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The Kingdom of Kamarupa was recognized as the first historical kingdom of Assam and existed during the Classical period.
Answer: True
The Kingdom of Kamarupa is historically recognized as the first kingdom of Assam, flourishing during the Classical period.
The earliest recorded mention of Kamarupa appears in the 4th-century Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta.
Answer: True
The Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta, dating to the 4th century CE, provides the earliest known historical reference to the Kingdom of Kamarupa.
Pushyavarman founded the Varman dynasty around 350 CE.
Answer: True
The Varman dynasty, a significant ruling lineage of Kamarupa, was established by Pushyavarman circa 350 CE.
Bhaskaravarman, ruling from 600 to 650 CE, is considered the most illustrious ruler of the Varman dynasty.
Answer: True
Bhaskaravarman, reigning approximately from 600 to 650 CE, is widely regarded as the most prominent ruler of the Varman dynasty, during whose tenure Kamarupa reached its political apex.
Archaeological findings suggest early state formation in the Kamarupa region began after the 4th century CE.
Answer: False
Archaeological evidence, particularly from the Doiyang Dhansiri Valley, suggests that the process of state formation in the Kamarupa region may have commenced prior to the 4th century CE, possibly even before the 2nd century CE.
The Varman dynasty legitimized its rule solely through military victories.
Answer: False
The Varman dynasty legitimized its rule not only through military achievements but also by performing significant rituals like the *ashwamedha* and claiming descent from legendary figures such as Narakasura.
Kamarupa initially functioned as a subordinate ally of the Gupta Empire.
Answer: True
In its early history, particularly during the 4th century CE, Kamarupa maintained a relationship as a subordinate yet sovereign ally of the powerful Gupta Empire.
Kamarupa maintained a consistent, unchanging relationship with the Gupta Empire throughout its existence.
Answer: False
Kamarupa's relationship with the Gupta Empire evolved over time; it initially functioned as an ally but did not maintain a consistently unchanging relationship throughout its existence.
The Varman dynasty claimed descent from the epic character Naraka.
Answer: True
The Varman dynasty, along with subsequent ruling houses, asserted legitimacy by claiming descent from the legendary figure Naraka, prominent in regional epics.
The *ashwamedha* ritual performed by Kamarupa kings was primarily a religious ceremony with no political implications.
Answer: False
The *ashwamedha* (horse sacrifice) ritual performed by Kamarupa kings was a significant political act, serving to assert the king's sovereignty and imperial ambitions, beyond its religious dimensions.
The text suggests that northeastern India was politically unified before the 4th century CE.
Answer: False
The available historical evidence suggests that northeastern India was likely characterized by multiple, sub-regional political entities rather than being politically unified before the 4th century CE.
Xuanzang's travel accounts are considered minor sources for understanding Kamarupa.
Answer: False
The travel accounts of Xuanzang, alongside numerous inscriptions, are considered vital primary sources for reconstructing the history, territorial extent, and administrative practices of the Kingdom of Kamarupa.
The Nidhanpur copper-plate inscription of Bhaskaravarman was issued from the capital of Kamarupa.
Answer: False
The Nidhanpur copper-plate inscription of Bhaskaravarman was issued from the capital of Gauda, not the capital of Kamarupa, and documented territorial grants in the Chandrapuri *visaya*.
What historical period is associated with the flourishing of the Kingdom of Kamarupa?
Answer: The Classical period
The Kingdom of Kamarupa is historically recognized as the first kingdom of Assam, flourishing during the Classical period.
Which inscription provides the earliest recorded mention of the name Kamarupa?
Answer: The Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta
The earliest documented mention of Kamarupa is found in the 4th-century Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta.
Which of the following was NOT one of the primary dynasties that ruled the Kingdom of Kamarupa?
Answer: The Gupta dynasty
While Kamarupa had relations with the Gupta Empire, the Gupta dynasty itself did not rule Kamarupa; the primary ruling dynasties were the Varman, Mlechchha, and Pala dynasties.
Who founded the Varman dynasty, and approximately when did it begin?
Answer: Pushyavarman, around 350 CE
The Varman dynasty was founded by Pushyavarman, with its establishment dated approximately to 350 CE.
Which ruler is considered the most illustrious of the Varman dynasty, and what was a key achievement during their reign?
