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Solved 2024: FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2024<br>History of Early Medieval India

Subject: History
Course No.: HISDSC-151T
Semester: 2nd Semester (FYUG)
Exam Year: 2024
Time: 3 Hours
Full Marks: 70

Section-A

(Answer any ten questions. Each question carries 2 marks.)

1. In how many groups were the Chalukyas divided? Where was the earliest Chalukya capital located? [2 Marks]

  • The Chalukyas were divided into three groups: the Chalukyas of Badami, the Eastern Chalukyas (Vengi), and the Western Chalukyas (Kalyani).
  • The earliest Chalukya capital was located at Aihole (later shifted to Badami/Vatapi).

    • 2. Who was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty? Name the greatest ruler of the dynasty. [2 Marks]

  • The founder of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami was Pulakeshi I.
  • The greatest ruler of the dynasty was Pulakeshi II.

    • 3. Name two Rashtrakuta rulers. [2 Marks]

  • Dantidurga (founder).
  • Krishna I (known for the Kailasa Temple at Ellora).

    • 4. Name two political rivals of the Pallavas. [2 Marks]

  • The Chalukyas of Badami.
  • The Pandyas.

    • 5. Which Chalukya ruler did invade Pallava country? Name the Pallava ruler defeated by him. [2 Marks]

  • The Chalukya ruler who invaded Pallava country was Pulakeshi II.
  • He defeated the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman I.

    • 6. Name two South Indian States visited by Hiuen Tsang. [2 Marks]

  • Kanchi (Pallava Kingdom).
  • Vatapi/Badami (Chalukya Kingdom).

    • 7. Which religion was patronized by the Pala kings? Name the missionary who went to Tibet during the Pala period. [2 Marks]

  • The Pala kings patronized Mahayana Buddhism.
  • The famous missionary who went to Tibet was Atisa Dipankara (Srijnana).

    • 8. Name the Buddhist centers of learning developed during the Pala period. [2 Marks]

  • Vikramshila Mahavihara.
  • Odantapuri Mahavihara.

    • 9. Mention two titles adopted by the Pala rulers. [2 Marks]

  • Paramesvara.
  • Paramabhattaraka.

    • 10. Name two Rajput dynasties. [2 Marks]

  • The Gurjara-Pratiharas.
  • The Chauhans (Chahamanas).

    • 11. Who was the greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty? How was he described by the Arab traveller Sulaiman? [2 Marks]

  • The greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty was Mihira Bhoja.
  • Sulaiman described him as a powerful ruler with a great army and a bitter enemy of the Arab/Muslim faith.

    • 12. Name two rulers of Gahadvala dynasty. [2 Marks]

  • Govindachandra.
  • Jayachandra.

    • 13. Which ruler of Sind was defeated by the Arabs and when? [2 Marks]

  • Dahir, the ruler of Sind, was defeated by the Arabs.
  • The defeat occurred in 712 AD during the invasion by Muhammad bin Qasim.

    • 14. Name two Indian rulers defeated by Sultan Mahmud. [2 Marks]

  • Jayapala (Shahi dynasty).
  • Anandapala (Shahi dynasty).

    • 15. Who was Prithviraj Chouhan? [2 Marks]

    Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III) was a powerful king of the Chauhan (Chahamana) dynasty who ruled over Ajmer and Delhi.

     He is famously known for fighting Muhammad Ghori in the Battles of Tarain.

    Section-B

    (Answer any five questions. Each question carries 10 marks.)

    16. Make an estimate of the political achievements of Pulakeshi II. [10 Marks]

    Pulakeshi II was the most illustrious ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami.

     His reign marked the zenith of Chalukya power.
  • Expansion of Empire: He consolidated his rule in the Deccan and expanded his territories in all directions.
  • Victory over Harshavardhana: His most significant achievement was defeating the North Indian Emperor Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada, stopping Harsha's southward expansion.
  • Conflict with Pallavas: He invaded the Pallava kingdom, defeating Mahendravarman I, though he was later defeated and killed by Narasimhavarman I.
  • Diplomatic Relations: He maintained diplomatic ties with foreign powers, including the Persian King Khosrau II.

    • 17. Write a note on the contribution of Rashtrakuta dynasty to Indian art and culture. [10 Marks]

    The Rashtrakutas were great patrons of art, architecture, and literature, leaving a lasting impact on Indian culture.
  • Kailasa Temple at Ellora: Commissioned by Krishna I, this monolithic rock-cut temple is a masterpiece of Indian architecture, representing the peak of their artistic achievement.
  • Elephanta Caves: The Rashtrakutas are also associated with the development of the famous cave temples at Elephanta, known for the Trimurti sculpture.
  • Literature: They patronized Sanskrit and Kannada literature. Amoghavarsha I himself was an author, writing the Kavirajamarga, the earliest available work on Kannada poetics.
  • Religious Tolerance: While they were followers of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, they were tolerant towards Jainism and Buddhism, fostering a diverse cultural environment.

    • 18. Make an estimate of political activities of Mahendravarman. [10 Marks]

    Mahendravarman I was a versatile Pallava ruler whose reign saw significant political and cultural shifts.
  • Pallava-Chalukya Conflict: His reign saw the beginning of the long-standing conflict with the Chalukyas of Badami. He suffered a major defeat at the hands of Pulakeshi II at the Battle of Pullalur.
  • Cultural Contributions: Despite political setbacks, he was a great scholar, musician, and architect. He authored the satirical play Mattavilasa Prahasana.
  • Rock-cut Architecture: He introduced the rock-cut style of temple architecture in the Pallava kingdom, known as the "Mahendra Style."

