Worksheet Chapter 4: Theme III – Building a Resilient India (1000–1700 CE) Early Medieval India (750–1200 CE)

 Worksheet

Chapter 4: Theme III – Building a Resilient India (1000–1700 CE)

Early Medieval India (750–1200 CE)

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions 

Who founded the Pala Empire?

a) Dharmapala

b) Devapala

c) Gopala

d) Mahipala

The Tripartite Struggle was fought for the control of:

a) Delhi

b) Kannauj

c) Pataliputra

d) Ujjain

Who founded the Rashtrakuta Empire?

a) Krishna I

b) Govinda III

c) Dantidurga

d) Amoghavarsha

Which ruler built the Kailasa Temple at Ellora?

a) Krishna I

b) Govinda III

c) Dhruva

d) Indra IV

Who founded the Imperial Chola Empire?

a) Rajaraja I

b) Rajendra I

c) Vijayalaya Chola

d) Krishna III

Rajaraja I conquered:

a) Gujarat

b) Bengal

c) Northern Sri Lanka

d) Punjab

Rajendra I assumed the title:

a) Chakravartin

b) Gangaikondachola

c) Vikramaditya

d) Maharajadhiraja

Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Somnath in:

a) 1018 CE

b) 1001 CE

c) 1025 CE

d) 1030 CE

The First Battle of Tarain was fought in:

a) 1190 CE

b) 1191 CE

c) 1192 CE

d) 1194 CE

Followers of Vishnu in the Bhakti Movement were called:

a) Nayanars

b) Alvars

c) Sufis

d) Jains

Section B: Fill in the Blanks 

• The capital of the Rashtrakutas was ____________.
• Dharmapala revived ____________ University.
• The Cholas captured ____________ in 850 CE.
• The famous temple at Ellora is the ____________ Temple.
• Mahmud of Ghazni defeated ____________ in 1001 CE.
• Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the ____________ Battle of Tarain.
• The tower above the sanctum in Dravidian temples is called ____________.
• The Nagara style temple tower is known as ____________.
• The Bhakti Movement originated in ____________ Nadu.
• Kabir emphasized devotion to ____________ God.

Section C: Match the Following 

Column A Column B

1. Gopala a. Kailasa Temple

2. Krishna I b. Founder of Pala Empire

3. Rajendra I c. Khajuraho

4. Chandelas d. Gangaikondachola

5. Kabir         e. Hindu-Muslim Unity

Section D: True or False 

• Kannauj was the center of the Tripartite Struggle. ( )
• Devapala was the founder of the Pala Empire. ( )
• Rajaraja I built the Brihadeeswara Temple. ( )
• Mahmud Ghazni aimed to establish permanent rule in India. ( )
• Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 CE. ( )
• The Cholas had a powerful navy. ( )
• Khajuraho temples were built by the Cholas. ( )
• Vikramashila was a Buddhist learning center. ( )
• Alvars were devotees of Shiva. ( )
• Kabir opposed caste discrimination. ( )

Section E: Assertion and Reason

Choose:

A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C. A is true but R is false.

D. A is false but R is true.

Assertion: The Cholas became a dominant maritime power.

Reason: They possessed a strong navy and controlled trade routes.

Assertion: Kannauj was important during the early medieval period.

Reason: It was strategically located and economically prosperous.

Assertion: Mahmud Ghazni repeatedly invaded India.

Reason: His objective was mainly plunder and wealth.

Assertion: Bhakti reformers opposed caste discrimination.

Reason: They believed all humans were equal before God.

Assertion: Rajendra I was called Gangaikondachola.

Reason: He successfully campaigned up to the Ganga region.

Section F: Very Short Answer Questions 

• Who founded the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire?
• Name any two universities patronized by the Palas.
• Why was Kannauj important?
• Who built the Brihadeeswara Temple?
• Name any two Rajput dynasties.
• Who was Jayapala?
• What is a Gopuram?
• What is the meaning of Bhakti?
• Name two Bhakti saints.
• What was the Sabha in Chola administration?

