The Rashtrakutas, a prominent dynasty in Indian history, played a crucial role in shaping the socio-political landscape of the Deccan region between the 6th and 10th centuries. This dynasty, known for its cultural and architectural contributions, left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the history of the Rashtrakutas, exploring their rise, achievements, and eventual decline. This resource is tailored to cater to the needs of aspirants preparing for various government job comparative exams, providing a thorough understanding of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Rashtrakutas were believed to be the feudatories of which of the following?
- Chalukyas
- Guptas
- Chahmanas
- Chandellas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Chalukyas
The Rashtrakutas were frequently engaged in conflicts with neighboring kingdoms, including the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi, Pallavas of Kanchi, and Pandyas of Madurai. These rival kingdoms were their major adversaries during the Rashtrakuta rule.
2. Which city served as the capital of the Rashtrakutas?
- Manyakheta
- Ujjain
- Vallore
- Bijapur
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Correct Answer: Manyakheta
Manyakheta, also known as Malkhed, served as the capital of the Rashtrakutas. This capital was situated near Sholapur in present-day Maharashtra, and the Rashtrakutas achieved significant military successes both in the north and the south from this strategic center.
3. The Rashtrakutas were constantly involved in conflicts with which of the following kingdoms?
- Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi
- Pallavas of Kanchi
- Pandyas of Madurai
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 1, 2, and 3
The Rashtrakutas were constantly involved in conflicts with the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi, Pallavas of Kanchi, and Pandyas of Madurai. These kingdoms were their major adversaries during the Rashtrakuta rule.
4. During which period did the Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga rule?
- 713-725 CE
- 720-744 CE
- 725-750 CE
- 733-756 CE
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Correct Answer: 733-756 CE
The Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga ruled from approximately 733 to 756 CE. He was a feudatory of the Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II. Dantidurga laid the foundation of the Rashtrakuta kingdom by taking control of the northern regions of the Chalukya empire.
5. Which king founded the Rashtrakuta kingdom?
- Dantidurga
- Krishna I
- Dhruva
- Amoghavarsha I
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Correct Answer: Dantidurga
The Rashtrakuta kingdom was founded by King Dantidurga. He ascended to the throne around 733 CE after gaining control of the northern regions of the Chalukya empire. Dantidurga played a crucial role in establishing the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
6. Which Rashtrakuta king assisted Pallava King Nandivarman in regaining Kanchi from the Chalukyas?
- Kirtivarman II
- Dantidurga
- Krishna I
- Dhruva
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Correct Answer: Dantidurga
King Dantidurga, who ruled from approximately 733 to 756 CE, laid the foundation of the Rashtrakuta kingdom. He initially served as a feudatory of the Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II, and later established the Rashtrakuta dynasty by gaining control of the northern regions of the Chalukya empire.
7. The magnificent rock-cut Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora was built during the reign of which Rashtrakuta king?
- Dhruva
- Amoghavarsha I
- Krishna I
- Dantidurga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Krishna I
The rock-cut Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora, built during the reign of Krishna I, a prominent Rashtrakuta king, stands as an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s located near present-day Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
8. Which king succeeded King Krishna I in the Rashtrakuta dynasty?
- Dantidurga
- Dhruva
- Amoghavarsha I
- Govind III
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Dhruva
Dhruva succeeded King Krishna I in the Rashtrakuta dynasty and ruled the kingdom from 780 to 793 CE. His reign witnessed the further expansion of the empire’s territories.
9. Who succeeded Dantidurga as the Rashtrakuta king?
- Dhruva
- Krishna I
- Amoghavarsha I
- Kirtivarman II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Krishna I
Krishna I succeeded Dantidurga as the Rashtrakuta king in 756 CE. He played a vital role in extending the Rashtrakuta kingdom, particularly by defeating the Pallavas.
10. Which ruler brought major portions of present-day Karnataka and Konkan under the Rashtrakuta kingdom?
- Dantidurga
- Krishna I
- Dhruva
- Amoghavarsha I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Krishna I
Krishna I, who ruled from 756 to 774 CE, expanded the Rashtrakuta empire’s territory by bringing major portions of present-day Karnataka and Konkan under their control. He also dealt a decisive blow to the Pallavas.
