The Era of Harsha, spanning from 606 to 647 CE, is a pivotal period in Indian history marked by the rule of Emperor Harsha, a prominent ruler of the Vardhana dynasty. His reign is characterized by socio-economic prosperity, cultural advancements, and political stability. This era, crucial for “Era of Harsha GK MCQ”, witnessed the synthesis of diverse cultural elements, contributing to a flourishing society
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Which of the following was able to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his position in the regions of Punjab and Haryana?
- Prabhakar Vardhana
- Harsha Vardhana
- Rajya Vardhana
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Prabhakar Vardhana
Prabhakar Vardhana, the fourth king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, managed to defeat the Hunas and strengthen his rule in regions like Punjab and Haryana.
2. Which of the following Pushyabhuti kings was treacherously killed by Shashanka, the king of Gauda?
- Prabhakar Vardhana
- Rajya Vardhana
- Harsha Vardhana
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Rajya Vardhana
After Prabhakar Vardhana’s death, his elder son, Rajya Vardhana, ascended to the throne but was treacherously killed by Shashanka, the king of Gauda (Bengal and Bihar).
3. Which of the following is described as the lord of the north (sakalauttarapathanatha)?
- Prabhakar Vardhana
- Rajya Vardhana
- Harsha Vardhana
- Grahavarman
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Correct Answer: Harsha Vardhana
Harsha Vardhana, also known as Harshavardhan, expanded his empire in North India, and he is often referred to as the “lord of the north” or “sakalauttarapathanatha.”
4. Pushyabhutis were originally feudatories of which of the following?
- Mauryans
- Satavahanas
- Guptas
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Guptas
The Pushyabhutis originally served as feudatories to the Guptas and later emerged as an independent ruling family.
5. Which of the following actually laid the foundations of the Pushyabhuti dynasty?
- Prabhakar Vardhana
- Harsha Vardhana
- Rajya Vardhana
- Grahavarman
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Correct Answer: Prabhakar Vardhana
Prabhakar Vardhana, the fourth ruler of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, laid the foundations of the dynasty and was celebrated as a great military general.
6. Which of the following is associated with the rule of Harsha Vardhana?
- 580-590 CE
- 595-606 CE
- 606-647 CE
- 647-665 CE
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Correct Answer: 606-647 CE
Harsha Vardhana’s reign, which spanned from around 606 to 647 CE, was marked by significant developments and the visit of the Chinese pilgrim Hsuan Tsang to India.
7. Which of the following defeated Shashanka and extended his control over parts of Kongoda in Orissa?
- Rajya Vardhana
- Prabhakar Vardhana
- Grahavarman
- Harsha Vardhana
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Correct Answer: Harsha Vardhana
Rajyavardhana, Harsha’s elder brother, was assassinated by Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda. However, Harsha subsequently defeated Shashanka and expanded his control to parts of Kongoda in Orissa.
8. Which of the following assumed the title of ‘Siladitya’?
- Harsha Vardhan
- Rajya Vardhana
- Prabhakar Vardhana
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Harsha Vardhan
Harsha Vardhana assumed the title of ‘Siladitya,’ which was noted in the travel records of Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang), the Chinese traveler who visited India during that time.
9. Which of the following kings marched towards Kannauj and rescued his sister Rajyashri, who was believed to be on the verge of committing Sati?
- Rajya Vardhana
- Prabhakar Vardhana
- Harsha Vardhana
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Harsha Vardhana
When Harsha was just sixteen years old, he ascended to the throne and immediately marched to Kannauj to rescue his sister, Rajyashri, who was believed to be on the verge of committing Sati, a self-immolation practice.
10. Which of the following inscriptions mentions that Harsha defeated the Vallabhi king, Dhruvasena II?
- Sohgaura copper plate inscription
- Nausasi copper plate inscription
- Kadamba copper plate inscription
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Nausasi copper plate inscription
Harsha defeated the Vallabhi king, Dhruvasena II, as mentioned in the Nausasi copper plate inscription. However, Harsha was later defeated by Chalukyan king Pulakeshin II.
11. As per Hsuan Tsang, the revenue of Harsha was divided into which of the following?
1. Expenditure for the king
2. Expenditure for scholars
3. Expenditure for the endowment of officials and public servants
4. Expenditure for religious purposes
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- Only 1 & 2
- Only 2 & 3
- Only 1, 2 & 3
- 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3 & 4
During Harsha’s reign, the allocation of revenue was divided into four categories, including expenditures for the king, scholars, officials, and public servants, as well as expenses for religious purposes.
12.
Which of the following areas of modern India were in the direct control of Harsha?
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- Only 1 & 2
- Only 2 & 3
- Only 1, 2 & 3
- 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Harsha Vardhana was an influential ruler of ancient India who reigned from approximately 606 to 647 CE. His rule extended over a significant part of North India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Harsha’s empire encompassed these regions during his reign.
13. Which of the following places was the capital of the Pushyabhutis?
- Kannauj
- Thanesar
- Ujjain
- Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Thanesar
Thanesar, a town in present-day Haryana, was indeed the capital of the Pushyabhutis, an important ruling family that emerged in prominence after the decline of the Gupta Empire. The Pushyabhutis played a significant role in North Indian politics during the 6th and 7th centuries.
14. The southward march of Harsha was stopped by which of the following Chalukyan Kings?
- Pulakeshin
- Pulakeshin II
- Kirtivarman
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Pulakeshin II
Harsha’s southward expansion was halted by Pulakeshin II, the Chalukyan king who ruled over a substantial portion of modern Karnataka and Maharashtra. He also faced opposition from Shaivite King Shashanka of Gauda (Bengal and Bihar), which influenced the boundaries of Harsha’s dominion.
