In the labyrinth of India’s rich historical tapestry, the post-Gupta era and early medieval period stand as pivotal chapters, embodying the transition from ancient glory to medieval dynamism. The UPSC Prelims delve into this fascinating epoch, probing the annals of history with meticulous scrutiny. A kaleidoscope of empires rises and falls, revealing the intricate interplay of power, culture, and innovation. From the dissolution of Gupta hegemony to the dawn of medieval kingdoms, this period witnessed the emergence of diverse socio-political landscapes, leaving an indelible imprint on India’s narrative. Exploring the UPSC Prelims questions on Ancient History – Post-Gupta Era/Early Medieval Period unlocks a treasure trove of insights, illuminating the continuum of India’s storied past and its enduring influence on the present.
Q1. Reason (R) He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism.
Assertion (A) Harshavardhana convened the Prayag (2001)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (b)
Both A and R hold validity, however, R does not serve as an accurate explanation for A. Harshavardhana orchestrated the Prayag Assembly, a gathering of universal significance where royal alms were distributed to all societal strata. This assembly, also recognized as the Maha Moksha Parishad, took place in 643 AD, with the presence of Hiuen Tsang. However, the assertion linking it to the promotion of Mahayana Buddhism is inaccurate; instead, Harshavardhana aimed to propagate Buddhism through the Kannauj assembly.
Q2. Emperor Harsha’s Southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by (2003)
(a) Pulakeshin-I eros
(b) Pulakeshin-II
(c) Vikramaditya-I
(d) Vikramaditya-II
Ans. (b)
Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty halted Emperor Harsha’s advance southward at the Narmada River. In 630 AD, Pulakeshin II defeated Harshavardhana in what became known as the Battle of Narmada.
Q3. Consider the following statements. (2004)
1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist Council held by Kanishka.
2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met Harshavardhana and found him to be antagonistic to Buddhism.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (d)
Both statements (1) and (2) are inaccurate. Fa-Hien, the Chinese pilgrim, undertook his journey to India during the reign of Chandragupta II, traveling by foot from China and returning via sea route. He arrived in India around 400 AD and stayed until 411 AD, visiting various places such as Peshawar, Taxila, Mathura, and Kannauj. However, the fourth Buddhist council occurred during the reign of Kanishka, between 78 AD and 105 AD.
Hiuen-Tsang visited Harsha’s court in 631 AD. At that time, Harshavardhana was not opposed to Buddhism. He even organized a significant Buddhist assembly at Kannauj in 643 AD for theological debates. Although Harshavardhana initially revered Lord Shiva, he eventually embraced Buddhism. Some historians, including Sp Goyal and S.V. Sohoni, argue that Harsha personally adhered to Shaivism, and his support for Buddhism may have led Hiuen-Tsang to misinterpret his religious affiliation.
Q4. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? (2012)
1. Different kinds of specialised surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD.
2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD,
3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1,3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (c)
In the narrative of scientific advancement in ancient India, statements (1), (3), and (4) stand as accurate depictions. By the 1st century AD, a diverse array of specialized surgical instruments were commonplace, with notable surgeons like Sushrut pioneering plastic surgery techniques, utilizing both S-type and U-type instruments. Furthermore, the understanding of trigonometric concepts, such as the sine of an angle, dates back to the 5th century AD, as evidenced by Aryabhatta’s mention of sine and versed sine tables in his renowned work “Surya Siddhanta.” Additionally, the mathematical exploration continued into the 7th century AD, with Brahmagupta emerging as the foremost mathematician to present the formula for calculating the area of cyclic quadrilaterals, thereby leaving a significant mark on the landscape of geometry.
Q5. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen- Tsang), who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2013)
1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
2. As regards punishment for offences or deals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans. (b)
Statements (2) and (3) accurately depict the observations of the Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen-Tsang) during his visit to India, where he meticulously documented the prevailing conditions and culture of the time. He noted that methods such as trial by fire, water, and poison were employed to determine the innocence or guilt of individuals accused of offenses. Additionally, he described the strictness of criminal law, which included imprisonment for offenders, along with the practice of trial by ordeal. Yuan Chwang also observed the government’s leniency in tax and revenue collection, noting that tradesmen were subjected to light duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Q6. With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements Feudal system? (2015)
1. A very strong centralised political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority.
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land.
