Can you imagine the period when the mighty Gupta Empire collapsed. No single king rules all of India. Instead, dozens of kingdoms are fighting, building, praying, and creating, all at once. Temples are being carved out of solid rock. Poets are writing in Sanskrit and Tamil. A Chinese traveller is walking from monastery to monastery, taking notes. And somewhere in Bengal, people are choosing their own king. This was India between the 6th and 10th centuries, not a dark age at all, but one of the most alive periods in our history.
This page has MCQ questions based on Chapter 3, Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries, from the unit Tapestry of the Past in Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Grade 7 Part 2, published by NCERT under the CBSE curriculum. The chapter covers a vast stretch of Indian history, from the rise of Harsha in the north to the rock temples of the Pallavas in the south, and from Arab raids on the coast to the brilliant mathematicians who gave the world the rules of zero.
Here is a quick look at what social studies chapter 3 covers:
- End of Gupta era, around 600 CE: Large unified empires give way to many competing regional kingdoms across the subcontinent.
- Harshavardhana, 606 CE: Powerful ruler at Kannauj, patron of scholars, author of Sanskrit plays, and host to the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang.
- Xuanzang’s travels, 630-644 CE: Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who left detailed records of Indian kingdoms, culture, cities, and religious life.
- First Arab naval raid repulsed, 637 CE: Muslim Arab forces attacked the western coast at Thana but failed to hold territory.
- Death of Harsha, 647 CE: Triggered political turmoil in north India and the beginning of the long Tripartite Struggle over Kannauj.
- Bhakti tradition begins in south India, around 650 CE: Devotional poetry by the Alvars and Nayanars reshapes religious life across all sections of society.
- Rise of the Pala dynasty, 750 CE: Gopala chosen as king of Bengal; Palas later patronise Nalanda and found the great university of Vikramashila.
- Arab conquest of Sindh, 712 CE: Muhammad bin Qasim leads Arab forces into Sindh, defeating King Dahar; Arab advance into the rest of India is eventually checked.
- Tripartite Struggle, 8th-9th centuries: The Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas fight repeatedly over Kannauj with no lasting winner.
- Kailashanatha temple at Ellora: Rashtrakuta king Krishna I commissions the largest rock-cut temple in India, carved entirely from a hillside.
- Brahmagupta, born 598 CE: Mathematician from Bhillamala who established rules for working with zero, negative numbers, and fractions.
- Vikramashila university: Founded by Pala king Dharmapala in the late 8th century; housed nearly 3,000 scholars and had scholar-gatekeepers testing entry to each college.
- Chalukyas and Pallavas: Two major powers of the Deccan and south India, known for magnificent cave temples at Badami, rock-cut monuments at Mamallapuram, and trade links with Southeast Asia.
- Bhakti Movement: 6th century in south India, devotional traditions spread widely and reshaped Indian society and literature.
- India and the Arabs – cultural exchange: Sanskrit texts on mathematics, astronomy, and medicine were translated into Arabic in the 9th century. Indian numerals, including zero, were adopted by Arab scholars that later reached Europe.
This chapter matters because it shows that India never simply fell apart when large empires ended. New kingdoms rose, built extraordinary temples, produced world-class scholars, fought off invasions, and kept alive some of the oldest traditions of learning and governance on earth.
Practise what you have learned with these MCQ questions for Class 7 Social Science and test your understanding of this rich and fascinating chapter.
Class 7 Empires and Kingdoms 6th to 10th Centuries Part 2 MCQ Questions with Answers
Class 7 SST Chapter 3 Empires and Kingdoms 6th to 10th Centuries Part 2 MCQ Questions
1. Harshavardhana ascended the throne in 606 CE at which city?
a) Pataliputra
b) Kannauj
c) Ujjayini
d) Vengi
Answer:
b) Kannauj
2. Harshavardhana belonged to which dynasty?
a) Chalukya
b) Pala
c) Pushyabhuti or Vardhana
d) Rashtrakuta
Answer:
c) Pushyabhuti or Vardhana
3. Which scholar wrote Harshacharita, a biography of Harsha?
a) Kalhana
b) Banabhatta
c) Ravikirti
d) Dandin
Answer:
b) Banabhatta
4. What was the main purpose of Xuanzang’s journey to India?
a) To start a kingdom in India
b) To buy horses and weapons
c) To visit Buddhist sites and learn doctrines
d) To conquer Kannauj
Answer:
