Test: Political & Social Conditions (800-1200 A.D)- 1 - UPSC MCQ

Dantidurga, also known as Dantivarman or Dantidurga II was the founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta. His capital was based in Gulbarga region of Karnataka. His successor was his uncle Krishna I who extended his kingdom to all of Karnataka.
Reign: c. 735 – c. 756 CE
Krishna I, an uncle of Dantidurga, took charge of the growing Rashtrakuta Empire by defeating the last Badami Chalukya ruler Kirtivarman II in 757. This is known from the copper plate grant of Emperor Govinda III of 807 and a copper plate grant of the Gujarat Rashtrakuta Emperor Karka from Baroda.
Reign: c. 756 – c. 774 CE
Dhruva was one of the most notable rulers of the Rashtrakuta Empire. He ascended the throne after replacing his elder brother Govinda II. Govinda II had become unpopular among his subjects on account of his various misconducts as a ruler, including excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.
Reign: 780 – 793 CE
Amoghavarsha I was a Rashtrakuta emperor, the greatest ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, and one of the great emperors of India. His reign of 64 years is one of the longest precisely dated monarchical reigns on record.
Reign: c. 815 – c. 877 CE (63-64 years)
Indra III was the grandson of Rashtrakuta Krishna II and son of Chedi princess Lakshmi. He became the ruler of the empire due to the early demise of his father Jagattunga. He had many titles such as Nithyavarsha, Rattakandarapa, Rajamarathanda and Kirthinarayana.
Reign: 914–927 CE
Krishna III whose Kannada name was Kannara was the last great warrior and able monarch of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty of Manyakheta. He was a shrewd administrator and skillful military campaigner.
Reign: 939 – 967 C.E
 

The correct answer is D as can be considered as the causes for the decline of trade and commerce in North India between 750 & 1200 A.D.
The correct answer is D as “A person turning fallow into arable land, or cultivating a field when the owner was unable to do the same, or was dead or was unheard of, is entitled to the enjoyment of its produce (less eight part) for a period of seven or eight years”. This law was enunciated during the period of LATE GUPTA AND POST GUPTA.

In the 8th century Buddhism really took hold in Tibet. Trisong Detsen invited Indian Buddhist scholars to his court, and Tibetan Buddhists today trace their oldest spiritual roots to the Indian masters Padmasambhāva (8th century) and Śāntarakṣita (725–788), who founded the Nyingma, The Ancient Ones, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism. At this early time also, from the south came the influence of scholars under the Pāla dynasty in the Indian state of Magadha. They had achieved a blend of Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna that has come to characterize all forms of Tibetan Buddhism. Their teaching in sutra centered on The Abhisamayālankāra, a 4th-century Yogācārin text, but prominent among them were the Mādhyamika scholars Śāntarakṣita and Atisha Dipankara.

Amoghavarsha I was a well-known poet and scholar. He wrote (or co-wrote) the Kannada literary work Kavirajamarga and the Sanskrit religious work Prashnottara Ratnamalika.

Therefore, the correct answer is option d: III, IV.

I. Mukteswara Temple - Found at Bhubaneswar

Mukteswara Temple is an important example of the Orissa type of Nagara style of temples, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Built-in the 10th century, it is known for its elaborate and intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered a gem of Odisha architecture.

II. Lingaraja Temple - Found at Bhubaneswar

Lingaraja Temple is another significant temple of the Orissa type of Nagara style, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Built-in the 11th century, it is one of the oldest and largest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex is adorned with beautiful architecture and numerous smaller shrines.

III. Parasurameswara Temple - Found at Bhubaneswar

Parasurameswara Temple is a small but important example of the Orissa type of Nagara style, situated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Constructed in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features intricate carvings and sculptures and is considered an important heritage site in Odisha.

IV. Jagannath Temple - Not found at Bhubaneswar (found at Puri)

Jagannath Temple, while an iconic temple in Odisha, is not located in Bhubaneswar. Instead, it is situated in the coastal town of Puri. Constructed in the 12th century, it is a significant temple of the Orissa type of Nagara style, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India.

In conclusion, Mukteswara Temple, Lingaraja Temple, and Parasurameswara Temple are the Orissa type of Nagara style temples found in Bhubaneswar. Jagannath Temple, although a prominent example of the same architectural style, is located in Puri, Odisha.

