1. The Banavasi Kadamba dynasty was founded by?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Pulakeshin I
C) Harivarma
D) Simhavarma
Answer: A) Mayurasharma
Explanation: Mayurasharma established the Kadamba dynasty around 345 CE at Banavasi after revolting against Pallava rule.
2. Banavasi, the capital of Kadambas, is located in present-day?
A) Belagavi district
B) Uttara Kannada district
C) Shivamogga district
D) Dharwad district
Answer: B) Uttara Kannada district
Explanation: Banavasi is in Sirsi taluk, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, and was the earliest capital of the Kadambas.
3. The Kadambas were the first native dynasty of Karnataka to use?
A) Sanskrit as administrative language
B) Kannada as administrative language
C) Telugu inscriptions
D) Prakrit literature
Answer: B) Kannada as administrative language
Explanation: Kadambas pioneered Kannada as an official language in inscriptions and administration.
4. Mayurasharma, the founder of Kadamba dynasty, initially went to Kanchi for?
A) Military training
B) Agricultural expansion
C) Vedic education
D) Temple construction
Answer: C) Vedic education
Explanation: Mayurasharma went to Kanchi for Vedic studies but was humiliated by a Pallava guard, leading him to take up arms.
5. The Pallava ruler during Mayurasharma’s revolt was?
A) Simhavishnu
B) Skandavarman
C) Vishnugopa
D) Mahendravarman
Answer: C) Vishnugopa
Explanation: Pallava king Vishnugopa ruled when Mayurasharma revolted and established Kadamba rule.
6. The earliest native dynasty of Karnataka is?
A) Chalukyas
B) Kadambas of Banavasi
C) Gangas of Talakad
D) Rashtrakutas
Answer: B) Kadambas of Banavasi
Explanation: Kadambas were the first indigenous ruling dynasty of Karnataka.
7. The dynasty founded by Mayurasharma lasted until?
A) 5th century CE
B) 6th century CE
C) 7th century CE
D) 10th century CE
Answer: D) 10th century CE
Explanation: Kadamba dynasty continued until 10th century CE before merging under Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas.
8. Mayurasharma assumed the title?
A) Rajakesari
B) Dharmamaharaja
C) Shatruvahana
D) Virakarmaditya
Answer: B) Dharmamaharaja
Explanation: Mayurasharma adopted the title “Dharmamaharaja” highlighting his role as protector of dharma.
9. The Kadambas claimed descent from which gotra?
A) Bharadwaja gotra
B) Kashyapa gotra
C) Haritiputra gotra
D) Gautama gotra
Answer: C) Haritiputra gotra
Explanation: Kadambas traced their lineage to Haritiputra and Manavya gotra, signifying their Brahmin origin.
10. Which river is closely associated with Banavasi?
A) Malaprabha
B) Varada
C) Tungabhadra
D) Sharavathi
Answer: B) Varada
Explanation: Banavasi is situated on the banks of river Varada.
11. Who succeeded Mayurasharma?
A) Shantivarma
B) Kangavarma
C) Harivarma
D) Ravivarma
Answer: B) Kangavarma
Explanation: Kangavarma, son of Mayurasharma, succeeded him and continued to rule from Banavasi.
12. The Kadambas issued coins with the legend?
A) Sri Kadamba
B) Varada Devi
C) Banavasi Pura
D) Pallava Saka
Answer: A) Sri Kadamba
Explanation: Kadamba coins bore the name “Sri Kadamba” as a mark of authority.
13. Which was the earliest inscription of Kadambas?
A) Talagunda inscription
B) Halmidi inscription
C) Chandravalli inscription
D) Aihole inscription
Answer: A) Talagunda inscription
Explanation: Talagunda inscription (450 CE) describes the rise of Mayurasharma and Kadamba dynasty.
14. The Talagunda inscription was issued by?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Ravivarma
C) Kakusthavarma
D) Harivarma
Answer: C) Kakusthavarma
Explanation: Kakusthavarma issued the Talagunda inscription which records Mayurasharma’s life and rule.
