1. The Vardhana dynasty is also called the:
A) Pushyabhuti dynasty
B) Kanva dynasty
C) Gupta dynasty
D) Satavahana dynasty
Answer: A) Pushyabhuti dynasty
Explanation: They were originally known as the Pushyabhutis, ruling from Thanesar.
2. The capital of the Pushyabhutis (later Vardhanas) was:
A) Pataliputra
B) Thanesar
C) Kanauj
D) Ujjain
Answer: B) Thanesar
Explanation: Their power base was at Thanesar (modern Haryana).
3. The most powerful ruler of the Vardhana dynasty was:
A) Prabhakaravardhana
B) Rajyavardhana
C) Harshavardhana
D) Adityavardhana
Answer: C) Harshavardhana
Explanation: Harsha (606–647 CE) built an empire covering much of north India.
4. Harshavardhana ascended the throne in:
A) 606 CE
B) 550 CE
C) 647 CE
D) 750 CE
Answer: A) 606 CE
Explanation: He became king at the young age of 16 after his brother’s death.
5. Harsha belonged to which gotra?
A) Bharadvaja
B) Vishwamitra
C) Kashyapa
D) Vasishtha
Answer: D) Vasishtha
Explanation: The Pushyabhutis claimed descent from the Vasishtha gotra.
6. Harsha’s father was:
A) Rajyavardhana
B) Prabhakaravardhana
C) Adityavardhana
D) Baladitya
Answer: B) Prabhakaravardhana
Explanation: He expanded Pushyabhuti power before Harsha.
7. Harsha’s elder brother was:
A) Devagupta
B) Rajyavardhana
C) Grahavarman
D) Vasudeva
Answer: B) Rajyavardhana
Explanation: He was killed by Gauda ruler Sasanka.
8. Harsha’s sister was married to:
A) Sasanka of Gauda
B) Pulakesin II
C) Grahavarman of Maukhari dynasty
D) Devabhuti
Answer: C) Grahavarman of Maukhari dynasty
Explanation: Rajyashri’s marriage linked Pushyabhutis with Maukharis of Kannauj.
9. Who killed Grahavarman, Harsha’s brother-in-law?
A) Devagupta of Malwa
B) Sasanka of Gauda
C) Both A and B
D) Pulakesin II
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Devagupta killed Grahavarman, and Sasanka imprisoned Rajyashri.
10. Harsha’s first major political mission was:
A) Rescue of his sister Rajyashri
B) Defeat of Pulakesin II
C) Annexation of Bengal
D) Conquest of Magadha
Answer: A) Rescue of his sister Rajyashri
Explanation: He saved her from committing suicide after Maukhari’s fall.
11. Harsha initially ruled from:
A) Pataliputra
B) Thanesar
C) Ujjain
D) Kannauj
Answer: B) Thanesar
Explanation: He later shifted his capital to Kannauj.
12. Harsha shifted his capital from Thanesar to:
A) Prayag
B) Kannauj
C) Pataliputra
D) Kashi
Answer: B) Kannauj
Explanation: Kannauj became his imperial capital.
13. Harsha tried to revive the glory of:
A) Mauryan empire
B) Gupta empire
C) Satavahanas
D) Cholas
Answer: B) Gupta empire
Explanation: He aimed to unify northern India like the Guptas.
14. Harsha’s empire included:
A) Entire South India
B) Most of North India
C) Punjab only
D) Only Magadha
Answer: B) Most of North India
Explanation: His empire stretched from Punjab to Bengal, except Deccan.
15. Harsha assumed which imperial title?
A) Chakravartin
B) Maharajadhiraja
C) Parameshwara
D) Devaputra
Answer: B) Maharajadhiraja
Explanation: Signifying supreme kingship.
16. Who described Harsha as the last great Hindu emperor of India?
A) Kalidasa
B) Banabhatta
C) Hieun Tsang (Xuanzang)
D) Alberuni
Answer: C) Hieun Tsang (Xuanzang)
Explanation: The Chinese pilgrim called Harsha “last great monarch of India.”
17. Harsha’s accession took place at the age of:
A) 12 years
B) 16 years
C) 20 years
D) 25 years
Answer: B) 16 years
Explanation: He was crowned at this young age in 606 CE.
18. Harsha belonged to which region?
A) Bengal
B) Magadha
C) Thanesar (modern Haryana)
D) Gujarat
Answer: C) Thanesar (modern Haryana)
Explanation: That was the early Pushyabhuti capital.
