Daily Static Quiz (Ancient and Medieval India) November 26, 2025

Daily Static Quiz (Ancient and Medieval India) November 26, 2025

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Hundi in post-Harsha period India:

1. It functioned as a bill of exchange in commercial transactions

2. It was primarily used for royal decrees and administrative orders

3. It facilitated long-distance trade by enabling merchants to avoid physical transportation of currency

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. With reference to the administrative hierarchy of the Mauryan Empire, consider the following pairs:

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Which of the following statements about Mahendravarman I of the Pallavas is/are correct?

1. He was a contemporary of Pulakeshin II and engaged in conflicts with him over the Vengi region

2. He initiated the construction of rock-cut temples and assumed titles like ‘Mattavilasa’ and ‘Vichitrachitta’

3. He was defeated by Pulakeshin II on the banks of the Narmada and had to cede territories

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Assertion (A): The Chola rulers possessed significantly more detailed historical records and inscriptions compared to their predecessor dynasties.

Reason (R): The Chola rulers adopted the systematic practice of having long inscriptions inscribed on temple walls that chronologically narrated their military victories and administrative achievements.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually 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

Q5. With reference to medieval Indian history, consider the following statements about the Taluva dynasty rulers of Vijayanagar:

1. Krishnadevaraya belonged to the Taluva dynasty and was the most formidable ruler of the empire

2. The empire experienced its territorial expansion primarily northward into present-day Odisha

3. Krishnadevaraya’s military campaigns significantly weakened the Bahmani Sultanate

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q6. Consider the following statements about Sufism in medieval India:

1. Sufis practiced meditation, breath control, and recitation of sacred songs to attain ecstatic states

2. Sufi mystics maintained complete isolation from political and social institutions

3. The Chisti order, associated with saints like Nizamuddin Auliya, became influential in northern India

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Q7. Which one of the following monuments is NOT correctly matched with its construction chronology in relation to other structures?

(a) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli (3rd century BCE) was made earlier than Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar (11th century CE)
(b) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram (7th-8th century CE) were made earlier than Varaha Image at Udayagiri (5th century CE)
(c) Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur (11th century CE) was constructed during Rajaraja I’s reign
(d) Kailasa Temple at Ellora (8th century CE) represents the culmination of rock-cut architecture in medieval India

Q8. With reference to the Arthashastra of Kautilya, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It presents governance principles prioritizing moral philosophy over political expediency

2. It advocates for a centralized administrative structure with the monarch as the supreme authority

3. It discusses the management of female bodyguards and spies within the royal household

4. It addresses legal frameworks concerning property rights and criminal justice

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the Sangam period and its literary sources:

1. The three Sangams were successive literary academies patronized by the Chola dynasty

2. Sangam literature provides critical information about the political structure and socio-economic conditions of South India

3. The Silappatikaram and Manimekhalai are classified as Post-Sangam works, though they reflect Sangam period society

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

Q10. With reference to the early medieval period of Indian history, consider the following pairs:

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

Q1 Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

The Hundi was an important financial instrument in post-Harsha period India, particularly from the 7th century onwards. It represented an advanced form of commercial credit mechanism used extensively by merchants and traders.

Statement 1 – CORRECT: The Hundi functioned as a bill of exchange, allowing merchants to transfer money across long distances without physically transporting currency. This was especially crucial for traders engaging in long-distance commerce across the Indian subcontinent and with foreign regions.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: The Hundi was NOT primarily used for royal decrees or administrative orders. Royal commands and administrative instructions were issued through separate channels called “Adesa” or direct royal orders. The Hundi was exclusively a commercial instrument.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: By facilitating the transfer of funds through written instruments rather than physical currency movement, the Hundi significantly reduced the risks associated with transporting large sums of money over dangerous trade routes. This enabled merchants to conduct safer and more efficient long-distance trade.

Historical Context: The prevalence of Hundis in medieval Indian trade indicates a sophisticated monetary system and the development of banking-like practices centuries before modern banking emerged in Europe.

Q2 Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

The Mauryan administrative system, as documented in Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Megasthenes’ accounts, consisted of a highly hierarchical structure of officials responsible for different administrative functions.

Pair 1 – INCORRECT MATCHING: Pradeshika officers were actually provincial governors or district magistrates, NOT tax collectors. They were responsible for overall administration of their provinces and reported directly to the central authority.

Pair 2 – CORRECT MATCHING: Durgapala literally means “fort protectors” or “fortress administrators.” They were officials specifically responsible for the governance and security of frontier forts and strategic military positions.

Pair 3 – INCORRECT MATCHING: Yukta were specifically assigned officers for various administrative tasks and worked under Pradeshikas. They were not exclusively managing district-level administration in the hierarchical sense implied. Tax collection at the provincial level was handled by Sthanika officers working under the Pradeshika.

