New King and Kingdoms (AD 700-AD 1200)

 

CHAPTER -2

New King and Kingdoms (AD 700-AD 1200)

The Vardhana Empire under Harshavadrhana in the 7th century AD established a powerful empire over northern India in the 7th century AD. Post Harshavardhan's death, a number of smaller kingdoms emerged in the continent. There were many landlords and warrior chiefs under these kings who provided military support to them. These people were called samantas.

The samantas paid tribute to kings and attended their court sessions. As time passed, these samantas grew powerful and carved out their own kingdoms.

Besides them, there were also some independent men who established their own kingdom based on strong military prowess. 

 

By the 8th century AD, the subcontinent was divided into several new states which had their own distinct geographical boundaries, languages, and cultures. These regional states were ruled by different kings, who were involved in a perpetual conflict for power. Among the important rulers in the early medieval period were the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Chahamanas in the west, the Rashtrakutas in the Deccan, the Palas in the east, and the Cholas in the south. Although the new kings adopted elaborate titles such as maharaja-adhiraja and tribhuvana-chakravartin, they often shared power with their samantas and other groups such as Brahmanas, traders, etc. They usually appointed people from their own family or other powerful families to collect revenue and serve in their army. They used the revenue to make elaborate temples and forts, and wage wars on other regional kings.

THE GURJARA-PRATIHARAS

Some historians believe that the Gurjara-Pratiharas were a branch of the Gurjara tribe, which originally came to the Indian subcontinent from Central Asia along with or soon after the Huns. The Huns were a warrior tribe from Central Asia that invaded India towards the end of the 5th century AD. We know about the Gurjara-Pratiharas mostly through their inscriptions. By the 7th century AD, they seem to have converted to Hinduism, with their leader Harichandra being described as a Brahmana. After Harshavardhana's death, Harichandra used his military prowess to carve out his own kingdom in Rajasthan. The Gurjara-Pratiharas rose into prominence during the rule of Nagabhatta I in the 8th century AD. He famously prevented the Arabs, who had conquered Sindh, from advancing further into the subcontinent. His successors tried to extend their power, but were defeated by the Rashtrakutas and were forced to accept their authority.

As the Rashtrakuta power weakened in the 9th century AD, a Gurjara-Pratihara called Nagabhatta II emerged as a powerful ruler in north India. He even managed to conquer Kannauj, but his victory was brief.

His grandson, Mihira Bhoja (AD 836-AD 885), is considered the greatest ruler of the dynasty. Under his rule, the boundaries of the Gurjara-Pratihara empire grew to include nearly all of north India, except Kashmir. Mihira Bhoja even managed to capture Kannauj and set up his capital there. Coins from his rule indicate he had taken the title of "Adivaraha'. Mihira Bhoja's son Mahendrapala I further consolidated the empire and added Magadha and north Bengal to it. After his death, the power of the Gurjara-Pratiharas faded. The invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century centur AD Ogave a final blow to the dynasty.

The Gurjara-Pratiharas were patrons of art, sculpture and learning. They built many buildings and temples. The great Sanskrit poet Rajasekhara who wrote Karpuramanjari and Kavyamimansa, was a part of Mahendrapala I's court.

 

Info Bubble The Arabs used different names to refer to the Pratiharas, the Palas, and the Rashtrakutas. They called the Pratiharas Al-Jurz, the Palas Rhumi, and the Rashtrakutas Ballahara.

THE PALAS

The foundation of the Pala dynasty was laid by a ruler called Gopala in the 8th century AD. He was elected by the people to put an end to the political chaos that prevailed in Bengal after the death of Harshavardhana. Gopala managed to restore peace in Bengal. His son, Dharmapala, further consolidated and extended the dynasty's power. Dharmapala's son, Devapala, is considered the most powerful ruler of the dynasty. He managed to extend Pala control over Assam, and parts of Orissa (now Odisha) and Nepal. He is believed to have established contacts with other Southeast Asian countries. The rule of the Palas came to an end in the 12th century AD. They were succeeded by the Sena Dynasty, who ruled over Bengal till the oncoming of the Islamic rulers.

