KartavyaDesk
news

UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 7 August 2025

Kartavya Desk Staff

UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient & Medieval India : 7 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.

Why Participate in the UPSC Static Quiz?

Participating in daily quizzes helps reinforce your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. Regular practice will enhance your recall abilities and boost your confidence for the examination. By covering various topics throughout the week, you ensure a comprehensive revision of the syllabus.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of Luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following statements regarding Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur: Statement-I: The Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I, is a monumental expression of Chola imperial power. Statement-II: The temple’s massive scale, the wealth endowed upon it from military campaigns, and its inscriptions detailing the king’s achievements were intended to project the king as a divine and universal sovereign. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Brihadeshwara temple, dedicated to Shiva and completed around 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I, is not merely a religious structure; it is a powerful symbol of the zenith of Chola imperial power and ambition. Its unprecedented scale—with a main tower (vimana) soaring over 200 feet, built entirely of granite—was a testament to the engineering prowess, immense resources, and political stability of the Chola empire under Rajaraja I. Statement-II is also correct and provides the correct explanation for Statement-I. The temple’s function went far beyond worship. The massive scale was a physical manifestation of the king’s power. The temple was heavily endowed with wealth, much of it derived from the spoils of Rajaraja’s extensive military campaigns in South India and Sri Lanka. The temple walls are covered with detailed inscriptions that meticulously record the king’s conquests, his administrative reforms, and the lavish gifts he and his court made to the temple. By building such a colossal structure for his personal deity and recording his worldly achievements on its sacred walls, Rajaraja I was consciously projecting an image of himself as a terrestrial reflection of the divine sovereign, a universal emperor (chakravartin) whose power was divinely sanctioned. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Brihadeshwara temple, dedicated to Shiva and completed around 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I, is not merely a religious structure; it is a powerful symbol of the zenith of Chola imperial power and ambition. Its unprecedented scale—with a main tower (vimana) soaring over 200 feet, built entirely of granite—was a testament to the engineering prowess, immense resources, and political stability of the Chola empire under Rajaraja I. Statement-II is also correct and provides the correct explanation for Statement-I. The temple’s function went far beyond worship. The massive scale was a physical manifestation of the king’s power. The temple was heavily endowed with wealth, much of it derived from the spoils of Rajaraja’s extensive military campaigns in South India and Sri Lanka. The temple walls are covered with detailed inscriptions that meticulously record the king’s conquests, his administrative reforms, and the lavish gifts he and his court made to the temple. By building such a colossal structure for his personal deity and recording his worldly achievements on its sacred walls, Rajaraja I was consciously projecting an image of himself as a terrestrial reflection of the divine sovereign, a universal emperor (chakravartin) whose power was divinely sanctioned.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur:

Statement-I: The Brihadeshwara temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I, is a monumental expression of Chola imperial power.

Statement-II: The temple’s massive scale, the wealth endowed upon it from military campaigns, and its inscriptions detailing the king’s achievements were intended to project the king as a divine and universal sovereign.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: A

Statement-I is correct. The Brihadeshwara temple, dedicated to Shiva and completed around 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I, is not merely a religious structure; it is a powerful symbol of the zenith of Chola imperial power and ambition. Its unprecedented scale—with a main tower (vimana) soaring over 200 feet, built entirely of granite—was a testament to the engineering prowess, immense resources, and political stability of the Chola empire under Rajaraja I.

Statement-II is also correct and provides the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• The temple’s function went far beyond worship. The massive scale was a physical manifestation of the king’s power. The temple was heavily endowed with wealth, much of it derived from the spoils of Rajaraja’s extensive military campaigns in South India and Sri Lanka. The temple walls are covered with detailed inscriptions that meticulously record the king’s conquests, his administrative reforms, and the lavish gifts he and his court made to the temple. By building such a colossal structure for his personal deity and recording his worldly achievements on its sacred walls, Rajaraja I was consciously projecting an image of himself as a terrestrial reflection of the divine sovereign, a universal emperor (chakravartin) whose power was divinely sanctioned.

Solution: A

Statement-I is correct. The Brihadeshwara temple, dedicated to Shiva and completed around 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I, is not merely a religious structure; it is a powerful symbol of the zenith of Chola imperial power and ambition. Its unprecedented scale—with a main tower (vimana) soaring over 200 feet, built entirely of granite—was a testament to the engineering prowess, immense resources, and political stability of the Chola empire under Rajaraja I.