c) To visit Buddhist sites and learn doctrines
5. Which ruler checked Harsha’s attempt to expand southward beyond the Narmada?
a) Narasimhavarman I
b) Dharmapala
c) Pulakeshin II
d) Gopala
Answer:
c) Pulakeshin II
6. The Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj involved the Palas, the Gurjara-Pratiharas, and the
a) Cheras
b) Rashtrakutas
c) Pallavas
d) Varmans
Answer:
b) Rashtrakutas
7. Who was chosen in 750 CE to restore stability in Bengal and became the first Pala king?
a) Dharmapala
b) Gopala
c) Bhoja
d) Dantidurga
Answer:
b) Gopala
8. Which Pala ruler founded Vikramashila and Somapura and patronised Mahayana Buddhism?
a) Gopala
b) Dharmapala
c) Harsha
d) Vijayalaya
Answer:
b) Dharmapala
9. What made admission to Vikramashila highly selective?
a) Only princes could study there
b) Students had to defeat a soldier
c) Each college had a scholar gatekeeper who tested students
d) Only foreign students were allowed
Answer:
c) Each college had a scholar gatekeeper who tested students
10. The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was founded by
a) Nagabhata I
b) Bhoja
c) Krishna I
d) Aditya I
Answer:
a) Nagabhata I
11. Which Pratihara ruler built an empire stretching from Punjab and Kathiawar to Kannauj?
a) Nagabhata I
b) Bhoja
c) Dantidurga
d) Amoghavarsha I
Answer:
b) Bhoja
12. Dantidurga became the first independent Rashtrakuta ruler after overthrowing the
a) Palas
b) Cholas
c) Chalukyas
d) Pallavas
Answer:
c) Chalukyas
13. Which Rashtrakuta ruler got the Kailashanatha temple at Ellora carved out of a hillside?
a) Krishna I
b) Dantidurga
c) Amoghavarsha I
d) Lalitaditya Muktapida
Answer:
a) Krishna I
14. Which Rashtrakuta ruler was also known by the title Nripatunga?
a) Krishna I
b) Amoghavarsha I
c) Nagabhata I
d) Pulakeshin I
Answer:
b) Amoghavarsha I
15. Rajatarangini, an important source for the history of Kashmir, was written by
a) Xuanzang
b) Banabhatta
c) Kalhana
d) Al-Masudi
Answer:
c) Kalhana
16. Which Kashmir ruler of the Karkota dynasty is described as a firm ruler in the chapter?
a) Dida
b) Lalitaditya Muktapida
c) Bhaskaravarmana
d) Mihira Bhoja
Answer:
b) Lalitaditya Muktapida
17. Pulakeshin I founded which dynasty in the mid-6th century CE?
a) Chola
b) Chalukya
c) Pala
d) Varman
Answer:
b) Chalukya
18. What was the capital of the Chalukyas founded by Pulakeshin I?
a) Kanchi
b) Tanjavur
c) Vatapi
d) Manyakheta
Answer:
c) Vatapi
19. Which Pallava ruler, also called Mamalla, defeated Pulakeshin II and captured Badami?
a) Mahendravarman I
b) Narasimhavarman I
c) Aditya I
d) Vijayalaya
Answer:
b) Narasimhavarman I
20. Which Pallava port developed trade relations with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia?
a) Korkai
b) Prayaga
c) Mamallapuram
d) Bhillamala
Answer:
c) Mamallapuram
21. The Cholas were reborn under which ruler in the 9th century?
a) Aditya I
b) Vijayalaya
c) Dharmapala
d) Dantidurga
Answer:
b) Vijayalaya
22. Which feature greatly contributed to the prosperity of the Chola heartland?
a) Desert caravans
b) The fertile Kaveri delta and efficient irrigation
c) Gold mines in Kashmir
d) Control of the Himalayas
Answer:
b) The fertile Kaveri delta and efficient irrigation
23. Kings often governed regions outside their core territories through subordinate rulers called
a) dvaarapanditas
b) samantas
c) bhuktis
d) mandalas
Answer:
