This page lists 2 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Medieval History in the UPSC 2020 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2020Medieval History · Early Medieval Period
Q1. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
Explanation
Hundis are used as a form of remittance instrument to transfer money from place to place. It was used as a form of credit instrument or IOU to borrow money and as a bill of exchange in trade transactions. The Hundis was a letter of credit payable after a period of time. The word "hundi" is often linked to the Sanskrit root "hundika," meaning a type of bill or note. The Lekhapaddhati (12th century, in post-Harsha period) refer to the use of hundika by kings and nobles to make payments but it may have been used by merchants as well. Hundis were widely used during the post-Harsha period (7th century onwards) and played a significant role in the growth of trade and urbanization in India.
UPSC 2020Medieval History · Regional Kingdoms
Q2. Consider the following events in the history of India: 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I 3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka 4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
Explanation
Correct chronology is as follows: 2-4-1-3 The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty that ruled a large part of southern India between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, with Kanchipuram (now in Tamil Nadu) as their capital. The Pallavas achieved their pinnacle with Mahendravarman I’s rule (c. 600-630), who reigned alongside Harsha and Pulakeshin II. The Pala Empire, which started in the Bengal region and ruled throughout the post-classical period (8th and 9th century AD), was an imperial power. The empire was officially established when Gopala was chosen to rule as Gauda’s emperor in 750 AD. Nagabhatta I founded the Gurjara Pratihara Dynasty (8th to 11th Century AD) in the Malwa region around the 8th century AD. Mihir Bhoja (836-885 AD) was the greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty. The Cholas rose to prominence in the 9th century and formed an empire that included most of South India; Tanjore/ Tanjavur served as their capital. The reign of the Chola king Parantaka, who succeeded his father Aditya I as king, lasted from 907-953 AD.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2020
(c) A bill of exchange
2
2020
(c) 2-4-1-3
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Medieval History?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Medieval History in the UPSC 2020 Prelims, asked between 1996 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Medieval History?
Questions on Medieval History in the UPSC 2020 Prelims are available for 27 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
