Harshavardhana organised two great religious conventions in:
Correct Answer:
(A)
Kannauj and Prayaga
Harsha held a massive council of various religions and sects in Kannauj to prove the excellence of Mahayana over other religions. According to Chinese evidence, rulers of 20 countries along with their eminent Brahmins, Shramads, courtiers, etc. arrived there. This meet was presided over by Hiuen Tsang. A function used to be held at Sangam region of Prayaga every fifth year of Harsha’s rule, which is stated as ‘Mahamoksha council.’ Hiuen Tsang himself attended the 6th function which was attended by 18 rulers of various countries.
Ques:
12
Emperor Harsha’s Southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by:
Correct Answer:
(B)
Pulakeshin-II
Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by Pulakeshin II, a Chalukyan ruler who defeated Harsha. This incident is mentioned in Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II and description of Hiuen Tsang.
Ques:
13
Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda were the books on drama written by:
Correct Answer:
(D)
Harshavardhana
Harsha patronised literary and cultural activities. It is said the state spent a quarter of its revenue for such activities.
Bana, the author of Harshacharita and Kadambari, was a court poet of Harsha.
The emperor himself was a renowned litterateur, which is evident from the plays he wrote such as Priyadarsika, Rathnavali and Nagananda.
Harsha gifted liberally for the promotion of education. Temples and monasteries functioned as centres of learning.
Renowned scholars imparted education in the monasteries at Kanauj, Gaya, Jalandhar, Manipur and other places. The Nalanda University reached its utmost fame during this period.
Ques:
14
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
The Guptas of Magadha
The Paramaras of Malwa
The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
The Maukharis of Kanauj
The Yadavas of Devagiri
The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct Answer:
(B)
1, 3, 4 and 6
After the decline of the Guptas, the Later Guptas succeeded as the rulers of Magadha during the early seventh century. They ruled parts of the Northern India including Magadha (current day Bihar). Hence statement 1 is correct. The Paramara dynasty ruled the western and central parts of India including Malwa, between the 9th and 14th century AD, before being captured by Delhi Sultanate rulers. Hence statement 2 is not correct. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar (current day Harayana) ruled various parts of Northern India during the 6th and 7th century AD. Hence statement 3 is correct. The Maukharis dynasty ruled over parts of Uttar Pradesh and Magadha including Kannauj. The dynasty ruled till around 606 AD. When it was reconquered by the Later Guptas. Hence statement 4 is correct. The Yadavas of Devagiri ruled from around 1187 to 1317 AD in western parts of India. Hence statement 5 is not correct. The Maitrakas of Valabhi ruled western and northern parts of current-day Gujarat during the late 5th century to late 8th century AD. Hence statement 6 is correct. Therefore option (b) is correct option.
Ques:
15
The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang), who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
As regards punishment for offences ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
Correct Answer:
(B)
2 and 3
Hiuen Tsang stayed in India and visited almost every province of the country. According to Hiuen Tsang, the roads and river-routes were not completely immune from robbery. He himself was robbed many times during his voyages and travels. Thus, statement (1) is incorrect. According to Hiuen Tsang, punishment for the crime was harsh during that time. Ordeals by fire, water and poison were used to determine the innocence or guilt of a person. From the records of Hiuen Tsang, this fact is highlighted that tax was levied on trade routes, banks of rivers, products and goods etc. by which the state collected an ample amount of money. Therefore, statement 2 and 3 are correct.
Ques:
16
In whose reign-period the Chinese Traveller Hiuen- Tsang visited India?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Harsha
The arrival of Hiuen-Tsang was the most important event of Harsha’s period. His desire was to visit the places related to Mahatma Buddha and study Buddhist texts, which was available in India. He departed for India in 629 AD. from Changan, the capital of Tang Ruler. He wrote a book on his tour to India named ‘Sei-Yu-Kei.’
Ques:
17
Who was the court poet of Harshavardhana?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Banabhatta
Banabhatta was the court poet of king Harshavardhana. His biography Harshacharita (“Deeds of Harsha”) written by Sanskrit poet Banabhatta, describes his association with Thanesar, besides mentioning the defence wall, a moat and the palace with a two-storied Dhavalagriha (white mansion).
Ques:
18
Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha Vardhan’s period was
Correct Answer:
(D)
Hiuen Tsang
The period of Harsha is well documented in Harshacharitra written by Banabhatta. The writings of Chinese scholar Hiuen-Tsang who visited Harsha’s court also provide the great detail about Harsha and India of Harsha’s time.
Ques:
19
Which text provides the most detailed biographical account of Harshavardhana?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Harshacharita
Ques:
20
The royal emblem of the Ikshvaku dynasty was:
Correct Answer:
(B)
Lion
The royal emblem of Ikshvakus is Lion. Prakrit is the official language Ikshvakus. Veera Purushadattudu is the greatest among Ikshvakus. Rudra Purushadattudu was the last ruler of Ikshvaku dynasty.