The Palas were great patrons of art and learning. Being followers of Buddhism, they constructed many monasteries. Dharmapala is believed to have established the famous Buddhist university at Vikramshila, Bhagalpur district, Bihar. Devapala also constructed many temples and monasteries in Magadha and is believed to have patronised the University of Nalanda. The famous Mahabodhi temple in Gaya, Bihar, is believed to have been repaired during his rule.

THE RASHTRAKUTAS

The Rashtrakutas were subordinates of the Chalukyas of Karnataka. They rose to prominence in the 8th century AD under Dantidurga, who managed to overthrow the Chalukyas and set up a powerful kingdom in the Deccan. He even performed a ritual known as hiranya-garbha, which was believed to cause the sacrificer to be 'reborn' as a Kshatriya, even if he was not one. Dantidurga was succeeded by his uncle, Krishna I, who famously built the rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora. Other important rulers of the dynasty include Govinda II, Govinda III, Amoghavarsa I, and Indra III. Amoghavarsa I set up his capital in Manyakheta (Malkhed in Maharashtra). The Rashtrakutas were engaged in continuous conflicts with the Chalukyas and the Pallavas in the south. They also fought with the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Palas for control of the fertile lands of Kannauj. The Rashtrakutas ruled over the Deccan till the 10th century AD, until they were defeated by the Chalukyas of Kalyan.

The Rashtrakuta kings patronised Hinduism and Jainism. They were patrons of art and literature. Amoghavarsa I is credited with composing a Kannada work on poetry, Kavirajamarga.

 

TRIPARTITE STRUGGLE FOR KANNAUJ

Kannauj was a much sought-after city because of its strategic location. Any ruler who captured Kannauj could easily control the entire Ganga Valley. They would also have control over the trade and resources of the region. The region was also very fertile. Starting from the 8th century AD, the Pala, the Rashtrakuta, and the Gurjara-Pratihara kings were involved in a conflict for control over the territory for over two centuries. As three parties were involved in the conflict, it is also known as a 'tripartite struggle'. The conflict ultimately led to the decline of the three kingdoms. The Rashtrakutas and the Palas were defeated by other regional rulers, and the Pratihara empire disintegrated, resulting in the rise of the Rajputs.

THE RAJPUTS

The term Rajput is derived from the Sanskrit word Rajaputra, which means the 'son of a ruler'. From the 8th to the 14th century AD, the term was applied to warriors who claimed they belonged to the Kshatriya caste. The term included not just kings, but also soldiers and commanders who served in the armies of the kings. There are many theories regarding the origin of the Rajputs:

1. Foreign origin theory

Some historians like Colonel Tod are of the view that the Rajputs descended from foreigners such as the Huns, the Shakas, the Kushanas, and the Gurjaras.

2. Traditional theory

Some historians believe that the Rajputs descended from the ancient Kshatriya tribes of Aryans. Some Rajput clans also support this claim. Some claim to be Suryavanshis (born of Sun), while others claim to be Chandravanshi (born of Moon). They claim that the Suryavanshi clan was founded by King Rama, whose story is documented in the Ramayana, and the Chandravanshi clan by Lord Krishna, whom we read about in Mahabharata.

3. Agnikula theory

This theory was advocated by Chand Bardai, who lived in Prithviraj Chauhan's court. According to this theory, Parashuram-who is considered an incarnation of Vishnu in Indian mythology once destroyed all the Kshatriyas. There was no one left to protect the Brahmanas. So they performed a great yajna. In the course of the yajna, four heroes sprang up from the sacrificial fire and founded the four major clans of the Rajputs - the Chahamanas of Rajasthan, the Solankis or the Chalukyas of Gujarat, the Paramaras of Malwa, and the Gurjara-Pratiharas. Some medieval minstrels or bards of Rajasthan have also included the Gurjara Pratiharas in the list of Agnikula clans.