19. Harsha’s contemporary in South India was:
A) Rajaraja Chola
B) Pulakesin II of Chalukyas
C) Krishnadevaraya
D) Satakarni
Answer: B) Pulakesin II of Chalukyas
Explanation: Pulakesin II checked Harsha’s southern expansion.
20. The famous battle between Harsha and Pulakesin II took place on:
A) Narmada river
B) Ganga river
C) Yamuna river
D) Godavari river
Answer: A) Narmada river
Explanation: Harsha was defeated, and Narmada became boundary.
21. Harsha ruled approximately for:
A) 20 years
B) 41 years
C) 60 years
D) 10 years
Answer: B) 41 years
Explanation: From 606 CE to 647 CE.
22. The dynasty before the Vardhanas in north India was:
A) Guptas
B) Mauryas
C) Shungas
D) Kanvas
Answer: A) Guptas
Explanation: Vardhanas rose after decline of Guptas and Huna invasions.
23. Harsha’s empire included all except:
A) Magadha
B) Bengal
C) Punjab
D) Deccan south of Narmada
Answer: D) Deccan south of Narmada
Explanation: His expansion was checked by Pulakesin II.
24. Harsha’s sister Rajyashri later became a follower of:
A) Jainism
B) Shaivism
C) Buddhism
D) Vaishnavism
Answer: C) Buddhism
Explanation: She embraced Buddhism under Harsha’s patronage.
25. Harsha was succeeded by:
A) His son
B) His brother
C) No direct heir
D) His minister
Answer: C) No direct heir
Explanation: Harsha died childless in 647 CE, causing disintegration of his empire.
26. Harsha expanded his empire mainly in:
A) Deccan and South India
B) Western India and Sindh
C) Northern India, Bengal and Assam
D) Kashmir and Afghanistan
Answer: C) Northern India, Bengal and Assam
Explanation: Harsha unified most of North India, though his Deccan expedition failed.
27. Harsha’s authority extended from:
A) Himalayas to Narmada
B) Himalayas to Krishna river
C) Punjab to Tamil Nadu
D) Bengal to Afghanistan
Answer: A) Himalayas to Narmada
Explanation: Pulakesin II prevented his expansion south of the Narmada.
28. Harsha attempted to conquer the Deccan but was checked by:
A) Satavahanas
B) Pallavas
C) Pulakesin II of Chalukyas
D) Rashtrakutas
Answer: C) Pulakesin II of Chalukyas
Explanation: Pulakesin II defeated Harsha on the Narmada.
29. The battle between Harsha and Pulakesin II was described in:
A) Banabhatta’s Harshacharita
B) Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II
C) Hieun Tsang’s account
D) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
Answer: B) Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II
Explanation: It glorifies Pulakesin II’s victory over Harsha.
30. Harsha shifted his capital from Thanesar to:
A) Ayodhya
B) Prayaga
C) Kannauj
D) Ujjain
Answer: C) Kannauj
Explanation: Kannauj became his imperial capital and center of North India politics.
31. Harsha’s empire at its peak included:
A) Punjab, Bengal, Odisha, Kashmir, Magadha
B) Entire Deccan peninsula
C) Only Gangetic plains
D) Gujarat and Maharashtra
Answer: A) Punjab, Bengal, Odisha, Kashmir, Magadha
Explanation: These formed the core of Harsha’s empire.
32. Harsha divided his empire into:
A) Provinces → Districts → Villages
B) Mandalas → Rashtras → Vishayas
C) Both A and B (regional variations)
D) Tribes → Villages → Janapadas
Answer: C) Both A and B (regional variations)
Explanation: The administration followed older Gupta and regional models.
33. Harsha personally supervised:
A) Agriculture
B) Revenue collection
C) Justice and charity
D) Foreign trade
Answer: C) Justice and charity
Explanation: Hieun Tsang mentions Harsha’s role as an accessible and just ruler.
34. The chief source of revenue in Harsha’s empire was:
A) Land revenue
B) Customs duty
C) Loot and plunder
D) Salt tax
Answer: A) Land revenue
Explanation: Like earlier dynasties, agriculture was the backbone of the economy.
35. Harsha spent a large portion of state revenue on:
A) Army and fortifications
B) Public welfare and charity
C) Trade expeditions
D) Temple building
Answer: B) Public welfare and charity
Explanation: Xuanzang notes that Harsha gave away revenues in charity every five years.
