1. The Chalukyas of Badami are also known as?
A) Early Chalukyas
B) Western Chalukyas
C) Eastern Chalukyas
D) Southern Chalukyas
Answer: A) Early Chalukyas
Explanation: The Chalukyas of Badami (543–753 CE) are called the Early Chalukyas to distinguish them from Western and Eastern branches.
2. The capital of Chalukyas of Badami was?
A) Pattadakal
B) Aihole
C) Badami (Vatapi)
D) Kalyani
Answer: C) Badami (Vatapi)
Explanation: Their capital was Badami (ancient Vatapi) in present-day Bagalkot, Karnataka.
3. The dynasty was founded by?
A) Pulakeshin I
B) Kirtivarman I
C) Pulakeshin II
D) Mangalesha
Answer: A) Pulakeshin I
Explanation: Pulakeshin I (543–566 CE) founded the dynasty with Vatapi as capital.
4. Pulakeshin I performed which Vedic ritual to assert sovereignty?
A) Rajasuya
B) Ashwamedha
C) Vajapeya
D) Agnishtoma
Answer: B) Ashwamedha
Explanation: Pulakeshin I performed Ashwamedha Yajna, proving his independence.
5. The Chalukyas claimed descent from?
A) Solar dynasty (Suryavamsa)
B) Lunar dynasty (Chandravamsa)
C) Haritiputra lineage
D) Brahmin gotra
Answer: A) Solar dynasty (Suryavamsa)
Explanation: Chalukyas claimed to be Suryavamsis, linking themselves to ancient dynasties.
6. The Chalukyas were originally feudatories of?
A) Mauryas
B) Kadambas of Banavasi
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Satavahanas
Answer: B) Kadambas of Banavasi
Explanation: They were once Kadamba feudatories before becoming independent.
7. Which Chalukya ruler consolidated power after Pulakeshin I?
A) Mangalesha
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Kirtivarman I
D) Vikramaditya I
Answer: C) Kirtivarman I
Explanation: Kirtivarman I (566–597 CE) expanded the kingdom by defeating Mauryas of Konkan and Alupas.
8. Who was the younger brother and successor of Kirtivarman I?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Pulakeshin I
C) Mangalesha
D) Vikramaditya I
Answer: C) Mangalesha
Explanation: Mangalesha (597–609 CE) succeeded Kirtivarman I and further expanded territory.
9. Mangalesha is remembered for the construction of?
A) Mahakuta temples
B) Meguti Jain temple (Aihole)
C) Durga temple (Aihole)
D) Mallikarjuna temple (Pattadakal)
Answer: B) Meguti Jain temple (Aihole)
Explanation: Meguti temple inscription (634 CE) by Mangalesha is an important historical source.
10. The Meguti inscription of Aihole was composed by?
A) Ravikirti
B) Kalidasa
C) Kubja
D) Bana
Answer: A) Ravikirti
Explanation: Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakeshin II, composed it, recording Chalukya achievements.
11. Who was the greatest ruler of Badami Chalukyas?
A) Pulakeshin I
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Vikramaditya II
D) Kirtivarman II
Answer: B) Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Pulakeshin II (609–642 CE) is the most powerful ruler of the dynasty.
12. Pulakeshin II defeated which North Indian emperor?
A) Harsha Vardhana
B) Samudragupta
C) Chandragupta II
D) Skandagupta
Answer: A) Harsha Vardhana
Explanation: Pulakeshin II defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of Narmada (c. 618 CE).
13. Which Chinese traveler visited Pulakeshin II’s court?
A) Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang)
B) Fa-Hien
C) Al-Biruni
D) Megasthenes
Answer: A) Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang)
Explanation: Xuanzang visited Vatapi in 641 CE, praising Pulakeshin II’s empire.
14. Pulakeshin II issued a grant to Pallava king Mahendravarman I after which war?
A) Defeat at Kanchi
B) Victory at Pallalura
C) Defeat at Vilande
D) Conquest of Madurai
Answer: B) Victory at Pallalura
Explanation: After his victory over Mahendravarman I, Pulakeshin II issued land grants to temples.
