1. The Chalukyas of Kalyana are also known as:
A) Western Chalukyas
B) Badami Chalukyas
C) Eastern Chalukyas
D) Rastrakutas
Answer: A) Western Chalukyas
Explanation: They are called the Western Chalukyas because their capital was at Kalyana (Basavakalyan) in present Karnataka, distinct from the Badami and Eastern Chalukyas.
2. Who is considered the founder of the Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Tailapa II
B) Someshvara I
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: A) Tailapa II
Explanation: Tailapa II revived Chalukya power around 973 CE after overthrowing the Rashtrakutas, establishing the Kalyana branch.
3. Tailapa II defeated which Rashtrakuta ruler to establish his rule?
A) Krishna III
B) Amoghavarsha I
C) Indra IV
D) Govinda III
Answer: C) Indra IV
Explanation: Tailapa II defeated the last Rashtrakuta ruler Indra IV, ending their rule and establishing the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty.
4. The capital of the Chalukyas of Kalyana was:
A) Pattadakal
B) Basavakalyan
C) Badami
D) Malkhed
Answer: B) Basavakalyan
Explanation: Kalyana (modern Basavakalyan in Bidar district) was the capital, giving the dynasty its name.
5. Who was the most famous ruler of the Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Tailapa II
B) Vikramaditya VI
C) Someshvara II
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: B) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: Vikramaditya VI (1076–1126 CE) is considered the greatest ruler of this dynasty; his reign was known as Chalukya Vikrama Era.
6. The reign of Vikramaditya VI is known as:
A) Chalukya Vikrama Era
B) Saka Era
C) Hoysala Era
D) Rashtrakuta Era
Answer: A) Chalukya Vikrama Era
Explanation: Vikramaditya VI started a new era in 1076 CE called the Chalukya-Vikrama Era.
7. Who succeeded Tailapa II?
A) Vikramaditya V
B) Satyashraya
C) Someshvara I
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: B) Satyashraya
Explanation: Satyashraya (997–1008 CE), son of Tailapa II, succeeded him and consolidated the kingdom.
8. Which Chalukya ruler faced invasions from Mahmud of Ghazni?
A) Satyashraya
B) Someshvara I
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Tailapa II
Answer: A) Satyashraya
Explanation: During Satyashraya’s reign, Mahmud of Ghazni’s forces advanced into Deccan, though his core kingdom remained safe.
9. The Western Chalukyas ruled during which period?
A) 543–753 CE
B) 753–973 CE
C) 973–1189 CE
D) 1189–1347 CE
Answer: C) 973–1189 CE
Explanation: Their rule spanned roughly from Tailapa II’s establishment (973 CE) till their defeat by the Hoysalas and Kalachuris (1189 CE).
10. Who was the last ruler of the Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Someshvara IV
B) Vikramaditya VI
C) Tailapa III
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: A) Someshvara IV
Explanation: Someshvara IV was the last ruler (till 1189 CE), defeated by Bijjala Kalachuri and later the Hoysalas.
11. The main rival of the Chalukyas of Kalyana in the south was:
A) Pallavas
B) Cholas
C) Rastrakutas
D) Hoysalas
Answer: B) Cholas
Explanation: They had long and continuous conflicts with the Cholas for control of Vengi and southern Karnataka.
12. Which Chalukya king shifted the capital permanently to Kalyana?
A) Tailapa II
B) Satyashraya
C) Someshvara I
D) Vikramaditya VI
Answer: C) Someshvara I
Explanation: Someshvara I shifted the capital from Manyakheta to Kalyana in 1042 CE.
13. Which battle is associated with Someshvara I against the Cholas?
A) Battle of Talakad
B) Battle of Koppam
C) Battle of Takkolam
D) Battle of Maski
Answer: B) Battle of Koppam
Explanation: Someshvara I fought Rajadhiraja Chola in the Battle of Koppam (1054 CE); Someshvara lost the battle.
14. Vikramaditya VI’s reign lasted for:
A) 25 years
B) 30 years
C) 50 years
D) 70 years
Answer: C) 50 years
Explanation: He ruled from 1076–1126 CE, one of the longest reigns in Indian medieval history.
15. Vikramaditya VI defeated which Chola ruler?
A) Rajadhiraja Chola
B) Kulottunga I
C) Rajendra Chola I
D) Rajaraja Chola I
Answer: B) Kulottunga I
Explanation: He defeated Kulottunga I of the Cholas and expanded his influence in the south.
