Tripartite Struggle MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Tripartite Struggle - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Buddhist vihara of Pala times.

Key Points

• The excavations at Sarai Tila in Nalanda have yielded structures and artifacts predominantly from the Pala period (8th–12th centuries CE).
• Recent discoveries include two 1200-year-old miniature votive stupas near the Sarai Tila mound, carved from stone and depicting Buddha figures.
• The Pala dynasty was known for its patronage of Buddhism, leading to the construction of numerous viharas (monasteries) and stupas during their reign.
• The architectural remains at Sarai Tila reflect the typical Pala style, characterized by intricate carvings and detailed iconography.

Additional Information

• Nalanda Mahavihara: An ancient monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE, renowned as one of the world's first residential universities.
• Pala Dynasty: A ruling dynasty in the regions of Bihar and Bengal, known for their support of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, leading to a flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture.
• Votive Stupas: Small stupas offered in fulfillment of a vow, often depicting scenes from the Buddha's life or Buddhist symbols, serving as devotional objects for pilgrims.
• Archaeological Excavations: Systematic excavations at Nalanda have revealed multiple layers of construction, indicating continuous occupation and development, especially during the Pala period.
• Architectural Features: Pala-period structures at Nalanda, including those at Sarai Tila, showcase intricate stone carvings, detailed iconography, and the use of durable materials like stone and brick.

The correct answer is Buddhism.

Key Points

• The Palas were known for their strong patronage of Mahayana Buddhism during their rule in the eastern regions of India.
• Dharmapala, one of the most notable Pala rulers, founded the Vikramashila University, which was a significant center for Buddhist learning.
• The Pala period saw the construction and support of numerous Buddhist monasteries and centers of learning, including the famous Nalanda University.
• The Palas played a crucial role in the revival and spread of Buddhism in India and neighboring regions like Tibet and Southeast Asia.

Additional Information

• Vikramashila University:
  • Founded by Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century.
  • It was one of the largest Buddhist universities with more than one hundred teachers and about one thousand students.
  • Specialized in various fields of learning, including philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and more.
• Nalanda University:
  • One of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to the 5th century CE.
  • Flourished under the patronage of the Gupta Empire and later the Palas.
  • Renowned for its extensive library and attracted students from various countries.
• Mahayana Buddhism:
  • A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of a Bodhisattva.
  • Popular during the Pala period and saw significant philosophical and doctrinal developments.
  • Spread to various parts of Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Tibet.
• Pala Dynasty:
  • Ruled from the 8th to the 12th century CE in the regions of Bengal and Bihar.
  • Known for their contributions to art, culture, and religion, particularly Buddhism.
  • Their reign is often considered a period of cultural and intellectual renaissance in eastern India.

The correct answer is Maurya.

Key Points

• The Tripartite Struggle involved three major dynasties: the Pratihara, the Rashtrakuta, and the Pala.
• This struggle was primarily over the control of the fertile region of Kannauj in North India.
• The Maurya dynasty, which is listed as an option, was not a part of this struggle as it had declined much earlier, around the 2nd century BCE.
• The struggle took place roughly between the 8th and 10th centuries CE.
• The Pratihara, Rashtrakuta, and Pala dynasties were contemporaneous powers vying for supremacy during this period.

Additional Information

• Pratihara Dynasty
  • Also known as the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, they ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8th to the 11th century CE.
  • Their capital was initially at Ujjain, later moved to Kannauj.
  • They were known for their military prowess and resistance against Arab invasions.
• Rashtrakuta Dynasty
  • Originated in the Deccan region and ruled large parts of South and Central India between the 6th and 10th centuries CE.
  • They were noted for their patronage of art and architecture, including the rock-cut temples at Ellora.
  • Their capital was at Manyakheta (modern-day Malkhed in Karnataka).
• Pala Dynasty
  • Ruled the Eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent, mainly Bihar and Bengal, from the 8th to the 12th century CE.
  • Known for their support of Buddhism and the establishment of the famous Vikramashila and Nalanda universities.
  • Their founder was Gopala, and their capital was at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna).
• Maurya Dynasty
  • One of the largest empires in ancient India, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE.
  • Their most famous ruler was Ashoka the Great, who played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism.
  • The Maurya Empire declined after the death of Ashoka and had completely dissolved by the 2nd century BCE.

The correct answer is The Cholas.

Key Points

• The Tripartite Struggle (8th-10th centuries) was primarily between the Palas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, and the Rashtrakutas over control of Kannauj.
• The Palas were a major force in eastern India, particularly in Bengal and Bihar, and sought to control Kannauj to expand their influence.
• The Gurjara-Pratiharas, based in western India, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, also aimed to dominate Kannauj for strategic and economic advantages.
• The Rashtrakutas, from the Deccan region, were involved in the struggle to control Kannauj to expand their power into northern India.
• The Cholas, primarily based in southern India, were not involved in the Tripartite Struggle over Kannauj as their focus was on consolidating power in the south and extending their influence towards Southeast Asia.

Additional Information

• The Palas
  • Founded by Gopala in the 8th century, they ruled parts of Bengal and Bihar.
  • Dharmapala, the second Pala king, was a key figure in the Tripartite Struggle.
  • The Palas were known for their patronage of Buddhism and establishment of educational institutions like Vikramashila and Nalanda.
• The Gurjara-Pratiharas
  • Founded by Nagabhata I in the 8th century, they established their power in present-day Rajasthan and Gujarat.
  • Mihira Bhoja, one of the prominent Pratihara rulers, significantly expanded their territory.
  • They played a key role in defending India from Arab invasions from the west.
• The Rashtrakutas
  • Founded by Dantidurga in the 8th century, they were initially feudatories of the Chalukyas in the Deccan region.
  • The Rashtrakutas reached their zenith under rulers like Dhruva, Govinda III, and Amoghavarsha I.
  • They were known for their contributions to art and architecture, including the rock-cut temples at Ellora.
• The Cholas
  • Established as a significant power in southern India, they rose to prominence under Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century.
  • Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra Chola I expanded the Chola Empire to its greatest extent.
  • The Cholas were renowned for their naval power and extensive trade networks with Southeast Asia.
  • They are also remembered for their architectural achievements, especially the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur.

The correct answer is Kirtivarman II.

Key Points

• Kirtivarman II was the last ruler of the Chalukya dynasty who reigned in the Deccan region.
• He was defeated by Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, around the mid-8th century.
• The defeat of Kirtivarman II marked the end of the Chalukya rule and the rise of the Rashtrakutas in the Deccan.
• Dantidurga's victory over Kirtivarman II is well-documented in various inscriptions and historical records.

Additional Information

• Chalukya Dynasty
  • The Chalukyas were an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries.
  • Their rule is divided into three distinct but related dynasties: the Badami Chalukyas, the Eastern Chalukyas, and the Western Chalukyas.
  • They are known for their contribution to art, architecture, and cultural developments in South India.
• Rashtrakuta Dynasty
  • The Rashtrakutas were a prominent dynasty that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries.
  • They are well-known for their patronage of art and architecture, most notably the rock-cut temples of Ellora.
  • Under their reign, the Deccan region witnessed significant economic, cultural, and political advancements.
• Dantidurga
  • Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
  • He is credited with overthrowing the Chalukyan rule and establishing the Rashtrakuta Empire in the Deccan.
  • His victory over Kirtivarman II is seen as a significant turning point in the history of South India.
• Historical Records
  • Inscriptions and texts from the period provide valuable insights into the political and cultural history of the Deccan region during the time of the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas.
  • These records are crucial for understanding the transitions of power and the impact of these dynasties on Indian history.

The correct answer is Pratihara.

Key Points

• Raja Nagabhata I Pratihara was the founder of Bhinmal branch of Pratiharas.

Additional Information

• Raja Nagabhata I Pratihara
  • He was the founder of the Bhinmal branch of Pratihara.
  • He formed a triple alliance with Jaysimha & Bappa Rawal to defeat Arabs in the Battle of Rajasthan
  • The strongest of the Gurjara-Prathira branch was the one at Bhinmal, under king Vyaghramukh.
  • The Gurjar clan, which ruled at Bhinmal was known as Chapas, means excelled in archery or strong bowmen.
  • As per the records of Heun Tsang, the famous astronomer and mathematician Bramhagupta was in the court of Vyaghramukha.

The correct answer is Dantidurga.

Key Points

• Rashtrakuta leader, Dantidurga deposed the Chalukyas after deciding that he wanted to be more than a Samanta.
• After engaging in a ceremony known as the 'hiranya-garbha', he proclaimed himself as the king of the Deccan region of the Chalukyas and formed the Rashtrakuta Empire.
• According to Vedic philosophy, the origin of the universe or the manifested cosmos is known as hiranya-garbha, which means "golden womb" or "universal womb".
• With the assistance of Brahmanas, Dantidurga completed the hiranya-garbha ceremony, signifying his rebirth as a Kshatriya.

Additional Information

• Around 780 CE, Rashtrakuta ruler named, Dhruva Dharavarsha seized power over the realm.
• Dhruva Dharavarsha made the kingdom so large that it included the entire area between the Kaveri River and Central India.
• Dantidurga's uncle, Krishna I overthrew Kirtivarman II, the last Badami Chalukya king, in 757 CE to assume control of the expanding Rashtrakuta Empire.

The correct answer is Mahendrapal. Key Points

• Rajasekhara was an eminent Sanskrit poet, dramatist and critic of 10th century and was court poet of the Gurjara Pratihara Kings.
• His most important works are Kavyamimamsa and Karpurmanjari.
• He had written Karpurmanjari to please his wife Avantisundari. Karpurmanjari is written in Sauraseni Prakrit.
• In his plays, Rajshekhara has described himself as teacher / guru of Gurjara Pratihara King Mahendrapala I.

The correct answer is Rashtrakutas.

Key Points

• The Rashtrakuta Dynasty ruled parts of South India from the 8th to the 10th century CE.
• The Rashtrakutas were originally known to be the feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Vatapi.
• They ruled from Manyakheta in Karnataka.
• Krishna III was the last greatest in the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
• Krishna III defeated Parantaka Chola in the battle of Takkolam.
• Dantidurg was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, he defeated Chalukyas of Badam.

Additional Information

• Chera
  • The Cheras controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu
  • Vanji was the capital of the Chera Kingdom.
  • The Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas were the most powerful three kingdoms to have ruled during the Sangam Age,
• Pala
  • The Pala empire was founded by Gopala
  • The Palas were staunch supporters of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • The Pala period is also known as a ‘Golden Era’ in Bengali history.
• Gurjara-Pratihara
  • The kingdom was founded by Nagabhatta I.
  • Bhoja was the Pratihara dynasty's greatest emperor and the actual founder of the empire.
  • The Pratiharas who ruled over Kannauj.

The correct answer is Kadamba.

Key Points:

• The Tripartite Struggle, also known as Kannauj Triangle Wars, took place in the ninth century between the Pratihara Empire, the Pala Empire, and the Rashtrakuta Empire for control of northern India.
• However, epigraphist Dineschandra Sircar brought a new perspective to this conflict.
• According to Sircar, the conflict between the Pratihara Empire and the Rashtrakuta Empire predated the conflict over Kannauj State.
• In Gujarat and Malwa regions, these two powers shared a common border.
• The shifting far from the permanent border caused animosity between the two powers.
• Dantidurga, the founder of the Rashtrakuta Empire, had already defeated Nagabhata I of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty, as evidenced by the Dashavatara Temple inscription of Dantidurga at Ellora and the Sghavarsha I, both belonging to Rashtrakuta dynasty.

Additional Information:

• Rashtrakuta
  • ​Between the sixth through the tenth centuries, the regal Indian dynasty known as Rashtrakuta ruled over a sizable portion of the Indian subcontinent. A copper plate grant from the seventh century is the first Rashtrakuta inscription, which describes their sovereignty over the city of Manapur in Central or West India. 
• Pala
  • Gopala was the first ruler of the Pala Dynasty.
  • Pala Dynasty was originated in the region of Bengal during the Late Classical Period of the Indian historical era.
  • Palas followed the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism.
  • It was founded by Gopala in 750CE.
  • He was succeeded by Dharmapala.
• Gurjara-Pratihara
  • ​A large portion of Northern India was governed by the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty from the middle of the eighth to the eleventh century.
  • First ruling in Ujjain and then in Kannauj. Arab troops that were approaching from the east of the Indus River were successfully halted by the Gurjara-Pratiharas.

The correct answer is Buddhist vihara of Pala times.

Key Points

• The excavations at Sarai Tila in Nalanda have yielded structures and artifacts predominantly from the Pala period (8th–12th centuries CE).
• Recent discoveries include two 1200-year-old miniature votive stupas near the Sarai Tila mound, carved from stone and depicting Buddha figures.
• The Pala dynasty was known for its patronage of Buddhism, leading to the construction of numerous viharas (monasteries) and stupas during their reign.
• The architectural remains at Sarai Tila reflect the typical Pala style, characterized by intricate carvings and detailed iconography.