15. Pulakeshin II’s rule is described in which famous inscription?
A) Meguti inscription
B) Aihole inscription
C) Hyderabad copper plates
D) Badami cliff inscription
Answer: B) Aihole inscription
Explanation: The Aihole inscription of 634 CE written by Ravikirti praises Pulakeshin II.
16. The Aihole inscription is famous because?
A) It gives Chalukya genealogy
B) It records the defeat of Harsha
C) It calls Aihole the cradle of Indian architecture
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The inscription provides genealogy, victories, and cultural significance of Aihole.
17. Pulakeshin II was defeated and killed by?
A) Pallava king Narasimhavarman I
B) Harshavardhana
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Cholas
Answer: A) Pallava king Narasimhavarman I
Explanation: Narasimhavarman I (Pallava) defeated Pulakeshin II in 642 CE and captured Vatapi.
18. Which Pallava ruler was called “Vatapikonda” (conqueror of Vatapi)?
A) Mahendravarman I
B) Narasimhavarman I
C) Rajasimha
D) Nandivarman
Answer: B) Narasimhavarman I
Explanation: After defeating Pulakeshin II, Narasimhavarman I assumed the title Vatapikonda.
19. Who restored Chalukya power after Pallava invasion?
A) Vikramaditya I
B) Kirtivarman II
C) Mangalesha
D) Vinayaditya
Answer: A) Vikramaditya I
Explanation: Vikramaditya I (655–681 CE) revived Chalukya fortunes after Pallava invasion.
20. Vikramaditya I is also known as?
A) Rajamalla
B) Rajaditya
C) Rajamalla Deva
D) Rajamalla Satyashraya
Answer: D) Rajamalla Satyashraya
Explanation: He took the title “Rajamalla Satyashraya”.
21. The Chalukya ruler who captured Kanchi from Pallavas was?
A) Vikramaditya II
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Kirtivarman I
D) Mangalesha
Answer: A) Vikramaditya II
Explanation: Vikramaditya II defeated Pallavas and captured Kanchi (c. 740 CE).
22. Vikramaditya II allowed Kanchi temples to remain untouched because?
A) He was a Jain
B) He respected Hindu temples
C) He was allied with Pallavas
D) He wanted peace
Answer: B) He respected Hindu temples
Explanation: Vikramaditya II was known for his religious tolerance and respect for temples.
23. The greatest temple-building activity under Badami Chalukyas was at?
A) Pattadakal
B) Halebidu
C) Belur
D) Shravanabelagola
Answer: A) Pattadakal
Explanation: Pattadakal (UNESCO site) was the main Chalukya center of temple architecture.
24. The Chalukyas of Badami were finally overthrown by?
A) Pallavas
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Hoysalas
D) Cholas
Answer: B) Rashtrakutas
Explanation: Rashtrakutas under Dantidurga defeated Kirtivarman II in 753 CE.
25. The last ruler of Chalukyas of Badami was?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Kirtivarman II
C) Vikramaditya II
D) Mangalesha
Answer: B) Kirtivarman II
Explanation: Kirtivarman II (746–753 CE) was defeated by Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga, ending Badami Chalukyas.
26. The Chalukya administration was based on divisions called?
A) Rashtras, Vishayas, Mahagramas
B) Mandalas, Taluks, Hoblis
C) Provinces, Districts, Subdivisions
D) Pattanas, Nagara, Nadu
Answer: A) Rashtras, Vishayas, Mahagramas
Explanation: The empire was divided into Rashtras (provinces) → Vishayas (districts) → Mahagramas/Gramas (villages).
27. The provincial governor under the Chalukyas was called?
A) Rashtrapati
B) Vishayapati
C) Mahamandaleshwara
D) Dandanayaka
Answer: A) Rashtrapati
Explanation: Rashtrapati governed a Rashtra, assisted by Vishayapatis.
28. The village headman during Chalukya period was called?
A) Gavunda
B) Gramakuta
C) Nadabova
D) Pattanaswamy
Answer: B) Gramakuta
Explanation: Gramakuta was the chief of a village administration.
