UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 5 August 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 5 August 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.
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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Indo-Greeks: Statement I: The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can be definitively attributed to specific kings. Statement II: The introduction of Hellenistic art features in the Gandhara region, which led to the development of the Gandhara school of art, was a direct consequence of Indo-Greek rule. Statement III: The Indo-Greeks established a centralized, pan-Indian empire that replaced the Mauryan administration across the Gangetic plains. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I. (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement III is incorrect. (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I. (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct. Correct Solution: B Statement I is correct. Prior to the Indo-Greeks, the prevalent coinage in India consisted mainly of punch-marked coins, which were anonymous and could not be attributed to any specific ruler. The Indo-Greeks introduced the practice of issuing coins with realistic portraits of the ruling monarch on the obverse and inscriptions mentioning the king’s name and titles on the reverse. This was a revolutionary development in Indian numismatics, providing a clear chronological and political record. Statement II is correct. The political presence of the Indo-Greeks in the Gandhara region (modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan) brought Indian artists into direct contact with Hellenistic artistic traditions. This cultural fusion gave rise to the Gandhara school of art, which is famous for creating the first anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha. These images depict the Buddha with Hellenistic features, such as wavy hair, anatomical precision, and draped robes reminiscent of a Greek toga. This artistic synthesis was a direct result of the cultural environment fostered by the Indo-Greeks and later the Kushans. Statement III is incorrect. The political influence of the Indo-Greeks was largely confined to the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, including Gandhara, Punjab, and at times extending into the fringes of the Gangetic valley. While rulers like Menander did make deep inroads, they never established a pan-Indian empire comparable to the Mauryas, nor did they replace the indigenous polities (like the Sungas and Kanvas) that arose in the Gangetic plains. Their rule remained a regional phenomenon in the northwest, and they did not create a centralized administration across North India. Incorrect Solution: B Statement I is correct. Prior to the Indo-Greeks, the prevalent coinage in India consisted mainly of punch-marked coins, which were anonymous and could not be attributed to any specific ruler. The Indo-Greeks introduced the practice of issuing coins with realistic portraits of the ruling monarch on the obverse and inscriptions mentioning the king’s name and titles on the reverse. This was a revolutionary development in Indian numismatics, providing a clear chronological and political record. Statement II is correct. The political presence of the Indo-Greeks in the Gandhara region (modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan) brought Indian artists into direct contact with Hellenistic artistic traditions. This cultural fusion gave rise to the Gandhara school of art, which is famous for creating the first anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha. These images depict the Buddha with Hellenistic features, such as wavy hair, anatomical precision, and draped robes reminiscent of a Greek toga. This artistic synthesis was a direct result of the cultural environment fostered by the Indo-Greeks and later the Kushans. Statement III is incorrect. The political influence of the Indo-Greeks was largely confined to the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, including Gandhara, Punjab, and at times extending into the fringes of the Gangetic valley. While rulers like Menander did make deep inroads, they never established a pan-Indian empire comparable to the Mauryas, nor did they replace the indigenous polities (like the Sungas and Kanvas) that arose in the Gangetic plains. Their rule remained a regional phenomenon in the northwest, and they did not create a centralized administration across North India.
#### 1. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Indo-Greeks:
Statement I: The Indo-Greeks were the first rulers in India to issue coins which can be definitively attributed to specific kings.
Statement II: The introduction of Hellenistic art features in the Gandhara region, which led to the development of the Gandhara school of art, was a direct consequence of Indo-Greek rule.
Statement III: The Indo-Greeks established a centralized, pan-Indian empire that replaced the Mauryan administration across the Gangetic plains.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
• (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I.
• (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement III is incorrect.
• (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I.
• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.
Solution: B
• Statement I is correct. Prior to the Indo-Greeks, the prevalent coinage in India consisted mainly of punch-marked coins, which were anonymous and could not be attributed to any specific ruler. The Indo-Greeks introduced the practice of issuing coins with realistic portraits of the ruling monarch on the obverse and inscriptions mentioning the king’s name and titles on the reverse. This was a revolutionary development in Indian numismatics, providing a clear chronological and political record.