15. Which king of Kadambas was a contemporary of Samudragupta?
A) Ravivarma
B) Kakusthavarma
C) Mayurasharma
D) Kangavarma
Answer: D) Kangavarma
Explanation: Kangavarma was contemporary of Gupta emperor Samudragupta.
16. Kadambas ruled mainly which part of Karnataka?
A) North Karnataka
B) South Karnataka
C) Coastal Karnataka & Malnad
D) Hyderabad-Karnataka region
Answer: C) Coastal Karnataka & Malnad
Explanation: Kadamba power was concentrated in Uttara Kannada, Shimoga, and Malnad region.
17. The Kadamba dynasty was succeeded by?
A) Hoysalas
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Badami Chalukyas
D) Vijayanagara
Answer: C) Badami Chalukyas
Explanation: After decline, Kadambas were overpowered by Badami Chalukyas.
18. The first ruler to use Kannada in inscriptions was?
A) Ravivarma
B) Kakusthavarma
C) Mayurasharma
D) Kangavarma
Answer: C) Mayurasharma
Explanation: Mayurasharma and his successors pioneered Kannada usage officially.
19. The famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa praised Banavasi in?
A) Abhijnanashakuntalam
B) Raghuvamsa
C) Meghaduta
D) Kumarasambhava
Answer: B) Raghuvamsa
Explanation: Kalidasa praised Banavasi’s beauty in Raghuvamsa.
20. The Kadambas practiced which religion?
A) Jainism
B) Buddhism
C) Shaivism and Vaishnavism
D) Islam
Answer: C) Shaivism and Vaishnavism
Explanation: Kadambas were mainly Shaivites and Vaishnavites, though they also patronized Jainism.
21. Who among the following was the greatest king of Kadambas?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Ravivarma
C) Kakusthavarma
D) Harivarma
Answer: C) Kakusthavarma
Explanation: Kakusthavarma expanded the kingdom, maintained marital alliances, and strengthened Kadamba rule.
22. The term “Banavasi Kadambas” distinguishes them from?
A) Gangas of Talakad
B) Kadambas of Goa & Hangal
C) Chalukyas of Badami
D) Hoysalas
Answer: B) Kadambas of Goa & Hangal
Explanation: Later branches of Kadambas ruled Goa and Hangal; hence, original rulers are called Banavasi Kadambas.
23. Who established the Kadamba dynasty in Goa later?
A) Shashthadeva
B) Vijayaditya
C) Rajaraja
D) Tribhuvanamalla
Answer: A) Shashthadeva
Explanation: Kadamba ruler Shashthadeva established a branch in Goa in the 10th century.
24. The Kadambas introduced which administrative feature?
A) Feudal system
B) Land revenue collection in Kannada
C) District divisions called Mandalas
D) Village panchayat system
Answer: C) District divisions called Mandalas
Explanation: They divided their kingdom into Mandalas, Vishayas, and Gramas.
25. Banavasi is also famous for the ancient temple of?
A) Madhukeshwara
B) Virupaksha
C) Lakshminarayana
D) Ranganatha
Answer: A) Madhukeshwara
Explanation: Madhukeshwara temple at Banavasi, dedicated to Shiva, was built by Kadambas and still stands today.
26. The official language of administration under the Kadambas was?
A) Sanskrit
B) Prakrit
C) Kannada
D) Pali
Answer: C) Kannada
Explanation: The Kadambas were the first native dynasty of Karnataka to use Kannada in administration and inscriptions, though Sanskrit was also used for eulogies.
27. The earliest Kannada inscription is?
A) Halmidi inscription
B) Chandravalli inscription
C) Talagunda inscription
D) Aihole inscription
Answer: A) Halmidi inscription
Explanation: The Halmidi inscription (450 CE) issued by Kadambas is the earliest known Kannada inscription.
28. The Halmidi inscription belongs to which Kadamba ruler?
A) Ravivarma
B) Kakusthavarma
C) Harivarma
D) Mrigeshavarma
Answer: C) Harivarma
Explanation: Halmidi inscription is attributed to Kadamba ruler Harivarma, marking the first extensive Kannada usage.