Statement-II is also correct and provides the correct explanation for Statement-I.

• The temple’s function went far beyond worship. The massive scale was a physical manifestation of the king’s power. The temple was heavily endowed with wealth, much of it derived from the spoils of Rajaraja’s extensive military campaigns in South India and Sri Lanka. The temple walls are covered with detailed inscriptions that meticulously record the king’s conquests, his administrative reforms, and the lavish gifts he and his court made to the temple. By building such a colossal structure for his personal deity and recording his worldly achievements on its sacred walls, Rajaraja I was consciously projecting an image of himself as a terrestrial reflection of the divine sovereign, a universal emperor (chakravartin) whose power was divinely sanctioned.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar, consider the following statements: The Palas were staunch patrons of Shaivism and were responsible for the construction of the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar. They established the great monastic university of Nalanda, which became a premier center for Buddhist learning. Pala art, particularly in bronze sculpture and manuscript painting, developed a distinctive style that influenced the art of Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Palas were pre-eminently patrons of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, not Shaivism. Their patronage was crucial for the survival and flourishing of Buddhism in India during this period. The Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar is a masterpiece of the Kalinga school of architecture and was primarily built by the rulers of the Somavamshi dynasty, not the Palas. Statement 2 is incorrect. The great monastic university of Nalanda was founded during the Gupta period, long before the rise of the Palas in the 8th century CE. The Pala rulers, being great patrons of Buddhist learning, did not establish Nalanda but revived and greatly patronized it. Pala kings like Dharmapala and Devapala made generous grants to Nalanda. In fact, Dharmapala is credited with founding another great university, Vikramshila, which became a leading center for Vajrayana studies. Statement 3 is correct. The Pala period witnessed the emergence of a distinct school of art, characterized by elegant bronze sculptures and finely illustrated palm-leaf manuscripts. This school, which flourished in the monastic centers of Nalanda and Vikramshila, is known for its graceful figures and refined craftsmanship. As these centers attracted scholars and monks from across Asia, the Pala artistic style exerted a significant influence on the development of Buddhist art in neighboring regions, most notably Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia. This transmission of art and ideas is a key part of the Pala legacy. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. The Palas were pre-eminently patrons of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, not Shaivism. Their patronage was crucial for the survival and flourishing of Buddhism in India during this period. The Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar is a masterpiece of the Kalinga school of architecture and was primarily built by the rulers of the Somavamshi dynasty, not the Palas. Statement 2 is incorrect. The great monastic university of Nalanda was founded during the Gupta period, long before the rise of the Palas in the 8th century CE. The Pala rulers, being great patrons of Buddhist learning, did not establish Nalanda but revived and greatly patronized it. Pala kings like Dharmapala and Devapala made generous grants to Nalanda. In fact, Dharmapala is credited with founding another great university, Vikramshila, which became a leading center for Vajrayana studies. Statement 3 is correct. The Pala period witnessed the emergence of a distinct school of art, characterized by elegant bronze sculptures and finely illustrated palm-leaf manuscripts. This school, which flourished in the monastic centers of Nalanda and Vikramshila, is known for its graceful figures and refined craftsmanship. As these centers attracted scholars and monks from across Asia, the Pala artistic style exerted a significant influence on the development of Buddhist art in neighboring regions, most notably Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia. This transmission of art and ideas is a key part of the Pala legacy.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar, consider the following statements:

• The Palas were staunch patrons of Shaivism and were responsible for the construction of the Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar.

• They established the great monastic university of Nalanda, which became a premier center for Buddhist learning.

• Pala art, particularly in bronze sculpture and manuscript painting, developed a distinctive style that influenced the art of Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Palas were pre-eminently patrons of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, not Shaivism. Their patronage was crucial for the survival and flourishing of Buddhism in India during this period. The Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar is a masterpiece of the Kalinga school of architecture and was primarily built by the rulers of the Somavamshi dynasty, not the Palas.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The great monastic university of Nalanda was founded during the Gupta period, long before the rise of the Palas in the 8th century CE. The Pala rulers, being great patrons of Buddhist learning, did not establish Nalanda but revived and greatly patronized it. Pala kings like Dharmapala and Devapala made generous grants to Nalanda. In fact, Dharmapala is credited with founding another great university, Vikramshila, which became a leading center for Vajrayana studies.