Administrative Hierarchy (Correct Structure):

• Pradeshika: Provincial Governor

• Yukta: Assigned officers under Pradeshika

• Sthanika: Tax collectors working under Pradeshika

• Durgapala: Fort administrators

• Antapala: Frontier governors

• Akshapatala: Accountant General

Q3 Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

Mahendravarman I was a significant Pallava ruler, but the statements require careful historical verification regarding his conflicts and achievements.

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: While Mahendravarman I was indeed a contemporary of Pulakeshin II, the primary conflict between the Pallavas and Chalukyas over Vengi occurred under different Pallava rulers. Mahendravarman I’s conflicts with Pulakeshin II were significant, but Vengi was not the primary contested territory during his specific reign. The struggle for Vengi became more prominent in later periods.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Mahendravarman I is historically credited with initiating the construction of rock-cut temples, marking a transition from earlier rock-cut architectural forms. He assumed grandiose titles including “Mattavilasa” (the sportive one), “Vichitrachitta” (of various thoughts), and “Gunabhara” (bearer of virtues), reflecting his achievements and cultural patronage.

Statement 3 – INCORRECT: While Pulakeshin II (Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas) did defeat several rulers, the specific claim that Mahendravarman I was defeated on the banks of the Narmada with cession of territories cannot be unequivocally confirmed from primary sources. In fact, Narsimhavarman I (son of Mahendravarman I) famously defeated and killed Pulakeshin II, earning the title “Vatapikonda” (conqueror of Vatapi).

Historical Significance: Mahendravarman I is better remembered for his cultural and architectural contributions than for military defeats, and he represents the flourishing of Pallava power in the early medieval South India.

Q4 Answer: (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

Explanation:

This question tests understanding of Chola administrative practices and historical documentation methods.

Assertion (A) – TRUE: The Cholas possessed substantially more detailed historical records compared to earlier dynasties. This is well-documented in academic historical studies of South India.

Reason (R) – TRUE: The Chola rulers systematically commissioned long temple inscriptions that recorded their military campaigns, administrative policies, and achievements. These inscriptions, often carved on temple walls (such as the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur), provide comprehensive historical narratives.

Causal Relationship – CORRECT: The reason directly explains why we possess more information about the Cholas. The deliberate practice of recording history on temple walls enabled the preservation of detailed records that survived to the present day. This contrasts with earlier dynasties where such systematic record-keeping was less prevalent.

Evidence from Sources: The Brihadeeswara Temple inscriptions of Rajaraja I and the temple records of other Chola rulers provide detailed accounts of military expeditions, revenue collections, and administrative divisions (Nadus, Kottams, Brahmadeyas).

Scholarly Consensus: Historians universally acknowledge that the temple inscriptions of the Cholas constitute one of the richest sources for understanding medieval South Indian history, which is why the Chola period is sometimes called the “epigraphic age” in South Indian studies.

Q5 Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

The Tuluva dynasty represented a crucial phase in Vijayanagar history, and these statements examine key facts about their rule and expansion.

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Krishnadevaraya (r. 1509-1529 CE) belonged to the Tuluva dynasty and is widely regarded as the most successful and formidable ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire. He possessed exceptional military ability combined with high intellectual qualities and administrative acumen. His reign marked the golden age of the empire.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: The Vijayanagar Empire’s territorial expansion was NOT primarily northward into Odisha. The Vijayanagar expansion was concentrated in the South and Deccan regions. While there were northern military campaigns, the primary territorial consolidation occurred in South India, the Deccan plateau, and coastal regions. Northward expansion into Odisha was limited and not the empire’s main expansion direction.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: Krishnadevaraya’s military campaigns, particularly in northern Deccan, significantly weakened the Bahmani Sultanate and its successor states. His victories against the Golconda Sultanate and other sultanates expanded Vijayanagar’s northern territories and reduced the military threat from these powers.

Historical Context: The Tuluva dynasty represented a shift from the earlier Sangama dynasty. Harihara and Bukka (Sangama princes) founded Vijayanagar, but the Tuluva dynasty came to power later and reached the empire’s zenith under Krishnadevaraya.

Q6 Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Sufism was a significant spiritual movement in medieval India, and these statements examine its practices and historical impact.

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Sufi mystics engaged in various spiritual practices including meditation (muraqaba), controlled breathing exercises (pranayama-like practices), and the recitation of sacred songs and poetry (sama) to achieve ecstatic spiritual states. These practices were integral to their mystical approach to achieving union with the divine.

Statement 2 – INCORRECT: Sufi mystics did NOT maintain complete isolation from political and social institutions. Historically, Sufis interacted with rulers, accepted patronage, and influenced social and political affairs. Saints like Nizamuddin Auliya held considerable social influence. However, they emphasized spiritual independence from worldly concerns rather than complete institutional isolation.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: The Chisti order (Chishtiyya) became highly influential, particularly in North India. Saints like Nizamuddin Auliya (13th-14th century) and his disciple Sheikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Dehlavi maintained significant religious and social influence. The Chisti order is known for its syncretistic approach, emphasizing devotion and love for humanity.

