History

Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

3,431 Questions

Ancient and medieval Indian rulers cover dynasties, major empires, administrative reforms, and historical monuments. This is a highly scored area in history sections of competitive exams. Practice these questions to strengthen your history foundation.

Maratha administrationGupta dynastyAncient kingdomsMedieval income sourcesRashtrakuta empire

Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers Questions

Multiple choice

With whom among the following did the Pandyas ally themselves in order to revive their empire by defeating the Cholas?

  1. Cheras
  2. Sinhalese
  3. Kalabhras

  1. Only 2

  2. Only 2 and 3

  3. Only 1 and 2

  4. All of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The early Pandyan Dynasty of the Sangam Literature faded into obscurity upon the invasion of the Kalabhras. They again went into decline with the rise of the Cholas in the 9th century and were in constant conflict with them. The Pandyas allied themselves with the Sinhalese and the Cheras in harassing the Chola empire until they found an opportunity for reviving their fortunes during the late 13th century.

Multiple choice

Which of the following facts about the Cholas is/are not correct?

  1. The Chola kings were avid builders.
  2. They pioneered a centralised form of government and established a disciplined bureaucracy.
  3. It was in the age of the Cholas that the whole of South India was, for the first time, brought under a single government.

  1. Only 3

  2. Only 2

  3. Only 2 and 3

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Cholas left a lasting legacy. Their patronage of Tamil literature and their zeal in building temples has resulted in some great works of Tamil literature and architecture. The Chola kings were avid builders and envisioned the temples in their kingdoms not only as places of worship but also as centres of economic activity. They pioneered a centralised form of government and established a disciplined bureaucracy. In the age of the Cholas, the whole of South India was, for the first time, brought under a single government, when a serious attempt was made to face and solve the problems of public administration.

Multiple choice

Identify the incorrect statement.

  1. The first gold coins were issued by Mauryas.

  2. Piyadassi is pleasant to behold.

  3. Devanampiya is beloved of gods.

  4. James Prinsep could decipher ‘Asokan Brahmi’.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kushanas issued the gold coins for the first time.

Multiple choice

During the Gupta era, the officer responsible for land records was called

  1. Dhruvadhikarana

  2. Saulika

  3. Karanika

  4. Jihatra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

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.

Multiple choice

Among the following, who was celebrated with the title of 'Gangai-Konda'?

  1. Rajaraja-I

  2. Rajendra-I

  3. Kulottunga

  4. Mahendravarman
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Rajendra I Chola, son of Rajaraja I, earned the title 'Gangai-Konda' (Conqueror of the Ganges) after his successful military campaigns that reached the Ganges river in northern India. He defeated the Pala dynasty and brought Ganges water back in a ceremonial procession, commemorating this achievement.

Multiple choice

Which of the following Gupta monarchs styled himself as "Maharajadhiraja"?

  1. Kumaragupta

  2. Samudragupta

  3. Chandragupta Vikramaditya

  4. Chandragupta I
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Chandragupta I (c. 320-335 CE) founded the Gupta Empire and first adopted the title 'Maharajadhiraja' (King of Kings), establishing imperial pretensions. Later rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta Vikramaditya used even grander titles, but Chandragupta I originated this imperial styling.

Multiple choice

Consider the following facts about the Pallava Empire.

  1. Pallavas ruled from two different capitals - Vengi and Kanchi.
  2. Mahendravarman was a Pallava King who acceded to throne in 600 AD and waged a successful battle against Chalukyas of Badami.
  3. Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang visited the Deccan during the reign of Pallava King Narsimhavarman.
  4. Simhavishnu succeeded his father Mahendravarman to the throne in the year 625 AD and ruled up to 645 AD.

Which of the above are true?

  1. 1, 2 and 4

  2. 2 and 4 only

  3. 1, 3 and 4

  4. 2 and 3 only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is wrong because Pallavas actually ruled from three capitals. The third was Badami, also known at that time as Vatapi. Statement 4 is wrong because Simhavishnu was actually Mahendravarman's father who played a pivotal role in establishing the Pallava Kingdom in the Deccan. Mahendravarman was succeeded by his son Narsimhavarman who ruled from 625 to 645 AD.

Multiple choice

To which period does the Mehrauli Pillar inscription belong?

  1. Mauryas

  2. Sungas

  3. Kushanas

  4. Guptas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription belongs to the Gupta period, specifically dating to the reign of Chandra Gupta II (c. 375-415 CE). This remarkable 7-meter pillar, located in the Qutub complex, has not rusted despite being over 1,600 years old due to its high phosphorus content creating a protective layer. The inscription praises Chandra Gupta II and mentions his military victories, demonstrating the metallurgical excellence and Sanskrit epigraphy of the Gupta golden age.