Answer: Bhaskaravarman; reaching the kingdom's political peak
Bhaskaravarman, reigning from 600 to 650 CE, is considered the most illustrious ruler of the Varman dynasty, under whom Kamarupa achieved its political zenith.
What evidence suggests that early state formation in the Kamarupa region might have occurred before the 4th century CE?
Answer: Archaeological findings in the Doiyang Dhansiri Valley
Archaeological findings, particularly those from the Doiyang Dhansiri Valley, provide evidence suggesting that early state formation in the Kamarupa region predates the 4th century CE.
The Varman dynasty asserted its political legitimacy through rituals like the *ashwamedha* and by:
Answer: Claiming descent from the legendary demon Narakasura
The Varman dynasty asserted its political legitimacy through rituals such as the *ashwamedha* and by claiming descent from the legendary figure Narakasura.
The Nidhanpur copper-plate inscription of Bhaskaravarman provides evidence of his territorial expansions into:
Answer: The Chandrapuri *visaya* (modern Sylhet Division)
The Nidhanpur copper-plate inscription of Bhaskaravarman documents his territorial expansions, including into the Chandrapuri *visaya*, which corresponds to the modern Sylhet Division.
The Mlechchha dynasty ruled Kamarupa before the Varman dynasty.
Answer: False
The Varman dynasty preceded the Mlechchha dynasty, which rose to power after the Varmans.
The Varman dynasty ended due to a successful invasion by the Pala dynasty of Bengal.
Answer: False
The conclusion of the Varman dynasty's rule was precipitated by the death of Bhaskaravarman without a direct heir, leading to political instability, rather than an invasion by the Pala dynasty of Bengal.
The Mlechchha dynasty established its capital at Haruppeshvara, identified with modern Tezpur.
Answer: True
Haruppeshvara, now identified near modern Tezpur, served as the capital city for the Mlechchha dynasty.
Tyagasimha was the first ruler of the Mlechchha dynasty.
Answer: False
Salasthambha is recognized as the first known ruler of the Mlechchha dynasty; Tyagasimha was the last recorded ruler.
Brahma Pala founded the Pala dynasty after being elected king by chieftains.
Answer: True
Following the end of the Mlechchha dynasty, Brahma Pala was elected king by the ruling chieftains, establishing the Pala dynasty.
Dharma Pala established his capital at Kamarupanagara, which is identified with modern South Guwahati.
Answer: False
Dharma Pala established his capital at Kamarupanagara, which is identified with modern North Guwahati, not South Guwahati.
The Mlechchha dynasty's rule introduced centralized authority, diminishing the power of subordinate rulers.
Answer: False
The Mlechchha dynasty's rule is characterized by the introduction of feudal elements, which involved the distribution of political authority between the central ruler and various autonomous subordinate lords (*Mahasamanta*, *Samanta*).
What caused the end of the Varman dynasty's rule?
Answer: The death of Bhaskaravarman without a direct heir, leading to instability
The Varman dynasty's rule concluded following the death of Bhaskaravarman without a direct heir, which resulted in a period of political instability and succession disputes.
The Mlechchha dynasty succeeded the Varman dynasty and established its capital at:
Answer: Haruppeshvara (near modern Tezpur)
The Mlechchha dynasty, which followed the Varman dynasty, established its capital at Haruppeshvara, a site identified near modern Tezpur.
Who was the last recorded ruler of the Mlechchha dynasty, and approximately when did they reign?
Answer: Tyagasimha, from 890 to 900 CE
Tyagasimha, reigning approximately from 890 to 900 CE, is recorded as the final ruler of the Mlechchha dynasty.
How did the Pala dynasty come to power in Kamarupa?
Answer: Brahma Pala was elected king by ruling chieftains after Tyagasimha's death
The Pala dynasty ascended to power when Brahma Pala, from the Bhauma lineage, was elected king by the ruling chieftains subsequent to the death of Tyagasimha, the last Mlechchha ruler.
Dharma Pala established his capital at Kamarupanagara, which is identified with:
Answer: Modern North Guwahati
Dharma Pala, a ruler of the Pala dynasty, established his capital at Kamarupanagara, a site now identified as modern North Guwahati.
At its peak, Kamarupa's territory was limited to the Brahmaputra Valley.
Answer: False
At its zenith, Kamarupa's territory extended significantly beyond the Brahmaputra Valley, encompassing regions in present-day North Bengal, Bhutan, and northern Bangladesh.
The Karatoya River served as the traditional eastern boundary of Kamarupa.
Answer: False
The Karatoya River traditionally marked the western boundary of the Kingdom of Kamarupa.
Sadiya is identified as the traditional eastern boundary of the Kingdom of Kamarupa.
Answer: True
Sadiya is recognized as the traditional eastern boundary of the ancient Kingdom of Kamarupa.
The findspots of Kamarupa inscriptions are irrelevant for estimating the kingdom's geographical reach.
Answer: False
The geographical locations where Kamarupa inscriptions have been discovered are critically important for accurately estimating the kingdom's territorial extent and reach.
Shin (2018) characterized the region west of Lalitakanta as domain of tribal populations.
Answer: False
According to Shin (2018), the region west of Lalitakanta was characterized by a sedentary, Brahmanical society, contrasting with the non-sedentary, tribal populations identified in the eastern region.
The territorial boundaries of Kamarupa remained constant throughout its entire history.
Answer: False
The territorial boundaries of the Kingdom of Kamarupa were not static; they experienced significant fluctuations and changes throughout its historical existence.
At its zenith, Kamarupa's geographical extent included territories beyond the Brahmaputra Valley, such as:
Answer: Parts of North Bengal, Bhutan, and northern Bangladesh
At its peak, Kamarupa's dominion extended beyond the Brahmaputra Valley to include significant portions of North Bengal, Bhutan, and northern Bangladesh.
What river traditionally marked the western boundary of the ancient Kingdom of Kamarupa?
Answer: The Karatoya River
The Karatoya River is traditionally recognized as demarcating the western frontier of the ancient Kingdom of Kamarupa.
Which location is traditionally identified as the eastern boundary of Kamarupa?
Answer: Sadiya
Sadiya is traditionally identified as the eastern boundary marker of the Kingdom of Kamarupa.
According to Shin (2018), the region west of Lalitakanta in Kamarupa was characterized by:
Answer: Sedentary, Brahmanical society
Shin (2018) posits that the region west of Lalitakanta was characterized by a sedentary, Brahmanical societal structure.
Kamarupa's governance structure was based on the *saptanga* model of statecraft.
Answer: True
The administrative framework of Kamarupa was structured according to the *saptanga* model, a classical Indian theory of statecraft.
The king in Kamarupa was considered to have a limited, advisory role.
Answer: False
The king in Kamarupa was viewed as an absolute monarch, often believed to possess divine origins, rather than having a limited or advisory role.
Primogeniture was the general rule for succession to the Kamarupa throne.
Answer: True
Succession to the throne in Kamarupa typically followed the principle of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherited the kingdom.
The Council of Ministers in Kamarupa primarily consisted of military leaders.
Answer: False
The Council of Ministers (Mantriparisada) in Kamarupa often included Brahmanas and individuals with administrative expertise, not primarily military leaders.
Kamarupa was administratively divided into provinces called *visayas* and towns called *puras*.
Answer: True
The administrative structure of Kamarupa included hierarchical divisions such as provinces (*bhukti*, *mandala*, *vishaya*) and urban centers (*pura*).
Officials like *dandika* were responsible for collecting taxes in Kamarupa.
Answer: False
Officials such as the *dandika* and *dandapashika* were primarily responsible for judicial functions, including enforcing laws and executing court orders, rather than tax collection.
Brahmanas in Kamarupa primarily served as military advisors.
Answer: False
While Brahmanas held significant influence, their primary roles were often in religious scholarship and advisory capacities within the council of ministers, rather than exclusively as military advisors.
The adoption of the *saptanga* structure indicates Kamarupa followed a rudimentary administrative model.
Answer: False
The adoption of the *saptanga* structure indicates that Kamarupa utilized a sophisticated and well-established classical Indian framework for its state organization and administration.
In Kamarupa, *pithas* represented administrative districts similar to modern provinces.
Answer: False
Within Kamarupa's administrative framework, *pithas* referred to sacred geographical divisions, often associated with goddesses, rather than administrative districts comparable to modern provinces.
Kamarupa's governance structure was based on the classical Indian model known as:
Answer: The *Saptanga* model
Kamarupa's governance structure adhered to the *Saptanga* model, a well-established framework for statecraft in classical India.
What was the perceived nature of the king's authority in Kamarupa?
Answer: Absolute monarch with divine origin
The king's authority in Kamarupa was perceived as absolute, often bolstered by claims of divine origin.
The general rule for succession to the Kamarupa throne was:
Answer: Primogeniture (eldest son inherits)
Succession to the throne in Kamarupa generally followed the principle of primogeniture, granting inheritance rights to the eldest son.
In Kamarupa's government, the Council of Ministers (Mantriparisada) often included members who were:
Answer: Brahmanas
Members of the Council of Ministers in Kamarupa frequently included Brahmanas, reflecting their significant societal and administrative roles.
Kamarupa was administratively organized into a hierarchy that included units like *bhukti*, *mandala*, and:
Answer: *Vishaya*
The administrative hierarchy of Kamarupa comprised units such as *bhukti*, *mandala*, *vishaya*, alongside towns (*pura*) and villages (*grama*).
Officials such as the *dandika* and *dandapashika* were responsible for:
Answer: Enforcing laws and judicial decisions
The roles of officials like the *dandika* and *dandapashika* involved the enforcement of laws and the execution of judicial decisions within the kingdom.
What did the *Mahasamanta* and *Samanta* titles signify during the Mlechchha dynasty's rule?
Answer: Subordinate rulers with significant autonomy
The titles *Mahasamanta* and *Samanta* during the Mlechchha dynasty's rule signified subordinate rulers who wielded considerable autonomy within their territories.
Revenue in Kamarupa was generated through land taxes, duties on merchants, and state monopolies on copper mines.
Answer: True
The kingdom's revenue streams included various land taxes, tolls and duties levied on merchants, and income from state-controlled monopolies, notably on copper mines.
Land grants like *brahmadeya* in Kamarupa conferred rights to collect revenue and offered tax exemptions.
Answer: True
Land grants such as *brahmadeya*, typically awarded to Brahmanas, conferred significant privileges, including the right to collect local revenue and exemption from state taxes.
The practice of *brahmadeya* grants suggests a society where Brahmanas held significant land and revenue rights.
Answer: True
The prevalence of *brahmadeya* grants, which transferred land and revenue collection rights, particularly to Brahmanas, indicates that this social group held considerable economic and social influence within Kamarupa.
Land grants like *dharmottara* were awarded to temples in Kamarupa.
Answer: True
The kingdom practiced various forms of land grants, including *dharmottara* grants specifically designated for the maintenance and support of temples.
*Bhucchidranyaya* lands were areas surveyed and taxed by the state.
Answer: False
*Bhucchidranyaya* lands were characterized by their exemption from state taxation, as they were not subject to official survey and assessment.
Which of the following was a primary source of revenue for the Kamarupa kingdom?
Answer: Land taxes and duties from merchants
Primary revenue sources for the Kamarupa kingdom included land taxes, duties collected from merchants, and income from state monopolies.
The significance of *brahmadeya* land grants in Kamarupa included:
Answer: Transferring revenue collection rights and tax exemptions
*Brahmadeya* land grants were significant as they transferred the rights to collect revenue and provided tax exemptions to the recipients, typically Brahmanas.
What does the existence of *brahmadeya* grants suggest about Kamarupa's social structure?
Answer: The presence of a feudal class, particularly Brahmanas
The practice of *brahmadeya* grants, which bestowed land and revenue rights upon Brahmanas, suggests the existence of a feudal social structure within Kamarupa.
Kamarupa's western territories were conquered by Ramapala of the Bengal Pala Empire during the Pala dynasty's rule in Kamarupa.
Answer: True
During the period of Pala rule in Kamarupa, Ramapala, the ruler of the Pala Empire of Bengal, successfully conquered parts of Kamarupa's western territories.
The fragmentation of the Kamarupa kingdom began in the 11th century.
Answer: False
The process of fragmentation within the Kamarupa kingdom commenced around the 13th century, not the 11th.
Raja Prithu successfully repelled invasions from Ghiyasuddin Iwaj Shah of Gauda.
Answer: True
Raja Prithu is historically credited with successfully defending Kamarupa against invasions led by Ghiyasuddin Iwaj Shah of Gauda.