Statement 3 is correct. The Pala period witnessed the emergence of a distinct school of art, characterized by elegant bronze sculptures and finely illustrated palm-leaf manuscripts. This school, which flourished in the monastic centers of Nalanda and Vikramshila, is known for its graceful figures and refined craftsmanship. As these centers attracted scholars and monks from across Asia, the Pala artistic style exerted a significant influence on the development of Buddhist art in neighboring regions, most notably Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia. This transmission of art and ideas is a key part of the Pala legacy.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Palas were pre-eminently patrons of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, not Shaivism. Their patronage was crucial for the survival and flourishing of Buddhism in India during this period. The Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar is a masterpiece of the Kalinga school of architecture and was primarily built by the rulers of the Somavamshi dynasty, not the Palas.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The great monastic university of Nalanda was founded during the Gupta period, long before the rise of the Palas in the 8th century CE. The Pala rulers, being great patrons of Buddhist learning, did not establish Nalanda but revived and greatly patronized it. Pala kings like Dharmapala and Devapala made generous grants to Nalanda. In fact, Dharmapala is credited with founding another great university, Vikramshila, which became a leading center for Vajrayana studies.

Statement 3 is correct. The Pala period witnessed the emergence of a distinct school of art, characterized by elegant bronze sculptures and finely illustrated palm-leaf manuscripts. This school, which flourished in the monastic centers of Nalanda and Vikramshila, is known for its graceful figures and refined craftsmanship. As these centers attracted scholars and monks from across Asia, the Pala artistic style exerted a significant influence on the development of Buddhist art in neighboring regions, most notably Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia. This transmission of art and ideas is a key part of the Pala legacy.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I is a landmark in the history of Sanskrit. Besides praising the king, what is the primary subject matter of this inscription? (a) The detailed genealogy of the Shaka rulers and their matrimonial alliances with the Satavahanas. (b) The proclamation of Rudradaman's conversion to Hinduism and the construction of a Vishnu temple. (c) The record of the repair of the Sudarshana lake, originally built during the Mauryan period, undertaken by his governor. (d) A philosophical discourse on the principles of kingship and a code of conduct for provincial governors. Correct Solution: C The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) is a historically invaluable document for several reasons. While it does praise the king’s military achievements and lists the territories under his rule, its primary and most detailed subject is the restoration of the Sudarshana lake. The inscription is celebrated as the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit. It explicitly states that the lake, located near Girnar, had an embankment that was originally built by Pushyagupta, a provincial governor for the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and was later adorned with conduits by Tushaspha for Ashoka. The inscription records that this embankment was breached by a severe storm during Rudradaman’s reign. It highlights that the repair was undertaken by his provincial governor (amatya) Suvishakha, a Pahlava, from the treasury of the king, and importantly, without oppressing the people with forced labor (vishti) or extra taxes, a fact Rudradaman takes pride in. Incorrect Solution: C The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) is a historically invaluable document for several reasons. While it does praise the king’s military achievements and lists the territories under his rule, its primary and most detailed subject is the restoration of the Sudarshana lake. The inscription is celebrated as the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit. It explicitly states that the lake, located near Girnar, had an embankment that was originally built by Pushyagupta, a provincial governor for the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and was later adorned with conduits by Tushaspha for Ashoka. The inscription records that this embankment was breached by a severe storm during Rudradaman’s reign. It highlights that the repair was undertaken by his provincial governor (amatya) Suvishakha, a Pahlava, from the treasury of the king, and importantly, without oppressing the people with forced labor (vishti) or extra taxes, a fact Rudradaman takes pride in.

#### 3. Question

The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I is a landmark in the history of Sanskrit. Besides praising the king, what is the primary subject matter of this inscription?

• (a) The detailed genealogy of the Shaka rulers and their matrimonial alliances with the Satavahanas.

• (b) The proclamation of Rudradaman's conversion to Hinduism and the construction of a Vishnu temple.

• (c) The record of the repair of the Sudarshana lake, originally built during the Mauryan period, undertaken by his governor.

• (d) A philosophical discourse on the principles of kingship and a code of conduct for provincial governors.

