About the Topic: Early Medieval Period is an important topic of Medieval Indian History covering the political, social, economic and cultural developments in India between the 8th and 12th centuries. Practice MCQ Questions with answers and explanations for UPSC preparation.
Consider the following statements regarding Dharampala:
He succeeded Gopala as monarch.
He assumed the highest imperial titles of the time, including Paramabhattaraka.
He defeated king Indrayudha and set his nominee Chakrayudha on the throne.
Which of the statements given above are correct:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All of the above
Dharmapala (770–810 CE) was the second emperor of the Pala Empire of Bengal and Bihar. He is one of the greatest rulers of the Pala dynasty, and ranks among the greatest kings in Indian history. He was the son of Gopala.
In around A.D. 770, Dharmapala succeeded Gopala as monarch. He embarked on a plan to expand his empire. He was married to Rannadevi, princess of Rashtrakuta. He assumed the highest imperial titles of the time, including Paramabhattaraka, Paramesvara, and Maharajadhiraja.
Dharmapala ruled for around 40 years and took the Palas kingdom to new heights. He defeated Kanauj's king Indrayudha and set his nominee Chakrayudha on the throne and conducted an imperial court in Kannauj.
Ques: 2
Who was the founder of the Pala dynasty in Kamarupa?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Brahma Pala
Brahma Pala was the founder of the Pala dynasty in Kamarupa. The last ruler of the Salstambha dynasty was Tyag Singha. After the death of Tyag Singha, who had no heir, the people of Kamrupa chose Brahma Pala as their new king, marking the beginning of the Pala dynasty. This dynasty played a significant role in the history of ancient Assam.
Ques: 3
Which of the following Pala king shifted the capital of Kamrupa from Pragjyotishpur to Kamarupanagara?
Correct Answer:
(A) Dharma Pala
Dharma Pala shifted the capital of Kamrupa from Pragjyotishpur to Kamarupanagara, which is now identified with North Guwahati.
Ques: 4
In which of the following places were the Gachtal Copper-plate inscriptions found?
Correct Answer:
(C) Nagaon
The Gachtal copper-plate inscriptions were found in Gachtal village in the Nagaon district of Assam. These inscriptions are significant because they provide valuable information about the history of the Pala dynasty in Assam.
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements regarding the politics existed under Pala rule:
The Pala grants are specifically related to the maintenance of law and order, and justice.
The Pala kings give permanent grants for temples and Buddhist monasteries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
The Pala kings (referred to as Parambhattaraka, Parameshwara and Maharajadhiraja) gave land grants to brahmanas, priests and temples. These grants were permanent. They also bestowed land grants on Buddhist monasteries.
The Pala grants are specifically related to maintenance of law and order and of administration of justice.
Land grants were also given to Kaivartas who were peasants. The Pala records (land charters) refer to Rajas, Rajputras, Ranakas, Rajarajanakas, Mahasamantas, Mahasamantadhipatis, etc. They were probably feudatories who were given lands in lieu of military services.