4. Mixed origin theory

Some historians believe that the Rajputs were of mixed origin, i.e., some clans were descended from the ancient Kshatriya tribes while others were descendants of foreigners.

 

Sati and Jauhar The practice of Sati and Jauhar seem to have been common during the Rajput period. Sati involved the immolation of women on the funeral pyres of their husbands. This practice was mainly followed by Kshatriya women, Jauhar involved the immolation of women to save them from being captured by invaders. When a king was defeated during a battle, the women of the royal household performed jauhar - they burnt themselves alive to save their honour.

The Rajputs ruled over most of present-day Rajasthan. The British called the region Rajputana.

The Rajputs were said to be extremely brave and loyal. They played a major part in shaping the history of India. Therefore, the period of their rule is also referred to as the Rajput period. Let us look at some of the important Rajput clans in the medieval period:

 

THE CHAHAMANAS OR CHAUHANS

The Chahamanas, who came to be known as Chauhans later on, ruled over the region around Delhi and Ajmer. Some of the branches of the Chahamanas were initially subordinates of the Gurjara-Pratiharas and the Chalukyas, who gradually rose to power and carved out their own kingdoms. In the 12th century AD, a Chahamana ruler called Ajayaraja founded the city of Ajmer. The most famous Chahamana ruler is Prithviraja III who ruled from AD 1168 to AD 1192. He famously defeated the Turkish invader Muhammad Ghori at Tarain in AD 1191. The very next year he again fought Ghori in the same place, but was defeated. His defeat is said to have paved the way for Turkish rule in India.

 

The life and achievements of Prithviraja III have been recorded in Prithviraj Raso, a long poem composed by his court poet Chand Bardai. The poem also tells the story of his love for Sanyukta. the daughter of Jaichand, the Rajput king of Kannauj. He eventually managed to abduct her, inviting the wrath of Jaichand. Jaichand's refusal to help Prithviraja III in the Battle of Tarain was a major reason for the Chauhan king's defeat at the hands of Ghori.

 

THE PARMARAS

The Paramaras ruled over the region around Malwa. Like the Chahamanas, they were also subordinates who eventually established their own kingdoms. The most famous Paramara ruler was Bhoja. He established his capital in Dhara and extended the boundaries under Paramara control. He also founded the city of Bhojpur.

Bhoja was also a skilled author. An inscription from the period describes him as 'kaviraja', a good poet. He is credited with the authorship of several books on subjects ranging from medicine to astronomy, religion, grammar, etc. He is said to have constructed many temples.

 

THE SOLANKIS

The Solankis ruled over Gujarat. They are also referred to as Chalukyas of Gujarat. Patrons of Jainism, they built the famous Dilwara temple in Mount Abu and Sun temple in Modhera. The end of this dynasty eventually gave way to the Islamic rule in Gujarat..

 

THE CHANDELAS

The Chandelas ruled over Bundelkhand, which lay between Narmada and Yamuna rivers. They were originally subordinates of the Gurjara-Pratiharas who later established their own kingdom. The capital of the Chandelas was Khajuraho, where they built many beautiful temples. Chandela territories later passed into the hands of the rulers from Delhi Sultanate period.

 

THE TOMARS

The Tomars controlled the region around Delhi. An inscription dating back to 11th century AD credits them with founding the city of Dhilli or Dhillika (Delhi). The city eventually passed into the hands of the Chahamanas and later, the Delhi Sultans.

 

TURKISH INVASIONS

The Arabs were the first Muslim invaders to set their sights on the subcontinent. However, they did not get too far into India. The Turks laid the foundation of Muslim rule in India. They raided the subcontinent in the 10th century AD under Sabuktgin, the ruler of Ghazni, Afghanistan.