Section G: Short Answer Questions 

• Write three achievements of the Pala Empire.
• Explain the significance of the Tripartite Struggle.
• Mention three achievements of Rajaraja I.
• Describe the naval strength of the Cholas.
• Write a short note on Mahmud Ghazni's invasions.
• Explain the importance of the Battles of Tarain.
• Describe the main features of Dravidian architecture.
• Write three features of Nagara architecture.
• Explain the role of Jain scholars in literature.
• State three teachings of the Bhakti Movement.

Section H: Long Answer Questions 

• Compare the Pala, Gurjara-Pratihara, and Rashtrakuta Empires.
• Explain the rise and expansion of the Chola Empire.
• Discuss the invasions of Mahmud Ghazni and their impact on India.
• Describe the development of temple architecture in North and South India.
• Explain the causes, teachings, and impact of the Bhakti Movement.

Section I: Case Study Based Questions

Case Study – 1: The Tripartite Struggle

The Pala, Gurjara-Pratihara, and Rashtrakuta Empires fought continuously for the control of Kannauj. Kannauj was strategically located and economically prosperous. Despite many battles, no dynasty could permanently control the city. The prolonged conflict weakened all three empires and eventually led to the rise of new regional kingdoms.

Questions

• Which three empires participated in the Tripartite Struggle?
• Why was Kannauj important?
• Did any empire achieve permanent control over Kannauj?
• What was the major result of the struggle?
• Name one ruler each from the Pala and Rashtrakuta dynasties.

Case Study – 2: Chola Naval Power

The Cholas developed one of the strongest navies in medieval India. Rajaraja I and Rajendra I expanded the empire through military campaigns. The Cholas defeated the Srivijaya Empire and promoted maritime trade. Their influence over the Bay of Bengal became so strong that it was often called a "Chola Lake."

Questions

• Which dynasty developed a powerful navy?
• Name two important Chola rulers.
• Which empire was defeated by the Cholas overseas?
• Why did the Cholas attack Srivijaya?
• How did naval power help the Chola Empire?

Case Study – 3: The Bhakti Movement

The Bhakti Movement emphasized personal devotion to God rather than elaborate rituals. It welcomed people of all castes and social backgrounds. Saints such as Ramanuja, Ramananda, and Kabir spread the message of devotion, equality, and brotherhood. The movement played an important role in reforming society.

Questions

• Where did the Bhakti Movement originate?
• Who were the Nayanars?
• Name any two Bhakti saints.
• What were the main teachings of the Bhakti Movement?
• How did the movement promote social equality?

Section J: HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Questions

• Why do you think Kannauj became the focus of conflict among three powerful empires?
• How did the Cholas use both military strength and trade to build their empire?
• Compare the objectives of Mahmud Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori. How were they different?
• Why are temples considered important sources for understanding medieval Indian society and culture?
• If you were a social reformer during the Bhakti Movement, what measures would you suggest to reduce caste discrimination and promote equality?

Answerkey

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions

• c) Gopala
• b) Kannauj
• c) Dantidurga
• a) Krishna I
• c) Vijayalaya Chola
• c) Northern Sri Lanka
• b) Gangaikondachola
• c) 1025 CE
• b) 1191 CE
• b) Alvars

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

• Manyakheta (Malkhed)
• Nalanda
• Thanjavur
• Kailasa
• Jayapala
• Second
• Vimana
• Shikhara
• Tamil
• One

Section C: Match the Following

• Gopala — b
• Krishna I — a
• Rajendra I — d
• Chandelas — c
• Kabir — e

Section D: True or False

• True
• False
• True
• False
• True
• True
• False
• True
• False
• True

Section E: Assertion and Reason

• A
• A
• A
• A
• A

Section F: Very Short Answers

• Nagabhata I
• Nalanda University and Vikramashila University
• It was a rich, strategic and politically important city.
• Rajaraja I
• Gahadavala Dynasty and Chahamana (Chauhan) Dynasty
• He was the Hindu Shahi ruler of Punjab.
• A monumental entrance gateway of a South Indian temple.
• Devotion to God.
• Ramanuja and Kabir.
• An assembly of Brahmanas in Agrahara villages.

Section G: Short Answers

1.

• Promoted Buddhism.
• Patronized Nalanda and Vikramashila Universities.
• Encouraged art, sculpture and learning.

