Triparty Struggle Prathiharas Rashtrakutas Imperial Cholas MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Triparty Struggle Prathiharas Rashtrakutas Imperial Cholas - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is option 3.Key Points 

• 'Milinda Panha' means “The Questions of Milinda”.
• It is a Buddhist text that records a dialogue between King Milinda (identified with Indo-Greek King Menander I) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena.
• The text is a philosophical Q&A on key Buddhist concepts like:
  • Anatta (non-self)
  • Karma
  • Nirvana
  • Rebirth
• It was originally composed in Pali, the canonical language of Theravāda Buddhism. Hence, option 3 is correct.

The correct answer is Krishna III Key Points

• Krishna III, the Rashtrakuta king, conquered the Cholas in 949 CE.
• He defeated the Chola king Parantaka I and annexed the Chola empire. 
• Krishna III was the last great ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. 
• He ruled from 939–967 CE. 
• He also fought against the Chalukyas of Vengi and the Parmaras of Malwa. 
• After defeating the Cholas, Krishna III divided the Chola empire among his slaves. 
• He then built a temple and erected a victory pillar in Rameshwaram. 

Additional Information

• The Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta was founded by Dantidurga (reigned 735-756 CE), also known as Dantivarman II.
• Gulbarga was his capital in Karnataka.
• He was succeeded by his uncle Krishna I, who extended the kingdom to all of Karnataka.
• In 753 Dantidurga defeated the Chalukyas and took the titles Rajadhiraja and Parameshvara.
• In the mid-eighth century, Rashtrakuta chief Dantidurga overthrew his Chalukyan overlord and performed a ritual called hiranya-garbha (literally, the golden womb).
• It was believed that performing this ritual with the help of Brahmanas would result in the sacrificer being reborn as a Kshatriya, even if he was not a Kshatriya by birth.

The correct answer is Someshwara temple of Kiradu.

Key Points

• The Gurjar-Pratihar architectural style is known for its distinct features such as intricately carved pillars and extensive use of stone.
• The Dadhimati Mata temple of Goth Manglod, Sun temple of Osian, and Shiva temple of Charchoma are prime examples of Gurjar-Pratihar architecture.
• The Someshwara temple of Kiradu, however, belongs to the Chalukya architectural style, not the Gurjar-Pratihar style.
• The Kiradu temples, including the Someshwara temple, exhibit characteristics of Solanki or Chalukyan architecture, marked by their ornate carvings and detailed sculptures.

Additional Information

• Gurjar-Pratihar Architecture
  • This architectural style flourished during the 8th to 11th centuries in regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • It is characterized by the use of sandstone, intricate carvings, and temple layouts with a sanctum, a mandapa (hall), and a shikhara (spire).
  • Examples include the temples at Osian and Abhaneri in Rajasthan.
• Chalukya Architecture
  • The Chalukya dynasty ruled parts of southern and central India between the 6th and 12th centuries.
  • Chalukya architecture, also known as Vesara style, blends the features of Nagara (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian) architectural styles.
  • Famous examples include the Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal and the temples at Badami and Aihole.
• Kiradu Temples
  • The Kiradu temples are located in the Barmer district of Rajasthan and date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
  • These temples are known for their ornate carvings and exquisite architecture, often attributed to the Chalukya style.
  • The Someshwara temple is the most prominent among the Kiradu temples, showcasing detailed sculptures and intricate designs.

The correct answer is 'Palas, Rashtrakutas and Gurjara Pratiharas'.

Key Points

• In Indian history, there was a tripartite struggle centered on Kannauj between the 7th and 11th centuries.
• This conflict took place between Palas, Rashtrakutas, and Gurjara Pratiharas.
• The tripartite struggle marks the beginning of the medieval era.
• The Tripartite Struggle is also known as The Kannauj Triangle War as it was for control over the Kannauj area of northern India.
• The Palas ruled India's eastern regions (Bengal region), while the Pratiharas oversaw India's western regions (Avanti-Jalaor region) and the Deccan area of India was dominated by the Rastrakutas.
• This war was finally won by the Gurjar Pratihara emperor Nagabhata II, who established the city as the capital of the Pratihara state.