29. The famous Talagunda inscription was composed by?
A) Kalidasa
B) Kubja
C) Vishnu Sharma
D) Kavi Bana
Answer: B) Kubja
Explanation: The Talagunda inscription was authored by Kubja, a Jain poet, in Sanskrit.
30. Which Kadamba king maintained matrimonial relations with the Guptas?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Ravivarma
C) Kakusthavarma
D) Kangavarma
Answer: C) Kakusthavarma
Explanation: Kakusthavarma married his daughter to Gupta prince Skandagupta, strengthening ties.
31. The administrative division “Mandala” under Kadambas is equivalent to modern?
A) Province/State
B) District
C) Village
D) Sub-division
Answer: A) Province/State
Explanation: The Kadambas divided the empire into Mandala (Province) → Vishaya (District) → Mahagramas/Gramas (Village).
32. The chief of a village under the Kadambas was called?
A) Gramakuta
B) Gavunda
C) Naduprabhu
D) Nadabova
Answer: A) Gramakuta
Explanation: Gramakuta was the village headman, supported by accountants (Nadabova) and officers.
33. The village accountant under Kadambas was known as?
A) Nadabova
B) Senabhova
C) Gavunda
D) Dharmadikari
Answer: A) Nadabova
Explanation: Nadabova maintained land records and accounts at the village level.
34. The military head of a Vishaya was called?
A) Senabhova
B) Dandanayaka
C) Durgapala
D) Mahabali
Answer: B) Dandanayaka
Explanation: The Dandanayaka was the chief military commander of a Vishaya.
35. Which Kadamba king issued the famous Gudnapur inscription?
A) Kakusthavarma
B) Ravivarma
C) Mrigeshavarma
D) Harivarma
Answer: B) Ravivarma
Explanation: The Gudnapur inscription (6th century CE) of Ravivarma provides valuable details of Kadamba administration and genealogy.
36. The Gudnapur inscription was discovered in which district?
A) Dharwad
B) Belagavi
C) Uttara Kannada
D) Shivamogga
Answer: C) Uttara Kannada
Explanation: Gudnapur inscription was found in Uttara Kannada and belongs to Ravivarma.
37. Kadambas encouraged which form of land grants?
A) Brahmadeya
B) Devadana
C) Agrahara
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Kadambas patronized Brahmadeya (Brahmins), Devadana (temples), and Agrahara (educational settlements) land grants.
38. The famous Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi was originally built by?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Ravivarma
C) Kakusthavarma
D) Harivarma
Answer: A) Mayurasharma
Explanation: The Madhukeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was initially constructed by Kadambas and later renovated by Chalukyas and Hoysalas.
39. The main script used in Kadamba inscriptions was?
A) Brahmi
B) Kadamba script
C) Grantha
D) Nagari
Answer: B) Kadamba script
Explanation: Kadamba script, developed from Brahmi, later influenced Kannada and Telugu scripts.
40. The earliest Kannada script was developed during the reign of?
A) Chalukyas
B) Kadambas
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Hoysalas
Answer: B) Kadambas
Explanation: Kadambas developed the Kadamba script which evolved into modern Kannada-Telugu script.
41. Which Kadamba ruler performed the Ashwamedha Yajna?
A) Ravivarma
B) Kakusthavarma
C) Mayurasharma
D) Mrigeshavarma
Answer: A) Ravivarma
Explanation: Ravivarma conducted the Ashwamedha sacrifice, asserting his imperial sovereignty.
42. The official seal of Kadambas carried the emblem of?
A) Lion
B) Elephant
C) Lion and Bull
D) Varaha
Answer: C) Lion and Bull
Explanation: Kadamba royal emblem consisted of Lion and Bull symbolizing power and dharma.
43. Which religion received maximum patronage under Kadambas?
A) Jainism
B) Shaivism
C) Buddhism
D) Islam
Answer: B) Shaivism
Explanation: Though they respected all faiths, Shaivism was their main religion, reflected in temples like Madhukeshwara.
44. The Kadamba kings patronized which form of literature?
A) Prakrit & Pali
B) Kannada & Sanskrit
C) Tamil & Telugu
D) Persian & Arabic
Answer: B) Kannada & Sanskrit
Explanation: Kadambas encouraged works in Kannada (administration, poetry) and Sanskrit (eulogies, religious texts).