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) 1,2 and 3
Ans. (b)
Statements (2) and (3) accurately delineate essential facets of the feudal system in Indian history. One crucial aspect was the establishment of an administrative framework predicated on land ownership and control, forming the bedrock of feudal arrangements. This entailed structuring society around reciprocal ties forged through land tenure in exchange for various forms of service or labor.
Central to this system was the development of hierarchical lord-vassal relationships, wherein feudal lords pledged allegiance to their overlords. The Zamindari system, often likened to feudalism, exemplifies this dynamic.
Contrary to Statement (1), the feudal system did not entail a weakening of provincial or local political authority; instead, it fostered a consolidation of power at these levels.
Q7. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period? (2020)
(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
(c) A bill of exchange
(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
Ans. (c)
A bill of exchange delineates the essence of the ‘Hundi,’ commonly mentioned in post-Harsha era documents. The Hundi emerged as a financial tool in medieval India, facilitating trade and credit dealings. Serving as both remittance and credit instruments, it played a pivotal role in trade transactions, embodying a form of credit and functioning akin to a bill of exchange.
Q8. With reference to the history of India, the terms ‘kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ denote
(a) measurement of land
(b) coins of different monetary value
(c) classification of urban land
(d) religious rituals
Ans. (a)
In the historical context of India, terms like ‘kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ were utilized for land measurement, as documented in texts and inscriptions from the Gupta period. Land measurement systems in eastern India encompassed various units such as the adhavapa (3/8-1/2 acre), dronavapa (14-2 acres), and kulyavapa (12-16 acres).
The ‘kulyavapa’ denoted the area required to sow one Kulya of grain, while the ‘dronavapa’ represented the area needed for one Drona of grain. Additionally, Pataka served as another unit of land measure, likely equivalent to 60-80 acres. The existence of numerous land measurement terms underscores the absence of a singular standard measurement system, indicating regional variations in land measurement practices.
Q9. With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous (2021)
(a) Jain monks
(b) playwrights
(c) temple architects
(d) philosophers
Ans. (b)
In ancient India, renowned playwrights such as Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla, and Kshemeshvara left an indelible mark on literature. Bhavabhuti, the esteemed court poet of King Yashovarma of Kannauj around 730 AD, crafted timeless works including the epic Mahaviracharita, delving into the early life of Rama, the captivating play Malatimadhava, portraying the romance of Malati and Madhava, and the compelling Uttararamacharita.
Hastimalla, a distinguished poet and writer in the 13th century Hoysala empire, contributed significantly to Kannada literature with his notable work Purvapurana.
Meanwhile, Kshemeshvara, an eminent Sanskrit poet from 11th century Kashmir, enriched the literary landscape with his masterpiece, the ‘Dasavatar Charita’. These playwrights not only entertained but also enlightened audiences with their profound storytelling and poetic prowess, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of Indian literature.
Q10. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2021)
1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes.
2. In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property.
3. The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) Only 3
Ans. (b)
In the context of ancient Indian history, Statement (2) accurately depicts the differences between the Mitakshara and Dayabhaga systems of property inheritance. According to the Mitakshara system, sons have the right to claim property during their father’s lifetime, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, this right only arises after the father’s demise. The Mitakshara law, originating from the Yajnavalkya Smriti, stipulates that a son inherently gains a share in ancestral property upon birth, a principle altered by the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005. On the other hand, the Dayabhaga law, authored by Jimutavahana, does not grant sons an automatic share in their father’s inheritance while the father is still alive.
Q11. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early 7th century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in northern India? (2021)
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras of Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kannauj
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Vallabhi
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 5
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 5 and 6
Ans. (b)
From the waning of the Guptas to the ascendance of Harshavardhana in the early 7th century, several dynasties held sway in northern India. Among them were the Guptas of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharis of Kannauj, and the Maitrakas of Vallabhi.
The Guptas of Magadha governed the eastern Indian region of Magadha from the 6th to the 8th centuries AD. Following the decline of the imperial Guptas, the Later Guptas assumed control of Magadha. Though there is no conclusive evidence linking the two dynasties, the Later Guptas adopted the suffix “gupta” in their rulers’ names, perhaps to assert their legitimacy as successors.
The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar held dominion over parts of northern India during the 6th and 7th centuries AD. They established independence in Kannauj in the mid-6th century AD and extended their rule over modern-day Uttar Pradesh and the Magadha region. Around 606 CE, much of their territory was reclaimed by the Later Guptas, possibly due to incursions by King Shashanka of the Gauda Kingdom, who declared independence around 600 AD, as noted by Hieun-Tsang.
