History of Early Medieval India (HISDSC-151)
FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025

Course No: HISDSC-151 | Semester: 2nd | Full Marks: 70

Extracted from: 2025/FYUG/EVEN/SEM/HISDSC-151/095

UNIT-I

Question 1 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Who was the founder of the Chalukya dynasty? Name the Chalukya ruler who defeated Harshavardhana.

The founder of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami was Pulakeshin I. The Chalukya ruler who defeated the North Indian Emperor Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada River was Pulakeshin II.

(b) Mention the names of two religions patronised by the Chalukyas.

The Chalukyas were known for their religious tolerance. Two major religions patronised by them were:

(c) Name two monuments constructed by the Rashtrakutas.

The Rashtrakutas were great builders. Two iconic monuments include:

Question 2 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Make an assessment of the cultural achievements of the Chalukyas.

The Chalukyas of Badami (6th–8th century CE) marked a golden age in the cultural history of South India, particularly in architecture, literature, and religion.

Architecture (Vesara Style): The most significant achievement was the development of the Vesara style, a hybrid of the Nagara (North) and Dravida (South) styles. Major centers included Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal.

Literature: Both Sanskrit and Kannada literature flourished. The famous Aihole Inscription, composed by Ravikirti (court poet of Pulakeshin II), is a masterpiece of Sanskrit poetry.

Religion: They were staunch followers of Vedic Hinduism but patronised Buddhism and Jainism. The rock-cut cave temples at Badami are prime examples of their religious dedication.

Option B

(b) Write a note on the administrative system of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

The Rashtrakuta administration was highly organized and served as a model for many contemporary Indian kingdoms.

  • Central Government: The King was the supreme head and held titles like Paramesvara and Maharajadhiraja. The succession was hereditary.
  • Provincial Divisions: The empire was divided into Rashtras (provinces) governed by Rashtrapatis.
  • District Administration: Rashtras were further divided into Vishayas (districts) under Vishayapatis, and further into Bhuktis (groups of villages).
  • Village Administration: The smallest unit was the village, headed by a Gramapathi or Prabhu, assisted by village elders.
  • Revenue: Land revenue (Udranga) was the main source of income, usually 1/4th to 1/6th of the produce.

UNIT-II

Question 3 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Mention two types of the Pallava architecture.

The Pallava architecture evolved in four stages. Two primary types/styles are:

  • Rock-cut Temples (Mahendra Style, e.g., Mandagapattu)
  • Monolithic Rathas (Mamalla Style, e.g., Pancha Pandava Rathas at Mahabalipuram)

(b) Who was the founder of the Chola dynasty? Mention the name of the most powerful ruler of the Chola dynasty.

The founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty was Vijayalaya. The most powerful ruler is widely considered to be Rajaraja Chola I or his son Rajendra Chola I.

(c) Name the two administrative units of the Cholas.

Two key administrative units of the Chola empire were:

  • Mandalam (Provinces)
  • Valanadu or Nadu (Districts/Groups of villages)

Question 4 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Trace the career and achievements of Narasimhavarman.

Narasimhavarman I (r. 630–668 CE), also known as Mamalla, was one of the greatest Pallava emperors.

Military Success: His greatest feat was the defeat and killing of the Chalukya King Pulakeshin II in 642 CE, capturing the capital Badami. He assumed the title Vatapikonda (Conqueror of Vatapi).

Naval Expeditions: He sent two successful naval expeditions to Sri Lanka to help the exiled prince Manavarma regain his throne.

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Cultural Contributions: He founded the city of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) and commissioned the famous monolithic Rathas[span_27](end_span). During his reign, the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited Kanchi.

Option B

(b) Make an estimate of the political achievements of Rajendra Chola.

Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE) expanded the Chola power to its greatest geographical extent.

  • Northern Expedition: He led a successful campaign to the banks of the Ganges, defeating the Pala king Mahipala. He built a new capital, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, to commemorate this.
  • Maritime Conquests: He possessed a formidable navy and conquered the Srivijaya Empire (modern Indonesia/Malaysia), securing trade routes to China.
  • Annexation of Sri Lanka: He completed the conquest of Sri Lanka started by his father.
  • Titles: He assumed titles like Gangaikonda and Pandita Chola.

UNIT-III

Question 5 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Name two contemporary ruling dynasties of the Palas.

The Palas were part of a famous triangular power struggle. Two contemporary dynasties were:

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  • The Pratiharas[span_35](end_span)
    • [span_37](start_span)
  • The Rashtrakutas[span_37](end_span)

(b) Over which part of India did the Palas rule? Name the greatest ruler of the Pala dynasty.

The Palas ruled over Bengal and Bihar (Eastern India). The greatest ruler of the dynasty was Dharmapala or Devapala.

(c) Name two rulers of the Sena dynasty.

Two prominent rulers of the Sena dynasty were:

  • Vijaya Sena
  • Ballala Sena (or Lakshmana Sena)

Question 6 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Examine the cultural contribution of the Pala rulers.

The Pala period is considered a "Golden Age" for Bengal's culture, art, and religion.

Education and Religion: The Palas were great patrons of Mahayana Buddhism. They founded and supported world-famous universities like Vikramshila (by Dharmapala) and Somapura Mahavihara. They also patronised Nalanda University.

Art and Sculpture: The Pala School of Sculptural Art is famous for its distinct style using black basalt stone. Renowned artists like Dhiman and Vitpala flourished during this time.

Literature: Significant Buddhist texts and manuscripts were written. The development of the early forms of the Bengali language can be traced back to this era.

Option B

(b) Throw light on the political achievements of the Sena dynasty.

The Senas replaced the Palas in Bengal and established a strong Brahmanical state.