• Statement II is correct. The political presence of the Indo-Greeks in the Gandhara region (modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan) brought Indian artists into direct contact with Hellenistic artistic traditions. This cultural fusion gave rise to the Gandhara school of art, which is famous for creating the first anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha. These images depict the Buddha with Hellenistic features, such as wavy hair, anatomical precision, and draped robes reminiscent of a Greek toga. This artistic synthesis was a direct result of the cultural environment fostered by the Indo-Greeks and later the Kushans.
Statement III is incorrect. The political influence of the Indo-Greeks was largely confined to the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, including Gandhara, Punjab, and at times extending into the fringes of the Gangetic valley. While rulers like Menander did make deep inroads, they never established a pan-Indian empire comparable to the Mauryas, nor did they replace the indigenous polities (like the Sungas and Kanvas) that arose in the Gangetic plains. Their rule remained a regional phenomenon in the northwest, and they did not create a centralized administration across North India.
Solution: B
• Statement I is correct. Prior to the Indo-Greeks, the prevalent coinage in India consisted mainly of punch-marked coins, which were anonymous and could not be attributed to any specific ruler. The Indo-Greeks introduced the practice of issuing coins with realistic portraits of the ruling monarch on the obverse and inscriptions mentioning the king’s name and titles on the reverse. This was a revolutionary development in Indian numismatics, providing a clear chronological and political record.
• Statement II is correct. The political presence of the Indo-Greeks in the Gandhara region (modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan) brought Indian artists into direct contact with Hellenistic artistic traditions. This cultural fusion gave rise to the Gandhara school of art, which is famous for creating the first anthropomorphic representations of the Buddha. These images depict the Buddha with Hellenistic features, such as wavy hair, anatomical precision, and draped robes reminiscent of a Greek toga. This artistic synthesis was a direct result of the cultural environment fostered by the Indo-Greeks and later the Kushans.
Statement III is incorrect. The political influence of the Indo-Greeks was largely confined to the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, including Gandhara, Punjab, and at times extending into the fringes of the Gangetic valley. While rulers like Menander did make deep inroads, they never established a pan-Indian empire comparable to the Mauryas, nor did they replace the indigenous polities (like the Sungas and Kanvas) that arose in the Gangetic plains. Their rule remained a regional phenomenon in the northwest, and they did not create a centralized administration across North India.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding the reign of the Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni: The Nashik prashasti, composed by his mother Gautami Balashri, credits him with the destruction of the power of the Shakas, Pahlavas, and Yavanas. He re-struck the silver coins of the Shaka ruler Nahapana, indicating his decisive victory over the Western Kshatrapas. His empire was highly centralized, with a uniform administrative system imposed over all territories from Gujarat to Karnataka, eliminating all feudatory chiefs. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B The reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni is considered a high point of Satavahana power, primarily known for reviving the dynasty’s fortunes after a period of decline caused by Shaka incursions. Statement 1 is correct. The most crucial source of information for his reign is the Nashik prashasti inscription, commissioned by his mother, Gautami Balashri. This eulogy explicitly praises him as the “destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas (Indo-Greeks), and Pahlavas (Indo-Parthians)” and as the king who restored the glory of the Satavahana family. It describes him as the ruler of an extensive territory stretching across the Deccan. Statement 2 is correct. Strong numismatic evidence corroborates the claims of the Nashik inscription. A large hoard of coins belonging to the Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana was discovered at Jogalthambi (Nashik district), a significant portion of which were counter-struck or re-struck with the insignia and titles of Gautamiputra Satakarni. This act of stamping his own mark over his defeated enemy’s currency was a powerful assertion of sovereignty and is considered definitive proof of his victory over Nahapana. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Satavahana administration was not highly centralized in the Mauryan sense. It was characterized by a decentralized, feudal structure with several levels of subordinate rulers. The administration featured hereditary feudatories like Maharathis and Mahabhojas, who held significant power in their respective regions, could grant villages, and even maintained matrimonial alliances with the ruling family. Incorrect Solution: B The reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni is considered a high point of Satavahana power, primarily known for reviving the dynasty’s fortunes after a period of decline caused by Shaka incursions. Statement 1 is correct. The most crucial source of information for his reign is the Nashik prashasti inscription, commissioned by his mother, Gautami Balashri. This eulogy explicitly praises him as the “destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas (Indo-Greeks), and Pahlavas (Indo-Parthians)” and as the king who restored the glory of the Satavahana family. It describes him as the ruler of an extensive territory stretching across the Deccan. Statement 2 is correct. Strong numismatic evidence corroborates the claims of the Nashik inscription. A large hoard of coins belonging to the Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana was discovered at Jogalthambi (Nashik district), a significant portion of which were counter-struck or re-struck with the insignia and titles of Gautamiputra Satakarni. This act of stamping his own mark over his defeated enemy’s currency was a powerful assertion of sovereignty and is considered definitive proof of his victory over Nahapana. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Satavahana administration was not highly centralized in the Mauryan sense. It was characterized by a decentralized, feudal structure with several levels of subordinate rulers. The administration featured hereditary feudatories like Maharathis and Mahabhojas, who held significant power in their respective regions, could grant villages, and even maintained matrimonial alliances with the ruling family.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following statements regarding the reign of the Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni:
• The Nashik prashasti, composed by his mother Gautami Balashri, credits him with the destruction of the power of the Shakas, Pahlavas, and Yavanas.
• He re-struck the silver coins of the Shaka ruler Nahapana, indicating his decisive victory over the Western Kshatrapas.
• His empire was highly centralized, with a uniform administrative system imposed over all territories from Gujarat to Karnataka, eliminating all feudatory chiefs.
How many of the above statements are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: B
The reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni is considered a high point of Satavahana power, primarily known for reviving the dynasty’s fortunes after a period of decline caused by Shaka incursions.
• Statement 1 is correct. The most crucial source of information for his reign is the Nashik prashasti inscription, commissioned by his mother, Gautami Balashri. This eulogy explicitly praises him as the “destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas (Indo-Greeks), and Pahlavas (Indo-Parthians)” and as the king who restored the glory of the Satavahana family. It describes him as the ruler of an extensive territory stretching across the Deccan.
• Statement 2 is correct. Strong numismatic evidence corroborates the claims of the Nashik inscription. A large hoard of coins belonging to the Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana was discovered at Jogalthambi (Nashik district), a significant portion of which were counter-struck or re-struck with the insignia and titles of Gautamiputra Satakarni. This act of stamping his own mark over his defeated enemy’s currency was a powerful assertion of sovereignty and is considered definitive proof of his victory over Nahapana.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Satavahana administration was not highly centralized in the Mauryan sense. It was characterized by a decentralized, feudal structure with several levels of subordinate rulers. The administration featured hereditary feudatories like Maharathis and Mahabhojas, who held significant power in their respective regions, could grant villages, and even maintained matrimonial alliances with the ruling family.
Solution: B
The reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni is considered a high point of Satavahana power, primarily known for reviving the dynasty’s fortunes after a period of decline caused by Shaka incursions.
• Statement 1 is correct. The most crucial source of information for his reign is the Nashik prashasti inscription, commissioned by his mother, Gautami Balashri. This eulogy explicitly praises him as the “destroyer of the Shakas, Yavanas (Indo-Greeks), and Pahlavas (Indo-Parthians)” and as the king who restored the glory of the Satavahana family. It describes him as the ruler of an extensive territory stretching across the Deccan.