45. The inscription that refers to Mayurasharma’s transformation from scholar to warrior is?
A) Gudnapur inscription
B) Halmidi inscription
C) Talagunda inscription
D) Aihole inscription
Answer: C) Talagunda inscription
Explanation: Talagunda inscription vividly narrates how Mayurasharma gave up studies and became a warrior.
46. Who was the most powerful Kadamba ruler, known for his cultural patronage?
A) Ravivarma
B) Kakusthavarma
C) Mayurasharma
D) Harivarma
Answer: B) Kakusthavarma
Explanation: Kakusthavarma not only expanded territory but also encouraged culture, literature, and inscriptions.
47. In Kadamba period, the unit of revenue collection was?
A) Bhoga
B) Naga
C) Gadyana
D) Bitti
Answer: A) Bhoga
Explanation: Revenue system used Bhoga (land produce share) as unit for taxation.
48. The temple architecture style developed under Kadambas is called?
A) Dravidian
B) Kadamba Nagara
C) Vesara
D) Nagara
Answer: B) Kadamba Nagara
Explanation: Kadambas evolved the Kadamba Nagara style with stepped pyramidal shikaras, seen in Madhukeshwara temple.
49. The earliest stone inscription in Kannada (Halmidi) is dated to about?
A) 350 CE
B) 450 CE
C) 550 CE
D) 650 CE
Answer: B) 450 CE
Explanation: Halmidi inscription belongs to 450 CE, earliest known in Kannada.
50. The significance of Kadambas in Karnataka history lies in?
A) First indigenous dynasty
B) First use of Kannada in administration
C) Development of Kadamba script and architecture
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Kadambas’ contribution is foundational – they were the first native rulers, promoted Kannada, developed script and temple architecture.
51. The military of the Kadambas mainly consisted of?
A) Infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots
B) Infantry and cavalry only
C) Cavalry and navy only
D) Infantry and archers only
Answer: A) Infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots
Explanation: Like other ancient dynasties, Kadambas maintained a fourfold army (Chaturanga bala).
52. The chief of Kadamba army was known as?
A) Dandanayaka
B) Senabhova
C) Mahadandanayaka
D) Mahasandhivigrahi
Answer: A) Dandanayaka
Explanation: Dandanayaka was the commander-in-chief, responsible for maintaining the army.
53. Which Kadamba king fought against Pallavas and consolidated his power?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Kakusthavarma
C) Ravivarma
D) Harivarma
Answer: A) Mayurasharma
Explanation: Mayurasharma successfully fought Pallavas and established a strong military base for Kadambas.
54. Kadambas maintained alliances with which powerful northern dynasty?
A) Mauryas
B) Guptas
C) Kushanas
D) Vakatakas
Answer: B) Guptas
Explanation: Kakusthavarma formed marital alliance with Guptas by giving his daughter in marriage to Skandagupta.
55. The Kadambas were often in conflict with?
A) Gangas of Talakad
B) Chalukyas of Badami
C) Pallavas of Kanchi
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Kadambas had wars and shifting alliances with Pallavas, Gangas, and Chalukyas.
56. Who was the most powerful ruler of Kadambas known for victories and conquests?
A) Harivarma
B) Ravivarma
C) Mrigeshavarma
D) Mayurasharma
Answer: B) Ravivarma
Explanation: Ravivarma expanded Kadamba rule and was one of its militarily strongest rulers.
57. Ravivarma is said to have defeated which rulers?
A) Vakatakas and Pallavas
B) Gangas and Alupas
C) Nalas and Kalachuris
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Ravivarma fought against Pallavas, Gangas, Nalas, Alupas, and Kalachuris, strengthening Kadamba dominance.
58. The later Kadamba rulers accepted the suzerainty of?
A) Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas
B) Mauryas and Guptas
C) Hoysalas and Vijayanagara
D) Marathas and Bahmanis
Answer: A) Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas
Explanation: Later Kadambas became feudatories of Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas of Badami/Kalyani.
