Q91. Which of the following statements regarding early Arab incursions is incorrect?
Cooperation and Resistance with Central Power: RAS Prelims MCQs
119 RAS Prelims MCQs on how Rajput states resisted or cooperated with the central power cover the Arab, Turkish, Mughal, Maratha and British periods. The battles of Tarain and Haldighati, Akbar’s Rajput policy, the Rathore rebellion after Jaswant Singh and the subsidiary treaties of 1817 and 1818 all feature, and each question asks for the cause or consequence, not just the date.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 91–100 of 119 questions
Q92. Identify the correctly matched pair of the Rajput dynasty and its core territory during the Ghaznavid/Ghurid invasions:
Explanation
During the period of Ghaznavid and Ghurid invasions, the Chauhans were the dominant power in the region of Ajmer and Sambhar. Under rulers like Prithviraj III, they established an extensive empire in North India. This strategic location made them the primary obstacle for Turkish invaders moving toward Delhi, leading to the decisive battles that eventually determined the course of Indian medieval history.
Q93. All of the following were advantages possessed by Prithviraj Chauhan at the First Battle of Tarain EXCEPT:
Explanation
At the First Battle of Tarain, Prithviraj Chauhan benefited from a numerically superior army and strong support from his local vassals. However, his elephant corps did not provide a mobility advantage over the highly mobile Ghurid cavalry. In fact, the slow-moving elephants were often vulnerable to the fast-paced tactics and horse archery of the Turkish forces, which would be exploited in subsequent encounters.
Q94. The most significant administrative change in North India immediately following the Ghurid victories at Tarain and Chandawar was:
Explanation
Following the Ghurid victories at Tarain and Chandawar, the Turkish conquerors introduced the "Iqta" system to North India. This administrative innovation involved granting the right to collect land revenue from specific territories to military officers in exchange for their service. This system was fundamental in consolidating Sultanate rule, as it allowed the new rulers to maintain a large standing army and centralize authority.
Q95. Read the following statements and select the correct option.
Statement I: Alauddin Khilji’s conquest of Ranthambore in 1301 was facilitated by the betrayal of Hammir’s generals, Ranmal and Ratipal.
Statement II: After the conquest, Alauddin Khilji generously rewarded Ranmal and Ratipal with the governorship of Ranthambore.
Statement I: Alauddin Khilji’s conquest of Ranthambore in 1301 was facilitated by the betrayal of Hammir’s generals, Ranmal and Ratipal.
Statement II: After the conquest, Alauddin Khilji generously rewarded Ranmal and Ratipal with the governorship of Ranthambore.
Explanation
The conquest of Ranthambore by Alauddin Khilji in 1301 was indeed aided by the betrayal of Hammir’s generals, Ranmal and Ratipal. They defected to the Sultan’s side during the critical siege. However, rather than rewarding them with high positions, Alauddin Khilji reportedly executed them after his victory, famously stating that those who were not loyal to their own master could never be trusted.
Q96. The concept of "Jauhar," frequently observed during the Delhi Sultanate sieges of Rajput forts, was primarily enacted:
Explanation
Jauhar was a traditional practice among Rajput women during medieval sieges, particularly when the fall of a fort appeared inevitable. It involved mass self-immolation to protect their honor and avoid capture and enslavement by invading forces. This act was usually accompanied by "Saka," where the Rajput men performed a final, suicidal charge against the enemy, choosing death in battle over surrender or humiliation.
Q97. Find the odd one out among the texts associated with Rana Kumbha’s intellectual legacy:
Explanation
Rana Kumbha was a renowned scholar who authored works such as Sangit Raj, Sangit Mimansa, and Sudha Prabandh, which are essential texts on Indian music and literature. However, the famous epic poem Padmavat was not written by him. It was composed much later, in 1540, by the Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi, focusing on the legendary siege of Chittor by Alauddin Khilji.
Q98. What was a major tactical error committed by Rana Sanga at the Battle of Khanwa that contributed to his defeat?
Explanation
Rana Sanga delayed his attack at Khanwa, which gave Babur time to prepare field fortifications with carts and guns. This delay is regarded as a major tactical error.
Q99. The Mughal administrative policy of forming "Matrimonial Alliances" with Rajput states is best defined academically as a tool of:
Explanation
The Mughal policy of matrimonial alliances with Rajput states was a strategic political measure to ensure loyalty and integrate powerful regional rulers into the imperial system. By marrying Rajput princesses, Mughal emperors, especially Akbar, built trust and secured military support from Rajput chiefs. This reduced rebellions and strengthened control over frontier regions. Rather than erasing identity or exploiting resources, the policy promoted cooperation, stability, and administrative integration within the Mughal Empire.
Q100. During the Battle of Haldighati, the famous elephant of Maharana Pratap, which caused severe destruction in the Mughal ranks before being captured, was named:
Explanation
Ramprasad was the exceptionally brave elephant belonging to Maharana Pratap during the Battle of Haldighati. The elephant caused significant damage to the Mughal ranks until it was eventually captured by the imperial forces. Recognizing the animal’s valor, Akbar reportedly renamed it Pirprasad. Despite being taken to the Mughal court, the elephant is said to have died of grief, refusing to eat or drink.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 91 | (d) The permanent Islamization of the entire Rajasthan region. |
| 92 | (b) Chauhans - Ajmer and Sambhar |
| 93 | (c) Superior mobility of his elephant corps over Ghurid cavalry. |
| 94 | (d) The establishment of the iqta system by the Turkish conquerors. |
| 95 | (a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. |
| 96 | (b) Mass self-immolation by women to avoid capture and enslavement. |
| 97 | (b) Padmavat |
| 98 | (a) Allowing Babur time to establish defensive field fortifications. |
| 99 | (c) Securing military loyalty and stabilizing frontier regions. |
| 100 | (d) Ramprasad |
Key facts from Cooperation and Resistance with Central Power
- The First Battle of Tarain in 1191 followed Muhammad Ghori’s capture of Tabarhind (Bhatinda); the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 broke Chauhan power.
- Akbar’s Rajput policy was built on loyal alliances, and his principle of Sulh-i-Kul meant universal peace and tolerance.
- At Haldighati, Jhala Bida wore Maharana Pratap’s royal insignia to draw attention away from him.
- The death of Jaswant Singh of Marwar at Jamrud in 1678 started a long Rathore rebellion against the Mughals.
- The Hurda Conference of 1734 aimed to unite Rajput rulers against the Marathas.
- Karauli was the first state to sign a subsidiary alliance with the British, in 1817; Sirohi was the last.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Cooperation and Resistance with Central Power?
This page has 119 practice MCQs on Cooperation and Resistance with Central Power (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What triggered the First Battle of Tarain?
Muhammad Ghori’s capture of the fortress of Tabarhind (Bhatinda) in 1191. Prithviraj Chauhan marched to recover it and met Ghori at Tarain, where the Chauhan forces won the first battle before losing the second in 1192.
Which state first signed a subsidiary alliance with the British in Rajputana?
Karauli, in 1817. The other states followed over the next few years, and Sirohi was the last of the Rajputana states to sign. The treaties placed the states under British protection and paramountcy.
What was the Hurda Conference?
A meeting of Rajput rulers at Hurda in 1734, held to unite them against the growing Maratha incursions. The meeting showed the wish for a common front, though the unity did not last and Maratha pressure continued.