36. Harsha organized assemblies at:
A) Prayag (Allahabad)
B) Ujjain
C) Kashi
D) Pataliputra
Answer: A) Prayag (Allahabad)
Explanation: The quinquennial (every 5 years) Prayag assemblies distributed wealth to people and monks.
37. Harsha’s administration can be compared with:
A) Mauryan highly centralized rule
B) Gupta semi-feudal system
C) Mughal mansabdari system
D) British ICS
Answer: B) Gupta semi-feudal system
Explanation: He followed Gupta models but with more local autonomy.
38. Harsha maintained a large:
A) Standing navy
B) Standing cavalry and infantry army
C) Professional bureaucracy like Mauryas
D) Tribal militia
Answer: B) Standing cavalry and infantry army
Explanation: He depended on cavalry, elephants, and infantry.
39. The size of Harsha’s army according to Xuanzang was:
A) 20,000 cavalry, 60,000 infantry, 5,000 elephants
B) 50,000 cavalry, 100,000 infantry, 10,000 elephants
C) 10,000 cavalry, 30,000 infantry, 2,000 elephants
D) 1,00,000 cavalry, 2,00,000 infantry, 20,000 elephants
Answer: A) 20,000 cavalry, 60,000 infantry, 5,000 elephants
Explanation: Xuanzang provides these figures in his account.
40. Harsha maintained diplomatic contacts with which foreign ruler?
A) Justinian I of Byzantine empire
B) Khalid ibn al-Walid of Arabs
C) Khosrow II of Persia
D) Tang emperor of China
Answer: D) Tang emperor of China
Explanation: Harsha exchanged missions with the Chinese court.
41. The Chinese pilgrim who visited Harsha’s court was:
A) Faxian
B) Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang)
C) I-Tsing
D) Al-Biruni
Answer: B) Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang)
Explanation: He spent nearly 8 years in Harsha’s empire.
42. The Indian king who sent an embassy to Harsha’s court was:
A) Satakarni of Satavahanas
B) Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa
C) Pulakesin II
D) Rajaraja Chola
Answer: B) Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa
Explanation: He allied with Harsha against Sasanka of Gauda.
43. Harsha’s empire declined because:
A) He had no heir
B) He lost to Pulakesin II
C) Local rulers asserted independence
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His death without an heir caused disintegration.
44. Harsha’s court was known for:
A) Military grandeur
B) Literary and cultural patronage
C) Trade monopolies
D) Jain councils
Answer: B) Literary and cultural patronage
Explanation: Scholars like Banabhatta and Xuanzang graced his court.
45. Harsha is remembered as a:
A) Conqueror only
B) Builder of an all-India empire
C) Patron of culture, religion and welfare
D) Anti-Buddhist king
Answer: C) Patron of culture, religion and welfare
Explanation: He was a statesman and patron of religion, arts and letters.
46. The quinquennial assemblies at Prayag lasted for:
A) 3 days
B) 7 days
C) 21 days
D) 75 days
Answer: C) 21 days
Explanation: They were long events where Harsha gave away state wealth.
47. Harsha’s relations with Bengal were hostile because of:
A) Sasanka of Gauda
B) Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa
C) Gupta rulers
D) Satavahanas
Answer: A) Sasanka of Gauda
Explanation: Sasanka killed Harsha’s brother and imprisoned his sister.
48. Harsha’s rule was more:
A) Religious and benevolent
B) Militaristic and expansionist
C) Mercantile and profit-driven
D) Maritime-oriented
Answer: A) Religious and benevolent
Explanation: Though a conqueror, Harsha is remembered for tolerance and welfare.
49. The extent of Harsha’s empire was comparable to:
A) Mauryas under Ashoka
B) Guptas under Chandragupta II
C) Satavahanas under Gautamiputra Satakarni
D) Cholas under Rajendra I
Answer: B) Guptas under Chandragupta II
Explanation: Both controlled most of North India but not the entire subcontinent.
50. The significance of Harsha’s administration lies in:
A) Attempt to unify northern India after Guptas
B) Patronage of welfare and assemblies
C) Balance between Brahmanism and Buddhism
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Harsha’s reign was transitional but culturally golden.