 

TURKISH INVASIONS

Sabuktgin's son Mahmud of Ghazni ruled between AD 997 and AD 1030. The territories under his control included Central Asia, Iran, and the north-western parts of the Indian subcontinent. His main objective was to plunder India, rather than establish his rule over the subcontinent. He led raids into India almost every year during his rule. He targeted many wealthy temple cities such as Thanesar, Mathura, Kannauj, and Somnath. He plundered several temples and carried away immense riches from the subcontinent. The plunder of the Somnath temple in Gujarat was among his most important raids. His forces looted the temple of all its wealth. He used some of this wealth to beautify the city of Ghazni. Mahmud was also responsible for sending a scholar called Al-Biruni to the Indian subcontinent. Al-Biruni's account, Kitab al-Hind, is a valuable source of information about the period.

 

MUHAMMAD GHORI

Muhammad Ghori, also known as Moizuddin Muhammad, came to the Indian subcontinent in the 12th century AD. Unlike Mahmud of Ghazni, his aim was to conquer Indian territories, not plunder. The Ghorids are believed to have been subordinates of the rulers of Ghazni, also called Ghaznavids, who rose to power after the Ghaznavid rule weakened.

Muhammad Ghori first captured Multan and went on to conquer Lahore, Sindh, and Punjab. His aggressive expansion into India brought him into conflict with Prithviraja Chauhan, who ruled over Delhi at the time. The conflict ultimately led to the First Battle of Tarain in AD 1191. Ghori was defeated in the battle, but soon regrouped his forces and attacked Prithviraja the very next year in the Second Battle of Tarain. Prithviraja turned to the neighbouring rulers for help, many of whom came to his support. However, Jaichand, the powerful ruler of Kannauj, did not help Prithviraja. Hence, the Second Battle of Tarain ended with the defeat of Prithviraja. Some time later, Ghori defeated Jaichand of Kannauj. This marked the end of the Rajput rule in north India. Ghori left the responsibility of further conquests on his general Qutbu'd-Din Aibak. Aibak declared himself the Sultan of Delhi after Ghori's death. Thus began the rule of the Delhi Sultans about whom we will study in the next chapter.

 

There are many reasons why the Turks were successful in India. The rulers of India proved to be weak. The Rajputs also failed to unite and keep the Turkish forces from entering India. Moreover, the armies of Indian rulers were of no match to the more advanced forces of the Turks.

Exercise 

1.Who is credited with preventing the Arabs, who had conquered Sindh, from advancing further into the Indian subcontinent?

A) Mihira Bhoja
B) Nagabhatta I
C) Harichandra
D) Mahendrapala I

Answer:
B) Nagabhatta I

Explanation:
Nagabhatta I, the ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty in the 8th century AD, famously prevented the Arabs, who had conquered Sindh, from advancing further into the subcontinent.

 

2. Which ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty managed to conquer Kannauj and establish his capital there?

A) Mihira Bhoja
B) Nagabhatta II
C) Harichandra
D) Mahendrapala I

Answer:
A) Mihira Bhoja

Explanation:
Mihira Bhoja, the greatest ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, successfully captured Kannauj and established his capital there, further consolidating the power of his dynasty.

 

3. Who was the ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty during the 8th century AD, who was instrumental in the empire’s rise to prominence?

A) Harichandra
B) Mihira Bhoja
C) Nagabhatta I
D) Nagabhatta II

Answer:
C) Nagabhatta I

Explanation:
Nagabhatta I was the ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty in the 8th century AD, and under his leadership, the dynasty gained prominence, particularly after preventing the Arabs from advancing further into India.

 

4. Which dynasty’s power was severely weakened after the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century AD?

A) Rashtrakutas
B) Gurjara-Pratiharas
C) Cholas
D) Palas

Answer:
B) Gurjara-Pratiharas

Explanation:
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty's power was severely weakened after the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century AD, which contributed to the decline of the dynasty.

 

5. Who was the ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty that briefly conquered Kannauj but could not hold it for long?

A) Nagabhatta II
B) Mihira Bhoja
C) Harichandra
D) Mahendrapala I

Answer:
A) Nagabhatta II

Explanation:
Nagabhatta II, a ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, briefly conquered Kannauj, but his victory was short-lived as his power could not sustain the region for long.