Q11: Which empires were defeated by Dantidurga?
1. Gurjaras of Malwa
2. Rulers of Kalinga
3. Rulers of Kosala
4. Rulers of Srisailam
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
1. Only 1 & 2
2. Only 2 & 3
3. Only 1, 2 & 4
4. 1, 2, 3, & 4
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Dantidurga, as a skilled ruler, defeated multiple kingdoms during his reign. He achieved victories over the Gurjaras of Malwa, rulers of Kalinga, rulers of Kosala, and rulers of Srisailam, expanding the influence of the Rashtrakutas.
Q12: Which of the following kings were defeated by King Dhruva?
1. Nagabhatta II
2. Dharmapala
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 & 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: During Dhruva’s rule (c. 780 – 793 CE), the Rashtrakuta kingdom expanded significantly, encompassing the territory between the Kaveri River and Central India. Dhruva led successful expeditions and defeated King Nagabhatta II and the Palas of Bengal, represented by Dharmapala.
Q13: Which of the following kings brought the Eastern Chalukyas and Gangas of Talakad under the control of the Rashtrakuta kingdom?
1. Dantidurga
2. Dhruva
3. Govind III
4. Krishna I
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: King Dhruva (780 – 793 CE) succeeded his elder brother Govinda II and played a significant role in expanding the Rashtrakuta influence by bringing the Eastern Chalukyas and Gangas of Talakad under the kingdom’s control.
Q14: During the reign of which of the following kings did the Rashtrakuta empire become a pan-Indian power?
1. Dhruva
2. Dantidurga
3. Krishna I
4. Govind II
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: The Rashtrakuta Dynasty began with Dantidurga’s victory over King Kirtivarman II in 753 CE. However, it became a pan-Indian power during the reign of King Dhruva (c. 780 – 793 CE), expanding its dominance over vast territories.
Q15: Which of the following kings wrote Kavirajamarga?
1. Dhruva
2. Govind II
3. Amoghavarsha I
4. Dantidurga
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Amoghavarsha I, who ruled from 815 to 878 A.D., was one of the greatest Rashtrakuta rulers and a notable scholar and poet. He is often compared to Emperor Ashoka for his religious temperament, accomplishments, and contributions to literature.
Q16: Which of the following kings is also considered as the Ashoka of the South?
1. Amoghavarsha I
2. Dhruva
3. Dantidurga
4. Govind III
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: Due to Amoghavarsha I’s religious temperament, interest in arts and literature, and his accomplishments, he is often compared to Emperor Ashoka and referred to as the Ashoka of the South. He is also sometimes compared to Gupta king Vikramaditya.
Q17: Which king succeeded the Rashtrakuta king Dhruva?
1. Govind II
2. Dantidurga
3. Govind III
4. Dhruva
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Govinda III, who ruled the Rashtrakuta kingdom from 793 to 814 A.D., was considered the most successful emperor of the dynasty. His rule saw the expansion of the empire from Cape Comorin to Kannauj and from Banaras to Bharuch
Q18: Which of the following kings received two statues as an act of submission from the king of Ceylon?
1. Dantidurga
2. Dhruva
3. Govind II
4. Govind III
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: During the reign of Govind III (793 A.D. to 814 A.D.), the Rashtrakuta empire gradually expanded over areas from Cape Comorin to Kannauj and from Banaras to Bharuch. Govind III received two statues as an act of submission from the king of Ceylon, indicating the empire’s influence.
Q19: Which of the following kings succeeded the king Govind III?
1. Dantidurga
2. Amoghavarsha
3. Krishna II
4. Krishna I
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: Amoghavarsha III ruled the Rashtrakuta empire from 934 to 939 A.D. with the support of feudatory King Arikesari of Vemulavada, who had revolted against Govinda IV.
Q20: Which Rashtrakuta king made the new capital city Manyakheta?