59. The Kadambas of Goa were founded by?
A) Shashthadeva
B) Ravivarma
C) Kakusthavarma
D) Mayurasharma
Answer: A) Shashthadeva
Explanation: Around 960 CE, Shashthadeva I founded the Kadamba kingdom of Goa as feudatories of Chalukyas.
60. Shashthadeva I ruled Goa under the suzerainty of?
A) Hoysalas
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Western Chalukyas of Kalyani
D) Vijayanagara
Answer: C) Western Chalukyas of Kalyani
Explanation: Kadambas of Goa ruled under Kalyani Chalukyas before asserting semi-independence.
61. The capital of Kadambas of Goa was?
A) Banavasi
B) Chandor (Chandrapura)
C) Hangal
D) Halasi
Answer: B) Chandor (Chandrapura)
Explanation: The Kadambas of Goa ruled from Chandor, a prominent city of that time.
62. Kadambas of Hangal were established in which century?
A) 8th century
B) 9th century
C) 10th century
D) 11th century
Answer: C) 10th century
Explanation: The Hangal branch of Kadambas emerged in the 10th century CE as feudatories of Western Chalukyas.
63. The Kadambas of Hangal ruled over?
A) North Karnataka (Haveri region)
B) Coastal Karnataka
C) South Karnataka
D) Goa region
Answer: A) North Karnataka (Haveri region)
Explanation: The Kadambas of Hangal ruled mainly in present-day Haveri and Dharwad districts.
64. Kadambas of Hangal were important feudatories of?
A) Rashtrakutas
B) Western Chalukyas of Kalyani
C) Hoysalas
D) Vijayanagara Empire
Answer: B) Western Chalukyas of Kalyani
Explanation: Kadambas of Hangal served as loyal feudatories of Western Chalukyas.
65. The Kadambas of Goa issued inscriptions in which languages?
A) Sanskrit and Kannada
B) Sanskrit and Marathi
C) Kannada and Konkani
D) Sanskrit, Kannada, and Marathi
Answer: D) Sanskrit, Kannada, and Marathi
Explanation: Kadambas of Goa issued trilingual inscriptions in Sanskrit, Kannada, and Marathi.
66. The Kadamba naval strength was most prominent in?
A) Banavasi Kadambas
B) Kadambas of Goa
C) Kadambas of Hangal
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Kadambas of Goa
Explanation: Being on the west coast, Kadambas of Goa maintained a naval force to control Arabian Sea trade.
67. The later Kadambas became feudatories of which empire in medieval period?
A) Vijayanagara Empire
B) Bahmani Sultanate
C) Mughal Empire
D) Maratha Empire
Answer: A) Vijayanagara Empire
Explanation: By the 14th century, Kadambas of Goa and Hangal were incorporated under Vijayanagara suzerainty.
68. Which Kadamba king of Goa introduced the title “Konkanadhipati”?
A) Shashthadeva I
B) Jayakeshi I
C) Tribhuvanamalla
D) Vijayaditya
Answer: B) Jayakeshi I
Explanation: Jayakeshi I of Goa assumed the title “Konkanadhipati” (Lord of Konkan).
69. The decline of Kadambas of Goa started after invasions of?
A) Bahmanis and Portuguese
B) Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas
C) Hoysalas and Pandyas
D) Marathas and Mughals
Answer: A) Bahmanis and Portuguese
Explanation: From the 14th–16th century, Bahmanis and Portuguese weakened the Kadambas of Goa.
70. Kadambas of Hangal were sometimes referred to as?
A) Kadambas of Banavasi
B) Kadambas of Halasi
C) Kadambas of Belur
D) Kadambas of Tuluva
Answer: B) Kadambas of Halasi
Explanation: Their sub-capital was Halasi (Belagavi region), hence they were also called Kadambas of Halasi.
71. The Kadambas of Goa patronized which religion prominently?
A) Jainism
B) Shaivism
C) Vaishnavism
D) Christianity
Answer: B) Shaivism
Explanation: Like their Banavasi ancestors, Kadambas of Goa supported Shaivism, building many Shiva temples.