29. The local assemblies in villages under Chalukyas were known as?
A) Mahajanas
B) Sabha
C) Samiti
D) Gramajanas
Answer: A) Mahajanas
Explanation: Mahajanas (assemblies of learned Brahmins) played an important role in land management and justice.
30. The Chalukya kings bore the dynastic title?
A) Satya Vākya
B) Vallabha
C) Haritiputra
D) Satyashraya
Answer: D) Satyashraya
Explanation: Chalukyas assumed the dynastic title “Satyashraya.”
31. The land revenue under the Chalukyas was collected in the form of?
A) Cash
B) Agricultural produce
C) Military service
D) Temple donations
Answer: B) Agricultural produce
Explanation: Land revenue was mostly paid as a share of agricultural produce.
32. The practice of issuing land grants to Brahmins during Chalukya rule was called?
A) Jagir
B) Devadana
C) Brahmadeya
D) Agrahara
Answer: C) Brahmadeya
Explanation: Brahmadeya lands were given to Brahmins, often exempt from taxes.
33. The Chalukyas encouraged which other type of land grants apart from Brahmadeya?
A) Devadana (to temples)
B) Ryotwari (to farmers)
C) Jagir (to military chiefs)
D) Zamindari (to nobles)
Answer: A) Devadana (to temples)
Explanation: Devadana grants were given to temples for maintenance.
34. The military commander under Chalukyas was called?
A) Dandanayaka
B) Senapati
C) Senabhova
D) Mahadandanayaka
Answer: A) Dandanayaka
Explanation: Dandanayaka was the commander of army divisions.
35. The Chalukya army was composed of?
A) Infantry and cavalry only
B) Infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots
C) Navy and infantry
D) Cavalry and elephants only
Answer: B) Infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots
Explanation: Like other dynasties, they maintained a Chaturanga bala (fourfold army).
36. The main source of income for Chalukyas was?
A) Sea trade
B) Land revenue
C) Temple donations
D) Gold mines
Answer: B) Land revenue
Explanation: Agriculture and land revenue formed the backbone of Chalukya economy.
37. The Chalukya rulers promoted which major religions?
A) Jainism
B) Shaivism and Vaishnavism
C) Buddhism
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Chalukyas were Shaivites and Vaishnavites, but also supported Jainism and Buddhism.
38. The famous Chalukya queen who built temples at Pattadakal was?
A) Lokamahadevi
B) Dantidevi
C) Vijayamahadevi
D) Tribhuvanamahadevi
Answer: A) Lokamahadevi
Explanation: Lokamahadevi, queen of Vikramaditya II, built the Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal.
39. The Chalukyas encouraged which language as administrative and inscriptional medium?
A) Prakrit
B) Sanskrit and Kannada
C) Tamil
D) Telugu
Answer: B) Sanskrit and Kannada
Explanation: Sanskrit was used for eulogies; Kannada for administration and local inscriptions.
40. The famous inscription that calls Aihole the “Cradle of Indian Architecture” is?
A) Talagunda inscription
B) Aihole inscription (Ravikirti)
C) Halmidi inscription
D) Gudnapur inscription
Answer: B) Aihole inscription (Ravikirti)
Explanation: The Aihole inscription of 634 CE, composed by Ravikirti, highlights Aihole as a cultural hub.
41. The Chalukya coins were mostly made of?
A) Copper and gold
B) Silver only
C) Iron and bronze
D) Lead
Answer: A) Copper and gold
Explanation: Copper and gold coins were issued with Varaha or boar emblem.
42. The royal emblem of the Badami Chalukyas was?
A) Lion
B) Varaha (Boar)
C) Bull
D) Garuda
Answer: B) Varaha (Boar)
Explanation: The Varaha (boar, avatar of Vishnu) was their royal emblem.
43. The most important cultural achievement of Badami Chalukyas is in?
A) Literature
B) Temple architecture
C) Coinage
D) Trade
Answer: B) Temple architecture
Explanation: They developed the Vesara style blending Nagara and Dravidian features.
44. The Chalukya temples at Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal represent?
A) Nagara style only
B) Dravidian style only
C) Vesara style
D) Indo-Islamic style
Answer: C) Vesara style
Explanation: They pioneered the Vesara style of temple architecture.
