Indian History Test-2

The Correct Answer is C :  Indus Valley Civilization

Explanation  
Archaeological evidence:
- Numerous terracotta figurines of female deities have been discovered at various Indus Valley Civilization sites, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
- These figurines are characterized by their intricate craftsmanship and prominent feminine features, such as wide hips, large breasts, and elaborate headdresses, signifying fertility and abundance.
Role in the society:
- The prevalence of these figurines suggests that the Mother Goddess held a central role in the religious beliefs and practices of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- As a fertility deity, the Mother Goddess was likely associated with agricultural prosperity, the growth of crops, and the overall well-being of the community.
Continuation of the tradition:
- The worship of the Mother Goddess continued even after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, as seen in the later Vedic Civilization and other ancient Indian cultures.
- The worship of goddesses like Durga, Kali, and Parvati in Hinduism can be traced back to the early Mother Goddess cults of the Indus Valley Civilization.
In conclusion , the worship of the Mother Goddess was an important aspect of the religious and cultural practices of the Indus Valley Civilization, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological findings and the continued tradition of goddess worship in subsequent Indian civilizations.In view of the large number of figurines found in the Indus valley, some scholars believe that the Harappan people worshipped a Mother goddess symbolizing fertility, a common practice among rural Hindus even today.

The Correct Answer is A:  Hydaspes

Background of the Battle

• Alexander the Great was a Macedonian king who embarked on a conquest to expand his empire across Asia.
• King Porus was a powerful Indian ruler who governed the region between the rivers Hydaspes (modern-day Jhelum) and Acesines (modern-day Chenab) in present-day Punjab, Pakistan.
• Alexander, as part of his conquest, reached the Indian subcontinent and wanted to expand his empire further east.
• Porus, determined to defend his kingdom, prepared to face the invading army of Alexander.

The Battle of Hydaspes

• The battle between Alexander and Porus took place in 326 BCE at the river Hydaspes (modern-day Jhelum).
• This battle is considered one of the most significant and hard-fought battles in Alexander 's military campaigns.
• Alexander 's army was technologically and strategically superior, while Porus 'forces were known for their bravery and war elephants.
• Despite facing a fierce resistance from Porus 'army, Alexander managed to emerge victorious in the battle.

Significance and Aftermath

• After the battle, Alexander was highly impressed by Porus 'courage and decided to let him retain his kingdom as a satrap under Alexander 's rule.
• The victory at the Battle of Hydaspes marked the easternmost extent of Alexander 's conquests.
• The battle also showcased the tactical brilliance of Alexander and the valor of Indian soldiers and their war elephants, which later influenced warfare in the region.
• However, the exhausted and homesick Macedonian army refused to march further east, forcing Alexander to abandon his plans of conquering the entire Indian subcontinent.

The Correct Answer is A:  Pallavas

Explanation:
Mahabalipuram and the Pallavas
- Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, cave sanctuaries, and other historical monuments.
- The city was an important center of art, architecture, and culture during the reign of the Pallava dynasty (3rd to 9th centuries CE).
- The Pallavas were a South Indian dynasty that ruled over a large portion of present-day Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka.
- The rulers of the Pallava dynasty were great patrons of the arts, and they commissioned numerous temples, sculptures, and monuments during their rule.
Significance of Mahabalipuram in Pallava Art and Architecture
- The monuments and temples at Mahabalipuram are some of the finest examples of Dravidian-style architecture and sculpture.
- The most famous monuments at Mahabalipuram include the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, and the Arjuna 's Penance relief.
- The Shore Temple, built in the 8th century CE, is one of the oldest stone temples in India and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
- The Five Rathas are a group of monolithic rock-cut temples, each dedicated to a different Hindu god and named after the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata.
- The Arjuna 's Penance relief is a large rock carving that depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.
- The artists and sculptors of the Pallava period were skilled in working with different materials, including granite, sandstone, and wood, showcasing their mastery of various techniques and styles.
 