51. Harsha in his early life followed:
A) Jainism
B) Shaivism (Hinduism)
C) Buddhism
D) Vaishnavism
Answer: B) Shaivism (Hinduism)
Explanation: Initially, Harsha was a Shaiva, but later became a patron of Buddhism.
52. In later life, Harsha became a follower of:
A) Jainism
B) Hinayana Buddhism
C) Mahayana Buddhism
D) Pure Vaishnavism
Answer: C) Mahayana Buddhism
Explanation: Xuanzang mentions Harsha as a devoted Mahayana Buddhist.
53. Harsha organized great religious assemblies at:
A) Prayag, Kannauj and Nalanda
B) Ujjain, Taxila and Sanchi
C) Pataliputra, Bodh Gaya and Vaishali
D) Ayodhya, Kashi and Gaya
Answer: A) Prayag, Kannauj and Nalanda
Explanation: He held assemblies to promote Buddhism and religious harmony.
54. The most famous assembly organized by Harsha was at:
A) Prayag
B) Kannauj
C) Nalanda
D) Sanchi
Answer: B) Kannauj
Explanation: The Kannauj Assembly (643 CE) attended by Xuanzang promoted Mahayana Buddhism.
55. The Prayag assemblies organized by Harsha were held every:
A) Year
B) 5 years
C) 10 years
D) 12 years
Answer: B) 5 years
Explanation: These quinquennial assemblies were for charity and religious discussions.
56. At Prayag, Harsha donated:
A) Half of his income
B) Entire state revenue of the year
C) A fourth of his revenue
D) Only symbolic gifts
Answer: B) Entire state revenue of the year
Explanation: Xuanzang says Harsha gave away everything in charity during these assemblies.
57. Harsha built monasteries at:
A) Nalanda
B) Nalanda and Bodh Gaya
C) Nalanda, Kashi and Ujjain
D) Mathura and Ayodhya
Answer: B) Nalanda and Bodh Gaya
Explanation: He patronized Buddhist learning centers.
58. Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang) came to India during Harsha’s reign in:
A) 399 CE
B) 629 CE
C) 712 CE
D) 1017 CE
Answer: B) 629 CE
Explanation: He stayed till 645 CE, documenting Indian society.
59. Xuanzang stayed in India for about:
A) 3 years
B) 8 years
C) 12 years
D) 16 years
Answer: B) 8 years
Explanation: He extensively toured India, especially Harsha’s empire.
60. Xuanzang described Harsha as:
A) Harsh and tyrannical
B) A just and benevolent ruler
C) A weak king
D) An expansionist only
Answer: B) A just and benevolent ruler
Explanation: He praised Harsha’s administration, justice and charity.
61. The biography of Harsha, Harshacharita, was written by:
A) Banabhatta
B) Kalidasa
C) Dandin
D) Amarasimha
Answer: A) Banabhatta
Explanation: Banabhatta, Harsha’s court poet, wrote his biography.
62. Banabhatta also wrote:
A) Kadambari
B) Raghuvamsha
C) Kiratarjuniya
D) Swapnavasavadatta
Answer: A) Kadambari
Explanation: A romantic prose romance, considered a Sanskrit classic.
63. Harsha himself wrote plays in:
A) Prakrit
B) Sanskrit
C) Pali
D) Tamil
Answer: B) Sanskrit
Explanation: He was a learned king and Sanskrit dramatist.
64. The three plays attributed to Harsha are:
A) Abhijnanashakuntalam, Raghuvamsha, Meghaduta
B) Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, Nagananda
C) Mudrarakshasa, Mrichhakatika, Kadambari
D) Panchatantra, Hitopadesha, Kathasaritasagara
Answer: B) Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, Nagananda
Explanation: These works show his literary contribution.
65. Harsha’s plays focus on:
A) Love and romance
B) Religious and social themes
C) Both A and B
D) Purely political propaganda
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Ratnavali and Priyadarshika are romances; Nagananda has Buddhist themes.
66. The main university that flourished under Harsha’s patronage was:
A) Takshashila
B) Vallabhi
C) Nalanda
D) Vikramashila
Answer: C) Nalanda
Explanation: Harsha gave patronage to Nalanda, making it a great Buddhist center.
67. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang studied at:
A) Takshashila
B) Nalanda
C) Vallabhi
D) Amaravati
Answer: B) Nalanda
Explanation: He studied Buddhist philosophy at Nalanda University.
