Regional Kingdoms: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)
13 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on regional kingdoms are listed here, from 1998 to 2023. They span the Kakatiyas, the Deccan Sultanates, the Marathas under Shivaji and the Peshwas, Gujarat and Kashmir. UPSC asks for rulers, seaports, administrative terms and how dynasties ended. The explanations place each kingdom in its region.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 11–13 of 13 questions
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UPSC 1999Medieval History · Regional Kingdoms
Q11. The striking feature of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir completed by Zain-ul-Abidin include(s): 1. Turret 2. Similarity with Buddhist pagodas 3. Persian style Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
The Jama Masjid in Kashmir, completed under the patronage of Zain-ul-Abidin (1420 - 1470 AD), is renowned for its unique blend of architectural features, including Persian influences, turrets, and a resemblance to Buddhist pagodas. This architectural synthesis reflects Kashmir’s historical interaction with Persian culture and Buddhist heritage.
UPSC 1999Medieval History · Regional Kingdoms
Q12. One consistent feature found in the history of southern India was the growth of small regional kingdoms rather than large empires because of:
Explanation
The geography of southern India is characterized by hills, plateaus, and river valleys, which limited the availability of large expanses of fertile land. This led to the emergence of small regional kingdoms that adapted to local conditions and focused on maritime trade and self-sufficient economies, rather than forming expansive empires. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:
Iron was present and utilized for tools and weapons. Social divisions existed but were not a primary factor behind political fragmentation. Manpower scarcity was not a major issue in southern India.
UPSC 1998Medieval History · Regional Kingdoms
Q13. The member of Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan who looked after foreign affairs was:
Explanation
Shivaji (1627-1680) opposed the Mughal dynasty and founded the Maratha kingdom in 17th-century India. His kingdom’s security was based on religious toleration and on the functional integration of Brahmans, Marathas, and Prabhus. He was assisted by a council of Eight members (Ashtapradhan) in his administration. The members of the council are:
1. Peshwa - Head of the administration, overseeing governance.
2. Sumant - In charge of foreign affairs and diplomacy.
3. Sachiv - Managed records and communications.
4. Amatya - Responsible for finances and revenue.
5. Dabir - Handled correspondence.
6. Senapati - Military commander-in-chief.
7. Nyayadhish - Chief justice, overseeing law and order. 8. Pandit Rao - Managed religious affairs and advised on spiritual matters.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
11
1999
(b) 1, 2 and 3
12
1999
(c) Absence of vast areas of fertile land
13
1998
(a) Sumant
What UPSC has tested in Regional Kingdoms
Motupalli was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom.
Bahadur Shah of Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese.
Ibrahim Adil Shah II was hailed as Jagadguru by his Muslim subjects.
Sumant (Dabir) in Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan looked after foreign affairs.
The Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar ended when its kingdom was annexed by the Mughals.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Regional Kingdoms?
This page covers 13 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Regional Kingdoms (Medieval History), asked from 1998 to 2023. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Which seaport was important in the Kakatiya kingdom?
Motupalli, on the Andhra coast, which handled much of the overseas trade of the Kakatiya kingdom. Marco Polo’s account describes the port’s trade in diamonds and fine cotton cloth.
Who was Jagadguru among Muslim rulers of the Deccan?
Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur, who was called Jagadguru by his subjects for his tolerant outlook and patronage of music, shown in his work Kitab-i-Nauras, songs in praise of Hindu deities and Sufi saints.
What was the Ashtapradhan?
The council of eight ministers who assisted Shivaji. It included the Peshwa, the Sumant or Dabir for foreign affairs, the Amatya for finance and the Senapati for the army, and it shows how Maratha administration was organised.
