Early Medieval Period (800-1200 A.D.) MCQ Practice Test: Ancient Indian History - Exam Scorer

Ancient Indian History: Early Medieval Period (800-1200 A.D.) MCQ Online Test

Q1. Who was the founder of the Vikramashila University in Bihar?

Correct Answer: Option A (Dharmapala)

Detailed Explanation: Pala King Dharmapala founded Vikramashila University in Bhagalpur, Bihar, in response to a perceived decline in the quality of education at Nalanda.

Q2. Who built the famous Rajarajeshwar (Brihadisvara) Temple at Thanjavur?

Correct Answer: Option A (Rajaraja I (985–1014 CE))

Detailed Explanation: Chola Emperor Rajaraja I built the all-granite Brihadisvara Temple (Rajarajesvaram) dedicated to Shiva at Thanjavur around 1010 CE.

Q3. The world-famous group of temples at Khajuraho were constructed by rulers of which dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Chandela Dynasty)

Detailed Explanation: Chandela rulers built the Khajuraho temples in Bundelkhand (MP) between 950 and 1050 CE in Nagara architecture.

Q4. Who was a prominent early ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty in Malwa/Rajputana?

Correct Answer: Option A (Vatsaraja)

Detailed Explanation: Vatsaraja was an influential Gurjara-Pratihara king who initiated the Tripartite Struggle for control over Kannauj against the Palas and Rashtrakutas.

Q5. The subject matter of the historical biographic text 'Ramacharitam' composed by Sandhyakar Nandi deals with:

Correct Answer: Option A (Pala dynasty ruler Rampala)

Detailed Explanation: Sandhyakar Nandi's Ramacharitam is a double-entendre (Sleshakavya) text simultaneously narrating the Ramayana story and the life of Pala King Rampala.

Q6. The ancient 'Odantapuri' (Uddandapura) monastic education center was located in:

Correct Answer: Option A (Bihar State (Bihar Sharif))

Detailed Explanation: Odantapuri Mahavihara was established by Pala founder Gopala I in Bihar Sharif, Bihar.

Q7. Who was the founder of the Vikramashila education center?

Correct Answer: Option A (Dharmapala)

Detailed Explanation: Pala King Dharmapala established Vikramashila in the late 8th century CE.

Q8. Who was the founder of the Imperial Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE?

Correct Answer: Option A (Vijayalaya)

Detailed Explanation: Vijayalaya captured Thanjavur around 850 CE and revived the Chola line as an independent imperial power.

Q9. The attractive, monumental gateway towers of temples in South India are called:

Correct Answer: Option A (Gopuram)

Detailed Explanation: Gopuram is the towering, ornate entrance gate leading into South Indian Dravidian temple enclosures.

Q10. Five inscriptions belonging to the Rashtrakuta Dynasty dating to the 12th century were discovered in:

Correct Answer: Option A (Karnataka State)

Detailed Explanation: Inscriptions in Belgaum/Kalaburagi districts of Karnataka record late Rashtrakuta feudatory grants.

Q11. In South India, the merchant bankers and moneylenders were historically referred to as:

Correct Answer: Option A (Chetti (Chettiar))

Detailed Explanation: The Chetti / Chettiar merchant community dominated trade guilds, banking, and overseas commerce in South India.

Q12. Who was the founder of the Paramara dynasty of Malwa?

Correct Answer: Option A (Upendra (Krishnaraja))

Detailed Explanation: Upendra (also known as Krishnaraja) established the Paramara dynasty in Malwa at the beginning of the 9th century CE.

Q13. The naval credit for conquering the overseas Southeast Asian realms of Malaya, Sumatra, and Java belongs to:

Correct Answer: Option A (Rajendra Chola I)

Detailed Explanation: In 1025 CE, Rajendra Chola I launched a naval expedition against the Srivijaya Empire, conquering ports in Malaya, Sumatra, and Java.

Q14. Who was the Arab general who successfully invaded and conquered Sindh in 712 CE?

Correct Answer: Option A (Muhammad-bin-Qasim)

Detailed Explanation: Umayyad general Muhammad-bin-Qasim defeated King Dahir of Sindh at the Battle of Aror in 712 CE.

Q15. Who composed the famous Hindi epic 'Prithviraj Raso'?

Correct Answer: Option A (Chandbardai)

Detailed Explanation: Chandbardai, court poet of Chahamana King Prithviraj III, composed Prithviraj Raso in Brajbhasa/Pingal.