16. The Chalukya dynasty of Kalyana came to an end mainly due to:
A) Invasions from Delhi Sultanate
B) Rise of Hoysalas and Kalachuris
C) Rashtrakutas resurgence
D) Internal conflicts only
Answer: B) Rise of Hoysalas and Kalachuris
Explanation: Decline of power and invasions by Hoysalas and Kalachuris ended the dynasty around 1189 CE.
17. Vikramaditya VI’s queen and scholar was:
A) Akkamahadevi
B) Mailaladevi
C) Chandralekha
D) Savitri Devi
Answer: B) Mailaladevi
Explanation: Mailaladevi was a learned queen and patron of arts during Vikramaditya VI’s reign.
18. Who among the following was called “Tribhuvanamalla”?
A) Tailapa II
B) Vikramaditya VI
C) Someshvara I
D) Satyashraya
Answer: B) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: Vikramaditya VI took the title Tribhuvanamalla, meaning “warrior of the three worlds.”
19. Which Chalukya ruler had matrimonial alliances with the Cholas?
A) Someshvara I
B) Vikramaditya VI
C) Tailapa II
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: B) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: Vikramaditya VI strengthened his position through matrimonial alliances with the Cholas.
20. Basavakalyan became famous during the Chalukya rule mainly due to:
A) Jainism
B) Virashaiva movement
C) Buddhism
D) Vaishnavism
Answer: B) Virashaiva movement
Explanation: Basavakalyan became the center of the Virashaiva (Lingayat) movement under Basaveshwara during the reign of Bijjala Kalachuri, after Chalukyas weakened.
21. Who was the predecessor of Someshvara I?
A) Satyashraya
B) Jayasimha II
C) Tailapa II
D) Vikramaditya VI
Answer: B) Jayasimha II
Explanation: Jayasimha II ruled before Someshvara I and was succeeded by him.
22. Which Chalukya king committed Jal Samadhi in the Tungabhadra river?
A) Someshvara I
B) Tailapa II
C) Jayasimha II
D) Vikramaditya VI
Answer: A) Someshvara I
Explanation: Due to incurable illness, Someshvara I committed Jal Samadhi (ritual drowning) in Tungabhadra in 1068 CE.
23. The Chalukya inscriptions were mainly in:
A) Tamil and Sanskrit
B) Kannada and Sanskrit
C) Prakrit and Tamil
D) Telugu and Sanskrit
Answer: B) Kannada and Sanskrit
Explanation: The Chalukyas of Kalyana used both Kannada (regional) and Sanskrit (administrative/liturgical) in their inscriptions.
24. The greatest threat to the Chalukyas of Kalyana in the north came from:
A) Paramaras
B) Kalachuris of Tripuri
C) Yadavas of Devagiri
D) Gurjara-Pratiharas
Answer: B) Kalachuris of Tripuri
Explanation: The Kalachuris of Tripuri (Chedi kings) were frequent rivals in northern Deccan politics.
25. The dynasty of Chalukyas of Kalyana is sometimes referred to as:
A) Later Chalukyas
B) Early Chalukyas
C) Eastern Chalukyas
D) Rashtrakuta Chalukyas
Answer: A) Later Chalukyas
Explanation: They are also called Later Chalukyas as they came after the Badami Chalukyas.
26. The administration of the Chalukyas of Kalyana was based on the model of:
A) Pallavas
B) Rashtrakutas
C) Mauryas
D) Cholas
Answer: B) Rashtrakutas
Explanation: The Chalukyas of Kalyana followed the Rashtrakuta administrative system with provinces (mandalas), districts (nadus), and villages (gramas).
27. The provincial governor under the Chalukyas was called:
A) Samanta
B) Dandanayaka
C) Mahamandaleshwara
D) Amatya
Answer: C) Mahamandaleshwara
Explanation: Mahamandaleshwaras governed large provinces (mandalas) with military and civil authority.
28. Local administration of nadus and gramas was looked after by:
A) Dandanayakas
B) Gavundas
C) Nayakas
D) Amatyas
Answer: B) Gavundas
Explanation: Village headmen called gavundas played a crucial role in land administration and tax collection.
