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The 'Zabt' system of revenue assessment was based on land measurement.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Zabt system, implemented by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar, assessed revenue based on land measurement and average produce of 10 years. It brought uniformity and fairness to revenue collection. [[30]]
The 'Mansabdari' system was introduced by:
- Babur
- Akbar
- Jahangir
- Shah Jahan
Answer: Akbar
Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system to organize civil and military administration. Mansabdars held ranks (zat and sawar) determining salary, status, and military obligations. [[1]]
The 'Iqta' system in the Delhi Sultanate was a form of ______ assignment.
Answer: land revenue
The Iqta system assigned land revenue collection rights to military officers (Iqtadars) in lieu of salary. Iqtadars maintained troops and remitted surplus revenue to the central treasury. [[30]]
The 'Barid' was the head of the intelligence department in the Delhi Sultanate.
- True
- False
Answer: True
In Delhi Sultanate administration, 'Barid' headed the intelligence and information department, reporting directly to the Sultan. 'Barids' were posted in provinces to monitor officials and prevent rebellions. [[1]]
The 'Diwan-i-Kohi' department established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq dealt with:
- Agriculture
- Correspondence
- Intelligence
- Charities
Answer: Agriculture
Muhammad bin Tughlaq established Diwan-i-Kohi (Department of Agriculture) to bring uncultivated land under plough and improve agricultural productivity. Though innovative, it faced implementation challenges. [[30]]
The famous bronze Nataraja statue represents Lord Shiva as the cosmic ______.
Answer: dancer
The Chola bronze Nataraja depicts Shiva as the cosmic dancer performing the Tandava, symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction. These sculptures are masterpieces of Chola art and metallurgy. [[1]]
The Chola administration was known for its efficient local self-government through village assemblies.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Chola administration featured vibrant local self-government through assemblies like 'Ur' (general assembly), 'Sabha' (Brahmin assembly), and 'Nagaram' (merchant assembly). Uttiramerur inscriptions detail their electoral system. [[30]]
The Chola king who led naval expeditions to Southeast Asia was:
- Rajaraja I
- Rajendra I
- Kulottunga I
- Vikrama Chola
Answer: Rajendra I
Rajendra Chola I (1014-1044 CE) led naval expeditions to Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Southeast Asia (Srivijaya Empire). He assumed the title 'Gangaikonda Chola' after conquering the Ganga region. [[1]]
Harsha convened a religious assembly at Prayag every five years.
- True
- False
Answer: True
According to Hiuen Tsang, Harsha convened a grand religious assembly at Prayag (Allahabad) every five years, distributing wealth to people of all religions. This reflected his policy of religious tolerance. [[30]]
Who wrote 'Harshacharita', a biography of Emperor Harsha?
- Banabhatta
- Kalidasa
- Bhavabhuti
- Dandin
Answer: Banabhatta
Banabhatta, court poet of Harsha, wrote 'Harshacharita' in Sanskrit prose. It is one of the earliest historical biographies in Indian literature, providing insights into 7th-century North India. [[1]]
The land grant system during the Gupta period was known as ______.
Answer: Agrahara
Agrahara grants were land donations to Brahmins and temples during the Gupta period. These grants were tax-free and hereditary, leading to the growth of self-sufficient village economies. [[30]]
The Gupta period is often called the 'Golden Age of India'.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Gupta period (c. 320-550 CE) is called the 'Golden Age' due to achievements in science, mathematics, literature, art, and political stability. Scholars like Aryabhata, Kalidasa, and Varahamihira flourished. [[1]]
The 'Uparika' in Gupta administration was responsible for:
- Village administration
- Provincial governance
- Tax collection
- Military command
Answer: Provincial governance
In Gupta administration, 'Uparika' was the governor of a province (Bhukti). Below him were 'Vishayapati' (district officer) and 'Gramika' (village headman), forming a hierarchical administrative structure. [[30]]
The Satavahanas ruled primarily in the Deccan region of India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
The Satavahanas (c. 1st century BCE-3rd century CE) ruled over the Deccan region with capitals at Pratishthana (Paithan) and Amaravati. They issued lead and potin coins and patronized Prakrit literature. [[1]]
Which ancient text mentions the 'Yavana' invasion during the Shunga period?
- Arthashastra
- Malavikagnimitram
- Mudrarakshasa
- Harshacharita
Answer: Malavikagnimitram
Kalidasa's play Malavikagnimitram mentions the Yavana (Indo-Greek) invasion during the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga, indicating conflicts between Shungas and Greek rulers in North India. [[30]]
The famous Gandhara school of art flourished under the patronage of the ______.
Answer: Kushanas
The Gandhara school of art (1st-3rd century CE) flourished under Kushana patronage, blending Greco-Roman and Indian styles. It produced the first anthropomorphic images of Buddha. [[1]]
Kanishka was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Kushana emperor Kanishka (c. 127-150 CE) patronized Mahayana Buddhism, convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, and supported the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and China. [[30]]
Which dynasty issued the first gold coins in India with royal portraits?
- Mauryas
- Indo-Greeks
- Kushanas
- Guptas
Answer: Indo-Greeks
The Indo-Greek rulers (2nd-1st century BCE) were the first to issue gold coins in India featuring royal portraits and bilingual inscriptions in Greek and Kharosthi/Prakrit. [[1]]
Sattriya was recognized as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Sattriya, originating from Assam's Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras), was recognized as the eighth classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It combines dance, music, and drama. [[30]]
Which classical dance form is associated with the Vaishnavite tradition of Manipur?
- Sattriya
- Manipuri
- Mohiniyattam
- Kathak
Answer: Manipuri
Manipuri dance, from Manipur, is deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition and depicts the divine love of Radha and Krishna. It is characterized by gentle, flowing movements and devotional themes. [[1]]