Static Quiz 09 March 2026 (Medieval History)

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Hoysala dynasty:

1. The early capital of the Hoysalas was Belur, which was later shifted to Halebidu.
2. The Hoysalas originally belonged to the Malenadu region of the Western Ghats.
3. The empire reached its maximum territorial extent under Krishnadevaraya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q1. (A)
Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  • Early Hoysala capital: Belur
  • Later shifted to Halebidu (Dwarasamudra).
• Statement 2 – Correct
  • Hoysalas originated in Malenadu region of Western Ghats (present Karnataka).
• Statement 3 – Incorrect
  • Krishnadevaraya belonged to the Vijayanagara Empire, not the Hoysalas.

Q2. With reference to Hoysala architecture, consider the following statements:

1. Hoysala temples were generally built on star-shaped platforms (Jagati).
2. The temples were mostly constructed using soapstone (chloritic schist).
3. The architectural style shows strong influence of Dravida and Vesara traditions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. (D)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  • Star-shaped plan is a distinctive feature of Hoysala temples.
• Statement 2 – Correct
  • Temples used soft soapstone, allowing intricate carvings.
• Statement 3 – Correct
  • Hoysala style represents a fusion of Dravida and Vesara traditions.

Q3. Which of the following temples belong to the Hoysala architectural tradition?

1. Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
2. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
3. Keshava Temple, Somanathapura
4. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q3. (B)

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct: Chennakeshava Temple (Belur) – major Vaishnavite Hoysala temple.
• 2 – Correct: Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu) – dedicated to Shiva.
• 3 – Correct: Keshava Temple (Somanathapura) – finest example of mature Hoysala architecture.
• 4 – Incorrect: Virupaksha Temple at Hampi belongs to Vijayanagara architecture.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Hoysala rulers:

1. Vishnuvardhana was an important ruler who expanded the kingdom after defeating the Cholas.
2. The Hoysalas were initially feudatories of the Western Chalukyas.
3. The dynasty declined after the invasions of Malik Kafur under Alauddin Khalji.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. (D)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct
  • Vishnuvardhana (12th century) expanded Hoysala power and defeated the Cholas at Talakad.
• Statement 2 – Correct
  • Hoysalas initially served as feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani.
• Statement 3 – Correct
  • Malik Kafur’s campaigns (1310–1311) weakened the Hoysalas, contributing to their decline.

Q5. With reference to the Hoysala period in South India, consider the following:

1. Promotion of Kannada and Sanskrit literature.
2. Development of intricately carved temple sculpture.
3. Establishment of large maritime trade ports on the Coromandel Coast.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. (A)

Explanation:

• 1 – Correct
  • Hoysalas patronised Kannada and Sanskrit literature.
• 2 – Correct
  • Known for exquisite temple sculptures depicting epics, dancers, animals, and deities.
• 3 – Incorrect
  • Major maritime ports on Coromandel coast were associated more with Cholas, not Hoysalas.

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