Provincial Dynasty of North India and Deccan Province

21. Consider the following pairs : 1. Gajapati – Name of a powerful

Consider the following pairs :

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1.Gajapati–Name of a powerful Dynasty in Orissa
2.Ashvapati–Deccan Sultans
3.Narapati–Rayas of Vijayanagara

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

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1 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
None of the above
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Let’s examine each pair:
1. Gajapati: Name of a powerful Dynasty in Orissa. This is correctly matched. The Gajapati Dynasty ruled Kalinga (modern Odisha) from 1434 to 1541 CE. ‘Gajapati’ literally means ‘Lord of Elephants’, referring to the strength of their elephant corps.
2. Ashvapati: Deccan Sultans. This is correctly matched. ‘Ashvapati’ means ‘Lord of Horses’. The Deccan Sultanates (like the Bahmanis and their successors) were known for their strong cavalry forces, often importing horses from Arabia and Persia. This title was associated with them in contrast to other regional powers.
3. Narapati: Rayas of Vijayanagara. This is correctly matched. ‘Narapati’ means ‘Lord of Men’ or King, referring to the large infantry forces maintained by the Vijayanagara rulers (Rayas). Medieval sources, particularly foreign travellers like Duarte Barbosa, often used this tripartite division (Gajapati of Orissa, Ashvapati of the Deccan, and Narapati of Vijayanagara) to describe the major powers in the South during the 15th and 16th centuries, based on the perceived strength of their respective armies (elephants, cavalry, and infantry).
All three pairs are correctly matched according to this historical context and common descriptions of the period’s major southern Indian powers.
– Gajapati = Lord of Elephants, associated with Orissa.
– Ashvapati = Lord of Horses, associated with Deccan Sultans.
– Narapati = Lord of Men, associated with Vijayanagara rulers (Rayas).
– These titles reflect the primary military strength associated with each kingdom/group.
This classification highlights the different military compositions and strategies employed by the major powers competing for dominance in peninsular India during the post-Delhi Sultanate period. The control over different resources (elephants, horses, manpower) was crucial for military power.

22. Consider the following statements with reference to the Utpala dynasty

Consider the following statements with reference to the Utpala dynasty of Kashmir :

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  • 1. Avantivarman, the founder, devoted his energies to the economic upliftment of his subjects.
  • 2. Avantivarman’s period in Kashmir is known for the engineering operations under his minister Suyya, resulting in the enormous increase of grains and fall in prices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Both statements are correct. Avantivarman (855-883 CE), the founder of the Utpala dynasty in Kashmir, is known for his focus on improving the economic condition of his subjects. His minister and engineer, Suyya, was instrumental in executing significant irrigation projects, including regulating the flow of the Jhelum river and draining flooded areas. These engineering works led to a substantial increase in agricultural produce, particularly grains, which in turn caused a significant fall in prices, benefiting the population.
– Avantivarman founded the Utpala dynasty in Kashmir.
– His reign is noted for peace, prosperity, and economic reforms.
– Suyya was Avantivarman’s engineer who carried out major irrigation works.
– These works resulted in increased grain production and lower prices.
The reign of Avantivarman and the works of Suyya are well-documented in Kalhana’s historical chronicle, Rajatarangini. The focus on irrigation and land reclamation during this period highlights the importance of agriculture to the economy of ancient Kashmir.

23. Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images

Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India :

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  • 1. The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture.
  • 2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Statement 1 is correct. The Chola period (c. 9th to 13th centuries CE) is widely celebrated as the golden age of bronze casting in South India. The Chola bronzes, particularly the Nataraja sculptures, are renowned globally for their aesthetic beauty, technical perfection using the lost-wax method (cire perdue), and dynamic forms.
Statement 2 is correct. Chola art encompassed both stone and metal sculptures. While each medium has its constraints and possibilities, the iconography (representation of deities, their attributes, postures) and the overall artistic style (facial features, drapery, ornamentation) were largely consistent across stone and metal images within the same period, reflecting the unified artistic tradition of the Chola empire. Differences were mainly in the dynamism possible in bronze casting compared to stone.
Chola bronze sculptures represent a peak in Indian metal art, known for their religious themes and artistic quality.
Iconography provides a framework for representing deities and narratives, guiding artists across different mediums.
The lost-wax technique allowed Chola sculptors to create intricate and complex forms in bronze. Major centres of Chola art included Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram.