1. Govind II
2. Amoghavarsha I
3. Govind III
4. Dantidurga
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: Amoghavarsha I, the greatest ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, ruled from 814 A.D. to 878 A.D. He moved the Rashtrakuta capital from Mayurkhandi in the Bidar district to Manyakheta in the Gulbarga district, present-day Karnataka.
Q21: Which of the following kings adopted the title Viranarayana?
1. Dantidurga
2. Govind II
3. Govind III
4. Amoghavarsha I
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: Amoghavarsha I, who ruled from 814 A.D. to 878 A.D., adopted the title Viranarayana. He was known for his religious temperament, interest in arts and literature, and his significant contributions to the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Q22: Which of the following kings wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika?
1. Amoghavarsha I
2. Dantidurga
3. Dhruva
4. Govind II
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: Amoghavarsha I, who ruled the Rashtrakuta empire from 814 A.D. to 878 A.D., was an accomplished poet and scholar. He wrote Prashnottara Ratnamalika in the Sanskrit language, which is considered a work of high merit and was later translated into the Tibetan language.
Q23: Which of the following kings succeeded the king Amoghavarsha I?
1. Dantidurga
2. Govind III
3. Krishna II
4. Krishna I
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Krishna II, also known as Kannara, ruled the Rashtrakuta Empire from 878 A.D. to 914 A.D. He succeeded his father Amoghavarsha I, who had a remarkable 64-year reign. Krishna II’s rule marked the continuation of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Q24: Which of the following kings defeated the Chola king Parantaka I?
1. Krishna I
2. Krishna III
3. Indra III
4. Govinda III
Show Answer
Answer: 2
Explanation: Krishna III (939 to 967 CE) engaged in a struggle against the Paramaras of Malwa and the Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi. Around 949 CE, he defeated the Chola king Parantaka I and annexed the northern part of the Chola empire. Krishna III established a pillar of victory in Rameshwaram and built a temple.
Q25: Which of the following statements are correct with respect to the Rashtrakutas?
1. Rashtrakuta rule lasted in the Deccan till the end of the 10th century.
2. They were not tolerant in their religious views.
3. The great apabhramsha poet Swayambhu and his son probably lived at the Rashtrakuta court.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
1. Only 1
2. Only 1 & 2
3. Only 1 & 3
4. 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Answer: 1
Explanation: The statement that is correct is option 1. Rashtrakuta rule lasted in the Deccan till the end of the 10th century.
Q26: Krishna II was succeeded by which of the following kings?
1. Dantidurga
2. Krishna II
3. Indra III
4. Krishna III
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Indra III ruled the Rashtrakuta empire from 914 A.D. to 929 A.D. He was the grandson of Amoghavarsha I and succeeded Krishna II. Indra III achieved military success by defeating Mahipala I and capturing Kannauj in 915 CE. However, he was later assassinated by his brother and successor, Govinda IV.
Q27: After the death of Amogahvarsha II, which of the following kings ascended to the throne of the Rashtrakuta empire?
1. Govinda I
2. Govinda II
3. Govinda III
4. Govinda IV
Show Answer
Answer: 4
Explanation: According to the Kalasa record of Chikmagalur, Govinda IV, the younger brother of Amoghavarsha II, ascended to the Rashtrakuta throne in 930 A.D. by assassinating his brother. He ruled the Rashtrakuta empire from 930 A.D. to 935 A.D.
Q28: Which of the following kings ascended the Rashtrakuta throne after Govinda IV?
1. Krishna I
2. Amoghavarsha II
3. Amoghavarsha III
4. Krishna II
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Amoghavarsha III, the younger brother of Indra III and uncle of Govinda IV, came to power with the help of feudatory King Arikesari of Vemulavada, who revolted against Govinda IV. Amoghavarsha III ruled from 934 A.D. to 939 A.D.
Q29: Who was the last Rashtrakuta ruler?
1. Krishna I
2. Krishna II
3. Indra IV
4. Dantidurga
Show Answer
Answer: 3
Explanation: Indra IV was the last ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. His reign marked the end of the Rashtrakuta empire’s rule.
The Rashtrakutas Notes for UPSC Exam
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