Q1. Which of the following statements regarding Harshavardhana is/are correct?
- He shifted the political centre from Thanesar to Kannauj.
- He convened the Kannauj Assembly.
- He was defeated by Pulakeshin II.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 3
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1 and 2 only
Q1. (B) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1: He shifted the political centre from Thanesar to Kannauj. (Correct)
- Harsha belonged to the Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty, whose original capital was Thanesar.
- After consolidating power in North India, he adopted Kannauj as his imperial capital.
- Kannauj subsequently emerged as the most prestigious political centre of early medieval North India.
Statement 2: He convened the Kannauj Assembly. (Correct)
- Harsha organized a grand religious assembly at Kannauj attended by kings, monks, and scholars.
- Xuanzang presided over discussions on Mahayana Buddhism.
- Harsha also held the famous Prayaga Assembly every five years, where he distributed his accumulated wealth.
Statement 3: He was defeated by Pulakeshin II. (Correct)
- Harsha attempted to extend his authority southward.
- Pulakeshin II, the powerful Chalukya ruler, checked Harsha’s advance near the Narmada River.
- This established the Narmada as a political boundary between northern and southern powers.
Q2. Which of the following kingdoms were important in the Deccan during the post-Gupta period?
- Chalukyas of Badami
- Pallavas of Kanchipuram
- Rashtrakutas
- Vakatakas
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
D) 2 and 4 only
Q2. (B) 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
1. Chalukyas of Badami (Correct)
- Founded by Pulakeshin I and greatly expanded by Pulakeshin II.
- Ruled much of the Deccan from their capital at Badami.
2. Pallavas of Kanchipuram (Correct)
- Based in Kanchipuram.
- Though centred in South India, they were major contemporaries of the Chalukyas and deeply influenced Deccan politics.
3. Rashtrakutas (Incorrect in this context)
- Rose to prominence in the mid-8th century under Dantidurga.
- Generally considered later than the early post-Gupta phase.
4. Vakatakas (Correct)
- Successors and contemporaries of the Guptas in the Deccan.
- Closely linked to Gupta political and matrimonial alliances.
Q3. Which ruler was known by the title “Sakalottarapathanatha” (Lord of the Entire North)?
A) Dharmapala
B) Mihir Bhoja
C) Harshavardhana
D) Samudragupta
Q3. (C) Harshavardhana
Explanation:
- The title literally means “Lord of all the northern routes/regions.”
- It symbolized Harsha’s supremacy over much of northern India.
- Although his authority was not universal, he was the most powerful ruler in North India after the Guptas.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Samudragupta was called the “Napoleon of India.”
- Mihir Bhoja was a prominent Gurjara-Pratihara ruler.
- Dharmapala was a major Pala emperor.
Q4. Which of the following literary works were authored by Harshavardhana?
- Nagananda
- Ratnavali
- Priyadarshika
- Kadambari
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q4. (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Works Authored by Harsha:
- Nagananda – Combines Buddhist compassion and Hindu themes.
- Ratnavali – A court romance.
- Priyadarshika – Another dramatic work of royal intrigue.
Not Authored by Harsha:
- Kadambari was written by Banabhatta.
- It is one of the most celebrated prose romances in Sanskrit literature.
Historical Significance:
- Harsha was one of the few Indian emperors known to have authored literary works himself.
- His court became a major centre of Sanskrit culture.
Q5. Which one of the following best characterizes the post-Gupta period in India?
A) Decline of Sanskrit literary activity
B) Complete political unification under one empire
C) End of temple architecture
D) Emergence of regional kingdoms and early feudal tendencies
Q5. (D) Emergence of regional kingdoms and early feudal tendencies
Explanation:
Political Developments
- The collapse of Gupta authority led to the rise of regional powers such as:
- Vardhanas
- Chalukyas
- Pallavas
- Maitrakas
- Later Palas and Pratiharas
Economic and Administrative Trends
- Increasing land grants to Brahmanas and officials.
- Growth of intermediary rights over land and revenue.
- Decentralization of political authority.
Cultural Developments
- Expansion of temple architecture.
- Flourishing of Sanskrit as well as regional cultures.
- Growth of major educational centres such as Nalanda and Valabhi.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Sanskrit literature continued to flourish.
- Political unity gave way to regionalization.
- Temple architecture expanded significantly, as seen at Aihole, Badami, and Mahabalipuram.