Solution: C

• The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) is a historically invaluable document for several reasons. While it does praise the king’s military achievements and lists the territories under his rule, its primary and most detailed subject is the restoration of the Sudarshana lake. The inscription is celebrated as the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit.

• It explicitly states that the lake, located near Girnar, had an embankment that was originally built by Pushyagupta, a provincial governor for the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and was later adorned with conduits by Tushaspha for Ashoka.

The inscription records that this embankment was breached by a severe storm during Rudradaman’s reign. It highlights that the repair was undertaken by his provincial governor (amatya) Suvishakha, a Pahlava, from the treasury of the king, and importantly, without oppressing the people with forced labor (vishti) or extra taxes, a fact Rudradaman takes pride in.

Solution: C

• The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) is a historically invaluable document for several reasons. While it does praise the king’s military achievements and lists the territories under his rule, its primary and most detailed subject is the restoration of the Sudarshana lake. The inscription is celebrated as the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit.

• It explicitly states that the lake, located near Girnar, had an embankment that was originally built by Pushyagupta, a provincial governor for the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and was later adorned with conduits by Tushaspha for Ashoka.

The inscription records that this embankment was breached by a severe storm during Rudradaman’s reign. It highlights that the repair was undertaken by his provincial governor (amatya) Suvishakha, a Pahlava, from the treasury of the king, and importantly, without oppressing the people with forced labor (vishti) or extra taxes, a fact Rudradaman takes pride in.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements about the system of village administration under the Cholas, as described in the Uttaramerur inscription: Membership in the village assembly (Sabha) was open to all adult male residents of the village, irrespective of property or education. The selection of members for various committees was done through a sophisticated system of election by secret ballot. A key disqualification for a candidate was having previously served on a committee and failing to submit accounts. 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. Membership was highly restrictive and not open to all. The inscriptions lay down strict eligibility criteria, which included owning a certain amount of tax-paying land, residing in a house built on one’s own site, being within a specific age bracket (35-70), and possessing knowledge of Vedic mantras and Brahmanas. These property and educational qualifications effectively limited membership to a small elite of Brahmin landowners. Statement 2 is incorrect. The selection method was not an election by secret ballot in the modern sense. It was a system of drawing lots, known as Kudavolai (pot-ticket). The names of eligible candidates from each of the 30 wards were written on palm-leaf tickets, put into a pot, and a young boy would be asked to draw one ticket for each committee. While this ensured a degree of randomness among the eligible elite, it was a lottery, not an election. Statement 3 is correct. The inscriptions list several disqualification criteria designed to ensure the integrity of the members. One of the most important disqualifications was for individuals (and their close relatives) who had served on a committee in the past but had failed to submit their accounts, or were found guilty of embezzlement. Other disqualifications included committing heinous sins (like killing a Brahmin, theft, adultery) or consuming forbidden food. This highlights a strong emphasis on financial probity and moral conduct for public office holders. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is incorrect. Membership was highly restrictive and not open to all. The inscriptions lay down strict eligibility criteria, which included owning a certain amount of tax-paying land, residing in a house built on one’s own site, being within a specific age bracket (35-70), and possessing knowledge of Vedic mantras and Brahmanas. These property and educational qualifications effectively limited membership to a small elite of Brahmin landowners. Statement 2 is incorrect. The selection method was not an election by secret ballot in the modern sense. It was a system of drawing lots, known as Kudavolai (pot-ticket). The names of eligible candidates from each of the 30 wards were written on palm-leaf tickets, put into a pot, and a young boy would be asked to draw one ticket for each committee. While this ensured a degree of randomness among the eligible elite, it was a lottery, not an election. Statement 3 is correct. The inscriptions list several disqualification criteria designed to ensure the integrity of the members. One of the most important disqualifications was for individuals (and their close relatives) who had served on a committee in the past but had failed to submit their accounts, or were found guilty of embezzlement. Other disqualifications included committing heinous sins (like killing a Brahmin, theft, adultery) or consuming forbidden food. This highlights a strong emphasis on financial probity and moral conduct for public office holders.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements about the system of village administration under the Cholas, as described in the Uttaramerur inscription:

• Membership in the village assembly (Sabha) was open to all adult male residents of the village, irrespective of property or education.

• The selection of members for various committees was done through a sophisticated system of election by secret ballot.