  • Vijaya Sena: The real founder of the dynasty's greatness. He defeated the Palas and established control over almost the whole of Bengal.
  • Ballala Sena: He consolidated the empire and is credited with introducing the social system of 'Kulinism' in Bengal.
  • Lakshmana Sena: He expanded the kingdom into Bihar, Odisha, and Varanasi. His court was a center of learning, hosting the famous poet Jayadeva.

UNIT-IV

Question 7 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Who were the Rajputs?

The Rajputs were a martial community of Northern and Western India who rose to political prominence between the 7th and 12th centuries. They claimed descent from the ancient Kshatriya lineages (Suryavanshi/Chandravanshi) or through the Agnikula (Fire-born) myth.

(b) Name the founder of the Pratihara dynasty. Which Pratihara king did adopt the title of 'Adi Varaha'?

The founder of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was Nagabhata I. The Pratihara king who adopted the title of 'Adi Varaha' was Mihira Bhoja.

(c) Who was the founder of the Gahadavala dynasty? Name the capital of the Gahadavalas.

The founder of the Gahadavala dynasty was Chandradeva. Their capital was Kanyakubja (Kannauj).

Question 8 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Describe the career and achievements of Mihira Bhoja.

Mihira Bhoja (r. 836–885 CE) was the most illustrious ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.

Restoration of Empire: He rebuilt the Pratihara power after it had declined under his predecessors. He successfully defended his kingdom against the Palas of Bengal and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan.

Religious Zeal: A devotee of Vishnu, he assumed the title Adi Varaha. [span_58](start_span)His coins often feature the Varaha (boar) incarnation[span_58](end_span).

Resistance to Arabs: He was a formidable wall against Arab expansion from Sindh. Arab travelers like Sulaiman described him as the greatest enemy of the Arab faith and praised his cavalry.

Option B

(b) Make an account on the Tripartite Struggle during the period of your study.

The Tripartite Struggle was a century-long conflict (8th–9th centuries) between three major powers for the control of Kannauj.

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  • The Participants: The Pratiharas (Western India), the Palas (Eastern India), and the Rashtrakutas (South/Deccan)[span_62](end_span).
  • The Prize: Kannauj was the symbol of imperial sovereignty in North India, situated in the fertile Gangetic plain.
  • Course of Struggle: It began during the reign of Vatsaraja (Pratihara), Dharmapala (Pala), and Dhruva (Rashtrakuta). Control shifted frequently between the three.
  • Result: Although the Pratiharas eventually managed to hold Kannauj, the struggle weakened all three dynasties, paving the way for the rise of smaller Rajput states and subsequent foreign invasions.

UNIT-V

Question 9 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) When was the Sindh conquered by the Arabs? Name the ruler of the Sindh during the time of Arab invasion.

Sindh was conquered by the Arabs in 712 CE. The ruler of Sindh at that time was Dahir.

(b) Who was Sultan Mahmud? Name a ruler defeated by him.

Sultan Mahmud (Mahmud of Ghazni) was the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire in modern-day Afghanistan. One prominent ruler defeated by him was Jayapala (of the Hindu Shahi dynasty) or Anandapala.

(c) When were the Battles of Tarain fought?

The Battles of Tarain were fought in:

  • First Battle: 1191 CE
  • Second Battle: 1192 CE

Question 10 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Give a description of Indian invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni.

Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India 17 times between 1000 and 1027 CE.

  • Objective: His primary motives were to plunder the immense wealth of Indian temples and to establish his military prestige, rather than building a permanent empire in India.
  • Major Targets: He targeted wealthy temple towns. His most famous invasion was the raid on the Somnath Temple (Gujarat) in 1025 CE.
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  • Resistance: He faced resistance from the Hindu Shahis (Jayapala, Anandapala) and various Rajput rulers, but his superior cavalry and military tactics led to consistent victories[span_76](end_span).
  • Impact: His raids drained India's wealth and exposed the political and military weaknesses of the contemporary Indian states.
Option B

(b) Make an account on the achievements of Prithviraj Chauhan.

Prithviraj Chauhan (Prithviraj III) was the ruler of the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty of Ajmer and Delhi.

Military Prowess: He was a legendary warrior who expanded his kingdom by defeating several neighboring Rajput states, including the Chandelas of Mahoba.

The Battles of Tarain:

  • In the First Battle of Tarain (1191), he decisively defeated Muhammad Ghori.
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  • In the Second Battle of Tarain (1192), despite a brave fight, he was defeated by Ghori due to the latter's superior tactics and the lack of unity among Rajput kings[span_82](end_span).

Legacy: He is remembered in Indian history and folklore (like the Prithviraj Raso) as a symbol of Rajput bravery and chivalry.

Exam Focus Enhancements

Exam Tips

  • Use maps to indicate the geographical spread of the Cholas, Palas, and Pratiharas.
  • In 10-mark questions, always start with an introduction and end with a conclusion.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing the various Pulakeshins (Pulakeshin I founded Badami, Pulakeshin II defeated Harsha).
  • Mixing up the dates of the Battles of Tarain (1191 and 1192).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Who built the Kailasa Temple? A: Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
  • Q: What is the 'Vesara' style? A: A mix of Nagara and Dravida temple architecture styles developed by the Chalukyas.

Important Formulas / Lists

  • Chola Hierarchy: Mandalam > Valanadu > Nadu > Kurram
  • Tripartite Powers: Palas (East), Pratiharas (West), Rashtrakutas (South)

Answer Presentation Strategy

Use bullet points for administrative features and numbered lists for military conquests. Underline key terms like Gangaikonda, Vatapikonda, and Adi Varaha to draw the examiner's attention.

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