Formation of New States and Rural Expansion in the Peninsula — UPSC Prelims Practice
Answer all questions carefully.
Post-Gupta South India: New Kingdoms and the Spread of Agriculture•hard•11 questions•~12 min
Saved Progress
Sign in to save quiz attempts and chapter progress to your account.
Quiz Progress
0 answered11 total0s
Practice freely — sign in before you submit if you'd like this score saved.
Question 01
medium
The term 'Pallava' is linguistically significant because it is a Sanskrit version of the Tamil word 'tondai'. What does this term mean, and what additional meaning does it carry in Tamil?
Question 02
medium
The Aihole inscription, which is considered both a poetic example of Sanskrit excellence and a valuable biographical source for the reign of Pulakesim II, was composed by which court poet?
Question 03
hard
Consider the following statements about the Kalabhras revolt in south India:
1. The Kalabhras were called 'evil rulers' who overthrew innumerable kings and established their hold on Tamil land.
2. They held Buddhist persuasions and patronised Buddhist monasteries.
3. The revolt was put down by the joint efforts of the Pandyas, the Pallavas, and the Chalukyas of Badami.
4. The revolt was directed specifically against the Pallava dynasty and had no broader social or political dimensions.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Question 04
hard
With reference to Pallava land grants in the fourth century AD, which of the following statements correctly describes the immunities granted to brahmana beneficiaries?
Question 05
hard
Which of the following correctly describes the three types of villages found in south India during the period AD 300–750?
Question 06
medium
The Chalukyas of Badami were eventually overthrown in AD 757 by which power, after a long period of dominance in the Deccan?
Question 07
hard
Consider the following about the temple architecture of the Pallavas and Chalukyas:
1. The seven ratha temples at Mahabalipuram were built by Narasimhavarman I in the seventh century.
2. The Kailasanath temple at Kanchi was built in the seventh century and is the most famous Pallava structural temple.
3. The Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal (c. 740) was built in the southern style and is about 40 metres long.
4. The Aihole complex contains as many as 70 temples, with work continued in Badami and Pattadakal.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Question 08
medium
Narasimhavarman I of the Pallavas assumed the title 'Vatapikonda'. What event led to this title, and what does it mean?
Question 09
hard
The founder of the Kadamba kingdom, Mayurasarman, established his authority through an unconventional route. Which of the following best describes this route?
Question 10
hard
Which of the following statements about the demands made on the peasantry by the state in peninsular India (AD 300–750) is/are correct?
1. In addition to land tax, the king could demand benevolence in the form of cereals and gold.
2. The king could bore certain trees such as the palmyra for obtaining salt, sugar, and liquor.
3. All deposits and hidden treasures in the villages belonged to the king.
4. The 18 types of immunities granted to brahmanas reveal that these burdens on the peasantry were extensive and real.
Question 11
medium
In the context of peninsular India's second historical phase (AD 300–750), which of the following correctly identifies the Ikshvakus and their significance?
Pick an answer to get started — you can change it any time before submitting.