• A key disqualification for a candidate was having previously served on a committee and failing to submit accounts.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. Membership was highly restrictive and not open to all. The inscriptions lay down strict eligibility criteria, which included owning a certain amount of tax-paying land, residing in a house built on one’s own site, being within a specific age bracket (35-70), and possessing knowledge of Vedic mantras and Brahmanas. These property and educational qualifications effectively limited membership to a small elite of Brahmin landowners.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The selection method was not an election by secret ballot in the modern sense. It was a system of drawing lots, known as Kudavolai (pot-ticket). The names of eligible candidates from each of the 30 wards were written on palm-leaf tickets, put into a pot, and a young boy would be asked to draw one ticket for each committee. While this ensured a degree of randomness among the eligible elite, it was a lottery, not an election.

Statement 3 is correct. The inscriptions list several disqualification criteria designed to ensure the integrity of the members. One of the most important disqualifications was for individuals (and their close relatives) who had served on a committee in the past but had failed to submit their accounts, or were found guilty of embezzlement. Other disqualifications included committing heinous sins (like killing a Brahmin, theft, adultery) or consuming forbidden food. This highlights a strong emphasis on financial probity and moral conduct for public office holders.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect. Membership was highly restrictive and not open to all. The inscriptions lay down strict eligibility criteria, which included owning a certain amount of tax-paying land, residing in a house built on one’s own site, being within a specific age bracket (35-70), and possessing knowledge of Vedic mantras and Brahmanas. These property and educational qualifications effectively limited membership to a small elite of Brahmin landowners.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The selection method was not an election by secret ballot in the modern sense. It was a system of drawing lots, known as Kudavolai (pot-ticket). The names of eligible candidates from each of the 30 wards were written on palm-leaf tickets, put into a pot, and a young boy would be asked to draw one ticket for each committee. While this ensured a degree of randomness among the eligible elite, it was a lottery, not an election.

Statement 3 is correct. The inscriptions list several disqualification criteria designed to ensure the integrity of the members. One of the most important disqualifications was for individuals (and their close relatives) who had served on a committee in the past but had failed to submit their accounts, or were found guilty of embezzlement. Other disqualifications included committing heinous sins (like killing a Brahmin, theft, adultery) or consuming forbidden food. This highlights a strong emphasis on financial probity and moral conduct for public office holders.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Match the following dynasties with their prominent rulers and a significant architectural contribution: List-I (Dynasty) List-II (Ruler) List-III (Architectural Contribution) A. Pallava 1. Nagabhata I i. Vikramshila Monastery B. Chalukya of Badami 2. Dharmapala ii. Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram C. Pala 3. Pulakesin II iii. Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal Select the correct answer code: (a) A-2-i, B-1-ii, C-3-iii (b) A-ii, B-3-iii, C-2-i (c) A-ii, B-1-iii, C-2-i (d) A-3-ii, B-2-i, C-1-iii Correct Solution: B Pallava: The Pallavas were pioneers of Dravidian architecture. A key ruler was Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). His most famous contribution is the group of monolithic Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), each carved from a single granite outcrop. Therefore, the Pallava dynasty correctly corresponds to the Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram. The ruler associated with this specific achievement is Narasimhavarman I, but among the options, this contribution is uniquely Pallava. Chalukya of Badami: The Chalukyas developed a unique style of temple architecture, often called the Vesara style, which blended Nagara and Dravida elements. A prominent ruler was Pulakesin II, who established the empire’s might. The temple complex at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents the zenith of Chalukyan art. The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband Vikramaditya II’s victory over the Pallavas. It is a masterpiece of the Dravidian style, built within the Chalukyan kingdom. Pulakesin II laid the foundation for the empire that would create such marvels. So, Chalukya of Badami correctly corresponds to the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal, and Pulakesin II is their most famous king. Pala: The Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar were devout Buddhists. The most powerful Pala king, Dharmapala, was a great patron of Buddhism and learning. He founded the famous Vikramshila Monastery (Vihara) in modern-day Bihar, which became one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in India, second only to Nalanda. Incorrect Solution: B Pallava: The Pallavas were pioneers of Dravidian architecture. A key ruler was Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). His most famous contribution is the group of monolithic Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), each carved from a single granite outcrop. Therefore, the Pallava dynasty correctly corresponds to the Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram. The ruler associated with this specific achievement is Narasimhavarman I, but among the options, this contribution is uniquely Pallava. Chalukya of Badami: The Chalukyas developed a unique style of temple architecture, often called the Vesara style, which blended Nagara and Dravida elements. A prominent ruler was Pulakesin II, who established the empire’s might. The temple complex at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents the zenith of Chalukyan art. The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband Vikramaditya II’s victory over the Pallavas. It is a masterpiece of the Dravidian style, built within the Chalukyan kingdom. Pulakesin II laid the foundation for the empire that would create such marvels. So, Chalukya of Badami correctly corresponds to the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal, and Pulakesin II is their most famous king. Pala: The Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar were devout Buddhists. The most powerful Pala king, Dharmapala, was a great patron of Buddhism and learning. He founded the famous Vikramshila Monastery (Vihara) in modern-day Bihar, which became one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in India, second only to Nalanda.

