Miscellaneous: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)

Explanation

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French traveler and gem merchant who traveled extensively in India during the 17th century. He was an independent traveller and trader who, between the years of 1630 and 1668, made travels to Persia and India in the courts of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. He is well-known for his detailed accounts of the diamonds and diamond mines of India, particularly the famous Golconda mines. Tavernier provided extensive information on the diamond trade, the mines in places like Golconda, and the prized diamonds, such as the Koh-i-Noor.

Explanation

During the Indian, banjaras were generally merchants. They referred to their caravans as tanda.

Option (d) is correct: During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, banjaras had a significant impact. For the purpose of transporting grain to the markets in the cities, Alauddin Khalji used the Banjaras. They were responsible for moving goods from one location to another. According to the Emperor Jahangir’s chronicles, the Banjaras transported grain from various regions on their bullocks and sold it in towns.

Explanation

In Medieval India, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate and the early Mughal period, the terms Mahattara and pattakila were the village headmen. Pattalika is generally identified with the modern Patel, believed to be the king’s representative in the village. Mahattara was a non-official and possibly a representative of the people. The Mahattara had significant authority within the village and was often tasked with overseeing the community’s activities and ensuring that taxes were collected and local disputes were settled.

Explanation

The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has been operational since the 7th century AD. It is a prime example of Vijayanagara architecture built by Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain under King Deva Raya II and features intricate carvings, sculptures, and towering Gopuras adorned with Hindu mythological scenes. The temple’s central shrine houses Lord Virupaksha, an incarnation of Shiva. Surrounding the temple are smaller shrines, mandapas (pillared halls), and a spacious courtyard. Over the centuries, various dynasties have contributed to its expansion and preservation. Beyond its religious significance, the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, which showcases the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Explanation

Indian temple architecture is categorized into three styles. The Nagara Style (North) features beehive-shaped Shikharas and intricate carvings, as seen in the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple and Konark Sun Temple. The Dravida Style (South) is known for pyramid-like structures and towering Vimanams, exemplified by the Brihadeshwara and Meenakshi Temples. The Vesara Style blends Nagara and Dravida elements, seen in the Chenna-Keshava Temple at Somanathapura.

Option (a) is correct: The correct pairings are as follows:

Vidyashankara Temple, located in Sringeri, Karnataka, is a 14th-century temple that showcases ancient Indian astronomy and architecture. Built in 1338 AD, it combines Hoysala and Dravidian styles, with a shrine honoring Sri Vidyathirtha, a key figure in Vijayanagara history. Rajarani Temple is situated in Bhubaneswar, Orissa is famous for its exquisite Kalinga architecture and temple built with red and yellow coloured sandstone, which referred as Rajarani in local language Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is one of the largest and most artistically important Hindu temples, found in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Bhimesvara Temple is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, and its architecture dates back to the Eastern Chalukya period characterized by Dravidian and Vesara elements.

Explanation

The Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built during King Devaraya II’s reign in the 15th century. Dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple is famous for its 56 musical pillars that produce melodic sounds when struck. Its most notable feature is the stone chariot in front of the Ranga Mantapa, dedicated to Garuda, with two elephants pulling it. The temple showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Kitab-I-Nauras (The Book of 9 Rasas), a collection of songs praising both Hindu deities and Muslim saints, was composed by Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Adil Shahi dynasty in the 16th century. The fifty-nine songs and seventeen couplets of the book are written in Dakhni Urdu. It also indicates the ragas in which they were to be sung. He was a dhrupad singer and the player of an instrument called tambour.

Statement 2 is correct: Amir Khusrau, a renowned Sufi poet, musician, and scholar, is credited with the foundation of Qawwali music in India. Qawali is a devotional form of Islamic music deeply embedded in the mystical traditions of Sufism, and Amir Khusrau is often regarded as its spiritual and musical architect in the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The Lingaraj Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is one of the most important and revered temples in eastern India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be built in the 11th century during the rule of King Jajati Keshari of Somavamshi dynasty (9th century C.E. to 11th century C.E.). It is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture, showcasing intricate carvings and an impressive structure.

Explanation

Iqta is associated with the Delhi Sultans, this system involves land grants assigned to officials (Iqtadars) for revenue collection and administrative responsibilities. Jagir term was pertinent to the Mughals, this was a system where land revenue rights were assigned to officials as compensation for their services. Amaram is associated with the Vijayanagara Empire, this term referred to land assignments granted to military officers (Amaranayakas) who were responsible for providing troops to the central authority. Mokasa - Relevant to the Marathas, it referred to revenue assignments given to local officials or chiefs.

Explanation

The Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1193. It was later completed by his successor Iltutmish in the early 13th century. It is a victory tower or minaret that was constructed to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India and to celebrate Qutb-ud-Din Aibak’s victory over the Rajputs. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq is credited with having repaired the tower in the 14th century after it was damaged by lightning. The Qutub Minar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a Delhi Sultan known for administrative reforms, died in 1388 A.D. Firoz Shah introduced the Faujdar system and created the post of Shiqdar (District head). Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Calicut in 1498 marked the beginning of Portuguese maritime influence in India. Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara (1509-1529 A.D) was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, contributing to military, administrative, and cultural advancements.