler of Gurjara-Pratiharas. He was a follower of Vaishnavism and attained the title of 'Adivaraha'.

15. Q15.Who constructed the Sompura Mahavihara?

    • A.Kumaragupta I
    • B.Harsha
    • C.Dharmapala✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Vijayasena

    Explanation: Dharmapala constructed famous Buddhist monasteries at Vikramshila and Somapuri (Paharpur).

16. Q16.Who initiated the 'Lakshman Samvat'?

    • A.Vijayasena
    • B.Lakshman Sen✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Ballal Sen
    • D.Dharmapala

    Explanation: Lakshman Sen (1178-1206 AD), the king of Sen Dynasty, initiated a new Samvat called 'Lakshman Samvat'.

17. Q17.The famous Jain scholar Hemchandra adorned the court of which ruler?

    • A.Amoghavarsha
    • B.Kumarapala✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Prithviraj Chauhan
    • D.Vidyadhara

    Explanation: Hemchandra got fame during the period of Solanki king Jaysimha Siddharaj and adorned the court of his successor Kumarapala.

18. Q18.Who is the author of 'Rajatarangini'?

    • A.Kalhana✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Bilhana
    • C.Banabhatta
    • D.Somadeva

    Explanation: Detailed information regarding Harsha is obtained from Harshacharita, and some information is also available from Rajatarangini written by Kalhana.

19. Q19.Who is the author of 'Prithviraja Vijaya'?

    • A.Chand Bardai
    • B.Jayanaka✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Nayanchandra Suri
    • D.Malik Muhammad Jayasi

    Explanation: The author of the book 'Prithviraja Vijaya' is Jayanaka.

20. Q20.The Lingaraja Temple is located in:

    • A.Puri
    • B.Konark
    • C.Bhubaneswar✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Mahabalipuram

    Explanation: Lingaraja Temple is located at Bhubaneswar and was built in the 11th century A.D.