Q16. Who was the king of Suvarnabhumi (Sumatra) who requested Pala King Devapala to grant 5 villages for a monastery at Nalanda?

Correct Answer: Option A (Balaputradeva)

Detailed Explanation: The Nalanda copper plate of Devapala records Srivijaya King Balaputradeva constructing a monastery for Ceylonese/Sumatran monks.

Q17. The historical Sanskrit chronicle 'Rajatarangini' was written by:

Correct Answer: Option A (Kalhana)

Detailed Explanation: Kalhana composed Rajatarangini ('River of Kings') in 1148–1149 CE detailing Kashmir history.

Q18. In which year did Mahmud of Ghazni conduct his last military raid into India against the Jats?

Correct Answer: Option A (1027 AD)

Detailed Explanation: Mahmud Ghaznavi's 17th and final Indian expedition took place in 1027 CE against the Jats of Multan.

Q19. The Durga Temple at Aihole was constructed during the reign of which dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Chalukya Dynasty)

Detailed Explanation: The Durga Temple at Aihole (Karnataka) is an apsidal Sun/Shiva temple built by Badami Chalukyas in 7th–8th century CE.

Q20. At the beginning of the 12th century CE, Delhi was ruled by which Rajput dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Tomar Dynasty (Anangpal Tomar))

Detailed Explanation: Tomar Rajputs founded Dhillika (Delhi) in the 8th–11th century before Chahamanas (Chauhans) annexed it.

Q21. Which ruler made Mandu (Malwa) his capital city?

Correct Answer: Option A (Hoshang Shah (Ghori))

Detailed Explanation: Sultan Hoshang Shah transferred the capital of Malwa Sultanate from Dhar to Mandu.

Q22. Which Rajput dynasty ruled over the Jejakabhukti (Bundelkhand) region?

Correct Answer: Option A (Chandela Dynasty)

Detailed Explanation: Chandelas ruled Jejakabhukti with major centers at Khajuraho, Mahoba, and Kalinjar.

Q23. Gahadavala King Jayachandra was defeated and slain by Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of:

Correct Answer: Option A (Chandawar, 1194 CE)

Detailed Explanation: Muhammad Ghori defeated Jayachandra of Kannauj at the Battle of Chandawar (near Etawah, UP) in 1194 CE.

Q24. Which of the following dynasties did NOT rule in South India?

Correct Answer: Option A (Rajput Dynasties)

Detailed Explanation: Rajput dynasties ruled Northern and Central India, whereas Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas were South Indian dynasties.

Q25. Which empire was historically centered in Eastern India (Bengal and Bihar)?

Correct Answer: Option A (Pala Empire)

Detailed Explanation: The Palas ruled Bengal and Bihar from 8th to 12th century CE.

Q26. Who was the first elected monarch and founder of the Pala dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Gopala)

Detailed Explanation: Gopala founded the Pala line around 750 CE.

Q27. The famous Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory in New Delhi was built by:

Correct Answer: Option A (Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur)

Detailed Explanation: Sawai Jai Singh II constructed Jantar Mantar observatories in 5 cities (Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, Varanasi) between 1724 and 1735.

Q28. The Jantar Mantar monuments built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II serve as:

Correct Answer: Option A (Astronomical Observatories (Khagoliya Vedhshala))

Detailed Explanation: Jantar Mantar features stone instruments for measuring time and tracking celestial bodies.

Q29. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II constructed Jantar Mantar observatories in how many Indian cities?

Correct Answer: Option A (Five Cities (Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, Varanasi))

Detailed Explanation: Built in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura.

Q30. The Tower of Victory (Vijay Stambha / Kirti Stambh) is located at Chittorgarh in:

Correct Answer: Option A (Rajasthan)

Detailed Explanation: Maharana Kumbha built Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, in 1448 CE.

Q31. Chittorgarh was the historic capital city of which Rajput dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Sisodia Dynasty (Guhila / Sisodia))

Detailed Explanation: Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar's Sisodia Rajputs before shifting to Udaipur.

Q32. King Bhoja, a renowned patron of art and literature, belonged to which dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Paramara Dynasty (of Malwa))

Detailed Explanation: Raja Bhoja ruled Malwa from Dhar in the 11th century CE.

