Q1. Which language is associated with the Chera kingdom and its official records in the ninth century?
a) Tamil
b) Sanskrit
c) Malayalam
d) Oriya
Answer: c) Malayalam
Explanation: The Chera kingdom, established in the ninth century in present-day Kerala, introduced the Malayalam language and script in their official inscriptions, making it one of the earliest uses of a regional language in official records in the subcontinent.
Q2. The Jagannatha Cult at Puri, Orissa is dedicated to which deity?
a) Brahma
b) Shiva
c) Vishnu
d) Durga
Answer: c) Vishnu
Explanation: The Jagannatha Cult at Puri in Orissa is centered around the worship of Jagannatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. This cult originally had a local deity, later identified with Vishnu, and its temple gained significant social and political influence in the region.
Q3. In the nineteenth century, the British referred to most of present-day Rajasthan as:
a) Rajputana
b) Mewar
c) Marwar
d) Jaipur
Answer: a) Rajputana
Explanation: In the nineteenth century, the British called the region that constitutes most of present-day Rajasthan ‘Rajputana’. This region was known for its distinctive culture, largely contributed to by the Rajputs, although it was inhabited by several other groups as well.
Q4. What is Kathak derived from?
a) Martial arts
b) Royal court dances
c) A caste of temple story-tellers
d) Folk dance of north India
Answer: c) A caste of temple story-tellers
Explanation: Kathak, a classical dance form associated with north India, originated from a caste of story-tellers in temples, known as Kathaks. They used gestures and songs to embellish their performances, which evolved into the dance form known today.
Q5. The term ‘Manipravalam’ literally translates to which of the following?
a) Pearls and Rubies
b) Gold and Silver
c) Diamonds and Corals
d) Silk and Cotton
Answer: c) Diamonds and Corals
Explanation: ‘Manipravalam’ translates to ‘diamonds and corals’ in English. It refers to a literary style which is a blend of two languages, Sanskrit and the regional language (Malayalam), used in medieval Indian literature.
Q6. Which of the following is not recognized as a classical dance form in India?
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kathakali
c) Bhangra
d) Odissi
Answer: c) Bhangra
Explanation: Bhangra is a traditional folk dance from Punjab and is not classified as a classical dance form. The classical dance forms mentioned in the chapter include Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathak.
Q7. The Rajput rulers of Rajasthan were known for cherishing which ideal?
a) Diplomatic alliances
b) Economic prosperity
c) Heroic valour and battlefield glory
d) Artistic achievements
Answer: c) Heroic valour and battlefield glory
Explanation: Rajput rulers from around the eighth century in present-day Rajasthan cherished the ideal of the hero who fought valiantly, often choosing death on the battlefield rather than facing defeat. This ideal was commemorated in poems and songs.
Q8. What was the unique feature of the Kangra school of miniature painting?
a) Use of bold and intense styles
b) Emphasis on Mughal court scenes
c) Lyrical treatment with soft colors
d) Focus on Islamic architecture
Answer: c) Lyrical treatment with soft colors
Explanation: The Kangra school of miniature painting, developed in the mid-eighteenth century in the Himalayan foothills, was known for its lyrical treatment of themes and the use of soft colors, especially cool blues and greens. It was inspired by Vaishnavite traditions.
Q9. Which language formed the base for early Bengali literature?
a) Urdu
b) Persian
c) Sanskrit
d) Pali
Answer: c) Sanskrit
Explanation: Early Bengali literature was heavily influenced by Sanskrit. Bengali, as a language, is derived from Sanskrit and early literature in Bengali includes translations of Sanskrit epics and bhakti literature.
Q10. What role did the cult of Pirs play in Bengal from the sixteenth century onwards?
a) They led military campaigns.
b) They functioned as community leaders and teachers.
c) They established major educational institutions.
d) They were primarily involved in artistic endeavors.
Answer: b) They functioned as community leaders and teachers.
Explanation: From the sixteenth century, as people migrated to south-eastern Bengal, community leaders who also functioned as teachers and adjudicators gained prominence. These leaders, often ascribed with supernatural powers, were affectionately referred to as Pirs.