15. Which of the statements are correct with respect to administration during the time of Harsha?
1. The administration had become feudal.
2. There was more decentralization.
3. The army was larger in size than the Mauryans.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Only 2 & 3
- 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 1, 2 & 3
During Harsha’s time, the administrative structure began to evolve into a more feudal system, resulting in greater decentralization. His army was larger in size compared to the Mauryan era, reflecting the evolving socio-political landscape in India.
16. Which of the following was the court poet of Harsha?
- Kalidasa
- Banabhatta
- Harishena
- Bhasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Banabhatta
Banabhatta, a renowned Indian scholar, poet, and playwright, served as the court poet of Harsha. He is well-known for composing “Harshacharita,” a biography of Harsha that provides insights into the king’s life and times.
17. Which of the following was the author of Kadambari?
- Kalidasa
- Bhasa
- Amarsimha
- Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Banabhatta
Although Banabhatta was the court poet of Harsha, he did not write “Kadambari.” “Kadambari” is an ancient Indian novel composed by Bana Bhatta, Banabhatta’s son, which is a distinct work from “Harshacharita.”
18. Which of the following was called the chief cavalry officer during Harsha’s administration?
- Avanti
- Bhanu
- Kuntala
- Simhananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Kuntala
Harsha’s army consisted of various divisions, including infantry, cavalry, elephant corps, and camel corps. The chief cavalry officer was known as “Kuntala.” His cavalry numbered 100,000, and his elephant corps had 60,000 elephants
19. Which of the following was called the chief commandant of the elephant force during Harsha’s administration?
- Avanti
- Bhanu
- Kuntala
- Simhananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Simhananda
Skandagupta served as the chief commandant of the elephant force during Harsha’s administration.
20. The capital of Harsha was shifted from Thaneswar to which of the following?
- Kannauj
- Mathura
- Ujjain
- Kalinga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Kannauj
Harsha’s capital was originally at Thaneswar, but he later moved it to Kannauj. The Narmada River marked the southern boundary of his empire.
21. Which of the following was the author of Si-Yu-Ki?
- Fa-Hein
- Hsuan Tsang
- I-tsing
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Hsuan Tsang
Hsuan Tsang, also known as Xuanzang, was a Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha’s reign. His travel account, Si-Yu-Ki, provides valuable insights into Indian history and culture during the 7th century.
22. Which of the following was the year of accession of Harsha Vardhana?
- 606 CE
- 608 CE
- 610 CE
- 612 CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 606 CE
During Harsha’s time, some subordinate rulers adopted the Harsha era, which began in 606 CE, the year Harsha Vardhana ascended the throne.
23. Hsuan Tsang gives a detailed account of a grand assembly held in 643 CE. Where was it held?
- Ujjain
- Thaneswar
- Kannauj
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Kannauj
Hsuan Tsang provides a detailed account of a grand assembly held at Kannauj in 643 CE. The assembly brought together representatives of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, with discourses on Mahayana doctrines.
24. The Mahamoksha Parishad was organized by Harsha at which of the following places?
- Thaneswar
- Kannauj
- Prayagraj
- Mathura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Prayagraj
Harsha conducted a solemn festival every five years at Prayagraj (Allahabad) and organized the Mahamoksha Parishad, where charitable activities took place.
25. The capital of Harsha was shifted from Thaneswar to which of the following?
- Kannauj
- Mathura
- Ujjain
- Kalinga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Kannauj
Harsha’s capital was originally at Thaneswar, but he later moved it to Kannauj. The Narmada River marked the southern boundary of his empire.
26. Which of the following are believed to be written by Harsha?
1. Priyadarshika
2. Ratnavali
3. Nagananda
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- Only 1
- Only 2 & 3
- Only 3
- 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 1, 2 & 3
Harsha is credited with composing three dramas: “Priyadarshika,” “Ratnavali” (both romantic comedies), and “Nagananda,” a play based on the Bodhisattva Jimutavahana.
27. Which of the following was the most famous center of Buddhism during the time of Harsha?
- Nalanda
- Vallabhi
- Sanchi
- Lumbini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Nalanda
During Harsha’s rule, Buddhism was divided into eighteen sects. Nalanda, a renowned center of Buddhism, was a prominent institution during this period. The Chinese pilgrim I-tsing visited Nalanda in 670 AD.
28. Which of the following had imprisoned Harsha’s sister Rajyashri and killed her husband Grahavarman?
- Devagupta
- Shashanka
- Dhruvasena II
- Pulkesin II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Shashanka
Harsha succeeded his brother, Rajya Vardhana, and embarked on campaigns against Devagupta, the ruler of Malwa, and Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda. Shashanka had imprisoned Harsha’s sister Rajyashri and killed her husband, Grahavarman.
29. Which of the following was called the Minister for Foreign Relations and War during Harsha’s administration?
- Simhananda
- Avanti
- Kuntala
- Bhanu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Avanti
The administration during Harsha’s rule featured a Minister for Foreign Relations and War referred to as “Avanti.” There was also a well-organized secretariat at the capital to facilitate the governance of his empire.
30. Which of the following was called the Commander-in-Chief of Harsha?
- Avanti
- Simhananda
- Bhanu
- Kuntala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Simhananda
Harsha adopted the title ‘Siladitya’ as noted in the travel records of Xuanzang, the Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Harsha’s reign. His administrative setup was modeled after earlier Hindu rulers of India, reflecting the continuity of governance structures.
Era of Harsha Notes for UPSC Exam
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