The correct option is D.
All of these temples of the Nagara style are located at Khajuraho

The 11th century is the period from 1001 to 1100 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Common Era, and the 1st century of the 2nd millennium. In the history of Europe, this period is considered theearly part of the High Middle Ages.

C is the correct option. Abu Rayhan al-Biruni was an Iranian scholar and polymath during the Islamic Golden Age. He has been variously called as the "founder of Indology", "Father of Comparative Religion", "Father of modern geodesy", and the first anthropologist. The above sentence was quoted by im.

Subinfeudation is the practice by which tenants, holding land under the king or other superior lord, carved out new and distinct tenures in their turn by sub-letting or alienating a part of their lands.

The correct option is D as The feudatories were permitted to use various symbols of dignity and royalty. Is one of the most revealing.

The Tripartite Struggle for control of northern India took placein the ninth century. The struggle was between the PratiharaEmpire, the Pala Empire and the Rashtrakuta Empire.Towards the end of the successor of Nagabhata II of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, successfully attacked Kanauj and established control there.

Parts of India dominated by the Pala empire:

• Eastern India: The Pala Empire was primarily centered in Eastern India, covering regions such as Bengal, Bihar, and parts of present-day Bangladesh. The Palas established their capital at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) and exerted their influence over a significant portion of Eastern India.



• Northern India: While the Pala Empire's stronghold was in Eastern India, they also extended their control to Northern India, including areas such as present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Palas were able to establish a strong presence in Northern India during their reign.

During the middle of the 8th century A.D. till the middle of the 9th century A.D., the Pala Empire was able to dominate these regions and establish themselves as a powerful force in Indian history.

A is the correct option.The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was an imperial power during the Late Classical period on the Indian subcontinent, that ruled much of Northern and westrn India from the mid-8th to the 11th century. They ruled first at Ujjain and later at Kannauj(the western part).

Rudolf Hoernlé once proposed that the Gahadavalas were an offshoot of the Pala dynasty of Gauda, but this theory has been totally rejected now. Another theory identifies the dynasty's founder Chandradeva as the Kannauj Rashtrakuta scion Chandra.

• Gopala: Gopala was elected by the people or nobles in the 8th century to save them from the chaotic conditions of the time. He founded the Pala dynasty and established his capital in Kusumpur, which is present-day Murshidabad in West Bengal.


• Mahipal: Mahipal was a later ruler of the Pala dynasty and succeeded Gopala. He was known for his military conquests and expansion of the Pala empire.


• Devapala: Devapala was another prominent ruler of the Pala dynasty who further expanded the empire and patronized Buddhism.


• Dharmapala: Dharmapala was a successor of Devapala and continued the legacy of his predecessors in ruling the Pala empire.

• In conclusion, Gopala was the Pala king who was elected by the people or nobles in the 8th century to bring stability and order during chaotic times.

• Rajendra I: Rajendra I was a Chola king who ruled from 1014 to 1044 AD. He was known for his military conquests and expanding the Chola Empire.


• Invasion of Bengal: Rajendra I invaded Bengal during his reign and is said to have defeated the rulers of that region.


• Bengal Kings: During the time of Rajendra I, Bengal was ruled by the Pala dynasty. Among the kings of the Pala dynasty, Mahipala was the ruler when Rajendra I invaded Bengal.


• Mahipala: Mahipala was a prominent ruler of the Pala dynasty who ruled Bengal during the early 11th century.


• Conflict with Cholas: The invasion of Bengal by Rajendra I led to conflict between the Cholas and the Palas.

Dharmapala (ruled 8th century) was the second ruler of the Pala Empire of Bengal region in the Indian Subcontinent. He was the son and successor of Gopala, the founder of the Pala Dynasty.

The empire started disintegrated after the death of Devapala, and his successor Narayanapala lost control of Assam and Orissa. He also briefly lost control over Magadha and north Bengal. The Pala empire disintegrated into smaller kingdoms during the reign of Vigrahapala II.

The Pala period was a period of excellence in architecture and sculpture. The stupas at Naianda display how the Gupta style continued to exist as a model in arc Mtecture during the Palas. Chandraprabha, the prince of Bikrampur, was a student of Sil Rakshit. Chandraprabha is famous by the name ‘Atisa Dipankara’.