• 2.
• It was fought for control of Kannauj.
• Involved Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas.
• Weakened all three empires and led to the rise of regional kingdoms.

3.

• Conquered northern Sri Lanka.
• Captured the Maldives.
• Expanded Chola territory and strengthened administration.

4.

• Cholas had a powerful navy.
• Defeated the Srivijaya Empire.
• Promoted overseas trade with China and Southeast Asia.

5.

• Mahmud invaded India repeatedly.
• Defeated Jayapala and Anandapala.
• Looted rich cities and temples including Somnath.

6.

• First Battle of Tarain (1191): Prithviraj defeated Ghori.
• Second Battle of Tarain (1192): Ghori defeated Prithviraj.
• Opened the way for Turkish rule in North India.

7.

• Pyramid-shaped Vimana.
• Large temple complexes and Mandapas.
• Massive Gopurams and detailed carvings.

8.

• Tall curving Shikhara.
• Presence of Mandapa.
• Rich stone carvings and sculptures.

9.

• Wrote literature in regional languages.
• Preserved Prakrit and Apabhramsha traditions.
• Contributed to the development of modern Indian languages.

10.

• Belief in one God.
• Importance of devotion and Guru.
• Equality and brotherhood of all people.

Section H: Long Answers

1. The Pala, Gurjara-Pratihara and Rashtrakuta Empires were the three major powers between 750–1000 CE. The Palas ruled Bengal and Bihar and promoted Buddhism. The Pratiharas ruled western and northern India and resisted Arab invasions. The Rashtrakutas ruled the Deccan and promoted literature and architecture. All three fought the Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj. None gained permanent control, and all weakened over time.

2. The Chola Empire rose in the 9th century under Vijayalaya Chola, who captured Thanjavur. Rajaraja I expanded the empire by conquering Sri Lanka, the Maldives and neighboring kingdoms. Rajendra I continued expansion, reached the Ganga region and earned the title Gangaikondachola. The Cholas developed a powerful navy and promoted trade with China and Southeast Asia.

3.  Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India several times between 1001 and 1025 CE. He defeated Jayapala and Anandapala and attacked wealthy cities and temples. His most famous raid was on the Somnath Temple. These invasions caused political instability, destruction and economic losses in northern India.

4. South India followed the Dravidian style characterized by Vimanas, Mandapas and Gopurams. Important examples include Brihadeeswara Temple and Gangaikondacholapuram Temple. North India followed the Nagara style characterized by Shikharas and Mandapas. Important examples include Khajuraho, Lingaraja Temple, Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple.

5. The Bhakti Movement arose due to rigid caste divisions, complex rituals, the influence of Islam and Sufism. It emphasized devotion to one God, equality, brotherhood and the importance of a Guru. Saints like Ramanuja, Ramananda and Kabir spread its teachings. The movement made religion accessible to common people and promoted social reform.

Section I: Case Study

Case Study 1

• Pala, Gurjara-Pratihara and Rashtrakuta Empires.
• It was strategically located and economically prosperous.
• No.
• All three empires weakened and regional kingdoms emerged.
• Dharmapala and Krishna I.

Case Study 2

• Chola Dynasty.
• Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.
• Srivijaya Empire.
• To remove trade obstacles and expand commerce.
• It helped expand territory and control maritime trade routes.

Case Study 3

• Tamil Nadu.
• Devotees of Shiva.
• Ramanuja and Kabir.
• Devotion to God, equality, brotherhood and importance of Guru.
• By accepting people of all castes and emphasizing equality before God.

Section J: HOTS

1. Kannauj was wealthy, strategically located and politically prestigious. Controlling it increased the power and influence of an empire.

2. The Cholas used a strong army and navy to conquer territories. They also encouraged overseas trade, which increased wealth and strengthened the empire.

3. Mahmud Ghazni mainly invaded India for wealth and plunder, whereas Muhammad Ghori aimed to establish political control and permanent rule.

4. Temples provide information about architecture, religion, art, economy and social life. They help historians understand medieval Indian culture.

5. I would promote equal rights, encourage education for all castes, reduce discrimination, and spread the message that all humans are equal before God.

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