The Correct Option is D : Pavapuri

Lord Mahavira 's Death
- Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, passed away at Pavapuri.
- Pavapuri is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India.
- At the time of his death, Lord Mahavira was 72 years old.
- His death marked the beginning of the end of the Vardhaman Mahavira era, which lasted for about 30 years after his Nirvana (liberation).
- Lord Mahavira attained Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) at Pavapuri, and it is considered a sacred place by Jains.
- Pavapuri is an important pilgrimage site for Jains, and it houses several temples dedicated to Lord Mahavira and other Tirthankaras.

The Correct Option is B : The Greeks

Introduction of Gold Coins in India
- The gold coins were introduced first in India by the Greeks.
- The Greeks came to India after the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE.
Indo-Greek Kingdom
- The Indo-Greek Kingdom was established by Demetrius I around 180 BCE.
- The kingdom was centered in the northwestern regions of India, including present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Gold Coins
- The Indo-Greek kings were the first to introduce gold coins in India.
- These gold coins were called Dinars.
- The coins had inscriptions in both Greek and Kharoshthi scripts.
- They featured portraits of the kings and various deities, representing a fusion of Greek and Indian art.
Impact on Indian Coinage
- The introduction of gold coins by the Greeks had a lasting impact on the Indian coinage system.
- Subsequent empires and dynasties in India, including the Kushanas, Sakas, and Parthians, continued to mint gold coins.
- The use of gold coins in India persisted until the end of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE..

Answer: C. The Cholas

Explanation:
- The Chola dynasty, also known as the Imperial Cholas, was a prominent Tamil dynasty that ruled primarily over the southern region of India and also extended their influence over Sri Lanka and Southeast Asian countries.
Conquest of Sri Lanka:
- The Chola king, Rajaraja Chola I, invaded Sri Lanka in 993 AD, and his son Rajendra Chola I continued the conquest, eventually annexing the entire island by 1017 AD.
- The Cholas ruled Sri Lanka for about seven decades, during which time they built several temples and monuments, including the Siva Devale temple in Polonnaruwa.
Expansion in Southeast Asia:
- Rajendra Chola I, who ruled from 1014 to 1044 AD, was responsible for the Chola dynasty 's expansion in Southeast Asia.
- His naval expeditions led to the conquest of the Maldives, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of present-day Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
- The Cholas established trade relations with the Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Srivijaya empire in present-day Indonesia.
- The Chola navy was instrumental in controlling the maritime trade routes in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, ensuring the prosperity of the Chola empire.

Answer: d. Pulakesin II
Explanation:
Pulakesin II was the most distinguished ruler of the Chalukyan dynasty, which ruled over the Deccan Plateau in India between the 6th and 12th centuries CE. He is considered the greatest ruler of the dynasty for several reasons:
- Expansion of the Chalukyan kingdom: During his reign, Pulakesin II expanded the Chalukyan kingdom significantly. He conquered many neighboring territories, such as the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Gangas of Mysore, and the Mauryas of Konkan, and also made inroads into the Pallava kingdom.
- Defeat of Harsha: In 612 CE, Pulakesin II defeated the powerful North Indian emperor Harsha in a battle fought on the banks of the river Narmada. This victory halted the northward expansion of Harsha 's empire and established the supremacy of the Chalukyan dynasty in the Deccan region.
- Patronage of arts and literature: Pulakesin II was a great patron of arts and literature. His court was adorned with renowned scholars and literary figures, such as the poet Ravikirti, who authored the Aihole Prashasti, an important historical record of the time.
- Construction of temples and monuments: During Pulakesin II 's reign, numerous temples and monuments were constructed, showcasing the Chalukyan style of architecture. Some of the most famous examples include the rock-cut temples at Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal.
- Cultural and economic prosperity: Under Pulakesin II 's rule, the Chalukyan empire experienced a period of cultural and economic prosperity. Trade and commerce flourished, and the Chalukyan kingdom became an important center for learning and the arts.