68. Harsha’s reign is called a:
A) Political Golden Age
B) Cultural Golden Age
C) Scientific Golden Age
D) Dark Age
Answer: B) Cultural Golden Age
Explanation: His reign saw flourishing literature, art, and Buddhism.
69. The religion that received maximum royal patronage under Harsha was:
A) Jainism
B) Mahayana Buddhism
C) Shaivism
D) Vaishnavism
Answer: B) Mahayana Buddhism
Explanation: Harsha shifted from Shaivism to Mahayana Buddhism later in life.
70. Harsha also maintained religious tolerance towards:
A) Shaivism
B) Vaishnavism
C) Jainism
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Despite being a Buddhist, he was tolerant towards all sects.
71. Harsha’s religious assemblies were attended by:
A) Monks of only Buddhism
B) Scholars of all religions
C) Only Shaivite Brahmanas
D) Only Jain monks
Answer: B) Scholars of all religions
Explanation: Harsha promoted inter-religious debates and harmony.
72. Xuanzang’s account of India is known as:
A) Si-yu-ki (Records of the Western World)
B) Arthashastra
C) Tarikh-i-Hind
D) Rajatarangini
Answer: A) Si-yu-ki (Records of the Western World)
Explanation: His travelogue is a key source for Harsha’s reign.
73. Xuanzang praised the Gupta and Vardhana periods mainly for:
A) Military expansion
B) Prosperity and religious harmony
C) Maritime trade
D) Naval supremacy
Answer: B) Prosperity and religious harmony
Explanation: He highlighted India’s wealth, learning, and tolerance.
74. Harsha’s reign ended in:
A) 606 CE
B) 647 CE
C) 550 CE
D) 712 CE
Answer: B) 647 CE
Explanation: He died childless in 647 CE.
75. The main legacy of Harsha’s reign was:
A) A vast political empire
B) Cultural and religious patronage
C) Military conquest of South India
D) Establishment of Islam in India
Answer: B) Cultural and religious patronage
Explanation: Though politically short-lived, Harsha’s cultural influence was long-lasting.
76. Harsha died in:
A) 606 CE
B) 620 CE
C) 647 CE
D) 700 CE
Answer: C) 647 CE
Explanation: He ruled for 41 years (606–647 CE).
77. Harsha died without:
A) A capital city
B) A treasury
C) A male heir
D) A successor dynasty
Answer: C) A male heir
Explanation: He had no sons, leading to fragmentation of his empire.
78. After Harsha’s death, Kannauj was captured by:
A) Arabs
B) Chalukyas
C) Yashovarman of Kannauj
D) Sasanka
Answer: C) Yashovarman of Kannauj
Explanation: Local rulers gained control after Harsha’s empire collapsed.
79. Harsha’s empire disintegrated mainly because:
A) External invasions
B) Weak administration
C) Absence of an heir and strong successors
D) Religious intolerance
Answer: C) Absence of an heir and strong successors
Explanation: The empire broke into regional kingdoms.
80. Which foreign power attempted to invade during Harsha’s time?
A) Arabs
B) Tibetans
C) Chinese
D) Persians
Answer: B) Tibetans
Explanation: Tibetans threatened Harsha’s north-western frontiers.
81. Harsha’s failure to conquer the Deccan was due to:
A) Lack of army
B) Defeat by Pulakesin II of Chalukyas
C) Buddhist leanings
D) Roman interference
Answer: B) Defeat by Pulakesin II of Chalukyas
Explanation: He was checked on the Narmada frontier.
82. The Aihole inscription describes:
A) Ashoka’s conquests
B) Chandragupta’s expansion
C) Pulakesin II’s victory over Harsha
D) Nalanda’s founding
Answer: C) Pulakesin II’s victory over Harsha
Explanation: Composed by Ravikirti, Pulakesin’s court poet.
83. After Harsha’s death, North India entered a period known as:
A) Age of Imperial Guptas
B) Age of Small Kingdoms
C) Delhi Sultanate period
D) Harsha-Rajput era
Answer: B) Age of Small Kingdoms
Explanation: Regional states like Kannauj, Bengal, Kashmir, and Rajputs rose.
84. The “Tripartite Struggle” for Kannauj (later) involved:
A) Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas
B) Guptas, Shungas, Kanvas
C) Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas
D) Arabs, Turks, Afghans
Answer: A) Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas
Explanation: Kannauj remained politically important after Harsha.