Q11. What was a significant architectural feature of the temples in Bengal?
a) Use of marble and precious stones
b) Double-roofed or four-roofed structures
c) Large domes and minarets
d) Intricate carvings of gods and goddesses
Answer: b) Double-roofed or four-roofed structures
Explanation: The temples in Bengal were distinctive for their double-roofed (dochala) or four-roofed (chauchala) structure, which evolved from the style of thatched huts. This feature led to the development of a typical Bengali style in temple architecture.
Q12. The relaxation of Brahmanical prohibition on eating non-vegetarian food in Bengal was specifically for:
a) All meats
b) Fish
c) Eggs
d) Poultry
Answer: b) Fish
Explanation: In Bengal, due to the popularity of fish in the local diet, the Brahmanical authorities relaxed the prohibition on eating non-vegetarian food specifically for fish. The Brihaddharma Purana, a thirteenth-century Sanskrit text from Bengal, permitted local Brahmanas to eat certain varieties of fish.
Q13. Who was the key figure in establishing the cult of Jagannatha in the Puri temple in the twelfth century?
a) Anantavarman
b) Akbar
c) Anangabhima III
d) Jahangir
Answer: a) Anantavarman
Explanation: Anantavarman, one of the most important rulers of the Ganga dynasty in the twelfth century, was instrumental in establishing the temple for Purushottama Jagannatha at Puri, Orissa. This initiated the significant cult of Jagannatha in the region.
Q14. Which Rajput ruler is mentioned in the chapter for embodying the ideals of heroism?
a) Maharana Pratap
b) Rana Sanga
c) Prithviraj Chauhan
d) Man Singh
Answer: c) Prithviraj Chauhan
Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan, a Rajput ruler, is mentioned in the chapter as an example of the Rajput ideal of heroism. He is celebrated for his valour and is a prominent figure in Rajput tales and folklore.
Q15. The term “Manipravalam” refers to a mix of which two languages?
a) Sanskrit and Tamil
b) Malayalam and Sanskrit
c) Hindi and Urdu
d) Bengali and Oriya
Answer: b) Malayalam and Sanskrit
Explanation: Manipravalam literally means “diamonds and corals,” referring to a literary style that mixed two languages – Malayalam and Sanskrit. This style was used in medieval Indian literature, especially in the context of the Chera kingdom.
Q16. The miniature painting tradition in India was greatly influenced by the patronage of which empire?
a) Mauryan
b) Gupta
c) Mughal
d) Maratha
Answer: c) Mughal
Explanation: The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, were significant patrons of miniature painting in India. They commissioned skilled painters to illustrate manuscripts containing historical accounts and poetry, which greatly influenced the development of the miniature painting tradition.
Q17. In the evolution of Bengali language and literature, what role did the Palas play?
a) They discouraged the use of Bengali.
b) They were instrumental in the decline of Bengali literature.
c) They established Bengal as a center of a regional kingdom.
d) They initiated the translation of Bengali texts into Persian.
Answer: c) They established Bengal as a center of a regional kingdom.
Explanation: In the eighth century, Bengal became the center of a regional kingdom under the Palas. This period marked the strengthening of Bengali language and literature, as Bengal emerged as a significant cultural and political center.
Q18. The practice of Sati, mentioned in the chapter, is associated with which cultural tradition?
a) The tradition of heroic stories in Rajasthan.
b) The temple dance traditions in Tamil Nadu.
c) The Pirs culture in Bengal.
d) The Kathak dance form in north India.
Answer: a) The tradition of heroic stories in Rajasthan.
Explanation: The practice of Sati, where women immolated themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre, is mentioned in the context of Rajput heroic traditions. Stories about Rajput heroes often included their wives following them in life and death, embodying the practice of Sati.
Q19. What is the primary theme depicted in the miniatures found in western India used to illustrate Jaina texts?
a) Royal court scenes
b) Stories of Jain Tirthankaras
c) Mythological stories
d) Scenes of battle and hunting
Answer: b) Stories of Jain Tirthankaras
Explanation: The earliest miniatures in western India, particularly those used to illustrate Jaina texts, predominantly depicted stories of Jain Tirthankaras. These miniatures are known for their religious significance and detailed artistry.
