Short questions of history

Who was Rajaraja I?

Rajaraja I was a powerful Chola ruler who expanded greatly the empire and strengthen its administrative and navy

Who founded the Chola dynasty?

Vijayalaya Chola established the Chola dynasty

What was the significance of the Gurjara-Pratiharas?

They played an important role in north eastern politics and resistance against the Arab expansion

Name two important Rajput dynasties.

Chauhans

Paramaras

Mention two theories about the origin of the Rajputs.

Two major theories are:

foreign-origin theory

indigenous-origin theory

Who were the Rajputs?

Rajputs were the warriors and ruling groups that become prominent in northern and western India during the early mediaeval period

What is meant by the emergence of Rajputs?

It refers to the gradual formation and political rise of various warrior lineages that came to identify themselves as Rajputs.

Who were the Pratiharas?

The Gurjura-Pratiharas were a major early mediaeval dynasty that controlled parts of northern India

Who was Rajendra I?

Rajendra I was the son of Rajaraja I and expanded its power further including compaigns towards northern India and overseas

What was the Chola administrative system?

It was a hierarchical system combining central administration with extensive local administration and village institutions.

What was the importance of village assemblies under the Cholas?

Who built the Brihadeshwara Temple at Tanjore?

Rajaraja I

Name two Upanishads

Mundaka

Aitareya

Katha

Kena

Give two importance of numismatic sources.

1. Coins provide information about rulers and political chronology.

2. They provide evidence about trade, economy, religion and metallurgy.

What were Sabha and Samiti?

They were important assemblies of the Rigvedic period.

Sabha was a smaller council,

while Samiti was a broader popular assembly

What was Purusha Sukta?

Purusha Sukta is a hymn of the Rig Veda (10.90) describing the cosmic being

Purusha and traditionally associated with the origin of the four Varnas.

What were the earliest types of coins minted in ancient India?

Punch-marked coins

What is Dharmashastra?

Dharmashastra texts discuss dharma, social duties, law and moral conduct.

What are Bhrahmanas

Brahmanas are prose texts explaining the rituals and sacrifices of the Vedas.

What are Aranyakas

Aranyakas are Vedic texts associated with forest teachings and philosophical

interpretation of rituals.

What is the meaning of the term 'Itihasa'?

Itihasa literally means “thus it happened” and refers to traditional historical

narratives.

What is Shruti?

Shruti means “that which is heard” and refers primarily to sacred Vedic literature

regarded as revealed.