45. The cave temples of Badami were mainly dedicated to?
A) Shaiva, Vaishnava, Jain deities
B) Buddhist stupas
C) Tribal gods
D) Islamic saints
Answer: A) Shaiva, Vaishnava, Jain deities
Explanation: The Badami cave temples include Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain shrines.
46. The Chalukyas contributed to Kannada literature by?
A) Issuing Kannada inscriptions
B) Encouraging Kannada poets
C) Using Kannada in administration
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They issued Kannada inscriptions and encouraged Kannada as administrative language.
47. Who among the following Chalukya kings patronized Jainism greatly?
A) Mangalesha
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Vikramaditya II
D) Kirtivarman I
Answer: A) Mangalesha
Explanation: Mangalesha supported Jainism, building Meguti Jain temple at Aihole.
48. The Pattadakal group of monuments was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in?
A) 1985
B) 1987
C) 1990
D) 1995
Answer: B) 1987
Explanation: Pattadakal temples were included in UNESCO list in 1987.
49. The Badami Chalukya architecture served as inspiration for?
A) Rashtrakutas at Ellora
B) Hoysalas at Belur–Halebidu
C) Vijayanagara at Hampi
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their Vesara style influenced Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara builders.
50. The greatest cultural legacy of Badami Chalukyas is remembered as?
A) Patronage of Sanskrit only
B) Vesara architecture and Aihole–Pattadakal monuments
C) Trade with Arabs
D) Use of copper coins
Answer: B) Vesara architecture and Aihole–Pattadakal monuments
Explanation: Their most important legacy is temple architecture at Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal.
51. The Chalukya army was organized into?
A) Infantry and cavalry only
B) Infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots
C) Infantry, cavalry, and navy
D) Cavalry and archers only
Answer: B) Infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots
Explanation: Like other classical Indian dynasties, the Chalukyas maintained a Chaturanga bala (fourfold army).
52. The chief military officer under Chalukyas was called?
A) Dandanayaka
B) Mahadandanayaka
C) Senapati
D) Amatya
Answer: A) Dandanayaka
Explanation: Dandanayaka was the commander of armies, often holding great political power.
53. Pulakeshin II’s greatest military success was his victory over?
A) Harshavardhana
B) Narasimhavarman
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Kadambas
Answer: A) Harshavardhana
Explanation: Pulakeshin II defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of Narmada (618 CE), halting his southern expansion.
54. Which inscription records Pulakeshin II’s victory over Harsha?
A) Meguti inscription
B) Aihole inscription (Ravikirti)
C) Badami cliff inscription
D) Gudnapur inscription
Answer: B) Aihole inscription (Ravikirti)
Explanation: Ravikirti’s Aihole inscription (634 CE) celebrates Pulakeshin II’s defeat of Harsha.
55. The Pallava–Chalukya wars began during whose reign?
A) Pulakeshin I
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Vikramaditya I
D) Mangalesha
Answer: B) Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Pulakeshin II first clashed with Pallava king Mahendravarman I.
56. Pulakeshin II was defeated and killed by which Pallava king?
A) Mahendravarman I
B) Narasimhavarman I
C) Nandivarman II
D) Rajasimha
Answer: B) Narasimhavarman I
Explanation: Narasimhavarman I (Pallava) defeated and killed Pulakeshin II in 642 CE, capturing Vatapi.
57. Which Pallava ruler took the title Vatapikonda (Conqueror of Vatapi)?
A) Mahendravarman I
B) Narasimhavarman I
C) Nandivarman II
D) Aparajita
Answer: B) Narasimhavarman I
Explanation: After destroying Vatapi, Narasimhavarman I assumed the title Vatapikonda.
58. Who restored Chalukya power after Pallava conquest of Vatapi?
A) Vikramaditya I
B) Kirtivarman II
C) Mangalesha
D) Vinayaditya
Answer: A) Vikramaditya I
Explanation: Vikramaditya I (655–681 CE) revived Chalukya power, called “Rajamalla Satyashraya.”