Sufi Influence on Medieval India: Sufism contributed significantly to cultural synthesis, promoting interfaith understanding and the development of Indo-Islamic artistic and literary traditions.

Q7 Answer: (b) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram (7th-8th century CE) were made earlier than Varaha Image at Udayagiri (5th century CE)

Explanation:

This question tests knowledge of chronological ordering of major Indian monuments and architectural sites.

Option (a) – CORRECT: The Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli was indeed carved in the 3rd century BCE (Mauryan period), making it much earlier than the Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar (11th century CE). This chronological relationship is accurate.

Option (b) – INCORRECT: This statement presents a chronological error. The Varaha Image at Udayagiri belongs to the 5th century CE, while the rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram date to the 7th-8th century CE. Therefore, the Varaha Image was made EARLIER, not later. The option reverses the correct chronology.

Option (c) – CORRECT: The Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur was indeed constructed during the reign of Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty (r. 985-1014 CE) in the 11th century. This is accurately stated.

Option (d) – CORRECT: The Kailasa Temple at Ellora represents the pinnacle of rock-cut architecture in medieval India. Carved during the Rashtrakuta period (8th century CE), it showcases the most ambitious rock-cutting project undertaken in India, with an entire temple complex hewn from a single rock outcrop.

Answer Logic: The question asks which is NOT correctly matched, making option (b) the correct answer because it contains a historical inaccuracy.

Q8 Answer: (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:

The Arthashastra of Kautilya (also known as Chanakya) is a foundational text on ancient Indian statecraft and administration. These statements examine its key doctrines.

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: The Arthashastra does NOT prioritize moral philosophy over political expediency. In fact, it advocates pragmatic political realism, where political necessity and state interest take precedence. Kautilya famously argued that morality in politics must be flexible and subordinate to the interests of the state. This directly contradicts the statement.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: The Arthashastra explicitly advocates for a centralized administrative structure with the monarch as the supreme authority and source of all power. The text emphasizes hierarchical administration with the king at the apex, supported by a council of ministers (Mantriparishad).

Statement 3 – CORRECT: The text mentions that Mauryan rulers maintained female bodyguards and spies within the royal household. These female attendants were reportedly skilled in archery and other martial skills, providing personal security to the monarch. This practice reflected the sophisticated security arrangements in Mauryan administration.

Statement 4 – CORRECT: The Arthashastra extensively discusses legal frameworks concerning property rights, criminal law, contract enforcement, and civil disputes. It contains detailed provisions on various categories of crimes, punishments, and property-related legal matters, making it a comprehensive text on jurisprudence.

Historical Significance: The Arthashastra represents ancient India’s most sophisticated treatise on political science, combining administrative theory with practical governance strategies.

Q9 Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Sangam period literature and the three Sangams require careful historical interpretation, as some traditional accounts differ from archaeological evidence.

Statement 1 – INCORRECT: The three Sangams were NOT successive literary academies patronized by the Chola dynasty. This is a common misconception. The tradition of “three Sangams” comes from Tamil literary tradition and later commentaries (like the works of Nakkirar), but they are NOT historically verified as institutions sponsored by the Cholas. The Cholas rose to prominence only after the Sangam period ended. The “three Sangams” concept is more mythological than historical.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Sangam literature (particularly the Ettuthokai – eight collections) provides valuable information about the political structure, social organization, economic systems, and daily life in South India during the early centuries CE. It offers insights into the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms and their interactions.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: The Silappatikaram and Manimekhalai are classified as post-Sangam works, composed after the main Sangam period. However, they preserve and reflect the social, cultural, and economic conditions of the Sangam period itself. These texts serve as important secondary sources for understanding Sangam society, despite being composed later.

Literary Periodization: Sangam literature proper refers to the texts compiled in the Sangam, while post-Sangam works include later elaborate compositions that often drew inspiration from and reflected upon the Sangam period.

Q10 Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

This question examines knowledge of foundational achievements of major early medieval dynasties and their key figures.

Pair 1 – INCORRECT: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq was a Delhi Sultanate ruler, NOT the founder of the Tuluva dynasty or associated with the Vijayanagar Empire’s foundation. This pairing is factually wrong. The narrative about conversion to Islam and motivation by Vidyaranya applies to different historical figures, not Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.

Pair 2 – CORRECT: Harihara I (also known as Harihara) was indeed one of the Sangama princes who, motivated by the Bhakti saint Vidyaranya, founded the Vijayanagar Empire around 1336 CE. He initially served under different regional powers but eventually established the Vijayanagar dynasty. This statement accurately matches the founder with his foundational achievement.

Pair 3 – PARTIALLY INCORRECT: While Babur did introduce or popularize gunpowder weapons (cannons, muskets) in India, he did NOT introduce gunpowder itself, which had arrived earlier through Central Asian routes and the Delhi Sultanate. Regarding arch-dome architecture, these architectural elements had been introduced to India much earlier through the Delhi Sultanate’s construction. Babur’s innovation was more in the sophistication and scale of military technology rather than introducing these completely new concepts.

also read: Early Medieval India