• Statement 2 is correct. Strong numismatic evidence corroborates the claims of the Nashik inscription. A large hoard of coins belonging to the Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana was discovered at Jogalthambi (Nashik district), a significant portion of which were counter-struck or re-struck with the insignia and titles of Gautamiputra Satakarni. This act of stamping his own mark over his defeated enemy’s currency was a powerful assertion of sovereignty and is considered definitive proof of his victory over Nahapana.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The Satavahana administration was not highly centralized in the Mauryan sense. It was characterized by a decentralized, feudal structure with several levels of subordinate rulers. The administration featured hereditary feudatories like Maharathis and Mahabhojas, who held significant power in their respective regions, could grant villages, and even maintained matrimonial alliances with the ruling family.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question With reference to the reign of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, consider the following statements: His major military achievement was the final subjugation of the Shaka Western Kshatrapas, extending Gupta control to the western coast. His court was adorned by the ‘Navaratnas’ (Nine Gems), which included the celebrated poet and dramatist Kalidasa. The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India during his reign and provided a detailed account of the prosperity and benevolent administration of the empire. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. The most significant military campaign of Chandragupta II was his war against the Western Kshatrapas (Sakas), who had ruled in western India for centuries. His victory, which occurred between 388 and 409 CE, led to the annexation of crucial territories like Gujarat and Saurashtra. This gave the Gupta Empire direct control over the prosperous western sea ports, boosting foreign trade, and is commemorated by his issuance of silver coins, a practice of the defeated Shakas. Statement 2 is correct. According to tradition, Chandragupta II’s court at Ujjain was graced by the ‘Navaratnas’ or Nine Gems, a group of exceptional scholars and artists. The most famous among them was the great Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa. Other luminaries are said to have included the astronomer Varahamihira and the lexicographer Amarasimha. Statement 3 is correct. The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien (Faxian) traveled through India between 405 and 411 CE, during the reign of Chandragupta II. His travelogue provides a valuable, albeit religiously focused, account of the period. He spoke highly of the empire’s efficient and benevolent administration, the mildness of its penal code, and the general peace and prosperity of the people. Incorrect Solution: C Statement 1 is correct. The most significant military campaign of Chandragupta II was his war against the Western Kshatrapas (Sakas), who had ruled in western India for centuries. His victory, which occurred between 388 and 409 CE, led to the annexation of crucial territories like Gujarat and Saurashtra. This gave the Gupta Empire direct control over the prosperous western sea ports, boosting foreign trade, and is commemorated by his issuance of silver coins, a practice of the defeated Shakas. Statement 2 is correct. According to tradition, Chandragupta II’s court at Ujjain was graced by the ‘Navaratnas’ or Nine Gems, a group of exceptional scholars and artists. The most famous among them was the great Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa. Other luminaries are said to have included the astronomer Varahamihira and the lexicographer Amarasimha. Statement 3 is correct. The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien (Faxian) traveled through India between 405 and 411 CE, during the reign of Chandragupta II. His travelogue provides a valuable, albeit religiously focused, account of the period. He spoke highly of the empire’s efficient and benevolent administration, the mildness of its penal code, and the general peace and prosperity of the people.
#### 3. Question
With reference to the reign of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, consider the following statements:
• His major military achievement was the final subjugation of the Shaka Western Kshatrapas, extending Gupta control to the western coast.
• His court was adorned by the ‘Navaratnas’ (Nine Gems), which included the celebrated poet and dramatist Kalidasa.
• The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India during his reign and provided a detailed account of the prosperity and benevolent administration of the empire.
How many of the above statements are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: C
• Statement 1 is correct. The most significant military campaign of Chandragupta II was his war against the Western Kshatrapas (Sakas), who had ruled in western India for centuries. His victory, which occurred between 388 and 409 CE, led to the annexation of crucial territories like Gujarat and Saurashtra. This gave the Gupta Empire direct control over the prosperous western sea ports, boosting foreign trade, and is commemorated by his issuance of silver coins, a practice of the defeated Shakas.
