UP History — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. Kathak

Wajid Ali Shah was a great patron of Kathak dance. He himself was an accomplished Kathak dancer, poet, and musician. He composed many thumris and ghazals and established the Lucknow gharana of Kathak. His court was a major centre of art and culture despite the political decline of Awadh.

Correct Answer: C. Ayodhya

Ayodhya, situated on the banks of the river Sarayu in Faizabad district, was the capital of Lord Rama's kingdom of Kosala according to the Ramayana. It is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism. The Ram Janmabhoomi temple is a major religious site here.

Correct Answer: A. Piprahwa in Siddharthnagar

The correct answer is Piprahwa in Siddharthnagar. Kapilavastu, the kingdom where Gautam Buddha grew up as Prince Siddhartha, is identified with Piprahwa in Siddharthnagar district of UP (though this identification is debated with Tilaurakot in Nepal). Archaeological excavations at Piprahwa have revealed important Buddhist remains and relics. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: B. Samudragupta

Samudragupta (335-380 CE) is known as the 'Napoleon of India', a title given by historian V.A. Smith. His military conquests are described in the Prayag Prashasti. He conquered many kingdoms across India and performed the Ashwamedha Yajna to assert his supremacy.

Correct Answer: C. Pataliputra

The Gupta dynasty originated in the Magadha region with Pataliputra as a major centre. However, the Guptas had strong connections with UP, particularly Prayag (Allahabad) where the Prayag Prashasti was inscribed. Chandragupta II also held court at Ayodhya, extending Gupta influence across UP.

Correct Answer: C. Hunas

Skandagupta (455-467 CE) is famous for repelling the invasion of the Hunas (Hephthalites/White Huns). His Bhitari Pillar Inscription (in Ghazipur district, UP) describes his victory over the Hunas. He is considered the last great ruler of the Gupta dynasty.

Correct Answer: B. Ghazipur

The Bhitari Pillar Inscription is located in Ghazipur district of UP. It is an important inscription of Skandagupta that describes his military victories, including the repulsion of the Hunas. It also mentions the hardships faced by the Gupta Empire during his reign.

Correct Answer: C. Buddhism

Harshavardhana organized a grand assembly at Kannauj around 643 CE in honour of Buddhism, attended by Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang. He also organized the Prayag festival every five years where he donated his wealth. Though initially a Shaiva, Harsha later became a patron of Buddhism.

Correct Answer: B. Fa-Hien

Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Gupta period) around 399-414 CE. He traveled through several cities in UP including Mathura, Kannauj, and Shravasti. His travelogue provides valuable information about the social and religious conditions during the Gupta period.

Correct Answer: B. Krishna Janmasthan Temple

Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Krishna Janmasthan Temple at Mathura during his Indian raids around 1017 CE. He was amazed by the wealth and grandeur of Mathura. This was one of his 17 raids into India, primarily aimed at plundering the wealthy temples.