Q20. The Rajputs are known for contributing to the culture of which Indian region?
a) Punjab
b) Kerala
c) Rajasthan
d) Odisha
Answer: c) Rajasthan
Explanation: The Rajputs have significantly contributed to the culture of Rajasthan. Despite the presence of various other groups in the region, the Rajputs are often recognized for their distinctive influence on the region’s cultural heritage, especially through traditions of heroism and valor.
Q21. Kathak dance evolved into a distinct mode of dance in which centuries?
a) 8th and 9th centuries
b) 15th and 16th centuries
c) 18th and 19th centuries
d) 10th and 11th centuries
Answer: b) 15th and 16th centuries
Explanation: Kathak dance began evolving into a distinct mode of dance during the 15th and 16th centuries, particularly with the spread of the Bhakti movement. This period saw the integration of folk dance elements and the basic gestures of Kathak story-tellers.
Q22. What architectural feature is common in the temples of Bengal, as mentioned in the chapter?
a) Gold-plated domes
b) Intricate stone carvings
c) Double-roofed or four-roofed structures
d) Large pillared halls
Answer: c) Double-roofed or four-roofed structures
Explanation: A distinctive architectural feature of the temples in Bengal is their double-roofed (dochala) or four-roofed (chauchala) structures. This style was influenced by the traditional thatched huts and led to the evolution of a unique Bengali style in temple architecture.
Q23. Who was responsible for the construction of the Jagannatha temple at Puri?
a) The Ganga dynasty
b) Mughal emperors
c) British colonial rulers
d) Maratha rulers
Answer: a) The Ganga dynasty
Explanation: The construction of the Jagannatha temple at Puri was initiated by Anantavarman, a ruler of the Ganga dynasty, in the twelfth century. This temple dedicated to Purushottama Jagannatha became a significant center of pilgrimage and played a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of the region.
Q24. The tradition of miniature painting in the Himalayan foothills led to the development of which distinct style in the late seventeenth century?
a) Mewar style
b) Basohli style
c) Rajasthani style
d) Mughal style
Answer: b) Basohli style
Explanation: In the late seventeenth century, a bold and intense style of miniature painting known as the Basohli style developed in the Himalayan foothills. This style was particularly popular in the region around modern-day Himachal Pradesh and was known for its vibrant colors and unique artistic expressions.
Q25. What is the significance of the Lilatilakam in the context of regional languages?
a) It is a text on astrology written in Sanskrit.
b) It is a grammar and poetics text composed in Manipravalam.
c) It is the first literary work written in Malayalam.
d) It is an epic poem written in the Tamil language.
Answer: b) It is a grammar and poetics text composed in Manipravalam.
Explanation: The Lilatilakam, a fourteenth-century text, deals with grammar and poetics and is significant for being composed in Manipravalam, a mix of Sanskrit and the regional language (Malayalam). This reflects the intermingling of local traditions with Sanskrit.
Q26. The Jagannatha temple in Puri became a center of pilgrimage during which dynasty’s rule?
a) The Maurya Dynasty
b) The Chola Dynasty
c) The Ganga Dynasty
d) The Gupta Dynasty
Answer: c) The Ganga Dynasty
Explanation: The Jagannatha temple in Puri rose to prominence as a center of pilgrimage during the rule of the Ganga dynasty. Their rulers, notably Anantavarman and Anangabhima III, played a key role in establishing and promoting the temple.
Q27. Which form of dance, mentioned in the chapter, has origins in the storytelling traditions of temples in north India?
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kathak
c) Odissi
d) Kuchipudi
Answer: b) Kathak
Explanation: Kathak, a classical dance form now associated with north India, originated from the storytelling (kathak) traditions of temples in the region. This dance form evolved from the gestures and songs used by these storytellers.