Sandhya relocated the capital from Kamatapur to Kamarupanagara.
Answer: False
Sandhya, a ruler active around 1250–1270 CE, relocated the capital from Kamarupanagara to Kamatapur, marking the establishment of the Kamata kingdom.
The phrase 'washing of the sword in the Karatoya' symbolized the Ahom kingdom's desire to expand its dominion to that river.
Answer: True
The symbolic phrase 'washing of the sword in the Karatoya' reflects the Ahom kingdom's historical ambition to extend its territorial control to the Karatoya River, signifying their aspiration to inherit the legacy of ancient Kamarupa.
What significant external event affected Kamarupa during the Pala dynasty's rule?
Answer: Conquest of western territories by Ramapala of Bengal
A significant external event impacting Kamarupa during the Pala dynasty's reign was the conquest of its western territories by Ramapala, the ruler of the Pala Empire of Bengal.
Around which century did the Kamarupa kingdom begin to fragment into smaller political entities?
Answer: 13th century
The process of fragmentation, leading to the disintegration of the Kamarupa kingdom into smaller political units, commenced around the 13th century.
Raja Prithu is credited with successfully repelling invasions from which ruler?
Answer: Ghiyasuddin Iwaj Shah of Gauda
Raja Prithu is noted for his successful defense against invasions mounted by Ghiyasuddin Iwaj Shah, the ruler of Gauda.
Kamarupa was exclusively known by the name Pragjyotisha throughout its history.
Answer: False
The kingdom was known by multiple names, including Kamarupa and Pragjyotisha, with the latter becoming associated with it later.
According to the Kalika Purana, Kamarupa is named after Kamadeva regaining his physical form.
Answer: True
The Kalika Purana attributes the name 'Kamarupa' to the mythological event where Kamadeva, the god of love, regained his physical form (rupa).
The name Pragjyotisha became associated with Kamarupa in the 7th century when ruler Bhagadatta linked his lineage to it.
Answer: False
The association of the name Pragjyotisha with Kamarupa in the 7th century is linked to ruler Bhaskaravarman, who connected his lineage to the epic figures Bhagadatta and Naraka, not Bhagadatta himself linking his lineage.
The term *Kirrhadia* in early texts refers to the region of Assam, named after the Kirata people.
Answer: True
The term *Kirrhadia*, found in ancient texts like the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, is understood to refer to the geographical region of Assam, named in reference to the Kirata people inhabiting it.
The etymological explanation for 'Kamarupa' from the Kalika Purana involves Kamadeva regaining his form.
Answer: True
The Kalika Purana provides an etymological explanation for the name 'Kamarupa,' linking it to the story of Kamadeva successfully regaining his physical form.
The *Kamarupi Prakrit* language evolved from Dravidian dialects.
Answer: False
The *Kamarupi Prakrit* language evolved from Middle Indo-Aryan dialects, not Dravidian dialects, and served as a precursor to modern Assamese.
Besides Kamarupa, what other names were historically used for the kingdom?
Answer: Pragjyotisha and Pragjyotisha-Kamarupa
Historically, the kingdom was also referred to by the names Pragjyotisha and Pragjyotisha-Kamarupa.
According to the Kalika Purana, the name Kamarupa originates from the story of Kamadeva:
Answer: Regaining his physical form
The Kalika Purana explains the origin of the name 'Kamarupa' through the narrative of Kamadeva regaining his physical form.
The name Pragjyotisha became associated with Kamarupa in the 7th century due to ruler:
Answer: Bhaskaravarman
The association of the name Pragjyotisha with Kamarupa in the 7th century is attributed to ruler Bhaskaravarman, who linked his lineage to the kingdom's mythological past.
The term *Kirrhadia*, found in texts from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, refers to:
Answer: The region of Assam, named after the Kirata people
In early texts dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, the term *Kirrhadia* is used to denote the region of Assam, named in reference to the Kirata people inhabiting it.
The *Kamarupi Prakrit* suggests a linguistic evolution from Middle Indo-Aryan dialects, serving as a precursor to:
Answer: The Assamese language
The *Kamarupi Prakrit* language, evolving from Middle Indo-Aryan dialects, is considered a significant precursor to the modern Assamese language.