 

6. Which dynasty’s rulers were known to be patrons of art, sculpture, and learning, and who contributed to the development of temples and buildings?

A) Cholas
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Gurjara-Pratiharas
D) Palas

Answer:
C) Gurjara-Pratiharas

Explanation:
The Gurjara-Pratihara rulers were known for being patrons of art, sculpture, and learning. They built many temples and structures and supported scholars, including the great Sanskrit poet Rajasekhara, who was part of Mahendrapala I’s court.

 

7. What was the title used by Mihira Bhoja, the ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, as seen on his coins?

A) Adivaraha
B) Maharaja-Adhiraja
C) Tribhuvana-Chakravartin
D) Harishchandra

Answer:
A) Adivaraha

Explanation:
Mihira Bhoja, the greatest ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, took the title of "Adivaraha," as seen on his coins.

 

8. Which group of people provided military support to kings and attended court sessions, and eventually grew powerful enough to carve out their own kingdoms?

A) Brahmanas
B) Samantas
C) Traders
D) Rajputs

Answer:
B) Samantas

Explanation:
The samantas were landlords and warrior chiefs who provided military support to kings and attended their court sessions. Over time, they grew powerful and established their own kingdoms.

 

9. Which group of people, in addition to samantas, played a significant role in the governance of regional states during the early medieval period?

A) Brahmanas
B) Traders
C) Chieftains
D) Both A and B

Answer:
D) Both A and B

Explanation:
In addition to the samantas, Brahmanas and traders were also significant in the governance of regional states during the early medieval period. Kings often shared power with these groups, appointing them to manage revenue and military affairs.

 

10. Which dynasty emerged as a significant power in the Deccan during the early medieval period?

A) Cholas
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Chahamanas
D) Gurjara-Pratiharas

Answer:
B) Rashtrakutas

Explanation:
The Rashtrakutas emerged as a significant power in the Deccan during the early medieval period, competing with other regional powers for dominance.

 

11. Who laid the foundation of the Pala dynasty in Bengal in the 8th century AD?

A) Dharmapala
B) Gopala
C) Devapala
D) Harshavardhana

Answer:
B) Gopala

Explanation:
Gopala laid the foundation of the Pala dynasty in the 8th century AD. He was elected by the people of Bengal to end the political chaos following the death of Harshavardhana.

 

12. Which ruler of the Pala dynasty is considered the most powerful and extended Pala control over Assam, Orissa (now Odisha), and Nepal?

A) Gopala
B) Dharmapala
C) Devapala
D) Harichandra

Answer:
C) Devapala

Explanation:
Devapala, the son of Dharmapala, is considered the most powerful ruler of the Pala dynasty. He expanded Pala control over Assam, parts of Orissa (now Odisha), and Nepal and established contacts with Southeast Asia.

 

13. Which famous Buddhist university is believed to have been established by Dharmapala, the ruler of the Pala dynasty?

A) Nalanda University
B) Vikramshila University
C) Takshashila University
D) Odantapuri University

Answer:
B) Vikramshila University

Explanation:
Dharmapala is believed to have established the famous Buddhist university at Vikramshila, located in Bhagalpur district, Bihar.

 

14. Which of the following rulers rose to prominence in the 8th century AD and overthrew the Chalukyas to establish the Rashtrakuta dynasty?

A) Krishna I
B) Amoghavarsa I
C) Dantidurga
D) Govinda II

Answer:
C) Dantidurga

Explanation:
Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, rose to prominence in the 8th century AD by overthrowing the Chalukyas of Karnataka.

 

15. Which Rashtrakuta ruler is known for building the famous rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora?

A) Govinda III
B) Amoghavarsa I
C) Krishna I
D) Dantidurga

Answer:
C) Krishna I

Explanation:
Krishna I, a prominent Rashtrakuta ruler, is famous for constructing the rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora.

 

16. What was the term used for the conflict involving the Pala, Rashtrakuta, and Gurjara-Pratihara kings for control over Kannauj?