• Statement 2 is correct. According to tradition, Chandragupta II’s court at Ujjain was graced by the ‘Navaratnas’ or Nine Gems, a group of exceptional scholars and artists. The most famous among them was the great Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa. Other luminaries are said to have included the astronomer Varahamihira and the lexicographer Amarasimha.
• Statement 3 is correct. The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien (Faxian) traveled through India between 405 and 411 CE, during the reign of Chandragupta II. His travelogue provides a valuable, albeit religiously focused, account of the period. He spoke highly of the empire’s efficient and benevolent administration, the mildness of its penal code, and the general peace and prosperity of the people.
Solution: C
• Statement 1 is correct. The most significant military campaign of Chandragupta II was his war against the Western Kshatrapas (Sakas), who had ruled in western India for centuries. His victory, which occurred between 388 and 409 CE, led to the annexation of crucial territories like Gujarat and Saurashtra. This gave the Gupta Empire direct control over the prosperous western sea ports, boosting foreign trade, and is commemorated by his issuance of silver coins, a practice of the defeated Shakas.
• Statement 2 is correct. According to tradition, Chandragupta II’s court at Ujjain was graced by the ‘Navaratnas’ or Nine Gems, a group of exceptional scholars and artists. The most famous among them was the great Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa. Other luminaries are said to have included the astronomer Varahamihira and the lexicographer Amarasimha.
• Statement 3 is correct. The Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien (Faxian) traveled through India between 405 and 411 CE, during the reign of Chandragupta II. His travelogue provides a valuable, albeit religiously focused, account of the period. He spoke highly of the empire’s efficient and benevolent administration, the mildness of its penal code, and the general peace and prosperity of the people.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the Kushan empire under Kanishka, which of the following statements best describes his religious policy? (a) He exclusively patronized the Gandhara school of art and persecuted the indigenous Mathura school. (b) He was a devout follower of Zoroastrianism and introduced it as the state religion in India. (c) He demonstrated religious syncretism, patronizing Mahayana Buddhism while his coinage depicted a wide array of Indian, Greek, and Iranian deities. (d) He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council to establish the supremacy of Hinayana Buddhism and suppress the emerging Mahayana doctrines. Correct Solution: C The reign of Kanishka is marked by a remarkable religious eclecticism and syncretism. While he is most famous for his patronage of Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana school, his policies were far from exclusive. The most telling evidence comes from Kushan coinage, which serves as a primary source for understanding the religious climate. Kanishka’s coins feature a pantheon of deities drawn from diverse cultural spheres: Greek gods like Helios, Iranian deities such as Mithra and Nana, and Indian gods like Shiva (Oesho). This numismatic diversity suggests a policy of tolerance and an attempt to appeal to a multicultural and multi-religious subject population across his vast empire. His patronage of Buddhism was profound; he is credited with convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which was instrumental in formalizing Mahayana doctrines and composing commentaries in Sanskrit. Incorrect Solution: C The reign of Kanishka is marked by a remarkable religious eclecticism and syncretism. While he is most famous for his patronage of Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana school, his policies were far from exclusive. The most telling evidence comes from Kushan coinage, which serves as a primary source for understanding the religious climate. Kanishka’s coins feature a pantheon of deities drawn from diverse cultural spheres: Greek gods like Helios, Iranian deities such as Mithra and Nana, and Indian gods like Shiva (Oesho). This numismatic diversity suggests a policy of tolerance and an attempt to appeal to a multicultural and multi-religious subject population across his vast empire. His patronage of Buddhism was profound; he is credited with convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which was instrumental in formalizing Mahayana doctrines and composing commentaries in Sanskrit.
#### 4. Question
With reference to the Kushan empire under Kanishka, which of the following statements best describes his religious policy?
• (a) He exclusively patronized the Gandhara school of art and persecuted the indigenous Mathura school.
• (b) He was a devout follower of Zoroastrianism and introduced it as the state religion in India.
• (c) He demonstrated religious syncretism, patronizing Mahayana Buddhism while his coinage depicted a wide array of Indian, Greek, and Iranian deities.