The Correct Option is B :  Banabhatta

Harsha Charita was written by Banabhatta . Here 's an explanation about the text and its author:
About Banabhatta:

• Banabhatta was a renowned Sanskrit scholar, poet, and writer who lived during the 7th century CE.
• He served as the court poet in the kingdom of Harsha, under the patronage of Emperor Harsha-Vardhana.
• Banabhatta is best known for his two major works, Harsha Charita and Kadambari.

About Harsha Charita:

• Harsha Charita, also known as the "Deeds of Harsha,"is a biographical work that narrates the life of Emperor Harsha-Vardhana.
• It is considered to be the first historical biography in Sanskrit literature.
• The text provides an insight into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the 7th-century Indian society.
• Harsha Charita is not only a biography but also a piece of art, as Banabhatta has employed various poetic and literary devices in its composition.

In conclusion, Harsha Charita was written by Banabhatta, a renowned Sanskrit poet and writer who lived during the 7th century CE. The text is a biographical work that narrates the life of Emperor Harsha-Vardhana and provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of that time.

The Correct Option is C: Buddhist

Tripitaka: The Religious Book of Buddhists
The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the religious book of Buddhists. It is a collection of sacred writings that form the foundation of Buddhist teachings. The term "Tripitaka "literally means "Three Baskets,"as the texts are traditionally divided into three main categories:
1. Sutta Pitaka:
- Contains the discourses of the Buddha and his teachings
- Consists of five collections, known as Nikayas
- Provides guidance on morality, meditation, and wisdom
2. Vinaya Pitaka:
- Deals with rules and regulations for the monastic community (Sangha)
- Covers various aspects of monastic life, including ordination, daily conduct, and disciplinary measures
- Aims to maintain harmony and order within the monastic community
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka:
- Contains detailed analysis and interpretation of Buddhist teachings
- Presents complex philosophical and psychological concepts in a systematic framework
- Explores the nature of mind, matter, and their interrelations
In summary, the Tripitaka is the religious book of Buddhists, containing the teachings of the Buddha, monastic rules, and detailed philosophical analysis. It serves as a comprehensive guide for Buddhists to follow in their spiritual journey.Tripitaka is the three main categories of texts that make up the Buddhist canon. As the name suggests a Tripitaka traditionally contains three "baskets "of teachings: a Sutra Pitaka, a Vinaya Pitaka and an Abhidharma Pitaka.

TheCorrect Option is A:  Terracota

Harappan Seals: Material Used
The Harappan seals were mainly made of:
- Terracotta: This was the primary material used for making seals in the Harappan civilization. Terracotta is a type of clay-based ceramic that is fired at a relatively low temperature. It was readily available and easy to work with, making it the ideal material for creating seals.
Other materials used in the manufacture of Harappan seals, although less commonly, include:
- Steatite: Steatite, or soapstone, is a soft, easily carved stone that was used to create some of the more detailed and intricately designed seals. The steatite seals were often fired at high temperatures to make them harder and more durable.
- Faience: Faience is a type of glass-like material made by grinding quartz or sand and mixing it with an alkaline binder, such as plant ash or lime. Some Harappan seals were made of faience, which was then glazed and fired to create a hard, shiny surface.
- Metal: Although not as common, a few Harappan seals were made from metals like copper and bronze. These seals were likely reserved for high-ranking officials or used for special purposes due to the higher cost and difficulty of working with metal.
In conclusion , terracotta was the main material used in the manufacture of Harappan seals due to its availability and ease of use. While other materials like steatite, faience, and metal were also used, they were less common.Seals are an impressive part of surviving art of Harappan culture. Of these the great majority has animals engraved on them and a short inscription They are mainly made of terracotta which is a type of earthenware, or clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic where the fired body is porous.