UPSC Static Quiz – Ancient and Medieval India : 29 October 2024

Solution: d)

• Harshavardhana, after the fall of the Gupta Empire, emerged as a prominent ruler in northern India. He successfully unified most of the northern region, creating a large empire that extended southward to the Narmada River.
• This southern boundary was significant, as it marked the limit of his empire’s expansion; he never conquered the Deccan plateau.
• Kannauj served as his capital, becoming a political and administrative center. This city became an intellectual and cultural hub under Harsha’s rule, reflecting the empire’s prosperity and centralization.
• Harsha’s consolidation of northern India, along with the establishment of a centralized capital, contributed to his legacy as a unifying force in post-Gupta northern India.

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

• Harshavardhana maintained diplomatic relations with China, as seen in his correspondence with the Tang dynasty. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang, who visited Harsha’s court, documented the emperor’s diplomatic openness and intellectual environment, marking the era as one of cross-cultural exchanges.
• Kannauj, Harsha’s capital, became a significant center for poets, artists, and scholars, drawing intellectuals from various regions and fostering a vibrant cultural scene.

However, the scarcity of coins during Harsha’s reign does not indicate a thriving mercantile economy but instead points to a predominantly feudal economy. This scarcity suggests that economic transactions relied less on coinage and more on barter or other non-monetary exchanges.

Solution: b)

• The Pallava empire was structured into administrative units known as “Kottams.” These divisions served as the primary organizational framework, allowing the Pallavas to manage their territories effectively.
• The Kottams were overseen by officials appointed by the king, ensuring a direct line of administrative control from the monarchy down to the local level. This hierarchical system allowed for centralized governance while still maintaining local oversight.
• Unlike the “Nadus” used by the Cholas, the Kottams were specific to the Pallava dynasty and played a crucial role in their administrative strategies.
• The division of territory into Kottams contributed to the Pallavas’ ability to consolidate power and efficiently manage their empire.
• This system helped streamline tax collection, maintain law and order, and ensure effective governance across the Pallava kingdom.

Solution: d)

• The Pallava administration was monarchical but allowed for considerable local autonomy, especially through village assemblies.
• These assemblies, such as the Sabha (for Brahmin settlements) and Urar (for non-Brahmin villages), held authority in local governance, managing administrative and judicial matters within their respective jurisdictions. Thus, statement 1, which claims that the monarchy was fully centralized, is incorrect.
• Furthermore, while land revenue was a significant income source, the Pallava state collected other taxes, including those on professions, marriage, and the manufacture of goods.

Statement 3 is also incorrect, as village governance was not handled solely by king-appointed officers; local assemblies played a vital role. This enabled local communities to handle day-to-day matters autonomously, promoting an organized yet flexible governance structure.

Solution: c)

• The Pancha Rathas at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), attributed to the reign of Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, are remarkable examples of rock-cut temple architecture.
• These monolithic structures, carved from single granite boulders, represent the transition from cave temples to free-standing temples in South India.
• Each of the five Rathas (chariots) is dedicated to a different deity or theme, and they exhibit distinct architectural styles, showcasing the Pallavas’ artistic mastery and architectural innovation.
• Unlike structural temples, which are constructed using masonry, rock-cut temples are hewn directly from the rock, making the Pancha Rathas exemplary of this method.
• This style was crucial in the evolution of Dravidian temple architecture and set a precedent for later temple constructions.
• The Pancha Rathas continues to be admired for their intricate carvings, architectural finesse, and historical significance, confirming their categorization as rock-cut temples.