Additional Information

• Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas 
  • Tamil India was ruled by three dynasties namely the Chera, Chola, and Pandyas during the Sangam Age.
  • The Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam, fought for supremacy in southern India and Sri Lanka.
  • These dynasties promoted early literature on the Indian subcontinent and built important Hindu temples.
• Anga, Gandhara and Magadha
  • The period of 16 Mahajanpadas was 600 B.C.
  • Anga
    • The region was South of Ganga, Bihar.
    • Its capital was Champa.
    • It was an important trade center for traders moving to South-East Asia (Suvarnabhumi).
  • Gandhara
    • ​The region was North-west Pakistan.
    • Its capital was Taxila.
    • The Behistun Inscription of the Achaemenid Emperor Darius mentions that Gandhara was conquered by the Persians in 2nd half of the 6th Century BC
  • Magadha
    • The region was Bihar.
    • Its capital was Rajgir.
    • Haryanka Dynasty was an important ruling dynasty.
• Mauryas, Chalukyas and Pallavas
  • ​The Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire, an empire that covered most of the Indian region.
  • The Chalukyas ruled parts of Southern and Central India. There were three distinct but related Chalukya dynasties:
    • Badami Chalukyas
    • Eastern Chalukyas
    • Western Chalukyas
  • The Pallavas were the emperors of the Dravidian country. They built great cities, centers of learning, temples, and sculptures and influenced a large part of Southeast Asia in culture.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• The Tripartite Struggle was a conflict between the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas for control over Kannauj. India. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The struggle involved Dharmapala (Palas), Nagabhata II (Pratiharas), and Rashtrakuta rulers (Dhruva & Govinda III), all aiming to control Kannauj, a strategic city in North 
• The Pala king Dharmapala defeated the Pratihara king Nagabhata II and established control over Kannauj.
• Dharmapala temporarily occupied Kannauj, but Nagabhata II (Pratihara ruler) later defeated him and took control. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The Rashtrakuta king Govinda III defeated both the Palas and Pratiharas and dominated the struggle.
• Govinda III (Rashtrakuta ruler) invaded North India and defeated both the Pratiharas and Palas, but his control was temporary as Rashtrakutas couldn't hold onto North India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Additional Information

• Key highlights of the Tripartite Struggle:
  • Period: 8th–10th century CE.
  • Main Dynasties Involved:
  • Palas (Eastern India, Bengal region).
  • Pratiharas (Western India, Gujarat and Rajasthan region).
  • Rashtrakutas (Deccan region).
  • Primary Cause: Control over Kannauj, which was a symbol of political power and prestige in North India.
• Key Events:
  • The Pala king Dharmapala initially gained control of Kannauj but was later defeated by the Pratihara king Nagabhata II.
  • The Rashtrakuta king Govinda III launched successful campaigns against both the Palas and Pratiharas, temporarily dominating the struggle.
  • The conflict was prolonged and cyclical, with no single dynasty establishing permanent control over Kannauj.

• Outcome:

  • The struggle weakened all three dynasties, leading to their eventual decline.
  • It paved the way for the rise of regional powers like the Cholas, Chalukyas, and others.

The correct answer is Nagabhata-I.

Key Points

• Nagabhatta I was the founder of the Gurjara-Pratiharas Dynasty. 
• The Pratiharas Dynasty(8th-11th Century A.D): 
  • The Pratiharas were also renamed as Gurjara.
  • Between the 8th and 11th century A.D, they ruled over northern and western India.
  • Pratiharas: A fortification- Against the hostility of the Muslims from the days of Junaid of Sind, the Pratiharas stood as a fortification of India’s defense to Mahmud of Ghazni. 

Additional Information

•  Basic Information about other Kings given in Option:
  • Narasimhadeva I: Narasingha Deva I was a powerful monarch and warrior of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty or suryabansha of early medieval Odisha who reigned from 1238 to 1264.
  • Harshvardhan: He was an Indian emperor who ruled majorly in North India from 606 to 647 CE. He was a member of the Vardhana dynasty. 
  • Ramachandra: He was a ruler of the Sauna (Yadava) dynasty of Deccan region in India. He established his capital in Devagiri which is presently located in Maharashtra. 

The correct answer is Thanjavur.