#### 5. Question

Match the following dynasties with their prominent rulers and a significant architectural contribution:

List-I (Dynasty) | List-II (Ruler) | List-III (Architectural Contribution)

A. Pallava | 1. Nagabhata I | i. Vikramshila Monastery

B. Chalukya of Badami | 2. Dharmapala | ii. Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram

C. Pala | 3. Pulakesin II | iii. Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal

Select the correct answer code:

• (a) A-2-i, B-1-ii, C-3-iii

• (b) A-ii, B-3-iii, C-2-i

• (c) A-ii, B-1-iii, C-2-i

• (d) A-3-ii, B-2-i, C-1-iii

Solution: B

Pallava: The Pallavas were pioneers of Dravidian architecture. A key ruler was Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). His most famous contribution is the group of monolithic Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), each carved from a single granite outcrop. Therefore, the Pallava dynasty correctly corresponds to the Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram. The ruler associated with this specific achievement is Narasimhavarman I, but among the options, this contribution is uniquely Pallava.

Chalukya of Badami: The Chalukyas developed a unique style of temple architecture, often called the Vesara style, which blended Nagara and Dravida elements. A prominent ruler was Pulakesin II, who established the empire’s might. The temple complex at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents the zenith of Chalukyan art. The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband Vikramaditya II’s victory over the Pallavas. It is a masterpiece of the Dravidian style, built within the Chalukyan kingdom. Pulakesin II laid the foundation for the empire that would create such marvels. So, Chalukya of Badami correctly corresponds to the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal, and Pulakesin II is their most famous king.

Pala: The Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar were devout Buddhists. The most powerful Pala king, Dharmapala, was a great patron of Buddhism and learning. He founded the famous Vikramshila Monastery (Vihara) in modern-day Bihar, which became one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in India, second only to Nalanda.

Solution: B

Pallava: The Pallavas were pioneers of Dravidian architecture. A key ruler was Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla). His most famous contribution is the group of monolithic Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram), each carved from a single granite outcrop. Therefore, the Pallava dynasty correctly corresponds to the Rock-cut Rathas at Mahabalipuram. The ruler associated with this specific achievement is Narasimhavarman I, but among the options, this contribution is uniquely Pallava.

Chalukya of Badami: The Chalukyas developed a unique style of temple architecture, often called the Vesara style, which blended Nagara and Dravida elements. A prominent ruler was Pulakesin II, who established the empire’s might. The temple complex at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents the zenith of Chalukyan art. The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal was built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband Vikramaditya II’s victory over the Pallavas. It is a masterpiece of the Dravidian style, built within the Chalukyan kingdom. Pulakesin II laid the foundation for the empire that would create such marvels. So, Chalukya of Badami correctly corresponds to the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal, and Pulakesin II is their most famous king.

Pala: The Pala dynasty of Bengal and Bihar were devout Buddhists. The most powerful Pala king, Dharmapala, was a great patron of Buddhism and learning. He founded the famous Vikramshila Monastery (Vihara) in modern-day Bihar, which became one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in India, second only to Nalanda.

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key in UPSC preparation. By making the UPSC Static Quiz a part of your daily routine, you will steadily improve your knowledge base and exam readiness. Join us every day to tackle new questions and make your journey towards UPSC success more structured and effective.

AI-assisted content, editorially reviewed by Kartavya Desk Staff.

About Kartavya Desk Staff

Articles in our archive published before our editorial team was expanded. Legacy content is periodically reviewed and updated by our current editors.

All News