24. Who among the following were famous for their metal-casting skills and

Who among the following were famous for their metal-casting skills and used to cast excellent matchlocks during the medieval period ?

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Marathas
Rajputs
Ahoms
Gonds
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The Ahoms, who ruled in Assam for over 600 years (1228-1826), were known for their strong military organization and technological skills, particularly in metallurgy. They were proficient in manufacturing artillery and firearms, including excellent matchlocks, which were crucial for their defence against invaders, including multiple Mughal invasions. Their capabilities in metal casting and weapon production distinguished them during the medieval period.
The Ahoms successfully resisted numerous attempts by the Mughals to conquer their kingdom, partly due to their effective military technology, including the use of cannons and matchlocks.
Their metal-casting skills were a key technological advantage.
While other groups like Marathas and Rajputs were skilled warriors and utilized firearms, the Ahoms are particularly noted for their indigenous production capabilities in this area.

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25. Who was the author of the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja ?

Who was the author of the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja ?

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Nagabhata
Vatsaraja
Baladitya
Kakkuka
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The Gwalior Prashasti is a famous inscription from the 9th century CE that provides valuable information about the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, particularly the reign of Mihira Bhoja I. The inscription was composed by Kakkuka.
– Mihira Bhoja I was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, ruling in the 9th century.
– Prashastis are eulogistic inscriptions commissioned by rulers to record their achievements and lineage.
– The Gwalior Prashasti describes Mihira Bhoja’s military campaigns and administrative prowess.
Nagabhata and Vatsaraja were earlier rulers of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Baladitya is known from other contexts but is not credited with composing the Gwalior Prashasti of Mihira Bhoja.

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26. Consider the following statements about science in medieval South Indi

Consider the following statements about science in medieval South India :

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  • 1. The Katapayadi system of numerals, which was invented by Vararuchi of Kerala, the author of Chandra Vakyas, was used for calculating the position of Moon on any day of the year.
  • 2. Achyuta Pisharati (1550 – 1621) wrote Uparagakriyakrama, a text on eclipses.
  • 3. Ravi Varma of Mahodayapuram set up an observatory and is also said to have inaugurated the Kollam era.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 3 only
3 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
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The correct answer is (D). All three statements are correct with reference to science in medieval South India, particularly concerning the Kerala School of astronomy and mathematics.
Statement 1 is correct: The Katapayadi system, associated with Vararuchi of Kerala (perhaps an early figure or a later one, depending on the specific Vararuchi referred to), was indeed used in astronomical computations, including determining planetary positions, based on mnemonic verses like the Chandra Vakyas. Statement 2 is correct: Achyuta Pisharati (1550-1621) was a key figure in the Kerala School, and *Uparagakriyakrama*, a text on eclipses, is one of his known works. Statement 3 is correct: The inauguration of the Kollam era (825 CE) is traditionally linked to the Chera rulers of Mahodayapuram (modern Kodungallur). While precise details are debated, the era’s origin in this period and region, associated with rulers like Ravi Varma, and the mention of an observatory aligns with the flourishing astronomical tradition in Kerala during the medieval period.
The Kerala School of astronomy and mathematics, which flourished from the 14th to the 17th centuries, made significant contributions to topics like infinite series, calculus, trigonometry, and astronomy, predating similar developments in Europe.

