Answer: D

Explanation:

The village assemblies in the Chola Empire played a vital role in local governance, but they were not entirely autonomous. While these assemblies, known as “Sabhas” or “Ur”, enjoyed significant powers and managed day-to-day affairs, they operated under the overarching authority of the Chola monarch.

For instance, the Chola king would often appoint an officer to oversee village administration and ensure that local decisions aligned with imperial policies. This system of dual governance allowed for effective local management while maintaining the king’s control over the empire’s vast territories. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.

Membership in village assemblies was not exclusive to landowning Brahmins. Instead, these assemblies represented a broader cross-section of village society Including women. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.

Theme: Chola empire.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Paramara ruler Bhoja indeed built the Bhojeshwar Temple, which is located in Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

However, the first capital of the Paramara Dynasty was not Sthanivishvara, but rather Dhara (Dhar) or Mandore (near modern Jodhpur). Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.

Theme: Regional kingdoms.

Answer: D

Explanation: Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's decision to transfer the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad was motivated by three key reasons:

• Establishing Control: The shift to Daulatabad would give him a chance to establish control over the Deccan and Gujarat regions, allowing him to consolidate his power and exert authority over these areas.
  
• Strategic Access: Daulatabad's location provided access to the Western and Southern ports, facilitating trade and commerce, and enabling Tughlaq to expand his economic influence.
  
• Protection from Invasion: By relocating the capital to Daulatabad, Tughlaq aimed to protect himself from direct Mongol invasions from the North-Western frontier, as Daulatabad's geographical location made it more secure against potential attacks.
  

Therefore, all statements are correct.

Theme: Delhi sultanate.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, who ruled as the Sultan of Delhi from 1266 to 1287, successfully broke and destroyed the power of the Turkan-i-Chihalgani, a group of powerful Turkish nobles who had dominated the Delhi Sultanate during the early 13th century. Balban’s efforts to centralize power and reduce the influence of the nobles helped to establish a more stable and efficient government in Delhi.

Theme: Delhi sultanate.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Queen Kumaradevi, the wife of Govind Chandra Gahadavala, the ruler of the Gahadavala dynasty, constructed the Dharma-Chakra-Jaina Vihara at Sarnath. Sarnath is a famous Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage site located near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

The Gahadavala dynasty was a powerful dynasty that ruled over much of northern India, including present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, during the 11th to 12th centuries. Queen Kumaradevi was a patron of Jainism and constructed several temples and viharas, including the Dharma-Chakra-Jaina Vihara at Sarnath.

Theme: Regional kingdoms.