Key Points

• Vijayalaya was the founder of the Chola Dynasty.
• He captured the Kaveri delta which was under the control of the Muttaraiyar and built Thanjavur.
• Thanjavur is the 7th biggest city in Tamil Nadu.
• Brihadeswara Temple is located in Thanjavur.
• Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting.

Additional Information

• The Chola Empire:
  • Founded by Vijayalaya in 850 AD.
  • The greatest ruler of Chola was Rajaraja and Rajendra I.
  • Rajaraja built the Brihadeshwara temple which was attributed to Lord Shiva.
  • Rajendra 1 defeated the Pala King Mahlpala and took the title of Gangaikondachola.
  • The last ruler of the Chola dynasty was Rajendra III.

The correct answer is Gopala.

• Pala Dynasty:
  • Its founder, Gopala, was a local chieftain who rose to power in the mid-8th century during a period of anarchy.
  • His successor, Dharmapala, greatly expanded the kingdom and for a while was in control of Kannauj.

Additional Information

• The incredible Buddhist complex of Paharpur was created under the Pala dynasty in Bengal and fostered by successive leaders.
  • The Pala dynasty ruled the regions of Bengal and Bihar for about 400 years, from the 8th century until the end of the 11th century, with about 20 leaders on the throne during the period.
  • To begin to understand the Pala Dynasty, it's useful to look at the state of affairs when the first ruler took power.
  • The region that is now north-eastern India and Bangladesh had been in a state of anarchy for about a century following the fall of the Post Gupta dynasty. Feudal lords had found themselves in a cycle of a petty conflict with no obvious path to resolution.
  • It wasn't until one feudal lord named Gopala managed to gain the support of other leaders that stability started to emerge.
  • Through a democratic process, he took control of the region called Varendra, made up of north-western Bangladesh, West Bengal, and the Indian area of Bihar. He would be the founder and first ruler of the Pala Empire.
  •  It was the dynasty's second ruler, the son of Gopala, who would have the biggest impact, though.
  • His name was King Dharma Pala Deva (also known as Dharmapala) and he greatly expanded the territory of the empire, spreading across northern India. He is regarded as an efficient administrator and, during this period, the region flourished economically

The correct answer is Cholas.

Key Points

Cholas:

• The Cholas (8th-12th century AD) are remembered as one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the southern regions of India.
• The reign of the Cholas began in the 9th century when they defeated the Pallavas to come into power.
• This rule stretched over for over five long centuries until the 13th century.
• The medieval period was the era of absolute power and development for the Cholas. This is when kings like Aditya I and Parantaka I.
• From here Rajaraj Chola and Rajendra Chola further expanded the kingdom into the Tamil region. Later Kulothunga Chola took over Kalinga to establish a strong rule.
• This magnificence lasted until the arrival of the Pandyas in the early 13th century.

Naval supremacy of Cholas:

• The Imperial Cholas not only had a succession of able rulers, but the kings were also experts at global diplomacy; and under them, the kingdom enjoyed a great deal of prosperity owing to skilful governance, and flourishing overseas commercial and naval activities.
• Besides armed conquests, Cholas were also experts at global political games, and their ambassadors were sent to China, Myanmar, and Malaysia, as part of diplomatic missions to win allies.
• Rajaraj I engaged in naval expeditions and emerged victorious in the West Coast, Sri Lanka and conquered the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
• The military victory of Raja Raja I over Sri Lanka led to its northern and eastern portions coming under the direct control of the Chola authority.
• A famous venture of Rajendra was his naval expedition to Kadaram or Sri Vijaya(Indonesia). He annexed total Cylon(Sri lanka).

​

The correct answer is option 3.
Key Points

• Pallavas became a major power during the reign of Mahendravarman I (571–630 CE).
• Gopala Founded the Pala dynasty in CE 750 and ruled till 770s CE.
• King Bhoja of Pratihara ruled during  836-885 CE.
• Parantaka I of the Chola dynasty ruled during 907-953 CE.

Additional Information

• Nayanar saints like Appar and Tirugnanasambandar lived during the reign of Narsimhvarman I. 
• Huen Tsang visited the Pallava kingdom during the reign of Narsimhavarman I.
• Ashoka inscriptions note Cholas as a southern neighbor of the Maurya Empire.
• The only notable early Chola king is Karikala Chola, who ruled around 170 AD.

The Correct Answer is Option 1 i.e Tomara Rajputs.