A) The Great Battle of Kannauj
B) The Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj
C) The War of the Three Kingdoms
D) The Siege of Kannauj

Answer:
B) The Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj

Explanation:
The conflict for control of Kannauj, involving the Pala, Rashtrakuta, and Gurjara-Pratihara kings, is referred to as the "Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj," which lasted for over two centuries.

 

17. Which dynasty succeeded the Palas in Bengal and ruled until the arrival of Islamic rulers in the 12th century AD?

A) Cholas
B) Rajputs
C) Senas
D) Rashtrakutas

Answer:
C) Senas

Explanation:
The Senas succeeded the Palas in Bengal in the 12th century AD and ruled until the arrival of Islamic rulers.

 

18. What is the origin of the term "Rajput"?

A) It means "son of a ruler"
B) It means "warrior king"
C) It means "descendant of Kshatriyas"
D) It means "ruler of warriors"

Answer:
A) It means "son of a ruler"

Explanation:
The term "Rajput" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Rajaputra," which means "son of a ruler." It was used for warriors who claimed to belong to the Kshatriya caste.

 

19. Which theory about the origin of Rajputs suggests that they were descended from foreign invaders like the Huns, Shakas, and Kushanas?

A) Agnikula Theory
B) Mixed Origin Theory
C) Traditional Theory
D) Foreign Origin Theory

Answer:
D) Foreign Origin Theory

Explanation:
The Foreign Origin Theory suggests that the Rajputs were descended from foreign invaders, including the Huns, Shakas, Kushanas, and Gurjaras, as proposed by some historians like Colonel Tod.

 

20. Which Rajput origin theory claims that Rajput clans sprang up from the sacrificial fire during a yajna performed by Brahmanas?

A) Foreign Origin Theory
B) Agnikula Theory
C) Mixed Origin Theory
D) Traditional Theory

Answer:
B) Agnikula Theory

Explanation:
According to the Agnikula Theory, the Rajput clans emerged from the sacrificial fire during a yajna performed by Brahmanas. Four major Rajput clans, including the Chahamanas, were believed to have been founded this way.

 

21. What was the practice of "Sati" during the Rajput period?

A) A religious ceremony for kings
B) The immolation of women on the funeral pyres of their husbands
C) The custom of women fighting in wars
D) A ritual for royal coronation

Answer:
B) The immolation of women on the funeral pyres of their husbands

Explanation:
Sati was the practice in which women immolated themselves on the funeral pyres of their husbands, particularly among Kshatriya women during the Rajput period.

 

22. What is the practice of "Jauhar" associated with the Rajput period?

A) Women burning themselves to save their honor from invaders
B) Women mourning their lost kings
C) Men sacrificing themselves in battle
D) A custom of royal feasts and celebrations

Answer:
A) Women burning themselves to save their honor from invaders

Explanation:
Jauhar was the practice in which women of royal households committed self-immolation to save their honor when their king was defeated in battle and they were at risk of being captured by invaders.

 

23. Who was the founder of the Pala dynasty?
a) Dharmapala
b) Gopala
c) Devapala
d) Prithviraja III

Answer: b) Gopala
Explanation: Gopala laid the foundation of the Pala dynasty in the 8th century AD by being elected to end the political chaos in Bengal.

 

24. Which famous university did Dharmapala establish during his reign?
a) Nalanda
b) Vikramshila
c) Takshashila
d) Oxford

Answer: b) Vikramshila
Explanation: Dharmapala is believed to have established the famous Buddhist university at Vikramshila, Bhagalpur, Bihar.

 

25. Who is considered the most powerful ruler of the Pala dynasty?
a) Gopala
b) Devapala
c) Dharmapala
d) Harshavardhana

Answer: b) Devapala
Explanation: Devapala extended the Pala Empire’s control over Assam, parts of Orissa, and Nepal, and is considered the most powerful ruler of the dynasty.