The reign of King Trisong Detsen, which began about 755 CE, Buddhismbecame the official religion of the Tibetan people. The King also invited famousBuddhist teachers such as Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava to Tibet. He is credited with building Samye, the first monastery in Tibet, in the late 8th century.

King Bhoja, also known as Mihira Bhoja, was a Gurjara Pratihara ruler who defeated the Palas of Bengal.

The Elichpur clan was a feudatory of the Badami Chalukyas, and during the rule of Dantidurga, it overthrew Chalukya Kirtivarman II and went on to build an empire with the Gulbarga region in modern Karnataka as its base. This clan came to be known as the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, rising to power in South India in 753.

The Rashtrakuta empire of Manyakheta was a notable Deccan empire that ruled most of the modern-day region of south and central India between the 8th to the 10th centuries. Their regal capital wasManyakheta in Gulbarga district, Karnataka state, India.

• Correct Answer: D. Govinda III


• Explanation:




• Rashtrakuta Dynasty: The Rashtrakutas were a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries.


• Pratihara Dynasty: The Pratiharas were a prominent Indian dynasty that ruled much of Northern India from the 6th to the 11th centuries.


• Conflict: During the reign of Rashtrakuta king Govinda III, there was a conflict between the Rashtrakutas and the Pratiharas.


• Defeat of Nagabhata I: Govinda III defeated the Pratihara ruler Nagabhata I in battle, establishing Rashtrakuta dominance over the region.


• Govinda III: Govinda III was a powerful ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty who expanded the empire through military conquests.


• Impact: The defeat of Nagabhata I by Govinda III marked a significant victory for the Rashtrakutas and solidified their control over the territories.

The Battle of Vatapi was a decisive engagement which took place between thePallavas and Chalukyas near the Chalukya capital of Vatapi (present day Badami) in 642. The battle resulted in the defeat and death of the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II and the commencement of Pallava occupation of Vatapi which lasted until 654.

• Geographical position: The geographical position of the Rashtrakutas played a significant role in their dominance. Situated in the northern Deccan region, they were strategically located to control trade routes and exert influence over surrounding territories.



• Ambitions of rulers: Rulers like Govinda III, Amoghavarsha I, and Krishna had ambitious visions for expanding the Rashtrakuta empire. Their military conquests and diplomatic strategies helped in consolidating power and establishing dominance.



• Weakness of Northern kings: During the 9th century, no strong Northern king was capable of intervening in the affairs of the northern Deccan region. This lack of external interference allowed the Rashtrakutas to assert their authority without facing significant opposition.



• Decline of the Pallavas: The decline of the Pallava dynasty, who were once powerful rulers in South India, created a power vacuum that the Rashtrakutas were able to exploit. With their rivals weakened, the Rashtrakutas were able to expand their influence and emerge as a dominant force in the region.

• Taila II: Taila II was a feudatory of Krishna III, who overthrew the Rashtrakuta dynasty.


• Founding a new dynasty: After overthrowing the Rashtrakuta dynasty, Taila II founded the Later Western Chalukyas dynasty.


• Location: The Later Western Chalukyas were primarily based in the region of present-day Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra in India.


• Legacy: The Later Western Chalukyas made significant contributions to art, architecture, and literature during their rule.


• Duration: The Later Western Chalukyas ruled for several centuries before eventually being absorbed into the Hoysala Empire.

The Agnivanshi lineage (Agnivansha or Agnikula) is one of the three lineages into which the Rajput clans are divided, the others being the Suryavanshi (descended from Surya, the sun god) and the Chandravanshi (descended from Chandra, the moon god).

Rashtrakuta king, krishna-1 had built the kailash temple of ellora. It is considered as the wonder of rock-out architecture.

Nagabhata I (r. c. 730-760 CE) was an Indian king who founded the imperial Gurjara Pratihara dynasty. He ruled the Avanti (or Malava) region in present-day Madhya Pradesh, from his capital at Ujjain. He may have extended his control over the Gurjara country, which includes parts of present-day Gujarat and Rajasthan. He repulsed an Arab invasion from Sindh, probably led by Junayd ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Murri or Al Hakam ibn Awana. But the incomplete history suggests that Nagabhata was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga