Palas MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Palas - 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 Rashtrakutas.

Key Points

• The Tripartite Struggle, also known as the Kannauj Triangle Wars, was a prolonged conflict in the Indian subcontinent from the 8th to the 10th century.
• The struggle was primarily among three major powers: the Palas of Bengal, the Pratiharas of Malwa, and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan.
• This conflict was primarily over the control of the city of Kannauj, a symbol of prestige and political power in northern India during that time.
• The Rashtrakutas were a prominent dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries.

Additional Information

• Palas:
  • The Pala Empire was an imperial power during the late classical period on the Indian subcontinent, which originated in the region of Bengal.
  • They were known for their patronage of Buddhism and the establishment of famous institutions such as the Vikramashila and Nalanda universities.
  • The Palas were also known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
  • Key rulers included Gopala, the founder, and Dharmapala, who greatly expanded the empire.
• Pratiharas:
  • The Pratiharas, also known as the Gurjara-Pratiharas, were an important dynasty that ruled much of northern India from the 6th to the 11th century.
  • They are noted for their resistance against the Arab invasions and their efforts to unify and protect northern India.
  • Their capital was initially at Ujjain and later at Kannauj, which became a significant center of power.
  • Key rulers included Nagabhata I and Mihira Bhoja.
• Rashtrakutas:
  • The Rashtrakutas were a dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 6th to the 10th century, with their capital at Manyakheta in the Deccan region.
  • They were known for their military prowess and their successful expeditions into northern India, including the capture of Kannauj.
  • The Rashtrakutas were also great patrons of art and architecture, with the rock-cut temples at Ellora being one of their most famous contributions.Key rulers included Dantidurga, the founder, and Krishna I, who commissioned the Kailasa temple at Ellora.

The correct answer is Gopala.

Key Points

• Gopala was the founder of the Pala dynasty in the 8th century CE.
• He was elected by a group of regional chieftains to bring order in a period of anarchy in Bengal.
• Gopala established the Pala dynasty, which ruled over the Bengal and Bihar regions for about four centuries.
• His reign marked the beginning of a period of stability and expansion in the region.

Additional Information

• Pala Dynasty
  • The Pala Dynasty was a major dynasty in the history of the Indian subcontinent, primarily ruling over the Bengal and Bihar regions.
  • The term 'Pala' means 'protector' and was used as a suffix to the names of all Pala monarchs.
  • The Pala rulers were patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and played a significant role in its spread to Tibet, Bhutan, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
  • The dynasty is known for its contributions to art, architecture, and education, including the establishment of the Vikramashila and Nalanda universities.
• Dharmapala
  • Dharmapala was the son of Gopala and the second ruler of the Pala dynasty.
  • He expanded the empire significantly and was known for his support of Buddhism and educational institutions.
  • His reign is considered a golden period for the Pala dynasty.
• Devapala
  • Devapala was another significant ruler of the Pala dynasty and is believed to be the successor of Dharmapala.
  • He continued to expand the empire and maintained its dominance over the northern Indian subcontinent.
  • Devapala is also known for his patronage of Buddhism and his support for the Nalanda and Vikramashila universities.
• Ramapala
  • Ramapala was one of the later rulers of the Pala dynasty and is often credited with reviving the dynasty's fortunes in the 12th century.
  • He is known for his administrative reforms and efforts to consolidate the empire.
  • His reign is detailed in the historical text "Ramacharitam," written by Sandhyakar Nandi.

The correct answer is Dharmapala.

Key Points

• Dharmapala was a prominent ruler of the Pala dynasty in ancient India.
• He ruled during the 8th century and is known for his significant contributions to education and Buddhism.
• Under his patronage, the Vikramshila University was established to promote Buddhist learning and scholarship.
• Dharmapala's reign marked the height of the Pala Empire's influence and cultural achievements.

Additional Information

• Pala Dynasty
  • The Pala Dynasty ruled parts of Bengal and Bihar in the Indian subcontinent from the 8th to the 12th century.
  • The dynasty was founded by Gopala in the mid-8th century.
  • The Palas were known for their patronage of Buddhism and their support for educational institutions.
  • They built several monasteries and universities, including Nalanda and Vikramshila.
• Vikramshila University
  • Vikramshila University was one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in ancient India.
  • It was established by Dharmapala around the late 8th or early 9th century.
  • The university attracted scholars from all over Asia, including Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia.
  • It specialized in various fields of knowledge, including philosophy, logic, grammar, and metaphysics.
• Buddhist Learning
  • During the Pala period, Buddhism flourished in India, and several monasteries and universities were established to promote its teachings.
  • These institutions became centers of learning and attracted students from different parts of the world.
  • They played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist texts and teachings.

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 Ramapala.

Key Points

• Ramapala was the ruler of the Pala dynasty in Bengal.
• The 'Ramacharita' is a historical poem written by Sandhyakar Nandi, which praises the deeds of Ramapala.
• The poem highlights the achievements and valor of Ramapala, portraying him as a heroic figure.
• Ramapala's reign marked a significant period in the history of the Pala dynasty, often considered its last great ruler.

Additional Information

• Pala Dynasty
  • The Pala dynasty was an Indian imperial power during the Late Classical period, primarily ruling over the Bengal and Bihar regions.
  • Founded by Gopala in the 8th century, the dynasty is known for its contributions to Buddhism and the establishment of numerous monasteries.
  • Notable rulers include Gopala, Dharmapala, Devapala, and Ramapala, who expanded the kingdom and promoted art, culture, and learning.
  • The Pala rulers were patrons of the famous universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila, which became renowned centers of Buddhist learning.
• Sandhyakar Nandi
  • Sandhyakar Nandi was a renowned poet and scholar of the Pala court.
  • He authored the 'Ramacharita', a historical poem that serves as a significant literary work, providing insights into the history and culture of the Pala period.
  • The 'Ramacharita' is written in Sanskrit and is considered an important source for understanding the political and social conditions of the time.
  • Sandhyakar Nandi's work is appreciated for its literary merit and historical value, offering a detailed account of Ramapala's reign and achievements.

The correct answer is Dharmapala.

Key Points

• Dharmapala was a prominent ruler of the Pala dynasty in ancient India.
• He ruled during the 8th century and is known for his significant contributions to education and Buddhism.
• Under his patronage, the Vikramshila University was established to promote Buddhist learning and scholarship.
• Dharmapala's reign marked the height of the Pala Empire's influence and cultural achievements.

Additional Information

• Pala Dynasty
  • The Pala Dynasty ruled parts of Bengal and Bihar in the Indian subcontinent from the 8th to the 12th century.
  • The dynasty was founded by Gopala in the mid-8th century.
  • The Palas were known for their patronage of Buddhism and their support for educational institutions.
  • They built several monasteries and universities, including Nalanda and Vikramshila.
• Vikramshila University
  • Vikramshila University was one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in ancient India.
  • It was established by Dharmapala around the late 8th or early 9th century.
  • The university attracted scholars from all over Asia, including Tibet, China, and Southeast Asia.
  • It specialized in various fields of knowledge, including philosophy, logic, grammar, and metaphysics.
• Buddhist Learning
  • During the Pala period, Buddhism flourished in India, and several monasteries and universities were established to promote its teachings.
  • These institutions became centers of learning and attracted students from different parts of the world.
  • They played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist texts and teachings.

The correct answer is Rashtrakutas.

Key Points

• The Tripartite Struggle, also known as the Kannauj Triangle Wars, was a prolonged conflict in the Indian subcontinent from the 8th to the 10th century.
• The struggle was primarily among three major powers: the Palas of Bengal, the Pratiharas of Malwa, and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan.
• This conflict was primarily over the control of the city of Kannauj, a symbol of prestige and political power in northern India during that time.
• The Rashtrakutas were a prominent dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries.

Additional Information

• Palas:
  • The Pala Empire was an imperial power during the late classical period on the Indian subcontinent, which originated in the region of Bengal.
  • They were known for their patronage of Buddhism and the establishment of famous institutions such as the Vikramashila and Nalanda universities.
  • The Palas were also known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
  • Key rulers included Gopala, the founder, and Dharmapala, who greatly expanded the empire.
• Pratiharas:
  • The Pratiharas, also known as the Gurjara-Pratiharas, were an important dynasty that ruled much of northern India from the 6th to the 11th century.
  • They are noted for their resistance against the Arab invasions and their efforts to unify and protect northern India.
  • Their capital was initially at Ujjain and later at Kannauj, which became a significant center of power.
  • Key rulers included Nagabhata I and Mihira Bhoja.
• Rashtrakutas:
  • The Rashtrakutas were a dynasty that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 6th to the 10th century, with their capital at Manyakheta in the Deccan region.
  • They were known for their military prowess and their successful expeditions into northern India, including the capture of Kannauj.
  • The Rashtrakutas were also great patrons of art and architecture, with the rock-cut temples at Ellora being one of their most famous contributions.Key rulers included Dantidurga, the founder, and Krishna I, who commissioned the Kailasa temple at Ellora.

The correct answer is Gopala.

Key Points

• Gopala was the founder of the Pala dynasty in the 8th century CE.
• He was elected by a group of regional chieftains to bring order in a period of anarchy in Bengal.
• Gopala established the Pala dynasty, which ruled over the Bengal and Bihar regions for about four centuries.
• His reign marked the beginning of a period of stability and expansion in the region.

Additional Information

• Pala Dynasty
  • The Pala Dynasty was a major dynasty in the history of the Indian subcontinent, primarily ruling over the Bengal and Bihar regions.
  • The term 'Pala' means 'protector' and was used as a suffix to the names of all Pala monarchs.
  • The Pala rulers were patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and played a significant role in its spread to Tibet, Bhutan, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
  • The dynasty is known for its contributions to art, architecture, and education, including the establishment of the Vikramashila and Nalanda universities.
• Dharmapala
  • Dharmapala was the son of Gopala and the second ruler of the Pala dynasty.
  • He expanded the empire significantly and was known for his support of Buddhism and educational institutions.
  • His reign is considered a golden period for the Pala dynasty.
• Devapala
  • Devapala was another significant ruler of the Pala dynasty and is believed to be the successor of Dharmapala.
  • He continued to expand the empire and maintained its dominance over the northern Indian subcontinent.
  • Devapala is also known for his patronage of Buddhism and his support for the Nalanda and Vikramashila universities.
• Ramapala
  • Ramapala was one of the later rulers of the Pala dynasty and is often credited with reviving the dynasty's fortunes in the 12th century.
  • He is known for his administrative reforms and efforts to consolidate the empire.
  • His reign is detailed in the historical text "Ramacharitam," written by Sandhyakar Nandi.

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.