59. Which Chalukya ruler re-established supremacy over Pallavas by capturing Kanchi?
A) Vikramaditya II
B) Pulakeshin I
C) Mangalesha
D) Kirtivarman II
Answer: A) Vikramaditya II
Explanation: Vikramaditya II (733–746 CE) invaded Tamil country and captured Kanchi.
60. Vikramaditya II’s campaign against Pallavas was carried out with the help of?
A) Gangas of Talakadu
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Alupas
D) Nolambas
Answer: A) Gangas of Talakadu
Explanation: Vikramaditya II secured help from his Ganga allies in defeating Pallavas.
61. Who built the famous Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal to commemorate victory over Pallavas?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Queen Lokamahadevi of Vikramaditya II
C) Queen Dantidevi of Mangalesha
D) Kirtivarman II
Answer: B) Queen Lokamahadevi of Vikramaditya II
Explanation: The Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal (740 CE) was built by Lokamahadevi, queen of Vikramaditya II.
62. Which king was the last strong ruler of Badami Chalukyas?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Vikramaditya II
C) Kirtivarman II
D) Vinayaditya
Answer: B) Vikramaditya II
Explanation: Vikramaditya II (733–746 CE) was the last great Chalukya ruler before decline.
63. The last ruler of Chalukyas of Badami was?
A) Kirtivarman II
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Vikramaditya I
D) Vinayaditya
Answer: A) Kirtivarman II
Explanation: Kirtivarman II (746–753 CE) was defeated by Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga.
64. Which Rashtrakuta ruler overthrew the Badami Chalukyas?
A) Krishna I
B) Dantidurga
C) Govinda III
D) Amoghavarsha I
Answer: B) Dantidurga
Explanation: Dantidurga defeated Kirtivarman II in 753 CE, establishing Rashtrakuta power.
65. The Chalukyas often fought with which neighboring power in the west coast?
A) Alupas of Mangalore
B) Cheras
C) Kadambas of Goa
D) Pandyas
Answer: A) Alupas of Mangalore
Explanation: The Alupas of coastal Karnataka were sometimes feudatories, sometimes adversaries.
66. Which Chalukya king defeated the Mauryas of Konkan?
A) Pulakeshin I
B) Kirtivarman I
C) Pulakeshin II
D) Vikramaditya II
Answer: B) Kirtivarman I
Explanation: Kirtivarman I (566–597 CE) subdued the Mauryas of Konkan.
67. Which Ganga ruler allied with Vikramaditya II against Pallavas?
A) Sripurusha
B) Butuga I
C) Avinita
D) Durvinita
Answer: A) Sripurusha
Explanation: Sripurusha of Gangas assisted Vikramaditya II against Pallavas.
68. Pulakeshin II’s campaigns extended Chalukya power as far as?
A) Gujarat in the northwest and Pallava country in the southeast
B) Bengal and Assam
C) Kerala and Sri Lanka
D) Sindh and Kabul
Answer: A) Gujarat in the northwest and Pallava country in the southeast
Explanation: His empire stretched from Narmada to Pallava kingdom, Gujarat to Orissa.
69. Which Chalukya king’s grant mentions victory over Latas, Malwas, and Gurjaras?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Kirtivarman I
C) Vikramaditya I
D) Vinayaditya
Answer: A) Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Pulakeshin II’s inscriptions claim victories over Latas (Gujarat), Malwas, and Gurjaras.
70. The Chalukyas maintained matrimonial alliances with?
A) Gangas
B) Alupas
C) Pallavas
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They married into Gangas, Alupas, Pallavas, strengthening political ties.
71. The Chalukya–Pallava conflict lasted for about?
A) 30 years
B) 50 years
C) 100 years
D) 150 years
Answer: D) 150 years
Explanation: Their conflict spanned over a century and a half (6th–8th centuries CE).
72. Pulakeshin II’s defeat by Pallavas is vividly described in?
A) Aihole inscription
B) Kuram copper plates of Pallavas
C) Halmidi inscription
D) Gudnapur inscription
Answer: B) Kuram copper plates of Pallavas
Explanation: Pallava records, including Kuram plates, describe Pulakeshin II’s defeat.
