Indian History - 3

Purana Qila (Old Fort) was built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, not during Akbar's reign. Akbar did build or renovate the other forts listed: Agra Fort, Lahore Fort, and Allahabad Fort. Sher Shah Suri constructed Purana Qila on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha.

Correct answer is (4). 

The Asvamedha (horse sacrifice) and Rajasuya (royal consecration) were major Vedic rituals performed by kings to establish their power, legitimacy, and divine right to rule. These sacrifices are extensively documented in Vedic literature, particularly the Brahmanas, and are central to understanding Aryan socio-political and religious structures.

In 1830, Akbar II sent Raja Ram Mohan Roy to England as his representative to petition the British government for an increase in the Mughal emperor's pension. The pension had been reduced and was insufficient to maintain the dignity and expenses of the imperial household, reflecting the declining political power of the Mughals under British paramountcy.

Bimbisara acquried Anga and placed it under the viceroyalty of Ajatashatru at Champa.

Correct Answer: Ajatasatru

The fourth Buddhist Council was held during Kanishka's reign in Kashmir, primarily to resolve doctrinal disputes between different Buddhist schools and to formally establish the Mahayana tradition as a separate path.

Bindusara, Chandragupta Maurya's son and Ashoka's father, was given the title 'Amitraghata' (Sanskrit for 'slayer of enemies') due to his successful military campaigns, particularly in the Deccan region.

When Hiuen Tsang visited Nalanda University in 637 CE, Shilabhadra was its head (acharya). Hiuen Tsang studied at Nalanda for several years under Shilabhadra's guidance and later described him as a profound scholar. Shilabhadra's teachings greatly influenced Hiuen Tsang's understanding of Buddhist philosophy before he returned to China with hundreds of manuscripts.

Option (2) is the correct answer. 

Kulottunga I (also spelled Kulotung I) was the Chola ruler who married his daughter to a Sinhalese prince from Sri Lanka. This matrimonial alliance was part of Chola diplomatic efforts to maintain influence in Sri Lanka after Rajendra I's conquests. The marriage helped strengthen Chola-Sinhalese relations during a period of changing political dynamics.

Tirukkural is often called the 'Bible of the Tamil Land' due to its universal moral and ethical teachings. Written by the poet-saint Tiruvalluvar, it consists of 1330 couplets covering various aspects of life including virtue, wealth, and love. Its timeless wisdom has earned it this reverent title. Manimegalai, Tolkappiyam, and Purananuru are important Tamil works but are not referred to by this title.

Rajraja I (also known as Rajaraja I) was the Chola ruler who defeated the Chera ruler (known as Bhaskara Ravi Varman) and destroyed the Chera navy at Kandalur Salai. This naval victory was a significant achievement that established Chola maritime dominance. Parantak I fought the Cheras but didn't destroy their navy, while Aditya and Rajendra I had different military achievements.

Balban was known for his strict court etiquette and Persian concept of divine kingship. He forbade laughter in his court to maintain royal dignity and solemn atmosphere.

Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq created the largest standing army of the Sultanate period, with estimates ranging from 3-4 lakh soldiers. This army was directly paid by the state treasury rather than through the iqta system.

Gautam Buddha was born as Prince Siddhartha to King Śuddhodana and Queen Maha Maya. 

Samprati, the Mauryan ruler and grandson of Ashoka, was converted to Jainism by Suhastin, who was a prominent Jain monk and disciple of Bhadrabahu. This conversion led Samprati to become a strong patron of Jainism, building temples and spreading the religion.

Correct answer is (4). 

Archaeological excavations at Surkotada in Kutch, Gujarat, have revealed remains of horse bones, providing evidence of horses in the Harappan civilization. This finding is significant as it helps understand the fauna known to Harappans. Other sites like Mohenjodaro, Rakhigarhi, and Kalibangan have not yielded horse remains.

During the Vedic period, rice and wheat became chief crops. Other agricultural products were barley, cotton and various pulses. In Vedic texts, rice is also called as Vrihi.

Correct Answer: Madhavrao

Shivaji was born in 1627 AD at Shivner Fort near Junnar in Pune district. This is the historically accepted birth year based on contemporary records and accounts. The year 1640 AD would make him too young to have achieved his documented conquests by the 1650s, and 1776 AD is clearly incorrect as it's after his death.

Vyuhavada is the doctrine of manifestations or emanations associated with Bhagavatism and the Pancharatra school. It explains how the supreme being manifests in various forms (vyuhas) like Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha for different cosmic functions.

Correct answer is (2). 

Correct answwer is (3). 

Correct Answer: Bronze and iron

Correct answer is (3). 

During the Gupta period, Karanika was the officer responsible for maintaining land records and revenue matters. The Gupta administration had a well-organized bureaucracy with specific officials for different functions. Land revenue was a major source of income, making accurate record-keeping essential.

Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana.

Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who delay their own nirvana to help others, are central to Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayanists worship and seek to emulate Bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri, representing compassion and wisdom. Theravada focuses on individual liberation through the Arhat path.