• (d) He convened the Fourth Buddhist Council to establish the supremacy of Hinayana Buddhism and suppress the emerging Mahayana doctrines.
Solution: C
• The reign of Kanishka is marked by a remarkable religious eclecticism and syncretism. While he is most famous for his patronage of Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana school, his policies were far from exclusive. The most telling evidence comes from Kushan coinage, which serves as a primary source for understanding the religious climate.
• Kanishka’s coins feature a pantheon of deities drawn from diverse cultural spheres: Greek gods like Helios, Iranian deities such as Mithra and Nana, and Indian gods like Shiva (Oesho). This numismatic diversity suggests a policy of tolerance and an attempt to appeal to a multicultural and multi-religious subject population across his vast empire.
• His patronage of Buddhism was profound; he is credited with convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which was instrumental in formalizing Mahayana doctrines and composing commentaries in Sanskrit.
Solution: C
• The reign of Kanishka is marked by a remarkable religious eclecticism and syncretism. While he is most famous for his patronage of Buddhism, particularly the Mahayana school, his policies were far from exclusive. The most telling evidence comes from Kushan coinage, which serves as a primary source for understanding the religious climate.
• Kanishka’s coins feature a pantheon of deities drawn from diverse cultural spheres: Greek gods like Helios, Iranian deities such as Mithra and Nana, and Indian gods like Shiva (Oesho). This numismatic diversity suggests a policy of tolerance and an attempt to appeal to a multicultural and multi-religious subject population across his vast empire.
• His patronage of Buddhism was profound; he is credited with convening the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, which was instrumental in formalizing Mahayana doctrines and composing commentaries in Sanskrit.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the reign of Harshavardhana, consider the following statements: He shifted his capital from Thanesar to Pataliputra after consolidating his empire in northern India. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang’s account suggests that Harshavardhana was a devout Buddhist who actively persecuted followers of Brahmanism and Jainism. His southern expansion was decisively halted by the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II on the banks of the river Narmada. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. After the death of his brother-in-law, Grahavarman of the Maukharis, and the subsequent unification of the two kingdoms, Harshavardhana shifted his capital from Thanesar (in modern Haryana) to Kannauj (in Uttar Pradesh), not Pataliputra. Kannauj was strategically located in the fertile Gangetic doab and became the political center of northern India during his reign. Statement 2 is incorrect. The account of Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) is a primary source for Harsha’s reign. While Hiuen Tsang portrays Harsha as a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism, he does not suggest that Harsha persecuted other faiths. In fact, evidence suggests Harsha was eclectic in his beliefs. He was initially a worshipper of Shiva, and his official records mention his ancestors as sun-worshippers. He convened grand assemblies at Kannauj and Prayag (the Mahamoksha Parishad), where he honored scholars and religious figures from all faiths, including Buddhist monks and Vedic scholars, and distributed alms generously to them. Statement 3 is correct. After establishing himself as the paramount ruler of northern India (Sakalottarapathanatha), Harsha attempted to extend his empire southwards into the Deccan. His ambition was checked by the powerful Chalukya king of Badami, Pulakesin II. The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II, composed by his court poet Ravikirti, vividly describes this victory, stating that Harsha’s harsha (joy) melted away in the face of the Chalukyan army. The battle took place on the banks of the river Narmada around 618-619 CE, which subsequently became the de facto boundary between the two empires. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. After the death of his brother-in-law, Grahavarman of the Maukharis, and the subsequent unification of the two kingdoms, Harshavardhana shifted his capital from Thanesar (in modern Haryana) to Kannauj (in Uttar Pradesh), not Pataliputra. Kannauj was strategically located in the fertile Gangetic doab and became the political center of northern India during his reign. Statement 2 is incorrect. The account of Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) is a primary source for Harsha’s reign. While Hiuen Tsang portrays Harsha as a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism, he does not suggest that Harsha persecuted other faiths. In fact, evidence suggests Harsha was eclectic in his beliefs. He was initially a worshipper of Shiva, and his official records mention his ancestors as sun-worshippers. He convened grand assemblies at Kannauj and Prayag (the Mahamoksha Parishad), where he honored scholars and religious figures from all faiths, including Buddhist monks and Vedic scholars, and distributed alms generously to them. Statement 3 is correct. After establishing himself as the paramount ruler of northern India (Sakalottarapathanatha), Harsha attempted to extend his empire southwards into the Deccan. His ambition was checked by the powerful Chalukya king of Badami, Pulakesin II. The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II, composed by his court poet Ravikirti, vividly describes this victory, stating that Harsha’s harsha (joy) melted away in the face of the Chalukyan army. The battle took place on the banks of the river Narmada around 618-619 CE, which subsequently became the de facto boundary between the two empires.