• Tomara Rajputs (8th Century -12th Century):
  • Anangapala was considered to be the founder of this dynasty.
  • Delhi became the capital of a kingdom for the first time under the Tomara Rajputs.
  • They were defeated by Chauhans in the middle of the twelfth century.
  • The name of Anangpala is inscribed in the Iron Pillar of Delhi. 
• Chauhans (1165-1192):
  • Prithviraj Chauhan was the most important ruler of this dynasty.
  • In the first battle of Tarain 1191 AD, he defeated Muhammad Ghori.
  • In the second battle of Tarain 1192 AD, he was defeated by Muhammad Ghori.
•  Aurangzeb (1658-1707):
  • He was the sixth Mughal Emperor.
  • He executed the ninth Sikh guru Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675 AD.
  • He re-imposed Jaziya in 1679 AD.

The correct answer is Kannauj.Key Points

• Palas, Prathiharas, and Rashtrakutas were three prominent dynasties in medieval India.
• These dynasties were involved in a series of wars to gain control over Kannauj, which was a strategically important city located in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
• Kannauj was considered the cultural and political capital of northern India during that time.
• The Palas, Prathiharas, and Rashtrakutas fought several battles over the control of Kannauj between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.
• The battle for Kannauj was significant because it marked a shift in power from the north-western region to the Gangetic plains.

Additional Information

• Magadh was an ancient kingdom located in present-day Bihar.
  • It was a powerful kingdom during the time of Buddha and Mahavira.
• Pataliputra was the capital city of Magadh and one of the most important cities in ancient India.
  • It was located on the banks of the river Ganges.
• Gwalior is a historic city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It was an important center of power during the medieval period and was ruled by various dynasties such as the Tomars, Mughals, and Scindias. 
• Kannauj was a strategically important city during the medieval period.
  • It was located on the banks of the river Ganges and was considered the cultural and political capital of northern India.

The correct answer is Dantidurga.

The correct answer is Pala, Rashtrakuta and Gurjara-Pratihara.

Important Points

• The Tripartite Struggle for Kanauj had happened between
  • The Palas of Bengal.
  • The Pratiharas of Central India.
  • The Rashtrakutas of Deccan. 
• ​​The struggle lasted for 200 years and weakened all of them which enabled the Turks to overthrow them. 

Additional Information

• Medieval History of India: 
  • The period of Medieval History of India lies between the 8th and the 18th century A.D. 
  • The medieval period is a crucial period in the history of India because of the developments in the field of languages, art, religion & culture. 
  • The period has proved the effect of other religions on Indian culture.
  • The rise of the Rajput clans is the beginning of the Medieval period. 
• Division of Medieval history: 
  • The medieval period is generally divided into two stages:
• Early medieval period (8th – 12th century A.D): 
  • The early medieval period was a major characterized by regional political & social development.
  • The regional kingdoms had softened boundaries. 
  • They were less defined politically by administration and coalition than communal affiliation, types of temples, language.
• Later Medieval period (12th-18th century A.D): 
  • The late medieval age began around 1200 AD.
  • The period was characterized in part by Islamic conquests.
  • It was made possible by the sheer multiplicity of states in the subcontinent.

The correct answer is Rashtrakuta.

Key Points

• Dantidurga, who set up his capital at Malkhed was a Rashtrakuta ruler.

• Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
• The greatest king of Rashtrakuta was Amoghavarsha I who set up a new capital at Manyakheta (now Malkhed in Karnataka state).
• He was converted into Jainism by Jinasena, a Jain monk.

Additional Information

• The Pala Dynasty was the ruling Dynasty in Bihar and Bengal India, from the 8th to the 12th century. 
  • They were called the Palas because all their names ended in Pala, 'protector'.
  • The founder of the dynasty was Gopala. 
• The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka.
  • The Satavahanas established their independent rule after the decline of the Mauryas.
  • Satavahanas ruled over parts of western and central India.
  • They were also known as the Andhras.
• Pratihara dynasty was founded by King Harichandra at Mandore, a city near Jodhpur in 640 AD. 
  • King Nagbhatta I, who was fourth in line from Harishchandra, captured an area Bhinmal, which used to be the capital of Gurjara.
  • He earned the title of Gurjeshwar.