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27. Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze

Consider the following statements with reference to the Nataraj bronze sculpture of Chola period :

  • 1. Shiva is shown balancing himself on his right leg representing tirobhava.
  • 2. Shiva is shown raising his left leg in bhujangatrasita stance, representing kicking away the illusion from the devotee’s mind.
  • 3. The main right hand holds the damaru, Shiva’s favourite musical instrument.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
2 and 3
1, 2 and 3
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Statement 1 is correct. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
1. Shiva’s right leg is placed upon the demon Apasmara (representing ignorance/illusion). The action of suppressing Apasmara with the right foot symbolizes Shiva’s act of *Tirobhava* (concealment or illusion), hiding the ultimate reality from the deluded soul. Balancing on this leg while performing the cosmic dance links the stance to this aspect. Thus, statement 1 is correct.
2. Shiva’s left leg is raised in the dance. This raised foot symbolizes *Anugraha* (grace) and *Moksha* (salvation), the release from the cycle of birth and death achieved through Shiva’s grace. While liberation involves overcoming illusion, describing it as “kicking away the illusion” might not be the standard or most accurate interpretation of the raised leg’s primary symbolism. The stance is indeed bhujangatrasita. Thus, statement 2 is likely incorrect in its interpretation.
3. The Nataraja sculpture features four arms. The *upper* right hand holds the Damaru (drum), symbolizing creation. The *lower* right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness), symbolizing preservation. The statement says the “main right hand” (implying the lower one) holds the damaru, which is incorrect.
The cosmic dance (Tandava) of Shiva Nataraja represents the five divine acts (Panchakriya): creation (Srishti), preservation (Sthiti), destruction (Samhara), illusion (Tirobhava), and grace (Anugraha). The circle of fire surrounding Shiva represents the cosmic energy or the boundaries of the universe.

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28. What were Manigramam and Nanadesi in early medieval India ?

What were Manigramam and Nanadesi in early medieval India ?

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Cluster of non-revenue paying villages
Village-level community groups
Guilds of Indian merchants
Literary societies in the capital towns
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Manigramam and Nanadesi were prominent and powerful merchant guilds (or associations of traders) in South India during the early medieval period (roughly 9th to 13th centuries). They played a crucial role in the long-distance trade, both within India and overseas.
– These guilds were highly organized, often having their own militia to protect trade routes and goods.
– They facilitated trade by pooling resources, managing risks, and establishing widespread trading networks.
These guilds are well-documented in inscriptions found across South India and even Southeast Asia, indicating the extensive reach of their trade activities. They were not restricted to local village activities or literary pursuits.

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29. Which one among the following is a temple of the Vaishnavite tradition

Which one among the following is a temple of the Vaishnavite tradition ?

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Srirangam
Chidambaram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Thanjavur
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Srirangam is a temple of the Vaishnavite tradition.
– The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu.
– It is considered one of the most important shrines in the Sri Vaishnava tradition (a denomination of Vaishnavism) and is the first among the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Vishnu).
– Chidambaram is famous for the Thillai Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Nataraja (Shiva in his dancing form).
– Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Thanjavur (Brihadisvara Temple) are renowned for their grand Shiva temples built by the Chola dynasty.
– Vaishnavism is one of the major traditions of Hinduism, focused on the worship of Vishnu and his ten primary avatars.

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30. Which twelfth century Sanskrit scholar was first responsible for the c

Which twelfth century Sanskrit scholar was first responsible for the compilation of ‘Nibandhas’ or digests of epic and Puranic texts?

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Harsha
Govindachandra
Lakshmidhara
Kalidasa
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Lakshmidhara was a twelfth-century Sanskrit scholar known for his extensive compilation of Nibandhas.
Lakshmidhara, a minister of the Gahadavala king Govindachandra (reigned c. 1114–1155 CE), compiled the *Krutya Kalpataru* (also spelled Kṛtyakalpataru). This vast work is one of the earliest and most comprehensive Nibandhas (digests) covering various aspects of dharma, drawing upon Epics, Puranas, Smritis, and other ancient texts. This period saw the rise of Nibandha literature which aimed to reconcile and systematize the vast and sometimes conflicting body of ancient Hindu law and custom.
Harsha often refers to Harshavardhana (7th century) or Harsha of Kashmir (11th-12th century, known for patronizing Kalhana, author of Rajatarangini). Govindachandra was the king who patronized Lakshmidhara. Kalidasa was a celebrated poet and dramatist of the classical Gupta period (likely 4th-5th century CE), long before the period of Nibandha compilation.

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