 

26. Which king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty built the Kailasa temple at Ellora?
a) Dantidurga
b) Krishna I
c) Govinda III
d) Amoghavarsa I

Answer: b) Krishna I
Explanation: Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty famously built the rock-cut Kailasa temple at Ellora.

 

27. The Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj was fought between the Pala, Rashtrakuta, and which other dynasty?
a) Chola
b) Chalukya
c) Gurjara-Pratihara
d) Maurya

Answer: c) Gurjara-Pratihara
Explanation: The Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj involved the Pala, Rashtrakuta, and Gurjara-Pratihara dynasties over control of the strategic city.

 

28. Which Rajput dynasty ruled the region around Delhi and Ajmer?
a) Paramaras
b) Solankis
c) Chahamanas (Chauhans)
d) Chandellas

Answer: c) Chahamanas (Chauhans)
Explanation: The Chahamanas (later called Chauhans) ruled over the region around Delhi and Ajmer, with Prithviraja III being the most famous ruler.

 

29. What was the main reason for the defeat of Prithviraja III in the Second Battle of Tarain?
a) Lack of military strategy
b) Weak army
c) Jaichand's refusal to help
d) Inferior weaponry

Answer: c) Jaichand's refusal to help
Explanation: Prithviraja III's defeat in the Second Battle of Tarain was due to Jaichand, the Rajput king of Kannauj, refusing to help him.

 

30. Which dynasty is credited with constructing the famous Dilwara Temple in Mount Abu?
a) Chahamanas
b) Solankis (Chalukyas of Gujarat)
c) Tomars
d) Paramaras

Answer: b) Solankis (Chalukyas of Gujarat)
Explanation: The Solankis (also called Chalukyas of Gujarat) are credited with constructing the Dilwara temple in Mount Abu.

 

31. What was the primary aim of Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions into India?
a) To establish his kingdom
b) To spread Islam
c) To plunder the wealth of India
d) To expand trade relations

Answer: c) To plunder the wealth of India
Explanation: Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions were primarily for plundering wealth, not for establishing rule in India. His raids included looting temples like Somnath.

 

32. Who was the first ruler to establish Muslim rule in India?
a) Muhammad Ghori
b) Mahmud of Ghazni
c) Qutbu'd-Din Aibak
d) Timur

Answer: c) Qutbu'd-Din Aibak
Explanation: After Muhammad Ghori's death, his general, Qutbu'd-Din Aibak, declared himself the Sultan of Delhi, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in India.

 

Short Answer Question

1.    What happened after the death of Vardhana king Harshvardhana?

Answer: After Harshavardhana's death, his empire broke into smaller kingdoms, and powerful samantas and military leaders established their own rule.

Description After the death of Vardhana king Harshavardhana, many smaller kingdoms emerged in the Indian subcontinent. The central authority weakened, and the empire fragmented into several regional powers. Local landlords and warrior chiefs, known as samantas, gained prominence and started asserting their independence, eventually establishing their own kingdoms. Additionally, some independent rulers also created kingdoms based on their strong military strength.

 

2.    Who was the grestest ruler of the Gujara-partihara empire? Write a short note on  him.

Ans: The greatest ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire was Mihira Bhoja (AD 836–AD 885).

Mihira Bhoja expanded the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire to include almost all of north India, except Kashmir. He captured Kannauj and made it his capital. His coins show he took the title "Adivaraha". He was a powerful and successful ruler, known for strengthening the empire.

 

3.    The Palas were followers of which religion? How do you know?

Ans: The Palas were followers of Buddhism.

We know that they built many Buddhist monasteries, and Dharmapala established the Vikramshila University. Devapala supported Nalanda University and repaired the Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, all of which show their devotion to Buddhism.

4.    What do you understand by tripartite struggle for Kannauj?

Ans: The tripartite struggle for Kannauj was a long conflict between the Palas, Rashtrakutas, and Gurjara-Pratiharas to control the important city of Kannauj. It lasted for over two centuries starting from the 8th century AD. The city was important due to its strategic location, fertile land, and trade resources. The struggle eventually led to the decline of all three kingdoms.