29. The chief source of state revenue under Chalukyas was:
A) Salt tax
B) Trade duties
C) Land revenue
D) Tribute
Answer: C) Land revenue
Explanation: Land revenue formed the backbone of the Chalukya economy, as in other medieval kingdoms.
30. Which officials handled military administration under Chalukyas?
A) Nayakas and Dandanayakas
B) Gavundas
C) Mahamandaleshwaras
D) Amatyas
Answer: A) Nayakas and Dandanayakas
Explanation: Dandanayakas and Nayakas were military chiefs commanding troops and forts.
31. Which coin was commonly issued by the Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Pagoda (Gadyana)
B) Punch-marked coins
C) Pana
D) Mohur
Answer: A) Pagoda (Gadyana)
Explanation: Gold coins called gadyana (pagoda) and silver dramma were in circulation.
32. The Chalukyas patronized which language predominantly?
A) Tamil
B) Kannada
C) Telugu
D) Prakrit
Answer: B) Kannada
Explanation: Kannada was the main language of literature and inscription, though Sanskrit was also widely used.
33. Which famous Kannada poet was patronized by Vikramaditya VI?
A) Pampa
B) Ranna
C) Nagavarma II
D) Harihara
Answer: C) Nagavarma II
Explanation: Nagavarma II, a famous grammarian and poet, was patronized by Vikramaditya VI.
34. Who is known as Kavichakravarti among Chalukya court poets?
A) Ranna
B) Pampa
C) Nagavarma II
D) Andayya
Answer: A) Ranna
Explanation: Ranna, patronized by Satyashraya, was honored with the title Kavichakravarti (emperor among poets).
35. Ranna’s famous work Gadayuddha describes the battle between:
A) Arjuna and Karna
B) Bhima and Duryodhana
C) Rama and Ravana
D) Krishna and Jarasandha
Answer: B) Bhima and Duryodhana
Explanation: Gadayuddha narrates the mace duel between Bhima and Duryodhana from the Mahabharata.
36. The Jain poet Someshvara wrote Manasollasa during which ruler’s reign?
A) Tailapa II
B) Someshvara III
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: B) Someshvara III
Explanation: Someshvara III, himself a scholar-king, authored Manasollasa, an encyclopaedic Sanskrit work.
37. Manasollasa provides information mainly about:
A) Architecture
B) Administration and lifestyle
C) Astronomy
D) Epics
Answer: B) Administration and lifestyle
Explanation: It gives details about polity, society, food, music, dance, games, and lifestyle of the age.
38. The Chalukya inscriptions were usually written in:
A) Grantha script
B) Devanagari script
C) Kannada and Nagari scripts
D) Brahmi script only
Answer: C) Kannada and Nagari scripts
Explanation: Kannada script was used for local records, while Nagari was employed for Sanskrit texts.
39. Which religion received major patronage from the Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Jainism
B) Shaivism
C) Vaishnavism
D) Buddhism
Answer: B) Shaivism
Explanation: Although they were tolerant, the Chalukyas primarily patronized Shaivism, along with Jainism.
40. The growth of Jainism during Chalukya rule was supported by:
A) Hoysala rulers
B) Chola rulers
C) Chalukya kings and ministers
D) Kalachuris
Answer: C) Chalukya kings and ministers
Explanation: Many ministers and generals of the Chalukyas were Jains, supporting Jain temples and literature.
41. Who among the following was a famous grammarian of the Chalukya period?
A) Pampa
B) Ranna
C) Nagavarma II
D) Keshiraja
Answer: C) Nagavarma II
Explanation: Nagavarma II wrote Kavyavalokana (poetics) and Karnataka Bhashabhushana (grammar in Kannada).
42. Which ruler was also a noted scholar and historian?
A) Someshvara III
B) Tailapa II
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: A) Someshvara III
Explanation: Someshvara III (1126–1138 CE) was an erudite scholar, author of Manasollasa.
43. The Chalukya society was divided into:
A) Two classes
B) Four varnas
C) Caste and sectarian groups
D) Tribes and peasants
Answer: B) Four varnas
Explanation: Like the rest of India, society was divided into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, though Lingayat and Jain influences emerged.
44. Women in Chalukya society had access to:
A) Education and property rights
B) Only religious roles
C) Only household duties
D) Military roles
Answer: A) Education and property rights
Explanation: Women like queens Mailaladevi and writers like Akkamahadevi (later under Kalachuris) show women’s participation in education and religion.
