Question Discussion & Solution

Both the statements are true with reference to ‘barbarian’.

Statement 1 - It is derived from the Greek word ‘barbaros’ which means a non-Greek.

The correct answer is Bijolia Inscription.

• Bijolian (Vindhyavali) is famous for two rock inscriptions, both dated A.D. 1170.
  • One inscription provides the genealogy of the Chahamanas of Ajmer.
  • Other is a Jaina poem called Uttama Sikhara Purana.
• This latter inscription, incised near the shrine door of the temple of Parsvanatha, records the obeisance of Manoratha, son of Mahidhara.
• This spot gained such a wide reputation and became so holy to the Digambara Jainas that a mythological treatise called the Uttama Sikhara Purana was composed and engraved on a large rock nearby.

Key Points

• The ancient site of Bijolian (Vindhyavali) assumed importance as a holy place for the Jainas and Saivas.
• Of the two rock inscriptions, the one dated V.S. 1226 belonging to the Chahamanas records the genealogy of the Chahamanas up to the coronation of Somesvara and mentions names of several Brahmanical temples, then existing in Vindhyavali and neighbouring places.

Additional Information

• Barli Inscription, Ajmer: 
  • Barli inscription which had been discovered in the year 1912, is the oldest inscription in history which is showing Veer Samvat and no other inscription before Ashoka period has been discovered till date in the world.
  • It reveals that Jaina cult was prevalent in Madhyamika.
• Gosundi Inscription, Chittor:
  • Mentions Asvamedha Yajna by King Sarvatata.
  • Mentions about Krishna & Sankarshana (Balram)
• Ghatiyala Inscription, Jodhpur:
  • Information related to political, social & religious policies of Pratihara dynasty.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e., c only (Kalibangan).

• The worship of Fire in the Indus Valley is proved by the discovery of the Fire altar in forts & residences at Kalibangan & Lothal.
• At Surkotada, throughout, a compact citadel and residential complex have been found, but no city complex has been unearthed. The remains of horse bones were found at Surkotda.
• Alamgirpur was discovered in 1974 by Punjab University which was named initially as "Parasaram-ka-Khera". It is located in Meerut district in Uttar Pradesh, India.
• Chanhudaro is located in Sindh province in Pakistan which belonged to the Indus Valley Civilisation and it is considered to have been a centre for manufacturing carnelian beads.
• Other important sites are:-

The correct answer is Vatapi.
Key Points

• The earliest Chalukyas with their capital at Badami (Vatapi) in Karnataka. They ruled from mid-6th They declined after the death of their greatest king, Pulakesin II in 642 AD. They were known as Badami Chalukyas.

Important Points

There were three distinct which were related to Chalukya dynasties - 

• Badami Chalukyas: Capital was Badami (Vatapi) in Karnataka.
• Eastern Chalukyas: Emerged after the death of Pulakesin II in Eastern Deccan with capital at Vengi. They ruled till the 11th century.
• Western Chalukyas: Descendants of the Badami Chalukyas, emerged in the late 10th century and ruled from Kalyani (modern-day Basavakanlyan).

Additional Information

Chalukya Rulers:

• Jayasimha was the first ruler of the Chalukyas.
• Pulakesin I (Reign: 543 AD – 566 AD)
  • Founded the empire with his capital at Vatapi.
  • Performed Ashwamedha.
• Kirtivarman I (Reign: 566 AD – 597 AD)
  • Son of Pulakesin I.
  • Conquered Konkan and northern Kerala.
• Mangalesha (Reign: 597 AD – 609 AD)
  • Brother of Kirtivarman I.
  • Conquered the Kadambas and the Gangas.
  • Was killed by his nephew and son of Kirtivarman, Pulakesin II.
• Pulakesin II (609 AD – 642 AD)
  • The greatest of the Chalukya kings.
  • Extended the Chalukya rule to most parts of the Deccan.
  • His birth name was Eraya. Information about him is obtained from the Aihole inscription dated 634. This poetic inscription was written by his court poet Ravikirti in Sanskrit language using the Kannada script.
  • Xuanzang visited his kingdom. He has praised Pulakesin II as a good and authoritative king.
  • Though a Hindu, he was tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism.
  • He conquered almost entire south-central India.
  • He is famous for stopping Northern king Harsha in his tracks while he was trying to conquer southern parts of the country.
  • He had defeated the Pallava king Mahendravarman I but was defeated and killed by Mahendravarman’s son and successor Narasimhavarman I in a series of battles he had with the Pallavas.

• Mehrgarh has the oldest evidence of the Neolithic Era, It is located in Pakistan.
• It is seen as a precursor of Indus valley civilization. Remains of Human figurines, Pottery, Burials, and Metallurgy have been found here.