Q33. Who was the traditional founder of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Harishchandra (Nagabhata I consolidated imperial power))

Detailed Explanation: Sage Harishchandra is named as founding ancestor, while Nagabhata I founded imperial Pratihara rule in 8th century CE.

Q34. Which Solanki ruler defeated Muhammad Ghori at the Battle of Kayadara (near Mount Abu) in 1178 CE?

Correct Answer: Option A (Mularaja II / Bhimdev Solanki II (under Queen Naikidevi))

Detailed Explanation: Queen Regent Naikidevi and young Solanki King Bhimdev II routed Ghori's army at Kayadara near Mount Abu in 1178 CE.

Q35. In India, followers of Zoroastrianism (Parsis) reside primarily in:

Correct Answer: Option A (Maharashtra and Gujarat)

Detailed Explanation: Zoroastrians (Parsis) migrated from Persia to Sanjan in Gujarat during 8th–10th century CE, settling mainly in Mumbai and Gujarat.

Q36. The holy scripture 'Zend Avesta' belongs to which religion?

Correct Answer: Option A (Zoroastrianism / Parsi Religion)

Detailed Explanation: Zend Avesta contains the sacred Gathas composed by prophet Zarathustra.

Q37. The sacred religious text 'Torah' belongs to which religion?

Correct Answer: Option A (Judaism (Yehudi Religion))

Detailed Explanation: The Torah (five books of Moses) is the core holy scripture of Jewish followers.

Q38. How many years is the Indian Vikram Samvat calendar ahead of the Gregorian calendar?

Correct Answer: Option A (56.7 / 57 Years)

Detailed Explanation: Vikram Samvat started in 57 BCE; adding 57 years to Gregorian CE year gives Vikram Samvat date.

Q39. Who is historically credited with inventing paper in China in 105 CE?

Correct Answer: Option A (Cai Lun (Kai Lun))

Detailed Explanation: Han Dynasty official Cai Lun invented papermaking using tree bark, hemp, and rags in 105 CE.

Q40. What state in North-East India was known in ancient literature as Kamarupa or Pragjyotisha?

Correct Answer: Option A (Assam)

Detailed Explanation: Kamarupa covered Brahmaputra valley in Assam ruled by Varman, Mlechchha, and Pala dynasties.

Q41. Archaeological excavations at Hastinapur (Meerut, UP) were conducted in 1951–52 by:

Correct Answer: Option A (Prof. B.B. Lal)

Detailed Explanation: B.B. Lal excavated Hastinapur unearthing Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture layers linked to Mahabharata.

Q42. Etymologically, the name 'India' derives from which river?

Correct Answer: Option A (Indus River (Sindhu))

Detailed Explanation: Old Persian 'Hindu' and Greek 'Indos' derived from Sanskrit 'Sindhu'.

Q43. What ancient ritual involved weighing a ruler/patron against gold or grain to donate equivalent weight?

Correct Answer: Option A (Tulabhara (Tuladan))

Detailed Explanation: Tulabhara is the ancient Indian charity ritual of weighing oneself against precious items for donation.

Q44. Match Maukhari Ruler Sarvavarman to his correct royal inscription:

Correct Answer: Option A (Asirgadh Copper Plate Inscription)

Detailed Explanation: Sarvavarman = Asirgadh Copper Plate Inscription.

Q45. Match Maukhari Ruler Ishvaravarman to his correct royal inscription:

Correct Answer: Option A (Jaunpur Stone Inscription)

Detailed Explanation: Ishvaravarman = Jaunpur Stone Inscription.

Q46. Match Maukhari Ruler Ishanavarman to his correct royal inscription:

Correct Answer: Option A (Haraha Stone Inscription (554 CE))

Detailed Explanation: Ishanavarman = Haraha Stone Inscription.

Q47. Match Later Gupta Ruler Jivita Gupta II to his correct royal inscription:

Correct Answer: Option A (Deo Barnark Inscription (Arrah, Bihar))

Detailed Explanation: Jivita Gupta II = Deo Barnark Inscription.

Q48. Who was the founding ancestor of the Chandela dynasty of Jejakabhukti?

Correct Answer: Option A (Nannuka)

Detailed Explanation: Nannuka established the Chandela line around 831 CE in Bundelkhand.

Q49. Who was the first independent king of the Hoysala dynasty who made Dwarasamudra his capital?

