Early Medieval Period: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)

Explanation

Between the 8th and 12th centuries AD, medieval India saw the rise of regional dynasties like the Chandelas, Paramaras, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas, which shaped the political, cultural, and architectural landscape after the decline of centralized powers like the Guptas and Harsha’s empire.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Chandela dynasty was founded around the 9th century, and Nannuka is traditionally regarded as the founder. Chandela dominion extended from the Yamuna (Jumna) River in the north to the region of Saguar (now Sagar) and from the Dhasan River in the west to the Vindhya Hills. It was during Chandela rule that Khajuraho turned into a cultural and architectural hub. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple stands as the pinnacle of Chandela architectural achievement. The Chandela dynasty is famous for constructing the Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nannuka established the dynasty in the early 9th century CE.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Vakpati’s sons Jayashakti (Jeja) and Vijayashakti (Vija) consolidated the Chandella power. Vakapati succeeded his father Nannuka of the Chandela dynasty and he was succeeded by Vijayshakti and Jayshakti. The Paramara dynasty was a prominent Rajput dynasty that ruled Malwa, with kings like Bhoja and Munja being its most famous rulers.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Vatsaraja was a Pratihara ruler who came to the throne in about 778 AD controlled eastern Rajasthan and Malava. Nagabhata II (reigned c. 793-833) was his successor. He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Govinda III (reigned 793-814). He ruled in the early 9th century CE and is known for his military campaigns against the Palas and Rashtrakutas.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja (c.836-885 AD) was the successor of Nagabhatta II, who had a long reign of over 44-46 years and proved to be the most successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas. An Arab visitor to western India, the merchant Sulaymn, referred to the kingdom of Juzr (which is generally identified as Gurjara) and its strong and able ruler, who may have been Bhoja. The Rashtrakuta dynasty was a prominent power in the Deccan, with kings like Amoghavarsha and Krishna I.

Explanation

Hundis are used as a form of remittance instrument to transfer money from place to place. It was used as a form of credit instrument or IOU to borrow money and as a bill of exchange in trade transactions. The Hundis was a letter of credit payable after a period of time. The word "hundi" is often linked to the Sanskrit root "hundika," meaning a type of bill or note. The Lekhapaddhati (12th century, in post-Harsha period) refer to the use of hundika by kings and nobles to make payments but it may have been used by merchants as well. Hundis were widely used during the post-Harsha period (7th century onwards) and played a significant role in the growth of trade and urbanization in India.

Explanation

In the context of the economic history of medieval India, the term ’Araghatta’ refers to a waterwheel, an important piece of technology used for irrigation. The term ‘Araghatta’ derives from the words "ara" which means "spoke" and "ghatta" means "pot". The waterwheels were used to lift water from wells or rivers to irrigate crops. This technology played a significant role in agricultural productivity, particularly in regions with an agrarian economy by providing a reliable and efficient method of irrigation. Baburnama provides a comprehensive explanation and a picture of the Persian Wheel which was in use in the Punjab province. 2 Medieval History

Explanation

In the medieval era, feudalism was the predominant socio-economic structure.

Statement 1 is incorrect: As a political principle of organization that divided the power of lords, feudalism laid the foundations for a decentralization of political power, wherein the nobility owned land from the Crown in return for military service, and vassals were tenants of the nobles. The peasants were required to reside on their lord’s land and to offer him homage, labor, and a share of the production in exchange for military protection.

Statement 2 is correct: In a feudal system, land is the main economic resource, and it is the key to political power and authority. The feudal system is built around the concept of land ownership, where lords or landholders control vast estates and manage them with the help of vassals, peasants, or serfs. Land is granted in exchange for military service, loyalty, or other obligations, forming the basis for the entire administrative and economic structure.

Statement 3 is correct: One of the key features of the feudal system is the lord-vassal relationship, which forms the backbone of feudal society. A vassal is granted land (a fief) by a lord in return for military service, loyalty, and other obligations. This relationship is often hierarchical, with the vassal owing loyalty and service to a superior lord, who in turn may be a vassal to a higher lord or the king. The lord-vassal relationship is not just a social contract but a legal one, with specific duties and rights that define the relationship between the two parties.

Explanation

Buddhism emerged in India around the 6th century BCE, and reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism and instituted dharma as the state ideology. (3rd century BCE). Later, it began to decline in the 4th-6th century CE due to increasing influence of Brahmanism and was mostly replaced by Hinduism by the 12th century.

Statement 1 is correct: Buddhism declined during the entire phase of Bhakti movement absorbing various aspects of Hinduism such as Buddha’s inclusion as 9th incarnation of Vishnu thus becoming a part of Vaishnavism. This assimilation made Buddhist practices and beliefs blend into mainstream Hinduism.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Kushans, the Sakas, the Greeks, and the Parthians were some of the Central Asian tribes that invaded India. Though some tribes like the Huns adopted Hinduism during the period 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. Buddhism gained a strong foothold in the north western India. Many of the foreigners like the Indo-Greeks and the Kushanas, who invaded India during this time accepted Buddhism

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Gupta rulers gave patronage to Bhagvatism. But they were tolerant to other religions too. The Chinese pilgrims Fa Hien and Hsuan Tsang, who came to India during the reign of Chandragupta II and Harsha respectively, clearly give the impression that Buddhism was also flourishing.