Medieval History — Set 1
Bihar GK · मध्यकालीन इतिहास · Questions 1–10 of 50
Who was the founder of the Pala Dynasty in Bihar and Bengal?
Correct Answer: A. Gopala
Gopala is considered the founder of the Pala Dynasty. He was elected by the people to end a period of political anarchy known as 'Matsyanyaya'. He established peace and laid the foundation for the Pala empire's dominance in Eastern India.
Which copper plate inscription provides detailed information about the Pala ruler Dharmapala?
Correct Answer: B. Khalimpur Copper Plate
The Khalimpur Copper Plate is a key source of information regarding Dharmapala. It describes his military conquests and his title as 'Uttarapathasvamin' (Lord of the North). This inscription is vital for understanding the extent of the Pala empire.
Which Pala king granted five villages to the Nalanda University at the request of the King of Java?
Correct Answer: C. Devapala
King Devapala granted five villages for the maintenance of a monastery at Nalanda. This request was made by Balaputradeva, the Shailendra king of Suvarnadvipa (Java). This event highlights the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between Bihar and Southeast Asia.
The 'Ramacharitam', a biography of a Pala king, was written by which poet?
Correct Answer: D. Sandhyakar Nandi
Sandhyakar Nandi wrote the 'Ramacharitam' in Sanskrit. It details the life and achievements of the Pala king Ramapala. The text also provides insights into the Kaivarta rebellion in Varendra.
Who led the first successful Turkish invasion of Bihar in the late 12th century?
Correct Answer: A. Bakhtiyar Khilji
Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji led the invasion of Bihar around 1198-1200 AD. He is responsible for the destruction of major monastic universities like Odantapuri and Nalanda. This event marked the beginning of Muslim rule in the region.
Which historian provides a contemporary account of Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasion of Bihar in 'Tabaqat-i-Nasiri'?
Correct Answer: B. Minhaj-i-Siraj
Minhaj-i-Siraj authored the 'Tabaqat-i-Nasiri', which chronicles the early Turkish conquests. He provides a detailed account of the destruction of monastic centers in Bihar. Minhaj served under the Mamluk sultans and recorded these events based on contemporary sources.
Who was the founder of the Karnata Dynasty of Mithila?
Correct Answer: C. Nanyadeva
Nanyadeva founded the Karnata Dynasty in Mithila around 1097 AD. He established his capital at Simraongarh on the border of Bihar and Nepal. His rule marked the beginning of a distinct cultural resurgence in the Mithila region.
The reign of the Karnata Dynasty is often described as the 'Golden Age' of which region?
Correct Answer: D. Mithila
The Karnata Dynasty's rule is known as the 'Golden Age of Mithila'. This period saw significant developments in Maithili literature, art, and social systems. Scholars and poets flourished under the patronage of the Karnata kings.
Which Karnata ruler introduced the 'Kulinism' (social ranking system) in Mithila?
Correct Answer: A. Harisimhadeva
Harisimhadeva, the last great ruler of the Karnata dynasty, introduced the system of Kulinism. This system organized the Maithil Brahmin and Kayastha communities based on lineage and social status. These social structures have had a lasting impact on the region's society.
Who was appointed as the first governor of Bihar by Sultan Iltutmish?
Correct Answer: B. Malik Jani
Iltutmish appointed Malik Jani (Malik Alauddin Jani) as the governor of Bihar. This appointment occurred after Iltutmish asserted control over the region, separating it from the Bengal administration. It was a move to consolidate Delhi's direct authority over Bihar.