45. The Chalukyas promoted which style of temple architecture?
A) Nagara style
B) Vesara style
C) Dravida style
D) Indo-Islamic style
Answer: B) Vesara style
Explanation: The Western Chalukyas perfected the Vesara style, a blend of Nagara (north Indian) and Dravida (south Indian) forms.
46. The Vesara style is also called:
A) Kalyani Chalukya style
B) Badami Chalukya style
C) Pallava style
D) Hoysala style
Answer: A) Kalyani Chalukya style
Explanation: The Vesara style developed during Kalyana Chalukya period is called Kalyani Chalukya style.
47. The famous Kasivisveswara temple at Lakkundi was built under:
A) Tailapa II
B) Someshvara I
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: C) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: Kasivisveswara temple at Lakkundi is a fine example of Western Chalukya Vesara architecture.
48. Lakkundi, a famous center of Chalukya temples, is located in present:
A) Bagalkot district
B) Gadag district
C) Haveri district
D) Dharwad district
Answer: B) Gadag district
Explanation: Lakkundi in Gadag is known for its Chalukya temples, step-wells, and inscriptions.
49. The patronage of dance and music under Chalukyas is evidenced in:
A) Manasollasa
B) Kavirajamarga
C) Rajatarangini
D) Arthashastra
Answer: A) Manasollasa
Explanation: Manasollasa describes classical dance forms, music, instruments, and entertainment in detail.
50. Which literary work describes Basavakalyan’s grandeur as a cultural center?
A) Vikramankadeva Charita
B) Kavirajamarga
C) Rajatarangini
D) Gadayuddha
Answer: A) Vikramankadeva Charita
Explanation: Bilhana’s Vikramankadeva Charita in Sanskrit praises the reign and court of Vikramaditya VI at Kalyana.
51. The military strength of the Chalukyas of Kalyana was primarily based on:
A) Elephants
B) Cavalry and infantry
C) Navy
D) Artillery
Answer: B) Cavalry and infantry
Explanation: Like most Deccan kingdoms, their military relied on strong cavalry supported by elephants and infantry.
52. Which was a major stronghold (fort) of the Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Raichur
B) Koppam
C) Manyakheta
D) Kalaburagi
Answer: A) Raichur
Explanation: Raichur doab was a strategic and contested region between Chalukyas and Cholas.
53. The Chalukyas fought most frequently with which southern power?
A) Pandyas
B) Pallavas
C) Cholas
D) Hoysalas
Answer: C) Cholas
Explanation: Prolonged Chalukya–Chola wars dominated south Indian politics from the 10th–12th centuries.
54. The famous Battle of Koppam (1054 CE) was fought between:
A) Someshvara I and Rajadhiraja Chola
B) Tailapa II and Indra IV
C) Vikramaditya VI and Kulottunga I
D) Someshvara III and Rajendra Chola II
Answer: A) Someshvara I and Rajadhiraja Chola
Explanation: The Cholas defeated the Chalukyas; Rajadhiraja Chola died in the battle, but his brother won the field.
55. Which Chalukya king had the title “Ahavamalla”?
A) Someshvara I
B) Vikramaditya VI
C) Jayasimha II
D) Tailapa II
Answer: A) Someshvara I
Explanation: Someshvara I (1042–1068 CE) held the title Ahavamalla, meaning “wrestler in battle.”
56. Who ascended the throne after Someshvara I?
A) Vikramaditya VI
B) Someshvara II
C) Jayasimha II
D) Tailapa III
Answer: B) Someshvara II
Explanation: Someshvara II initially succeeded, but was later overthrown by his younger brother Vikramaditya VI.
57. Vikramaditya VI usurped the throne from his brother Someshvara II in which year?
A) 1068 CE
B) 1076 CE
C) 1080 CE
D) 1100 CE
Answer: B) 1076 CE
Explanation: He established his reign in 1076 CE and inaugurated the Chalukya Vikrama Era.
58. The Chalukyas of Kalyana fought against which dynasty in the north?
A) Paramaras of Malwa
B) Yadavas of Devagiri
C) Kalachuris of Tripuri
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They faced threats from Paramaras, Kalachuris, and later Yadavas in the north.