Additional Information

• Nalanda Mahavihara: An ancient monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE, renowned as one of the world's first residential universities.
• Pala Dynasty: A ruling dynasty in the regions of Bihar and Bengal, known for their support of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, leading to a flourishing of Buddhist art and architecture.
• Votive Stupas: Small stupas offered in fulfillment of a vow, often depicting scenes from the Buddha's life or Buddhist symbols, serving as devotional objects for pilgrims.
• Archaeological Excavations: Systematic excavations at Nalanda have revealed multiple layers of construction, indicating continuous occupation and development, especially during the Pala period.
• Architectural Features: Pala-period structures at Nalanda, including those at Sarai Tila, showcase intricate stone carvings, detailed iconography, and the use of durable materials like stone and brick.

The correct answer is Pratihara.

Key Points

• Raja Nagabhata I Pratihara was the founder of Bhinmal branch of Pratiharas.

Additional Information

• Raja Nagabhata I Pratihara
  • He was the founder of the Bhinmal branch of Pratihara.
  • He formed a triple alliance with Jaysimha & Bappa Rawal to defeat Arabs in the Battle of Rajasthan
  • The strongest of the Gurjara-Prathira branch was the one at Bhinmal, under king Vyaghramukh.
  • The Gurjar clan, which ruled at Bhinmal was known as Chapas, means excelled in archery or strong bowmen.
  • As per the records of Heun Tsang, the famous astronomer and mathematician Bramhagupta was in the court of Vyaghramukha.

The correct answer is Dantidurga.

Key Points

• Rashtrakuta leader, Dantidurga deposed the Chalukyas after deciding that he wanted to be more than a Samanta.
• After engaging in a ceremony known as the 'hiranya-garbha', he proclaimed himself as the king of the Deccan region of the Chalukyas and formed the Rashtrakuta Empire.
• According to Vedic philosophy, the origin of the universe or the manifested cosmos is known as hiranya-garbha, which means "golden womb" or "universal womb".
• With the assistance of Brahmanas, Dantidurga completed the hiranya-garbha ceremony, signifying his rebirth as a Kshatriya.

Additional Information

• Around 780 CE, Rashtrakuta ruler named, Dhruva Dharavarsha seized power over the realm.
• Dhruva Dharavarsha made the kingdom so large that it included the entire area between the Kaveri River and Central India.
• Dantidurga's uncle, Krishna I overthrew Kirtivarman II, the last Badami Chalukya king, in 757 CE to assume control of the expanding Rashtrakuta Empire.

The correct answer is Mahendrapal. Key Points

• Rajasekhara was an eminent Sanskrit poet, dramatist and critic of 10th century and was court poet of the Gurjara Pratihara Kings.
• His most important works are Kavyamimamsa and Karpurmanjari.
• He had written Karpurmanjari to please his wife Avantisundari. Karpurmanjari is written in Sauraseni Prakrit.
• In his plays, Rajshekhara has described himself as teacher / guru of Gurjara Pratihara King Mahendrapala I.

The correct answer is Rashtrakutas.

Key Points

• The Rashtrakuta Dynasty ruled parts of South India from the 8th to the 10th century CE.
• The Rashtrakutas were originally known to be the feudatories of the Western Chalukyas of Vatapi.
• They ruled from Manyakheta in Karnataka.
• Krishna III was the last greatest in the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
• Krishna III defeated Parantaka Chola in the battle of Takkolam.
• Dantidurg was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, he defeated Chalukyas of Badam.

Additional Information

• Chera
  • The Cheras controlled the central and northern parts of Kerala and the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu
  • Vanji was the capital of the Chera Kingdom.
  • The Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas were the most powerful three kingdoms to have ruled during the Sangam Age,
• Pala
  • The Pala empire was founded by Gopala
  • The Palas were staunch supporters of Mahayana Buddhism.
  • The Pala period is also known as a ‘Golden Era’ in Bengali history.
• Gurjara-Pratihara
  • The kingdom was founded by Nagabhatta I.
  • Bhoja was the Pratihara dynasty's greatest emperor and the actual founder of the empire.
  • The Pratiharas who ruled over Kannauj.