MCQ: India & the World- 2 - UPSC MCQ

The subjugation of Sind by the Arabs made way for Islam into India. This conquest also led to the exchange of knowledge in the fields of administration, astronomy, music, painting, medicine, and architecture between India and the Arab world.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) was a golden age of Chinese civilization, known for its strong central government, cultural achievements, and economic growth. The Silk Route played an essential role in the exchange of goods and ideas between China and the West.

Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled to the east during the 13th century. He spent time at the court of Kublai Khan and later documented his journey in his book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," which provided Europeans with valuable information about Asia.

The Sailendra Dynasty, which ruled parts of Southeast Asia, including Sumatra and Java, was known for its Buddhist centers of learning. The Borobudur Temple, dedicated to the Buddha, is an architectural marvel with nine terraces and a central stupa symbolizing the path towards enlightenment.

The Kambuja Dynasty ruled over Cambodia and Annam (South Vietnam) and is known for constructing the temple complex near Angkor Thom. This complex includes over 200 temples in a 3.2 square kilometer area, with the largest and most famous temple being Angkor Vat. These temples feature statues and panels inspired by Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharat.

Caliph Walid was succeeded by Caliph Sulaiman, who was an enemy of Al-Hajjajj, the Governor of Iraq. As Muhammad-bin-Qasim was the son-in-law of Al-Hajjajj, he was dismissed and sent to Mesopotamia as a prisoner, where he was tortured to death.

Muhammad bin Qasim's army consisted of 25,000 troops with 6,000 camels, 6,000 Syrian horses, 3,000 Bactrian camels, and an artillery force with 2000 men, advanced guards, and five catapults.

Jizya was a tax imposed on non-Muslims during Muhammad-bin-Qasim's rule in Sind and Multan. This tax was collected as a means to ensure protection and security for non-Muslim subjects.

Sind and Multan were divided into a number of Iqtas or districts by Muhammad-bin-Qasim, and Arab military officers headed the Iqtas. The sub-divisions of the districts were administered by local Hindu officers.

After capturing Multan, Muhammad-bin-Qasim referred to it as 'The City of Gold' due to its wealth and prosperity.