73. The main reason for decline of Chalukyas of Badami was?
A) Continuous wars with Pallavas
B) Rashtrakuta rise under Dantidurga
C) Weak successors after Vikramaditya II
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Weak rulers, Pallava wars, and Rashtrakuta rise ended their rule.
74. The military legacy of Badami Chalukyas survives today in?
A) Hero stones
B) Naval bases
C) Hoysala sculptures
D) Vijayanagara ruins
Answer: A) Hero stones
Explanation: Virgal (hero stones) commemorate fallen Chalukya warriors.
75. The Chalukyas of Badami are remembered as?
A) The first native empire-builders of Karnataka
B) The patrons of Jainism only
C) The maritime rulers of South India
D) The last great dynasty of Karnataka
Answer: A) The first native empire-builders of Karnataka
Explanation: Unlike Kadambas and Gangas, the Chalukyas built an empire stretching across Deccan, first of its kind from Karnataka.
76. The Chalukyas of Badami are credited with pioneering which style of temple architecture?
A) Dravidian only
B) Nagara only
C) Vesara (fusion style)
D) Kalinga style
Answer: C) Vesara (fusion style)
Explanation: They pioneered the Vesara style, blending Nagara (north Indian) and Dravidian (south Indian) features.
77. The group of monuments at Pattadakal is unique because?
A) It contains only Dravidian style temples
B) It has both Nagara and Dravidian style temples
C) It has Buddhist stupas
D) It is a Chola creation
Answer: B) It has both Nagara and Dravidian style temples
Explanation: Pattadakal temples represent a blend of Nagara and Dravidian styles.
78. The Durga temple at Aihole is famous for its?
A) Circular plan
B) Horseshoe-shaped apsidal plan
C) Star-shaped structure
D) Rock-cut construction
Answer: B) Horseshoe-shaped apsidal plan
Explanation: The Durga temple at Aihole is apsidal (horseshoe-shaped), unique in design.
79. The cave temples at Badami were excavated mainly for?
A) Hindu gods (Shaiva, Vaishnava) and Jainism
B) Buddhist stupas
C) Only Shaivism
D) Tribal deities
Answer: A) Hindu gods (Shaiva, Vaishnava) and Jainism
Explanation: Badami caves include Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain shrines.
80. The Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal was modeled after?
A) Shore temple of Mahabalipuram
B) Kailasanatha temple of Kanchipuram
C) Kailasa temple of Ellora
D) Meenakshi temple of Madurai
Answer: B) Kailasanatha temple of Kanchipuram
Explanation: The Virupaksha temple (740 CE) resembles Pallava’s Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram.
81. The Kailasa temple at Ellora was later built by which dynasty inspired by Chalukyas?
A) Rashtrakutas
B) Hoysalas
C) Pallavas
D) Cholas
Answer: A) Rashtrakutas
Explanation: The Rashtrakutas (Krishna I) built Kailasa temple at Ellora inspired by Chalukya architecture.
82. The Chalukya coins bore the emblem of?
A) Bull
B) Varaha (boar)
C) Lion
D) Garuda
Answer: B) Varaha (boar)
Explanation: Their emblem was Varaha, incarnation of Vishnu.
83. The Badami Chalukyas’ greatest cultural legacy is seen at?
A) Pattadakal
B) Hampi
C) Halebidu
D) Belur
Answer: A) Pattadakal
Explanation: Pattadakal group of monuments (UNESCO site) showcases their artistic peak.
84. The Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II was composed by?
A) Ravikirti
B) Bana
C) Kalidasa
D) Dandin
Answer: A) Ravikirti
Explanation: Court poet Ravikirti composed the Aihole inscription (634 CE).
85. The Aihole inscription describes Pulakeshin II as?
A) “Dakshinapatha Prithviswamin”
B) “Vatapikonda”
C) “Rajamalla Satyashraya”
D) “Kaviraja”
Answer: A) “Dakshinapatha Prithviswamin”
Explanation: Ravikirti calls him “Lord of the South (Dakshinapatha Prithviswamin).”
86. Which Chalukya king is praised in Chinese traveler Xuanzang’s account?
A) Pulakeshin I
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Vikramaditya II
D) Kirtivarman II
Answer: B) Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Xuanzang described Pulakeshin II’s empire (641 CE) as prosperous and vast.