    • 19. Write a note on the administrative system of the Cholas. [10 Marks]

    The Cholas developed a highly efficient and well-organized administrative system, particularly famous for its local self-government.
  • Central Government: The King was the supreme authority, assisted by a council of ministers and a powerful bureaucracy.
  • Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into Mandalams (provinces), Valanadus, and Nadus.
  • Village Self-Government: This was the most unique feature. Villages had assemblies like the Ur (general assembly) and Sabha (assembly of learned brahmins). The Uttaramerur inscription provides detailed information on how these assemblies functioned and how members were elected.
  • Revenue System: Land revenue was the primary source of income, determined after careful land surveys.

    • 20. Draw a picture of the political achievements of Dharmapala. [10 Marks]

    Dharmapala was the second ruler of the Pala dynasty and is credited with making the Palas a major power in North India.
  • Tripartite Struggle: He actively participated in the struggle for Kanauj against the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas.
  • Expansion: He succeeded in installing his nominee, Chakrayudha, on the throne of Kanauj and held a grand imperial durbar there, attended by several vassal kings.
  • Imperial Titles: He assumed titles like Uttarapathasvamin (Lord of Northern India).
  • Buddhist Patronage: Beyond politics, he founded the Vikramshila University and revived the Nalanda University.

    • 21. Write a note on the significance of the Sena Rule. [10 Marks]

    The Sena dynasty replaced the Palas in Bengal and brought about significant changes.
  • Revival of Brahmanism: Unlike the Buddhist Palas, the Senas were staunch orthodox Hindus, leading to a major revival of Brahmanical culture and Sanskrit literature in Bengal.
  • Literature: The court of Lakshmana Sena was adorned by great poets like Jayadeva (author of Gita Govinda).
  • Administrative Stability: Rulers like Vijayasena and Ballalasena consolidated the empire and provided political stability before the Turkish invasions.

    • 22. What do you know about the origin of the Rajputs? [10 Marks]

    The origin of the Rajputs is a subject of much historical debate, with several theories proposed.
  • Agnikula Theory: According to the Prithviraj Raso, the four major Rajput clans (Pratihara, Chauhan, Solanki, and Paramara) were born from a sacrificial fire pit (Agnikunda) at Mount Abu to protect the world.
  • Foreign Origin Theory: Scholars like James Tod suggested that Rajputs were descendants of foreign invaders like the Sakas, Hunas, and Kushanas who settled in India and were assimilated into Hindu society.
  • Mixed Origin Theory: Many modern historians believe the Rajputs emerged from a mix of local tribes and foreign groups who attained political power and were later granted Kshatriya status by the priestly class.

    • 23. Make an assessment of the administrative system of the Pratiharas. [10 Marks]

    The Gurjara-Pratiharas maintained a decentralized but effective administrative structure to manage their vast empire.
  • Monarchy: The King was the head, holding titles like Maharajadhiraja.
  • Administrative Units: The empire was divided into Bhuktis (provinces) and Mandals.
  • Feudal Nature: The administration relied heavily on vassal chiefs and samantas who provided military support to the King in exchange for land grants.
  • Village Administration: Similar to other contemporary states, villages had local assemblies and headmen who managed local affairs.

    • 24. Give a description of Indian invasions of Sultan Mahmud. [10 Marks]

    Mahmud of Ghazni led approximately 17 invasions into India between 1000 and 1027 AD.
  • Objectives: His primary goals were to plunder the vast wealth of Indian temples and to establish political dominance over the Punjab region.
  • Major Targets: He targeted wealthy temple towns, including Nagarkot, Thanesar, Mathura, and Kanauj.
  • Somnath Temple (1025 AD): His most famous and destructive raid was on the Somnath temple in Gujarat, where he looted immense wealth and destroyed the idol.
  • Impact: While he did not establish a permanent empire in India (except in Punjab), his raids drained India's wealth and exposed the political weaknesses of the Indian states to future Turkish invaders.

    • 25. Give an account of Arab conquest of Sind. [10 Marks]

    The Arab conquest of Sind in the early 8th century was the first major Muslim military presence in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Cause: The immediate cause was the plundering of Arab ships by pirates near the port of Debal, which King Dahir of Sind failed to address.
  • Invasion (712 AD): Under the leadership of Muhammad bin Qasim, the Arab forces successfully invaded Sind.
  • Fall of Dahir: King Dahir was defeated and killed in the Battle of Rawar.
  • Significance: Though the conquest was geographically limited to Sind and Multan, it led to significant cultural and scientific exchange between the Arab world and India (including the transfer of Indian mathematics and astronomy to the West).

    • Exam Focus Enhancements

  • Exam Tips: For history papers, focus on chronologies and the specific names of rulers and their achievements to secure high marks.
  • Common Mistakes: Do not confuse the three different branches of the Chalukyas; the Badami Chalukyas are usually the focus for early medieval questions.
  • Answer Presentation: Use tables to compare different dynasties or administrative systems (like the Pallavas vs. Cholas).
  • Knowlet Focus: The "Tripartite Struggle" involving the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas is a frequent long-answer topic.
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