1. Who wrote the biography of Harshavardhana, known as the Harshacharita?
a) Kalidasa
b) Banabhatta
c) Ravikirti
d) Harishena
Answer: b) Banabhatta
Explanation: Harshacharita was written by Banabhatta, a court poet of Harshavardhana, in Sanskrit. It gives details about Harsha’s genealogy and his early life.
2. What language was the Harshacharita written in?
a) Prakrit
b) Tamil
c) Sanskrit
d) Pali
Answer: c) Sanskrit
Explanation: Banabhatta composed the Harshacharita in Sanskrit, detailing the life and achievements of Harshavardhana.
3. Which Chinese traveler spent time at Harshavardhana’s court and recorded his observations?
a) Fa Xian
b) Xuan Zang
c) Marco Polo
d) Ibn Battuta
Answer: b) Xuan Zang
Explanation: Xuan Zang, a Chinese traveler, visited Harshavardhana’s court and left detailed accounts of what he observed.
4. How did Harshavardhana become the ruler of Thanesar?
a) He was the eldest son of his father
b) He inherited the throne from his uncle
c) His father and elder brother died
d) He conquered the kingdom through war
Answer: c) His father and elder brother died
Explanation: Harsha was not the eldest son, but he became king of Thanesar after his father and elder brother passed away.
5. Which kingdom did Harshavardhana take control of after his brother-in-law’s death?
a) Pataliputra
b) Kalinga
c) Kanauj
d) Magadha
Answer: c) Kanauj
Explanation: Harsha took over the kingdom of Kanauj after his brother-in-law was killed by the ruler of Bengal.
6. Which ruler stopped Harshavardhana’s southward expansion beyond the Narmada River?
a) Pulakeshin II
b) Samudragupta
c) Chandragupta II
d) Rajaraja Chola
Answer: a) Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Harshavardhana was successful in the east but was stopped by Pulakeshin II, a Chalukya ruler, when he tried to cross the Narmada.
7. Which regions did Harshavardhana successfully conquer?
a) Only Thanesar
b) Magadha and probably Bengal
c) The entire Deccan region
d) Sri Lanka
Answer: b) Magadha and probably Bengal
Explanation: Harsha conquered Magadha and likely Bengal, but his southern expansion was halted by Pulakeshin II.
8. How did Harshavardhana administer his empire?
a) Through local self-governance only
b) With the help of hereditary officials and ministers
c) By relying solely on military force
d) By appointing only Brahmins as rulers
Answer: b) With the help of hereditary officials and ministers
Explanation: Harshavardhana relied on officials and ministers to manage his vast empire, ensuring stability and governance.
9. What was the capital of Harshavardhana’s empire?
a) Ujjain
b) Kanauj
c) Pataliputra
d) Mathura
Answer: b) Kanauj
Explanation: Kanauj became the capital of Harshavardhana’s empire after he took over the kingdom from his brother-in-law.
10. What does Xuan Zang’s account tell us about Harshavardhana’s rule?
a) He was a cruel and unpopular ruler
b) He promoted Buddhism and maintained peace
c) He focused only on military conquests
d) He ignored the welfare of his people
Answer: b) He promoted Buddhism and maintained peace
Explanation: Xuan Zang’s records show that Harshavardhana was a patron of Buddhism and ensured a peaceful administration
