Daily Current Affairs Quiz: October 14, 2025

Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Tripartite Struggle centered around Kannauj, a strategically located and symbolically important city in north India. Control over Kannauj was seen as a mark of imperial supremacy. Its location in the fertile Gangetic plains made it a coveted prize for emerging powers in the 8th–10th centuries.

Statement 2 is correct: The three major powers involved were the Gujara-Pratiharas (from western India), the Palas (from Bengal), and the Rashtrakutas (from the Deccan). Each dynasty occupied Kannauj at different points, but none could maintain uninterrupted control. Their rivalry defined early medieval politics.

Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Chalukyas of Badami (6th–8th century) were succeeded by the Western Chalukyas of Kalyani in the 10th century. The latter ruled parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra and continued the legacy of temple architecture and administrative reforms. Their capital was at Kalyani (modern Basavakalyan).

Statement 2 is correct: The Kalachuris, especially those of Tripuri, were staunch patrons of Shaivism. They built temples dedicated to Shiva and supported Brahmanical rituals. Their inscriptions and temple architecture reflect a strong Shaiva orientation, particularly in central India.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Sun Temple at Konark was built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century, not by the Chandelas. The Chandelas are known for the Khajuraho group of temples in Madhya Pradesh, which are famous for their Nagara-style architecture and intricate sculptures.

Answer: C [Both 1 and 2]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Palas had strong cultural and diplomatic ties with Tibet. Tibetan sources mention the influence of Pala Buddhism and the movement of scholars between the two regions. This helped spread Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions across the Himalayas and into East Asia.

Statement 2 is correct: The decline of the Palas in the 12th century led to the rise of the Sena dynasty, which was Hindu and more orthodox. The Senas emphasized Sanskrit literature and Brahmanical traditions, marking a shift from Buddhist to Hindu dominance in Bengal.

Answer: A [1 and 2 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Palas emerged in Bengal in the 8th century, with Gopala being elected by local chieftains. They were major patrons of Mahayana Buddhism and supported institutions like Nalanda and Vikramashila. Their rule marked a revival of Buddhist learning and art in eastern India.

Statement 2 is correct: Dharmapala (r. c. 770–810 CE) founded Vikramashila University to rival Nalanda. It became a major center of Buddhist learning, attracting scholars from Tibet and Southeast Asia. The university had a structured curriculum and was known for its scholastic excellence.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Cholas did not defeat the Palas in the Battle of Kalinga. That battle is associated with Ashoka’s Mauryan campaign. The Cholas’ northern campaigns were directed toward Bengal but did not involve a decisive battle with the Palas.

Answer: C [1 and 3 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Manyakheta (modern Malkhed) was the capital of the Rashtrakutas. It became a major political and cultural center during their rule. The dynasty controlled large parts of the Deccan and northern India and was known for its administrative efficiency and patronage of literature.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Dilwara Temples were constructed by the Solankis of Gujarat in the 11th–13th centuries, not by the Rashtrakutas. While the Rashtrakutas supported Jainism, their architectural contributions are more evident in the Ellora caves and other Deccan monuments.

Statement 3 is correct: Krishna I (r. 756–774 CE) commissioned the Kailasa temple at Ellora, carved from a single rock. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of Indian rock-cut architecture and reflects the Rashtrakutas’ devotion to Shaivism and their engineering prowess.