59. Which Chalukya king assumed the title Tribhuvanamalla?
A) Vikramaditya VI
B) Someshvara I
C) Tailapa II
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: A) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: He called himself Tribhuvanamalla, symbolizing his military prowess.
60. The Chalukya–Chola wars were mainly fought for control of:
A) Raichur doab
B) Vengi region (Andhra)
C) Konkan coast
D) Kaveri delta
Answer: B) Vengi region (Andhra)
Explanation: The Chalukyas and Cholas fought long wars over Vengi, due to its strategic and fertile land.
61. Which Chalukya ruler successfully defended against Paramara king Bhoja’s invasions?
A) Tailapa II
B) Satyashraya
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Someshvara III
Answer: B) Satyashraya
Explanation: He repulsed the attacks of Paramara Bhoja of Malwa.
62. Who authored Vikramankadeva Charita eulogizing Vikramaditya VI’s victories?
A) Bilhana
B) Ranna
C) Nagavarma II
D) Harihara
Answer: A) Bilhana
Explanation: The Kashmiri poet Bilhana wrote Vikramankadeva Charita in Sanskrit, praising Vikramaditya VI.
63. The Chalukya feudatories, the Hoysalas, gradually became powerful under which ruler?
A) Tailapa II
B) Someshvara I
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Someshvara IV
Answer: C) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: The Hoysalas under Vishnuvardhana grew strong during Vikramaditya VI’s reign.
64. Who defeated Someshvara IV, the last ruler of Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Vishnuvardhana of Hoysalas
B) Bijjala Kalachuri
C) Ballala II
D) Narasimha I
Answer: B) Bijjala Kalachuri
Explanation: Bijjala II of the Kalachuris overthrew Someshvara IV around 1162 CE, leading to the dynasty’s downfall.
65. The Kalachuris, who replaced the Chalukyas temporarily, ruled from:
A) Kalyana
B) Badami
C) Dharwad
D) Raichur
Answer: A) Kalyana
Explanation: Bijjala Kalachuri shifted his power to Kalyana, the former Chalukya capital.
66. The defeat of the Chalukyas by Hoysalas was completed during which king’s reign?
A) Vishnuvardhana
B) Narasimha I
C) Ballala II
D) Veera Ballala III
Answer: C) Ballala II
Explanation: Ballala II of Hoysalas consolidated power over former Chalukya territories by late 12th century.
67. Tailapa II, the founder, was earlier a feudatory under:
A) Rashtrakutas
B) Pallavas
C) Cholas
D) Kadambas
Answer: A) Rashtrakutas
Explanation: Tailapa II was a Rashtrakuta feudatory before overthrowing Indra IV.
68. The Western Chalukya military officers who commanded forts were called:
A) Dandanayakas
B) Senapatis
C) Mahapradhanas
D) Nayakas
Answer: D) Nayakas
Explanation: Nayakas commanded forts and local military contingents.
69. The Chalukya–Chola conflict weakened both dynasties, paving way for:
A) Pandyas and Hoysalas
B) Kalachuris
C) Rashtrakutas
D) Marathas
Answer: A) Pandyas and Hoysalas
Explanation: The prolonged wars weakened Chalukyas and Cholas, enabling Pandyas and Hoysalas to rise.
70. Which Chalukya ruler assumed the title “Satya-Vrata”?
A) Satyashraya
B) Someshvara I
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Jayasimha II
Answer: A) Satyashraya
Explanation: His very name means “protector of truth” (Satya-ashraya).
71. Which region was often lost and regained in wars with the Cholas?
A) Kalyana
B) Vengi
C) Dharwad
D) Goa
Answer: B) Vengi
Explanation: The fertile Vengi region of Andhra was the bone of contention between Chalukyas and Cholas.
72. Which Chalukya king issued coins with the legend “Sri Tribhuvanamalla”?
A) Vikramaditya VI
B) Someshvara I
C) Jayasimha II
D) Tailapa II
Answer: A) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: Coins of Vikramaditya VI bore his epithet “Sri Tribhuvanamalla.”
73. Who among the following Paramara kings was a rival of the Chalukyas?
A) Bhoja
B) Munja
C) Both A and B
D) None
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Paramara kings Munja and Bhoja of Malwa clashed with Chalukyas in northern Karnataka.