 

5.    Why do you think the Turks were successful in establishing their rule over India?

Ans: The Turks were successful in establishing their rule over India because the Indian rulers were weak and divided, especially the Rajputs who failed to unite. Also, the Turkish armies were more advanced and better organized compared to the Indian forces.

 

Long answer Questions:

1.    Who were rajputs? Discuss different theories regarding their origin.

Ans: The Rajputs, meaning “sons of kings,” were a valiant warrior class who dominated Indian history from the 8th to the 14th century AD. Known for their courage, honor, and loyalty, they served as rulers, generals, and fearless fighters.

Their origin is surrounded by fascinating legends and theories:

• Foreign Origin Theory: Some believe they descended from invading tribes like the Huns, Shakas, and Kushanas.
• Traditional Theory: Others trace their roots to ancient Kshatriya lineages of Aryans, claiming descent from Lord Rama (Suryavanshi) or Lord Krishna (Chandravanshi).
• Agnikula Theory: A popular tale says they rose from a sacred fire yajna, creating four heroic clans—Chahamanas, Solankis, Paramaras, and Pratiharas—to defend dharma.
• Mixed Origin Theory: This view blends all, suggesting Rajputs had both indigenous and foreign roots.

 

2.    Why did the Turkish ruler Mahmud of Ghazani invade India? Discuss his invasions.

Ans : Mahmud of Ghazni, main motive behind invading India was not to rule, but to plunder its immense wealth.

He launched seventeen raids into India during his rule, targeting rich temple cities like Thanesar, Mathura, Kannauj, and the famous Somnath temple in Gujarat. The plunder of Somnath was one of his most significant raids, where he looted enormous wealth and used it to beautify Ghazni.

 

3.    Who were Rashtrakutas? Discuss their rule.

Ans: The Rashtrakutas were a powerful dynasty that rose to prominence in the 8th century AD under Dantidurga, who overthrew the Chalukyas of Karnataka.

They established a strong kingdom in the Deccan and ruled until the 10th century. Important rulers include Krishna I, who built the Kailasa temple at Ellora, and Amoghavarsa I, who authored the Kannada work Kavirajamarga. The Rashtrakutas were involved in conflicts with the Chalukyas, Pallavas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Palas. They were patrons of Hinduism, Jainism, and arts.

 

4.    Describe any two Rajput clans of the Medieval period.

Ans: The Chahamanas (Chauhans) and the Paramaras were significant Rajput clans in the Medieval period.

The Chahamanas

The Chahamanas ruled over Delhi and Ajmer, with Prithviraja III being their most notable ruler. Prithviraja is remembered for his victory over Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of Tarain (1191) but was defeated the following year, leading to the establishment of Turkish rule in India.

The Paramaras

The Paramaras, who ruled over Malwa, had Bhoja as their most famous ruler. Bhoja expanded his kingdom, founded the city of Bhojpur, and was a patron of literature. He authored works on medicine, astronomy, and religion, and constructed numerous temples.

 

5.    Who were Ghorids? How did they establish their rule in India?

Ans: The Ghorids, led by Muhammad Ghori, were a Central Asian dynasty that rose to power in the 12th century. Initially, they were subordinates of the Ghaznavid rulers but gained prominence after the Ghaznavid empire weakened.

Ghori's primary aim was to expand his empire into India, and he successfully captured Multan, Lahore, Sindh, and Punjab.

The most notable conflict of Ghori's reign was with Prithviraja Chauhan, the Rajput ruler of Delhi. In the First Battle of Tarain (1191), Ghori was defeated, but he returned the following year and won the Second Battle of Tarain (1192), ending Rajput dominance in northern India.

After Ghori’s death, his general Qutbu'd-Din Aibak declared himself the Sultan of Delhi, marking the start of the Delhi Sultanate.

In conclusion, the Ghorids laid the foundation for Turkish rule in India, shaping the political landscape for centuries.