Q28. Which regional kingdom centered in Bengal emerged as a significant cultural and political center during the eighth century?
a) The Gupta Kingdom
b) The Pala Kingdom
c) The Mauryan Kingdom
d) The Chola Kingdom
Answer: b) The Pala Kingdom
Explanation: In the eighth century, the Pala Kingdom established Bengal as a center of a regional kingdom, thereby enhancing the region’s cultural and political significance. This period marked a crucial phase in the development of Bengali language and literature.
Q29. What significant role did Anangabhima III play in the context of the Jagannatha temple in Puri?
a) He was the architect of the temple.
b) He dedicated his kingdom to the deity Jagannatha.
c) He introduced the worship of Jagannatha to the region.
d) He was the first pilgrim to visit the temple.
Answer: b) He dedicated his kingdom to the deity Jagannatha.
Explanation: Anangabhima III, a ruler of the Ganga dynasty, significantly contributed to the cult of Jagannatha by dedicating his kingdom to the deity and proclaiming himself as the deity’s “deputy.” This act strengthened the temple’s religious and political influence.
Q30. The Kangra school of miniature painting is known for its inspiration from which religious traditions?
a) Islamic traditions
b) Jain traditions
c) Vaishnavite traditions
d) Shaivite traditions
Answer: c) Vaishnavite traditions
Explanation: The Kangra school of miniature painting, which emerged in the mid-eighteenth century, drew inspiration from Vaishnavite traditions. This school is distinguished by its soft colors and lyrical treatment of themes, often depicting scenes related to Lord Krishna.
Q31. Which region in India is known for the heroic tales of Rajputs, as mentioned in the chapter?
a) Gujarat
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Rajasthan
d) Maharashtra
Answer: c) Rajasthan
Explanation: Rajasthan, referred to as Rajputana by the British in the nineteenth century, is known for its heroic tales of Rajputs. These tales, often about valiant rulers and warriors, form a significant part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Q32. The term “Manipravalam” in medieval Indian literature refers to a mix of which two languages?
a) Sanskrit and Hindi
b) Tamil and Telugu
c) Malayalam and Sanskrit
d) Kannada and Marathi
Answer: c) Malayalam and Sanskrit
Explanation: Manipravalam, literally meaning ‘
diamonds and corals’, refers to a medieval literary style that mixed Malayalam and Sanskrit. This style was particularly used in southern India and is exemplified in texts like the Lilatilakam, which deals with grammar and poetics.
Q33. In the context of the Jagannatha temple at Puri, which foreign powers tried to gain control over the temple to legitimize their rule in Orissa?
a) The Portuguese and the Dutch
b) The Mughals and the English East India Company
c) The French and the British
d) The Greeks and the Persians
Answer: b) The Mughals and the English East India Company
Explanation: Throughout history, powerful conquerors such as the Mughals and later the English East India Company attempted to gain control over the Jagannatha temple at Puri. They believed that controlling the temple would help them gain acceptance from the local populace and legitimize their rule in Orissa.
Q34. Kathak dance developed in two major traditions or ‘gharanas’ in which regions of India?
a) Bengal and Assam
b) Rajasthan (Jaipur) and Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow)
c) Gujarat and Maharashtra
d) Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
Answer: b) Rajasthan (Jaipur) and Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow)
Explanation: Kathak dance developed into two major traditions or ‘gharanas’ in Rajasthan (Jaipur) and Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow). Each gharana developed its own distinctive style under regional patronage, enriching the overall form of Kathak.
Q35. Which of the following is not a classical dance form of India as per the chapter’s content?
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kuchipudi
c) Bhangra
d) Manipuri
Answer: c) Bhangra
Explanation: Bhangra is a traditional folk dance from Punjab and is not classified as a classical dance form. The chapter lists Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali, Odissi, and Kathak as classical dance forms recognized in India.
Q36. What role did temples play in the social and economic life of Bengal, especially from the late fifteenth century?
a) They were primarily used as educational centers.
b) They served as symbols of power and piety for new social groups.
c) They functioned as trade and commerce centers.
d) They were used as military fortresses.
Answer: b) They served as symbols of power and piety for new social groups.
Explanation: In Bengal, especially from the late fifteenth century, temples served as symbols of power and piety for new and emerging social groups. The construction of temples was a way for these groups to proclaim their social and economic status.