74. The fall of the Chalukyas of Kalyana occurred finally in:
A) 1148 CE
B) 1162 CE
C) 1189 CE
D) 1206 CE
Answer: C) 1189 CE
Explanation: Around 1189 CE, Someshvara IV was defeated and Chalukya rule ended, Hoysalas taking over.
75. The Chalukya military strategy included:
A) Fortified garrisons
B) Use of feudatories’ armies
C) Elephant corps
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their military system combined cavalry, elephants, strong forts, and support from feudatories.
76. The Chalukyas of Kalyana are also referred to as:
A) Later Chalukyas
B) Kalyani Chalukyas
C) Western Chalukyas
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: They are known by all these names because of their later origin, capital at Kalyana, and their western location.
77. The Chalukyas of Kalyana played a mediating role in Deccan politics between:
A) North Indian Sultanates and South Indian empires
B) Rashtrakutas and Pallavas
C) Cholas and northern dynasties
D) Mauryas and Guptas
Answer: C) Cholas and northern dynasties
Explanation: They acted as a buffer between Cholas of Tamil Nadu and Paramaras/Kalachuris of central India.
78. Which literary source gives a vivid account of Vikramaditya VI’s conquests?
A) Vikramankadeva Charita
B) Kavirajamarga
C) Manasollasa
D) Rajatarangini
Answer: A) Vikramankadeva Charita
Explanation: Bilhana’s Sanskrit mahakavya glorifies Vikramaditya VI and his military exploits.
79. Which Chalukya ruler’s reign is considered the “Golden Age of Kalyani Chalukyas”?
A) Tailapa II
B) Someshvara I
C) Vikramaditya VI
D) Someshvara III
Answer: C) Vikramaditya VI
Explanation: His 50-year reign (1076–1126 CE) marked political stability and cultural prosperity.
80. The Virashaiva movement under Basaveshwara arose when the Chalukya power was weakening under:
A) Tailapa II
B) Vikramaditya VI
C) Bijjala Kalachuri
D) Someshvara IV
Answer: C) Bijjala Kalachuri
Explanation: The Lingayat movement gained momentum at Kalyana under Kalachuri usurper Bijjala, after Chalukya decline.
81. Which factor was most responsible for Chalukya decline?
A) Chola invasions
B) Feudatory independence (Hoysalas, Kalachuris, Yadavas)
C) Internal succession disputes
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their decline was due to combined causes — external wars, feudatory uprisings, and weak successors.
82. The Chalukya–Chola wars were significant because they:
A) Drained resources of both dynasties
B) Allowed Hoysalas and Pandyas to rise
C) Were fought for Vengi, a fertile and strategic region
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The wars weakened both powers and opened political space for new dynasties.
83. The Hoysalas, who replaced the Chalukyas, were originally feudatories from:
A) Talakad (Mysuru region)
B) Badami
C) Kalyana
D) Lakkundi
Answer: A) Talakad (Mysuru region)
Explanation: Hoysalas began as feudatories in southern Karnataka at Talakad and expanded northward.
84. The Kalachuris, who usurped the Chalukyas, originally ruled from:
A) Tripuri (Madhya Pradesh)
B) Kalyana (Karnataka)
C) Raichur
D) Lakkundi
Answer: A) Tripuri (Madhya Pradesh)
Explanation: The Kalachuris of Tripuri expanded into the Deccan and Bijjala Kalachuri later ruled from Kalyana.
85. The Chalukya administration followed which system of land grants?
A) Jagirdari
B) Amaram
C) Agrahara and Brahmadeya grants
D) Zamindari
Answer: C) Agrahara and Brahmadeya grants
Explanation: They donated land to Brahmins and temples, strengthening both religion and rural economy.
86. The Chalukya court was known for encouraging which two literary languages?
A) Tamil and Sanskrit
B) Kannada and Sanskrit
C) Telugu and Prakrit
D) Kannada and Tamil
Answer: B) Kannada and Sanskrit
Explanation: Kannada was promoted regionally, while Sanskrit was used for pan-Indian intellectual works.
87. Which scholar-king’s encyclopedic work provides details of medieval Deccan life?
A) Vikramaditya VI – Vikramankadeva Charita
B) Someshvara III – Manasollasa
C) Ranna – Gadayuddha
D) Pampa – Adipurana
Answer: B) Someshvara III – Manasollasa
Explanation: Manasollasa (Abhilashitartha Chintamani) is a 12th-century encyclopaedia by King Someshvara III.
