Worksheet Solutions: Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: Who was the Chinese pilgrim who visited India between 630-644 CE and left detailed accounts about politics, culture, and religion?
(a) Faxian
(b) Xuanzang
(c) I-Tsing
(d) Al-Masūdī

Ans: (b)

Xuanzang was a Chinese pilgrim who travelled across India to visit Buddhist sites and learn from Indian teachers, bringing back over 600 Buddhist manuscripts to China.

Q2: Which dynasty founded the Vikramaśhilā University in Bihar during the late 8th century?
(a) Gurjara-Pratīhāras
(b) Rāṣhṭrakūṭas
(c) Pālas
(d) Chālukyas

Ans: (c)

The Pāla dynasty, particularly King Dharmapāla, founded Vikramaśhilā University with six colleges, monasteries, temples, and a vast library housing nearly 3,000 scholars.

Q3: Which Rāṣhṭrakūṭa ruler built the magnificent Kailaśhanātha temple at Ellora?
(a) Dantidurga
(b) Krishna I
(c) Amoghavarṣha I
(d) Govinda III

Ans: (b)

Krishna I built the Kailaśhanātha temple at Ellora, which is recognised as the largest rock-cut temple in India and a masterpiece of architecture.

Q4: What does the title 'Mahārājādhirāja' given to Harṣhavardhana mean?
(a) King of the North
(b) Great King of Kings
(c) Emperor of India
(d) Lord of the Earth

Ans: (b)

The title 'Mahārājādhirāja' translates to 'Great King of Kings', reflecting Harṣhavardhana's supreme authority over large parts of northern and eastern India from 606 CE onwards.

Q5: Which scholar wrote the Rājatarangiṇī, a historical chronicle of Kashmir's dynasties?
(a) Bāṇabhaṭṭa
(b) Kalhaṇa
(c) Abhinavagupta
(d) Ravikīrti

Ans: (b)

Kalhaṇa, a 12th-century scholar-poet, wrote Rājatarangiṇī ('River of Kings'), using inscriptions and temple records to narrate Kashmir's history with historical accuracy and objectivity.

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: After Harṣha's death in 647 CE, three powerful dynasties fought for control of _______ during the 8th and 9th centuries.

Ans: Kannauj

Q2: _______ was a scholar who wrote Kādambarī, considered one of the world's first novels, under Harṣha's patronage.

Ans: Bāṇabhaṭṭa

Q3: The Pallava dynasty reached its peak in the 7th century with its capital at _______, also known as modern Kanchipuram.

Ans: Kānchī

Q4: _______ was a mathematician who made important contributions to operations with zero, negative numbers, and laid the foundations of algebra.

Ans: Brahmagupta

Q5: The Bhakti Movement in South India was led by the _______ who were devotees of Viṣhṇu and the Nāyanārs who worshipped Śhiva.

Ans: Ālvārs

True or False

Q1: Harṣhavardhana successfully expanded his empire southward by defeating Pulakeśhin II of the Chālukya dynasty.

Ans: False

Harṣha tried to expand southward but was stopped by Pulakeśhin II, who successfully checked Harṣha's southern expansion.

Q2: The Pāla dynasty was founded by Gopāla, who was chosen by the people in 750 CE to restore stability in Bengal.

Ans: True

Q3: Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sindh in the early 8th century led to permanent Arab control over most of India.

Ans: False

Arab control was short-lived, as Indian rulers soon regained territory. Arab expansion beyond Sindh largely failed due to strong resistance.

Q4: The Vikramaśhilā University had dvārapaṇḍitas ('scholar gatekeepers') who tested students before admission.

Ans: True

Q5: The Chola dynasty was completely destroyed by the Pallavas and never revived in South India.

Ans: False

The Cholas were revived under Vijayālaya in the 9th century and built a vast empire known for efficient administration and grand temples.

Match the Following

Q1: Match the rulers in Column A with their corresponding achievements or characteristics in Column B.

Ans:

1 - E (Harṣhavardhana was a poet and dramatist who wrote three plays in Sanskrit and patronised scholars like Bāṇabhaṭṭa during his reign.)

2 - C (Dharmapāla of the Pāla dynasty founded Vikramaśhilā University in Bihar, which had nearly 3,000 scholars studying various subjects including grammar and philosophy.)

3 - A (Krishna I of the Rāṣhṭrakūṭa dynasty built the magnificent Kailaśhanātha temple at Ellora, the largest rock-cut temple in India with remarkable architecture.)

4 - B (Narasimhavarman I, also called 'Mamalla', defeated Pulakeśhin II of the Chālukyas and captured Badami, demonstrating Pallava military strength in the 7th century.)

5 - D (Kalhaṇa, a 12th-century scholar-poet, wrote Rājatarangiṇī ('River of Kings'), narrating Kashmir's dynastic history using inscriptions, temple records, and earlier works with objectivity.)

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Describe the significance of the Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj after Harṣha's death.

Ans: After Harṣha's death in 647 CE, north India experienced political turmoil with three powerful dynasties competing for control of Kannauj during the 8th and 9th centuries: the Pālas from the east, Gurjara-Pratīhāras from the west, and Rāṣhṭrakūṭas from the Deccan. Kannauj was strategically important due to its location on the Ganga and its control over vital trade routes, making it a prize worth fighting for amongst these regional powers.

Q2: Explain the contribution of Brahmagupta to mathematics and astronomy.

Ans: Brahmagupta, born in 598 CE, made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and astronomy. In his work Brahmasphutasiddhānta, he explained operations with zero, negative numbers, and fractions, which were revolutionary concepts. He laid the foundations of algebra by developing new methods to solve equations. His works were translated into Persian and Latin, significantly influencing the Arab world and Europe, demonstrating India's advanced mathematical knowledge during this period.

Q3: What were the main features of the Vikramaśhilā University established by the Pālas?

Ans: Vikramaśhilā University, founded by Dharmapāla in the late 8th century, was a prestigious centre of learning with six colleges, monasteries, temples, lecture halls, and a vast library. Nearly 3,000 scholars studied subjects like grammar, logic, and philosophy. Each college had a dvārapaṇḍita ('scholar gatekeeper') who tested students before admission. The university had strong ties with Tibet and helped shape Tibetan Buddhism before being destroyed by Bakhtiyār Khiljī in the 12th century.

Q4: Describe the cultural achievements of the Pallava dynasty in art and architecture.

Ans: The Pallavas built magnificent rock-cut and monolithic temples at Māmallapuram (Mahabalipuram), depicting deities and scenes from the Mahābhārata. They patronised Jain, Vaishnavite, and Shaivite traditions, promoting both Sanskrit and Tamil literature. Poets like Daṇḍin flourished under their patronage, whilst Mahendravarman I himself wrote a satirical Sanskrit play. Their seaport at Māmallapuram connected them with Southeast Asia through maritime trade in spices, textiles, ivory, and luxury goods.

Q5: How did the Bhakti Movement contribute to social change during this period?

Ans: The Bhakti Movement, which spread from the 6th century onwards, emphasised personal devotion to God rather than elaborate rituals. The Ālvārs (devotees of Viṣhṇu) and Nāyanārs (devotees of Śhiva) led the movement in South India. Bhakti cut across social divisions, including caste and gender barriers, making religion more accessible to common people. This movement challenged rigid social hierarchies and promoted equality through devotional worship, significantly transforming Indian religious and social life during this period.