72. The inscription of Kadambas of Goa referring to “Jayakeshi” was discovered at?
A) Banavasi
B) Chandor
C) Old Goa
D) Halasi
Answer: B) Chandor
Explanation: Chandor inscriptions mention Jayakeshi, a prominent ruler of Goa Kadambas.
73. Which later dynasty absorbed Kadambas of Hangal into their empire?
A) Hoysalas
B) Vijayanagara
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Bahmanis
Answer: B) Vijayanagara
Explanation: By the 14th century, Kadambas of Hangal lost prominence and were integrated into Vijayanagara Empire.
74. The last known ruler of Kadambas of Goa before Portuguese conquest was?
A) Shashthadeva II
B) Jayakeshi II
C) Tribhuvanamalla
D) Gangadhara
Answer: C) Tribhuvanamalla
Explanation: Tribhuvanamalla Deva was among the last Kadamba rulers of Goa before Portuguese occupation in 16th century.
75. The military legacy of Kadambas is remembered today through?
A) Indian Army insignia
B) INS Kadamba naval base
C) Air Force Station Kadamba
D) Karnataka Police Kadamba unit
Answer: B) INS Kadamba naval base
Explanation: The Indian Navy’s premier base at Karwar (Karnataka) is named “INS Kadamba” in their honor.
76. Which inscription provides the genealogy of Kadamba kings in detail?
A) Gudnapur inscription
B) Talagunda inscription
C) Halmidi inscription
D) Chandravalli inscription
Answer: A) Gudnapur inscription
Explanation: The Gudnapur inscription of Ravivarma records a detailed genealogy of Kadamba kings.
77. The Banavasi Kadambas are credited with laying the foundation of which cultural tradition?
A) Kannada literature and inscriptions
B) Vijayanagara temple art
C) Pali Buddhist texts
D) Chola bronze sculptures
Answer: A) Kannada literature and inscriptions
Explanation: Kadambas pioneered Kannada as an administrative and literary medium.
78. The coinage of Kadambas primarily used which metal?
A) Copper
B) Silver
C) Gold
D) Iron
Answer: A) Copper
Explanation: Kadamba coins were mainly of copper, though some gold coins were also issued.
79. Which title was frequently used by Kadamba rulers?
A) Satyashraya
B) Dharmamaharaja
C) Parameshvara
D) Rajakesari
Answer: B) Dharmamaharaja
Explanation: Kadamba kings used the title Dharmamaharaja, showing their adherence to dharma.
80. The Kadambas were succeeded by which dynasty in Banavasi?
A) Chalukyas of Badami
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Hoysalas
D) Vijayanagara
Answer: A) Chalukyas of Badami
Explanation: After the decline of Kadambas, Pulakeshin I and Chalukyas of Badami took control.
81. The Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II refers to Kadambas as?
A) Powerful allies
B) Ancient enemies
C) Feudatories
D) Teachers of Chalukyas
Answer: B) Ancient enemies
Explanation: Aihole inscription mentions Kadambas as early rivals of Chalukyas.
82. Which later dynasty considered Kadambas as their political predecessors in Karnataka?
A) Rashtrakutas
B) Hoysalas
C) Vijayanagara
D) Chalukyas
Answer: D) Chalukyas
Explanation: Chalukyas recognized Kadambas as the first indigenous power of Karnataka.
83. The Madhukeshwara temple at Banavasi is associated with which architectural style?
A) Kadamba Nagara
B) Dravidian
C) Vesara
D) Nagara
Answer: A) Kadamba Nagara
Explanation: Kadamba Nagara style is identified by stepped pyramidal shikaras, seen in Madhukeshwara temple.
84. Which literary work of Kalidasa refers to the beauty of Banavasi?
A) Raghuvamsha
B) Kumarasambhava
C) Abhijnanashakuntalam
D) Meghaduta
Answer: A) Raghuvamsha
Explanation: Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsha praises Banavasi and its natural beauty.
85. Who among the following Kadamba kings was noted for his Jain patronage?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Kakusthavarma
C) Ravivarma
D) Shashthadeva
Answer: B) Kakusthavarma
Explanation: Kakusthavarma gave grants to Jain establishments while personally following Shaivism.
