Q1. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?
| Dynasty | Founder |
| 1. Pushyabhuti Dynasty | Harshavardhana |
| 2. Maitraka Dynasty | Bhatarka |
| 3. Vardhana Dynasty | Prabhakaravardhana |
| 4. Chalukya Dynasty | Pulakeshin I |
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 2, 3 and 4 only
B) 1 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q1. (A) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation:
Pair 1: Pushyabhuti Dynasty — Harshavardhana (Incorrect)
- Harshavardhana was the most illustrious ruler of the dynasty, but not its founder.
- The dynasty is generally traced to Pushyabhuti, from whom the dynasty derives its name.
Pair 2: Maitraka Dynasty — Bhatarka (Correct)
- Bhatarka, originally a Gupta military governor (Senapati), established an independent kingdom in western India.
- The dynasty ruled from Valabhi in present-day Gujarat.
Pair 3: Vardhana Dynasty — Prabhakaravardhana (Correct)
- Prabhakaravardhana transformed the family into a major political power.
- Though earlier rulers existed, he is treated in most sources as the effective founder of the imperial Vardhana state.
Pair 4: Chalukya Dynasty — Pulakeshin I (Correct)
- Pulakeshin I consolidated Chalukya rule and made Badami the capital.
- His successors, especially Pulakeshin II, expanded the empire significantly.
Q2. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited India during the reign of:
A) Dharmapala
B) Chandragupta II
C) Harshavardhana
D) Pulakeshin II
Q2. (C) Harshavardhana
Explanation:
- Xuanzang visited India between 629 CE and 645 CE.
- This period corresponds to the reign of Harshavardhana (606–647 CE).
- He spent several years at Nalanda University and attended Harsha’s religious assemblies.
Historical Significance:
- His travelogue, Si-Yu-Ki (Records of the Western Regions), provides detailed accounts of:
- Political administration
- Buddhist monasteries
- Society and economy
- Geography of early medieval India
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Dharmapala ruled in the 8th century CE.
- Chandragupta II ruled in the 4th–5th century CE.
- Pulakeshin II was a contemporary ruler, but Xuanzang is primarily associated with Harsha’s court.
Q3. Which ruler is associated with the composition of Harshacharita by Banabhatta?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Harshavardhana
C) Samudragupta
D) Mihir Bhoja
Q3. (B) Harshavardhana
Explanation:
- Harshacharita is a court biography narrating the life and achievements of Harshavardhana.
- Banabhatta served as Harsha’s official court poet.
Literary Importance:
- Considered one of the earliest historical biographies in Sanskrit prose.
- Provides valuable information on:
- Harsha’s family background
- Political events
- Court culture
- Contemporary society
Additional Fact:
- Banabhatta also authored Kadambari, one of the most celebrated Sanskrit prose romances.
Q4. The capital of the Maitraka dynasty was:
A) Kannauj
B) Thanesar
C) Ujjain
D) Valabhi
Q4. (D) Valabhi
Explanation:
- Valabhi served as the political capital of the Maitrakas.
- It evolved into an important centre of higher learning.
Educational Importance:
- Valabhi was regarded as a major seat of Buddhist and secular education.
- Chinese travellers described it as comparable to Nalanda in academic stature.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Kannauj – capital of Harshavardhana.
- Thanesar – original capital of the Vardhana dynasty.
- Ujjain – major ancient city of Malwa.
Q5. The Aihole inscription, composed by Ravikirti, is associated with:
A) Dantidurga
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Harshavardhana
D) Amoghavarsha I
Q5. (B) Pulakeshin II
Explanation:
- The Aihole inscription (634 CE) was written by Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakeshin II.
Historical Importance:
- Provides a genealogy of the Chalukyas.
- Records Pulakeshin II’s military achievements.
- Mentions his successful resistance to Harshavardhana at the Narmada.
Why This Inscription Matters:
- One of the most important epigraphic sources for early medieval Deccan history.
- Helps establish political chronology and interstate rivalries.