85. Harsha’s death marked the end of:
A) Buddhism in India
B) Political unity in North India
C) Gupta era
D) Indo-Greek contacts
Answer: B) Political unity in North India
Explanation: The subcontinent fragmented into regional kingdoms.
86. The main source of information on Harsha’s political career is:
A) Arthashastra
B) Harshacharita by Banabhatta
C) Rajatarangini
D) Indica by Megasthenes
Answer: B) Harshacharita by Banabhatta
Explanation: It details his rise and conquests.
87. The main foreign source for Harsha’s reign is:
A) Fa-Hien
B) Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang)
C) Al-Biruni
D) Ibn Battuta
Answer: B) Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang)
Explanation: His Si-yu-ki gives valuable information.
88. Harsha’s assemblies symbolized:
A) His love for war
B) His support for Buddhism and religious tolerance
C) Tax collection rituals
D) Military parades
Answer: B) His support for Buddhism and religious tolerance
Explanation: Assemblies like at Prayag and Kannauj reflected inclusivity.
89. Harsha’s legacy includes:
A) Patronage of Nalanda
B) Promotion of Sanskrit literature
C) Model of welfare state in ancient India
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: His reign was culturally rich and tolerant.
90. Harsha’s literary contributions (plays) show his interest in:
A) Science
B) Drama and religion
C) Politics
D) Warfare
Answer: B) Drama and religion
Explanation: Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, Nagananda reflect these themes.
91. Which religion gained maximum state support under Harsha?
A) Shaivism
B) Mahayana Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) Vaishnavism
Answer: B) Mahayana Buddhism
Explanation: He built monasteries and hosted Buddhist councils.
92. Which king invited Xuanzang to India?
A) Ashoka
B) Kanishka
C) Harshavardhana
D) Chandragupta II
Answer: C) Harshavardhana
Explanation: Harsha’s patronage of Buddhism attracted him.
93. Harsha is often called the last great Hindu emperor of North India because:
A) He united the south also
B) He controlled entire India
C) He was the last Indian ruler before Islamic invasions to unify large parts of North India
D) He converted to Islam
Answer: C) He was the last Indian ruler before Islamic invasions to unify large parts of North India
Explanation: His empire was the last extensive northern kingdom before medieval period.
94. The Chinese sources describe Harsha as a ruler who:
A) Was cruel
B) Was benevolent and just
C) Was indifferent to Buddhism
D) Ignored foreign relations
Answer: B) Was benevolent and just
Explanation: Xuanzang praised his charity and governance.
95. Harsha’s failure against Pulakesin II is important because:
A) It preserved Deccan independence
B) It destroyed Chalukya power
C) It ended Buddhism in south India
D) It led to Harsha’s assassination
Answer: A) It preserved Deccan independence
Explanation: The Narmada remained a boundary between north and south.
96. Harsha’s quinquennial assemblies highlight:
A) Centralized taxation
B) Tradition of royal charity
C) Royal extravagance
D) Military recruitment
Answer: B) Tradition of royal charity
Explanation: He gave away revenue for religious and social welfare.
97. Harsha’s rule was different from Mauryas because:
A) Mauryas had a centralized bureaucracy, Harsha relied on feudal lords
B) Mauryas patronized Buddhism, Harsha patronized Shaivism
C) Mauryas ruled south India, Harsha ruled only north
D) Harsha had a stronger navy than Mauryas
Answer: A) Mauryas had a centralized bureaucracy, Harsha relied on feudal lords
Explanation: His administration was less centralized than Mauryas.
98. The most striking feature of Harsha’s rule was:
A) Maritime trade
B) Religious tolerance and charity
C) Feudal exploitation
D) Decline of Sanskrit literature
Answer: B) Religious tolerance and charity
Explanation: He is remembered as a benevolent king.
99. Harsha’s reign represents:
A) The peak of Indian feudalism
B) The last phase of ancient Indian empire building before medieval era
C) The rise of Delhi Sultanate
D) The decline of Buddhism
Answer: B) The last phase of ancient Indian empire building before medieval era
Explanation: After Harsha, no major pan-North Indian empire arose until medieval times.
100. The Vardhana dynasty is important in Indian history because:
A) It marked India’s first empire
B) It represented the last great Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of ancient North India
C) It ruled for 500 years
D) It destroyed Nalanda
Answer: B) It represented the last great Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of ancient North India
Explanation: Harsha symbolized the end of ancient imperial traditions and transition to medieval India.