86. The Halmidi inscription is significant because?
A) First inscription in Kannada
B) Oldest inscription in India
C) Records Chalukya victories
D) Earliest copper plate inscription
Answer: A) First inscription in Kannada
Explanation: Halmidi inscription (450 CE) is the earliest Kannada inscription, issued under Kadambas.
87. The Kadamba dynasty is considered unique in Karnataka history because?
A) First to use local language in governance
B) First to be founded by a Brahmin turned warrior
C) First native dynasty
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Kadambas hold a special place as Karnataka’s first indigenous dynasty and language patrons.
88. Who among the following was called “Shatruvahana” in Kadamba records?
A) Mayurasharma
B) Ravivarma
C) Kangavarma
D) Harivarma
Answer: B) Ravivarma
Explanation: Ravivarma earned the title Shatruvahana for defeating many enemies.
89. The Kadambas are associated with which script development?
A) Kannada and Telugu scripts
B) Nagari script
C) Tamil Brahmi script
D) Persian script
Answer: A) Kannada and Telugu scripts
Explanation: The Kadamba script later evolved into modern Kannada and Telugu scripts.
90. The earliest Brahmadeya (land grants to Brahmins) in Karnataka were given by?
A) Gangas
B) Kadambas
C) Hoysalas
D) Cholas
Answer: B) Kadambas
Explanation: Kadambas issued some of the earliest Brahmadeya grants, promoting Vedic learning.
91. The Kadamba dynasty originated from which community?
A) Kshatriyas
B) Brahmins
C) Vaishyas
D) Shudras
Answer: B) Brahmins
Explanation: The founder Mayurasharma was a Brahmin, who later took up arms and founded the dynasty.
92. The river near Banavasi is?
A) Varada
B) Tungabhadra
C) Krishna
D) Malaprabha
Answer: A) Varada
Explanation: Banavasi lies on the banks of Varada river in Uttara Kannada.
93. Which Kadamba king performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice?
A) Ravivarma
B) Mayurasharma
C) Harivarma
D) Kakusthavarma
Answer: A) Ravivarma
Explanation: Ravivarma performed Ashwamedha yajna, symbolizing sovereign power.
94. Kadambas played a crucial role in developing the tradition of?
A) Temple building in Karnataka
B) Naval expeditions in Konkan
C) Feudal administrative structure
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Kadambas contributed to architecture, naval trade in Goa, and feudal administration.
95. The Kadamba style of temple towers influenced later?
A) Vijayanagara gopuras
B) Hoysala temples
C) Chalukyan shikharas
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Kadamba Nagara stepped pyramid tower was a precursor to Chalukya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara styles.
96. The Kadambas of Goa issued land grants in which language?
A) Sanskrit
B) Kannada
C) Marathi
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Kadambas of Goa used Sanskrit, Kannada, and Marathi in their copper plate grants.
97. The famous epigraphist who identified Kadamba inscriptions extensively was?
A) B. L. Rice
B) K. A. Nilakanta Sastri
C) R. Narasimhachar
D) D. C. Sircar
Answer: A) B. L. Rice
Explanation: B. L. Rice, in his “Epigraphia Carnatica,” recorded Kadamba inscriptions.
98. In which modern state do we find most Kadamba inscriptions?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Karnataka
C) Maharashtra
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B) Karnataka
Explanation: Majority of Kadamba inscriptions are found in Karnataka, especially Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Belagavi.
99. The Kadambas are remembered today through which annual cultural event?
A) Hampi Utsav
B) Banavasi Kadambotsava
C) Kittur Utsav
D) Mysore Dasara
Answer: B) Banavasi Kadambotsava
Explanation: Every year, Banavasi hosts Kadambotsava to honor the dynasty’s cultural legacy.
100. The greatest contribution of Kadambas to Karnataka history is?
A) Territorial expansion
B) Coinage system
C) Language and cultural foundation
D) Maritime trade
Answer: C) Language and cultural foundation
Explanation: Kadambas’ use of Kannada, script development, and cultural patronage laid the base for Karnataka’s history.