The Maitrakas of Vallabhi governed western India (present-day Gujarat) from approximately 475 to 776 AD, with Vallabhi as their capital. Though their origins remain uncertain, they were likely Chandravanshi Kshatriyas.
However, during the decline of the Guptas and the rise of Harshavardhana, the Paramaras of Malwa and the Yadavas of Devagiri did not hold significant power in northern India.
Q12. Consider the following pairs. (2022)
King Dynasty
1. Nannuka Chandela
2. Jayashakti Paramara
3. Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara
4. Bhoja Rashtrakuta
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs.
Ans. (b)
Only two pairs, (1) and (3), are accurately matched. Nannuka, who reigned from 831 to 845 AD, established the Chandel dynasty in India and governed over the Jejakabhukti region, which is present-day Bundelkhand. Nagabhata II, reigning from 795 to 833 AD, was an emperor of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. He was bestowed with imperial titles such as Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, and Paramesvara.
Q13. Consider the following dynasties: (2023)
1. Hoysala
2. Gahadavala
3. Kakatiya
4. Yadava
How many of the above dynansties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Ans. (d)
None of the dynasties mentioned had their foundations laid in the early eighth century AD. The Hoysala dynasty, for instance, flourished from the 11th to the 14th century in present-day Karnataka. The Gahadavala dynasty left its mark in North India during the 11th and 12th centuries. In the 12th century, the Kakatiya dynasty rose to power, governing the Telugu-speaking regions of South India. Concurrently, the Yadava dynasty exerted its influence over Deccan India from the 12th to the 14th century.
Q14. With reference to ancient Indian history, consider the following pairs: (2023)
Literary Work Author
1. Devichandragupta Bilhana
2. Hammira-Mahakavya Nayachandra Suri
3. Milinda-Panha Nagarjuna
4. Nitivakyamrita Somadeva Suri
How many of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans. (b)
Only two pairs, (2) and (4), are accurately matched. “Hammira-Mahakavya” was composed by Nayachandra, a Kashmiri poet from the 12th century AD. “Nitivakyamrita” was authored by Somadeva Suri, a Kashmiri scholar also from the 12th century AD. Conversely, pairs (1) and (3) are mismatched. “Devichandragupta” was penned by Vishakadatta, a Sanskrit playwright from the sixth century AD. “Milinda-Panha” was written by Nagasena, a Buddhist monk from the first century AD.
FAQs
Question: What were the major political developments during the Post-Gupta Era/Early Medieval Period in India?
Answer: The major political developments during this period include the rise of regional kingdoms such as the Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, and Pandyas in the South, and the emergence of powerful dynasties like the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas, and Senas in the North. These kingdoms often engaged in warfare and alliances, leading to a fragmented political landscape in India.
Question: What were the significant socio-economic changes witnessed during the Early Medieval Period in India?
Answer: The Early Medieval Period saw the emergence of feudalism, with land grants being made to nobles and officials in return for military service or administrative duties. This led to the decentralization of power and the rise of local chieftains and feudal lords. Additionally, trade flourished, especially maritime trade with Southeast Asia and the Middle East, leading to cultural exchanges and the growth of port cities like Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, and Bhadrak.
Question: What were the contributions of the Chola dynasty to Indian history during the Early Medieval Period?
Answer: The Chola dynasty, which ruled parts of South India during the Early Medieval Period, made significant contributions to Indian history. They were renowned for their naval expeditions and maritime trade, which expanded their influence beyond the Indian subcontinent. The Cholas also made remarkable advancements in architecture, art, and literature, with the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur being a prime example of their architectural prowess.
Question: How did the Bhakti movement influence society during the Early Medieval Period?
Answer: The Bhakti movement, which emerged during the Early Medieval Period, played a significant role in shaping Indian society. It emphasized devotion (bhakti) to a personal god or goddess, transcending caste and social barriers. Bhakti saints like Ramanuja, Basava, and Kabir preached love, equality, and devotion, leading to social reform and religious harmony. The movement also enriched regional languages and literature through devotional poetry and songs.
Question: What were the main reasons for the decline of the Gupta Empire and the subsequent political fragmentation during the Early Medieval Period?
Answer: The decline of the Gupta Empire can be attributed to factors such as weak successors, invasions by Hun tribes from Central Asia, internal rebellions, and economic strain. The weakening of central authority led to the rise of regional powers and the fragmentation of political authority. Additionally, the Gupta decline coincided with the emergence of feudalism, where local lords gained power and established their own kingdoms, further contributing to political decentralization.
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