b) samantas
24. What was the overall political impact of the Arab conquest of Sindh according to the chapter?
a) It created a vast Arab empire across India
b) It had a limited political and religious impact
c) It ended all Indian kingdoms
d) It replaced all local institutions immediately
Answer:
b) It had a limited political and religious impact
Empires and Kingdoms 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Part 2 Assertion-Reason Questions
1. Assertion (A): Harsha held an assembly at Prayaga every five years. Reason (R): After performing sacred rites, he gave away much wealth to Buddhists, Brahmins, and the poor.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true
Answer:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Assertion (A): Kannauj became the centre of a long Tripartite Struggle. Reason (R): The Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas repeatedly fought for control over it.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true
Answer:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
3. Assertion (A): The Rashtrakutas were only warriors and did not support art or learning. Reason (R): They patronised Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain schools of thought and encouraged literature in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Kannada.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true
Answer:
d) A is false, but R is true
4. Assertion (A): The Pallavas developed both cultural and commercial strength. Reason (R): Kanchipuram was a cultural centre and Mamallapuram connected them with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia through trade.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true
Answer:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
5. Assertion (A): The Arab conquest of Sindh led to total control over most of India. Reason (R): Indian rulers offered stubborn resistance and Arab control remained limited mainly to small areas in Sindh and Punjab.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true
Answer:
d) A is false, but R is true
Empires and Kingdoms 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Part 2 Fill in the blanks Questions
1. Harshavardhana ascended the throne in __________ CE.
Answer:
606
2. The earlier capital of the Pushyabhuti dynasty was __________.
Answer:
Sthaneshvara
3. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang travelled in India between __________ and 644.
Answer:
630
4. The first king of the Pala dynasty was __________.
Answer:
Gopala
5. Vikramashila was founded on the banks of the river __________.
Answer:
Ganga
6. The early capital of the Gurjara-Pratiharas was __________.
Answer:
Bhillamala
7. The Rashtrakuta capital was __________.
Answer:
Manyakheta
8. Rajatarangini literally means the River of __________.
Answer:
Kings
9. The Chalukya capital Vatapi is the present-day city of __________.
Answer:
Badami
10. The Pallava capital Kanchi is the present-day city of __________.
Answer:
Kanchipuram
11. The Cholas were reborn under __________ in the 9th century.
Answer:
Vijayalaya
12. Villages were the lowest __________ units in this period.
Answer:
administrative
13. Muhammad bin Qasim first captured the port of __________ in Sindh.
Answer:
Debal
Empires and Kingdoms 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Part 2 True or False Questions
1. Harsha was described as a fine poet and dramatist.
Answer:
True
2. Xuanzang brought back more than 600 Sanskrit Buddhist manuscripts to China.
Answer:
True
3. The Tripartite Struggle ended quickly with a clear and lasting victor.
Answer:
False
4. Vikramashila was known for its ties with Tibet.
Answer:
True
5. The Rashtrakutas carved the Kailashanatha temple at Ellora as a gigantic rock-cut sculpture.
Answer:
True
6. Queen Dida of Kashmir is described as a weak ruler who avoided all political action.
Answer:
False
7. Pulakeshin II was defeated by the Pallavas of Kanchi.
Answer:
True
8. The Pallavas promoted only one religious tradition and ignored all others.
Answer:
False
9. The Cholas were known for their efficient administration and powerful navy.
Answer:
True
10. Merchant guilds in this period had no connection with religious or charitable activities.
Answer:
False
11. The Arabs succeeded in gaining lasting control over large parts of India during this period.
Answer:
False
Empires and Kingdoms 6th to 10th Centuries Class 7 Part 2 Match the following Questions
Question 1
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Harshavardhana | A. Writer of Rajatarangini |
| 2. Banabhatta | B. Ruler of Kannauj |
| 3. Xuanzang | C. Chinese pilgrim |
| 4. Dharmapala | D. Founder of Vikramashila |
| 5. Kalhana | E. Author of Harshacharita |
Answer:
| Column A | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Harshavardhana | B. Ruler of Kannauj |
| 2. Banabhatta | E. Author of Harshacharita |
| 3. Xuanzang | C. Chinese pilgrim |
| 4. Dharmapala | D. Founder of Vikramashila |
| 5. Kalhana | A. Writer of Rajatarangini |
Question 2
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Krishna I | A. Defeated Pulakeshin II |
| 2. Narasimhavarman I | B. Chola ruler who defeated the Pallavas |
| 3. Vijayalaya | C. Got Kailashanatha temple carved at Ellora |
| 4. Aditya I | D. Rebuilt Chola power in the 9th century |
| 5. Muhammad bin Qasim | E. Led Arab conquest of Sindh |
Answer:
| Column A | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Krishna I | C. Got Kailashanatha temple carved at Ellora |
| 2. Narasimhavarman I | A. Defeated Pulakeshin II |
| 3. Vijayalaya | D. Rebuilt Chola power in the 9th century |
| 4. Aditya I | B. Chola ruler who defeated the Pallavas |
| 5. Muhammad bin Qasim | E. Led Arab conquest of Sindh |
