Post-Gupta Period MCQ: Harsha's Nalanda, the Tripartite Struggle & Shankaracharya's Four Dhamas

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

1. Q1.Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang studied at which University?

   • A.Taxila
   • B.Vikramshila
   • C.Magadh
   • D.Nalanda

   Explanation: Hiuen Tsang studied at Nalanda University in 637 AD. Acharya Sheelbhadra was the Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda at that time.

2. Q2.Nalanda is located in?

   • A.Madhya Pradesh
   • B.Andhra Pradesh
   • C.Uttar Pradesh
   • D.Bihar

   Explanation: Nalanda, the ancient university town, is located in Bihar. It was a major centre of learning in the Gupta and Post-Gupta periods.

3. Q3.During Post Gupta Period, main business centre was?

   • A.Kannauj
   • B.Ujjain✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Dhar
   • D.Devgiri

   Explanation: During the Post-Gupta period, the business centre shifted to Kannauj from Ujjain. Kannauj became the centre of attraction for powers like Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas.

4. Q4.Which Chinese traveller came to India in 671-672 AD?

   • A.Fa-Hien
   • B.Hiuen-Tsang
   • C.I-Tsing
   • D.Sungyun✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: The Chinese traveller I-Tsing (Itsing) decided to travel to western countries in 671 or 672 AD and came to India through the western sea route.

5. Q5.Who was the Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University when Hiuen Tsang visited?

   • A.Dharmapala
   • B.Sheelbhadra
   • C.Atisa✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Nagarjuna

   Explanation: Acharya Sheelbhadra was the Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University when Hiuen Tsang visited in 637 AD.

6. Q6.The 'Mahamoksha Council' was held by Harsha at which place?

   • A.Kannauj
   • B.Prayag
   • C.Thanesar✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Ujjain

   Explanation: A function used to be held at the Sangam region of Prayag every fifth year of Harsha's rule, which is stated as 'Mahamoksha council.'

7. Q7.Which dynasties were engaged in the Tripartite struggle for Kannauj?

   • A.Pala, Chola, Pandya
   • B.Pala, Gurjara-Pratihara, Rashtrakuta
   • C.Chola, Chalukya, Pallava✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Gupta, Maurya, Kushan

   Explanation: There was a triangular (tripartite) struggle between the Pala, Gurjara-Pratihara and Rashtrakuta dynasties for the control of Kannauj in the 8th-9th Century.

8. Q8.In ancient days, Chinese writers mentioned India by the name of?

   • A.Yin-tu
   • B.Si-Yu-Ki✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Fo-Kwo-Ki
   • D.Tien-chu

   Explanation: In ancient days, Chinese writers mentioned India by the name of 'Yin-tu' and 'Thian tu'.

9. Q9.Shankaracharya's philosophy is known as?

   • A.Dvaita
   • B.Vishishtadvaita
   • C.Advaita Vedanta
   • D.Mimansa✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Shankaracharya was born in Kerala in the 8th century. His philosophy is known as 'Advaita Vedanta'.

10. Q10.Which of the following is NOT one of the four 'Dhamas' established by Shankaracharya?

    • A.Sringeri
    • B.Dwarka
    • C.Puri
    • D.Kashi

    Explanation: The four religious centres (Dhamas/Maths) established by Shankaracharya are Sringeri (South), Dwarka (West), Puri (East), and Jyotirmath/Joshimath (North). Kashi is not among the four maths established by him.

11. Q11.Who finally won the Tripartite struggle for Kannauj?

    • A.Palas
    • B.Rashtrakutas
    • C.Gurjara-Pratiharas
    • D.Chalukyas✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: In the tripartite struggle between Pala, Pratihara, and Rashtrakuta for Kannauj, ultimately, the Pratiharas got success.

12. Q12.Which book was written by Hiuen Tsang on his tour to India?

    • A.Indica
    • B.Sei-Yu-Kei
    • C.Fo-Kwo-Ki✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Rajtarangini

    Explanation: Hiuen Tsang wrote a book on his tour to India named 'Sei-Yu-Kei' (Records of the Western Regions).

13. Q13.Assertion (A): The main feature of the agrarian structure in the Pre-Gupta period was the development of feudalism. Reason (R): Land owner middle class and a dependent peasant class came into existence.

    • A.Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation of A
    • B.Both A and R are true but R is not correct explanation
    • C.A is true but R is false
    • D.A is false but R is true

    Explanation: The main feature of the agrarian structure in the 'Gupta' period (not Pre-Gupta) was the development of feudalism. Thus Assertion A is false. Reason R is true as this class structure did emerge.

14. Q14.Which of the following kingdoms held power in Northern India from the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana?

    • A.Guptas of Magadha & Maukharis of Kannauj
    • B.Paramaras of Malwa✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Yadavas of Devagiri
    • D.Cholas of Thanjavur

    Explanation: After the decline of Imperial Guptas, the Later Guptas of Magadha, Maukharis of Kannauj, Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, and Maitrakas of Valabhi held power in Northern India before Harsha's rise.

15. Q15.A massive council of various religions and sects was held by Harsha in?

    • A.Prayag
    • B.Kannauj
    • C.Thanesar✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Nalanda

    Explanation: Harsha held a massive council of various religions and sects in Kannauj. It was presided over by Hiuen Tsang and attended by rulers of 20 countries.

16. Q16.Which ruler of Bengal founded the ancient University called 'Vikramshila'?

    • A.Dharmapala
    • B.Gopala✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Devpala
    • D.Mahipala

    Explanation: Dharmapala founded the Vikramshila University. He was an enthusiastic Buddhist and also constructed the Somapura Mahavihara.

17. Q17.Who among the following laid the foundation of Rashtrakuta Empire?

    • A.Amoghavarsha- I
    • B.Danti Durga
    • C.Dhruva✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Krishna- I

    Explanation: In 736 AD, Danti Durga laid the foundation of the Rashtrakuta Empire. His capital was Manyakheta.

18. Q18.Who out of the following performed a ritual called 'Hiranya-Garbha'?

    • A.Mayur Sharman
    • B.Harish Chandra
    • C.Danti Durga
    • D.Harsha✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: It is said that Danti Durga, the founder of Rashtrakuta dynasty, had performed 'Hiranya-Garbha' (Mahadana) oblation in Ujjayini.

19. Q19.'Aadi Varaha' was the title of which Gurjar Pratihara ruler?

    • A.Vatsraja
    • B.Nagbhatta II
    • C.Mihir Bhoja
    • D.Nagbhatta I✓ Correct Answer

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

20. Q20.Which of the following Rajput dynasties founded the city of Dhilika (Delhi) in the eighth century?

    • A.Parmara dynasty
    • B.Solanki dynasty
    • C.Tomar dynasty
    • D.Chauhan dynasty✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Anangpal Tomar of the Tomar dynasty founded the city of Dhillika (modern Delhi) in the 8th century.