Early Medieval North India GK MCQs With Answer & Explanation

Early Medieval North India marks a crucial period in Indian history, spanning from the 6th to the 13th century. This epoch witnessed the rise and fall of powerful empires, socio-cultural transformations, and the convergence of diverse religious and artistic influences. From the Gupta Empire’s decline to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, this era shaped the region’s political landscape, leaving a lasting impact on its socio-economic fabric.

MCQs with Answers and Explanations:

1. Which of the following Chinese travelers was sent to Harsha’s court in 646 AD?

Fa-Hein
Hsuan Tsang
I-tsing
Wang-hiuen-tse

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Correct Answer: Hsuan Tsang

The Chinese Emperor dispatched the eminent monk and scholar Hsuan Tsang (Xuanzang) as an envoy to the court of Harsha in 646 AD. Hsuan Tsang’s journey to India during the 7th century CE provided valuable records of Indian history, culture, and society, which are now a crucial source for understanding ancient India.

2. Which of the following kings fought with the Parasikas?

Vakpatiraja
Yasovarman
Manorathavarman
Bhogavarman

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Correct Answer: Yasovarman

Yasovarman, the ruler of the Chandela dynasty, fought against the Parasikas, possibly a foreign group, demonstrating his military engagements in the region.

3. Which of the following kings founded the Pratihara dynasty?

Vatsaraja
Harichandra
Nagabhatta I
Nagabhatta II

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Correct Answer: Harichandra

The Pratihara dynasty, also known as the Gurjara-Pratiharas, was founded in and around Jodhpur in southwestern Rajasthan. They are recognized as the Gurjara-Pratiharas, signifying their Gurjara (Gujar) origin.

4. Which of the following kings exercised control over Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat?

Harichandra
Vatsaraja
Nagabhatta I
Nagabhatta II

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Correct Answer: Nagabhatta I

Nagabhatta I is indeed acknowledged as the actual founder of the Gurjara-Pratiharas. He exercised control over extensive regions, including Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat. Notably, Nagabhatta I emerged victorious against the Arab army during the Caliphate campaigns in India, highlighting his military prowess.

5. Which of the following kings was defeated by Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva?

Vatsaraja
Harichandra
Nagabhatta II
Nagabhatta I

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Correct Answer: Nagabhatta II

Nagabhatta II was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva.

6. Which of the following kings succeeded Nagabhatta I?

Harichandra
Vatsaraja
Mihir Bhoja
Nagabhatta II

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Correct Answer: Vatsaraja

Vatsaraja succeeded Nagabhatta I and extended his dominion over a significant portion of North India, designating Kannauj as his capital.

7. Which of the following kings was the most successful and popular ruler of the Pratiharas?

Vatsaraja
Harichandra
Nagabhatta I
Mihir Bhoja

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Correct Answer: Mihir Bhoja

Mihir Bhoja was a prominent ruler of the Gurjara-Pratiharas who reigned from 836 C.E. to 885 C.E. He is celebrated as one of the most accomplished and admired monarchs of the Pratihara dynasty, distinguished for his military prowess and wealth.

8. Which of the following kings was identified as king Juzr from the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant, Sulaiman?

Vatsaraja
Nagabhatta I
Harichandra
Mihir Bhoja

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Correct Answer: Mihir Bhoja

Mihir Bhoja, often identified as King Juzr in the travel accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant Sulaiman, was renowned for his significant military might and affluence.

9. Which of the following kings was called King Baura by Al-Masudi?

Mihir Bhoja
Harichandra
Nagabhatta I
Vatsaraja

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Correct Answer: Mihir Bhoja

Mihir Bhoja, the Gurjara-Pratihara ruler, was recognized as King Baura by Arab writers and commended for his ability to protect his empire from marauders.

10. Which of the following kings succeeded King Bhoja I/Mihir Bhoja?

Mahendrapala
Rajyapala
Yashpala
Harichandra

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Correct Answer: Mahendrapala

After Mihir Bhoja, Mahendrapala I succeeded as the ruler of the Gurjara-Pratiharas. Under Mahendrapala’s governance, the empire reached its zenith of prosperity and power.