#### 5. Question
With reference to the reign of Harshavardhana, consider the following statements:
• He shifted his capital from Thanesar to Pataliputra after consolidating his empire in northern India.
• The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang’s account suggests that Harshavardhana was a devout Buddhist who actively persecuted followers of Brahmanism and Jainism.
• His southern expansion was decisively halted by the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II on the banks of the river Narmada.
How many of the above statements are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: A
• Statement 1 is incorrect. After the death of his brother-in-law, Grahavarman of the Maukharis, and the subsequent unification of the two kingdoms, Harshavardhana shifted his capital from Thanesar (in modern Haryana) to Kannauj (in Uttar Pradesh), not Pataliputra. Kannauj was strategically located in the fertile Gangetic doab and became the political center of northern India during his reign.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The account of Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) is a primary source for Harsha’s reign. While Hiuen Tsang portrays Harsha as a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism, he does not suggest that Harsha persecuted other faiths. In fact, evidence suggests Harsha was eclectic in his beliefs. He was initially a worshipper of Shiva, and his official records mention his ancestors as sun-worshippers. He convened grand assemblies at Kannauj and Prayag (the Mahamoksha Parishad), where he honored scholars and religious figures from all faiths, including Buddhist monks and Vedic scholars, and distributed alms generously to them.
• Statement 3 is correct. After establishing himself as the paramount ruler of northern India (Sakalottarapathanatha), Harsha attempted to extend his empire southwards into the Deccan. His ambition was checked by the powerful Chalukya king of Badami, Pulakesin II. The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II, composed by his court poet Ravikirti, vividly describes this victory, stating that Harsha’s harsha (joy) melted away in the face of the Chalukyan army. The battle took place on the banks of the river Narmada around 618-619 CE, which subsequently became the de facto boundary between the two empires.
Solution: A
• Statement 1 is incorrect. After the death of his brother-in-law, Grahavarman of the Maukharis, and the subsequent unification of the two kingdoms, Harshavardhana shifted his capital from Thanesar (in modern Haryana) to Kannauj (in Uttar Pradesh), not Pataliputra. Kannauj was strategically located in the fertile Gangetic doab and became the political center of northern India during his reign.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The account of Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) is a primary source for Harsha’s reign. While Hiuen Tsang portrays Harsha as a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism, he does not suggest that Harsha persecuted other faiths. In fact, evidence suggests Harsha was eclectic in his beliefs. He was initially a worshipper of Shiva, and his official records mention his ancestors as sun-worshippers. He convened grand assemblies at Kannauj and Prayag (the Mahamoksha Parishad), where he honored scholars and religious figures from all faiths, including Buddhist monks and Vedic scholars, and distributed alms generously to them.
• Statement 3 is correct. After establishing himself as the paramount ruler of northern India (Sakalottarapathanatha), Harsha attempted to extend his empire southwards into the Deccan. His ambition was checked by the powerful Chalukya king of Badami, Pulakesin II. The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II, composed by his court poet Ravikirti, vividly describes this victory, stating that Harsha’s harsha (joy) melted away in the face of the Chalukyan army. The battle took place on the banks of the river Narmada around 618-619 CE, which subsequently became the de facto boundary between the two empires.
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