UP History — Set 2
UP GK · UP इतिहास · Questions 11–20 of 200
Which Mauryan emperor erected the famous Lion Capital pillar at Sarnath?
Correct Answer: C. Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka erected the famous Lion Capital pillar at Sarnath around 250 BCE. The four-lion capital from this pillar was adopted as the national emblem of India in 1950. The Ashoka Chakra from the abacus of this pillar appears on the Indian national flag.
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti) was composed by which court poet?
Correct Answer: B. Harisena
The Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta. It describes Samudragupta's military conquests and achievements. The inscription is engraved on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad (Prayagraj).
Samudragupta's military achievements are described in which famous inscription?
Correct Answer: B. Prayag Prashasti
Samudragupta's military achievements are described in the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) composed by his court poet Harisena. The inscription describes his conquests across India and his policy of Digvijaya. Historian V.A. Smith called him the 'Napoleon of India'.
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty held court at which city in UP?
Correct Answer: C. Ayodhya
Chandragupta II held his court at Ayodhya in addition to Pataliputra. Under his reign, the Gupta Empire reached its zenith. His court included the legendary Navaratnas (nine gems) including Kalidasa. He also shifted part of his administration to Ujjain after conquering western India.
Harshavardhana, who ruled from Kannauj, belonged to which dynasty?
Correct Answer: A. Pushyabhuti (Vardhana)
Harshavardhana belonged to the Pushyabhuti or Vardhana dynasty and ruled from Kannauj (606-647 CE). He united much of North India and was a patron of Buddhism and learning. His court poet Banabhatta wrote the Harshacharita describing his life and achievements.
Which Chinese traveller visited the court of Harshavardhana at Kannauj?
Correct Answer: B. Hiuen Tsang
Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during 630-645 CE and spent time at Harshavardhana's court in Kannauj. He attended the grand assembly at Kannauj and the Prayag festival organized by Harsha. His travelogue Si-Yu-Ki provides invaluable details about 7th century India.
Banabhatta, who wrote Harshacharita, was the court poet of which ruler?
Correct Answer: C. Harshavardhana
Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana of Kannauj. He wrote two important works: Harshacharita, a biography of Harsha, and Kadambari, a romantic novel. His writings provide important historical details about 7th century North India and UP.
The Gahadavala dynasty ruled from which city in Uttar Pradesh?
Correct Answer: B. Varanasi
The Gahadavala dynasty ruled from Varanasi (Kashi) during the 11th-12th centuries CE. Their most notable ruler was Govindachandra, who successfully resisted Muslim invasions. The last ruler Jayachandra was defeated by Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE).
Who defeated the Gahadavala ruler Jayachandra in the Battle of Chandawar (1194 CE)?
Correct Answer: B. Muhammad Ghori
Muhammad Ghori defeated Jayachandra of the Gahadavala dynasty in the Battle of Chandawar in 1194 CE near modern Etawah in UP. This battle ended the last major Hindu kingdom of the Gangetic plains. After this, Kannauj and Varanasi came under Muslim control.
The Sharqi dynasty established the independent Sultanate of Jaunpur in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1394 CE
The Sharqi dynasty established the Sultanate of Jaunpur in 1394 CE, founded by Malik Sarwar (Khwaja-i-Jahan). Jaunpur became a major centre of Islamic learning and was known as the 'Shiraz of India'. The sultanate lasted until 1479 when Bahlol Lodi conquered it.