87. Which was the primary language of administration under Badami Chalukyas?
A) Prakrit
B) Kannada and Sanskrit
C) Tamil
D) Telugu
Answer: B) Kannada and Sanskrit
Explanation: Kannada was used for administration; Sanskrit for royal eulogies.
88. The Chalukyas encouraged which type of land grants?
A) Brahmadeya and Devadana
B) Zamindari
C) Jagir
D) Ryotwari
Answer: A) Brahmadeya and Devadana
Explanation: Brahmadeya (to Brahmins) and Devadana (to temples) were common.
89. The Mahakuta pillar inscription records victories of?
A) Mangalesha
B) Kirtivarman I
C) Vikramaditya II
D) Pulakeshin II
Answer: A) Mangalesha
Explanation: The Mahakuta pillar inscription records Mangalesha’s military victories.
90. The Chalukyas’ religious policy can be described as?
A) Strictly Vaishnavite
B) Strictly Shaivite
C) Religious tolerance – Shaiva, Vaishnava, Jain, Buddhist support
D) Only Jain patronage
Answer: C) Religious tolerance – Shaiva, Vaishnava, Jain, Buddhist support
Explanation: They were mainly Shaivites/ Vaishnavites but patronized Jainism and Buddhism.
91. The Chalukyas’ conflict with Pallavas lasted how long?
A) 50 years
B) 100 years
C) 150 years
D) 200 years
Answer: C) 150 years
Explanation: Chalukya–Pallava wars lasted about 150 years (6th–8th centuries CE).
92. The Chalukyas of Badami were succeeded by?
A) Rashtrakutas
B) Hoysalas
C) Cholas
D) Vijayanagara Empire
Answer: A) Rashtrakutas
Explanation: Rashtrakutas (Dantidurga, 753 CE) overthrew them.
93. The Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi were founded by?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Pulakeshin I
C) Vikramaditya I
D) Mangalesha
Answer: A) Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Pulakeshin II installed his brother Kubja Vishnuvardhana in Vengi, founding Eastern Chalukyas.
94. The Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (Later Chalukyas) claimed descent from?
A) Pulakeshin I
B) Pulakeshin II
C) Vikramaditya II
D) Kirtivarman II
Answer: C) Vikramaditya II
Explanation: Western Chalukyas of Kalyani (973 CE) claimed descent from Vikramaditya II.
95. The Chalukyas contributed to the emergence of which later style of temples?
A) Hoysala star-shaped temples
B) Vijayanagara gopuras
C) Kalyani Chalukya ornate style
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their Vesara style influenced Hoysalas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Vijayanagara.
96. The Badami Chalukya period is often called?
A) Age of Jainism
B) Age of Vesara architecture
C) Golden Age of Kannada inscriptions
D) Age of Maritime Trade
Answer: B) Age of Vesara architecture
Explanation: It was the formative age of Vesara architecture in Deccan.
97. The title “Satyashraya” was associated with which Chalukya king?
A) Pulakeshin II
B) Vikramaditya I
C) Mangalesha
D) Kirtivarman II
Answer: B) Vikramaditya I
Explanation: Vikramaditya I assumed the dynastic title Satyashraya.
98. Which of the following sites is NOT associated with Badami Chalukya architecture?
A) Aihole
B) Pattadakal
C) Badami
D) Belur
Answer: D) Belur
Explanation: Belur is Hoysala (12th century); not Chalukya.
99. The Chalukyas’ contribution to Karnataka history is remembered because?
A) They created the first great empire of Karnataka
B) They pioneered Vesara architecture
C) They promoted Kannada and Sanskrit culture
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They were the first empire-builders of Karnataka, great patrons of art and language.
100. The single greatest legacy of Chalukyas of Badami is?
A) Victories over Pallavas
B) Use of Varaha emblem
C) Aihole–Pattadakal monuments and Vesara style
D) Trade with Arabs
Answer: C) Aihole–Pattadakal monuments and Vesara style
Explanation: Their temple architecture remains their most enduring legacy.