Correct Answer: Option A (Vishnuvardhana (Bittidev))

Detailed Explanation: Vishnuvardhana (1108–1152 CE) freed Hoysalas from Western Chalukya vassalage and built Belur and Halebidu temples.

Q50. Which Gahadavala queen built the Dharmachakra-Jina Vihara at Sarnath?

Correct Answer: Option A (Queen Kumaradevi (wife of Govindachandra))

Detailed Explanation: Buddhist Queen Kumaradevi built the last major Buddhist monastery Dharmachakra-Jina Vihara at Sarnath in 12th century CE.

Q51. What religious ritual was performed by Rashtrakuta founder Dantidurga at Ujjain?

Correct Answer: Option A (Hiranyagarbha)

Detailed Explanation: Dantidurga performed Hiranyagarbha to celebrate Rashtrakuta independence.

Q52. The followers and disciples of Ramanujacharya are called:

Correct Answer: Option A (Vaishnavas (Sri Vaishnavas))

Detailed Explanation: Ramanujacharya founded Sri Vaishnavism based on Vishishtadvaita philosophy.

Q53. What was the ancient capital of the Kadamba Kings of Karnataka?

Correct Answer: Option A (Banavasi (Jayantipura))

Detailed Explanation: Mayurasharma made Banavasi his capital.

Q54. Which Kashmiri author wrote satirical works like 'Deshopadesha' and 'Kuttanimata' to expose contemporary hypocrisy?

Correct Answer: Option A (Kshemendra)

Detailed Explanation: Kshemendra composed satires exposing social corruption in 11th century Kashmir.

Q55. Which Chandela ruler of Khajuraho was also known by the name Lakshmanavarman?

Correct Answer: Option A (Yashovarman)

Detailed Explanation: Chandela King Yashovarman (who built Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho) was titled Lakshmanavarman.

Q56. The credit for starting a new calendar era called 'Lakshmana Samvat' in Bengal in 1119 CE belongs to:

Correct Answer: Option A (Lakshmana Sena (Sena dynasty))

Detailed Explanation: Lakshmana Sena founded the Lakshmana Samvat era in Bengal and Mithila.

Q57. Which Chandela ruler successfully defended his fort Kalinjar and was NOT defeated by Mahmud Ghaznavi?

Correct Answer: Option A (Vidyadhara)

Detailed Explanation: Chandela King Vidyadhara repulsed Mahmud Ghaznavi's invasions in 1019 and 1022 CE.

Q58. 'Jejakabhukti' was the ancient historical name of which region?

Correct Answer: Option A (Bundelkhand (named after Chandela prince Jayashakti / Jejaka))

Detailed Explanation: Bundelkhand was known as Jejakabhukti after Chandela ruler Jayashakti (Jejaka).

Q59. Kalinga King Kharavela belonged to which ancient dynasty?

Correct Answer: Option A (Chedi Dynasty (Mahameghavahana))

Detailed Explanation: Kharavela was the 3rd king of the Mahameghavahana Chedi line of Kalinga.

Q60. Which Mewar ruler wrote a famous musical treatise titled 'Sangeet-Raja'?

Correct Answer: Option A (Maharana Kumbha)

Detailed Explanation: Maharana Kumbha composed Sangeet-Raja, Sangeet-Ratnakara, and Rasikapriya commentary on Gita Govinda.

Q61. What city served as the capital of the Hoysalas?

Correct Answer: Option A (Dwarasamudra)

Detailed Explanation: Dwarasamudra (Halebidu) was the capital of Hoysalas.

Q62. Who was the founding king of the Pala Empire in 750 CE?

Correct Answer: Option A (Gopala)

Detailed Explanation: Gopala founded the Pala dynasty.

Q63. What city served as the capital of the Padmavati Nagas / Tomaras before annexation?

Correct Answer: Option A (Padmavati (Pawaya, MP))

Detailed Explanation: Padmavati (Pawaya, Gwalior MP) was capital of Naga dynasty before Samudragupta.

Q64. What was the ancient name of the region ruled by Chandelas?

Correct Answer: Option A (Jejakabhukti)

Detailed Explanation: Jejakabhukti = Bundelkhand.

Q65. What was the name of the Pratihara king who defeated the Arab invasions in 8th century CE?

Correct Answer: Option A (Nagabhata I)

Detailed Explanation: Nagabhata I defeated Junayd's Arab army at the Battle of Rajasthan/Avanti around 730 CE.

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