88. Which cultural contribution of the Chalukyas influenced the later Hoysala style?
A) Vesara architecture
B) Temple sculptures
C) Step-wells and mantapas
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their Vesara temples at Lakkundi, Gadag, and Dambal formed the foundation for ornate Hoysala art.
89. The Chalukya–Chola wars often centered around which river region?
A) Krishna–Tungabhadra
B) Godavari
C) Kaveri
D) Mahanadi
Answer: A) Krishna–Tungabhadra
Explanation: Control over Raichur doab (between Krishna and Tungabhadra) was crucial in these wars.
90. Which famous step-well (Pushkarni) at Lakkundi reflects Chalukya engineering skills?
A) Queen’s stepwell
B) Musukina Bhavi
C) Sudi tank
D) Manikesvara tank
Answer: B) Musukina Bhavi
Explanation: Lakkundi’s Musukina Bhavi is a highly ornate stepwell of the Kalyani Chalukya period.
91. The Chalukya navy was:
A) Strong and expansionist
B) Weak, compared to Cholas
C) Equal to Rashtrakutas
D) Non-existent
Answer: B) Weak, compared to Cholas
Explanation: They lacked a strong navy, unlike the Cholas, which limited their overseas influence.
92. In temple construction, the Chalukyas of Kalyana preferred which material?
A) Granite
B) Sandstone
C) Soapstone
D) Marble
Answer: C) Soapstone
Explanation: Soapstone allowed intricate carvings, later perfected by Hoysalas.
93. Which inscription first mentions the Chalukya Vikrama Era (1076 CE)?
A) Lakkundi inscription
B) Kauthem inscription
C) Koppam inscription
D) Gadag inscription
Answer: D) Gadag inscription
Explanation: The Gadag inscription (1076 CE) records the start of the Vikrama Era by Vikramaditya VI.
94. The Chalukya title “Satya-Vrata” literally means:
A) Protector of truth
B) Warrior of the world
C) King of kings
D) Hero in battle
Answer: A) Protector of truth
Explanation: It was borne by Satyashraya, the successor of Tailapa II.
95. Which region of Karnataka has the largest concentration of Kalyani Chalukya temples?
A) Southern Karnataka (Mysuru)
B) Central Karnataka (Gadag–Dharwad–Haveri)
C) Coastal Karnataka (Udupi)
D) Northern Karnataka (Kalaburagi)
Answer: B) Central Karnataka (Gadag–Dharwad–Haveri)
Explanation: This belt is rich in Vesara-style temples of the Kalyani Chalukyas.
96. The Chalukya–Chola conflict indirectly benefited which Andhra dynasty?
A) Vengi Chalukyas
B) Kakatiyas
C) Satavahanas
D) Vijayanagara
Answer: B) Kakatiyas
Explanation: The Kakatiyas of Warangal rose as Chalukya–Chola conflicts weakened both dynasties.
97. The Kalachuris who dethroned the Chalukyas ruled for about:
A) 5 years
B) 20 years
C) 50 years
D) 100 years
Answer: B) 20 years
Explanation: Kalachuris under Bijjala II ruled briefly (c. 1162–1183 CE) before Hoysalas ended them.
98. Which city became a flourishing cultural center under the Chalukyas of Kalyana?
A) Badami
B) Kalyana (Basavakalyan)
C) Talakad
D) Hampi
Answer: B) Kalyana (Basavakalyan)
Explanation: Basavakalyan thrived as a political and cultural hub under the Chalukyas.
99. The final blow to the Chalukya dynasty was delivered by:
A) Kalachuris and Hoysalas
B) Cholas and Pandyas
C) Yadavas and Kakatiyas
D) Delhi Sultanate
Answer: A) Kalachuris and Hoysalas
Explanation: Internal usurpation by Kalachuris and external expansion by Hoysalas ended Chalukya rule.
100. The legacy of the Chalukyas of Kalyana lies in:
A) Vesara architecture
B) Patronage of Kannada & Sanskrit literature
C) Political balancing in Deccan
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Their contributions shaped Karnataka’s art, language, and Deccan politics, influencing later dynasties like Hoysalas and Vijayanagara.