Q101. Which of the following statements regarding the legacy of Maharana Pratap is correct?
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 101–110 of 119 questions
Q102. Which of the following statements about the alliance between Marwar (Jodhpur) and the Mughals is incorrect?
Explanation
The alliance between Marwar and the Mughals began with Mota Raja Udai Singh, but it was not characterized by a complete lack of military service by later rulers. Maharaja Jaswant Singh was actually a prominent general who commanded Mughal armies on various fronts, including in the Deccan and the Northwest. His relationship with the empire was significant, though it eventually collapsed under Aurangzeb’s policies.
Q103. Identify the correctly matched pair regarding Rajput resistance to Aurangzeb:
Explanation
Durgadas Rathore is the iconic figure associated with the Rajput resistance against Aurangzeb. He led a persistent rebellion for thirty years to ensure the survival of the Rathore dynasty in Marwar. His leadership during this period was characterized by strategic alliances and guerrilla warfare, making him a symbol of loyalty and defiance against the increasingly centralizing and intolerant policies of the later Mughal Empire.
Q104. Which of the following was NOT a reason for the increasing Maratha incursions into Rajasthan during the 18th century?
Explanation
Maratha incursions into Rajasthan during the eighteenth century were primarily fueled by the decline of Mughal authority and the financial benefits of exacting Chauth. Rajput succession disputes also provided frequent opportunities for intervention. However, there was no military alliance between the British and the Marathas to conquer Rajputana at that time; in fact, the two powers were often rivals for influence in the region.
Q105. Which is the most appropriate description of the political status of Rajput states immediately after signing the treaties of 1817-18 with the British?
Explanation
After signing the Subsidiary Alliance treaties in 1817-18, Rajput states became semi-autonomous princely states under British paramountcy. While the rulers surrendered their rights to conduct independent foreign policy and engage in warfare, they retained authority over their internal administration. This political status characterized the region until Indian independence in 1947, with the British Crown acting as the ultimate sovereign power over the states.
Q106. Read the following statements and select the correct option.
Statement I: The Gurjara-Pratihara empire successfully protected the frontiers of India against Arab invasions for several centuries.
Statement II: The decline of the Gurjara- Pratiharas created a power vacuum in North India, making it vulnerable to later Turkish invasions.
Statement I: The Gurjara-Pratihara empire successfully protected the frontiers of India against Arab invasions for several centuries.
Statement II: The decline of the Gurjara- Pratiharas created a power vacuum in North India, making it vulnerable to later Turkish invasions.
Explanation
The Gurjara-Pratihara Empire served as a critical defensive barrier for India, successfully halting Arab advances from Sindh for several centuries. Their military strength ensured the stability of North India during the early medieval period.
Q107. The concept of a "Ghazi" was utilized by which invader to motivate his troops during a decisive battle against the Rajputs?
Explanation
Babur used the religious concept of "Ghazi," meaning a warrior for the faith, to inspire his demoralized troops before the Battle of Khanwa. Facing a massive Rajput confederacy, he declared Jihad and ceremonially broke his wine cups to demonstrate his piety. This psychological tactic successfully unified his soldiers and gave them a renewed sense of purpose, contributing to their victory over the forces of Rana Sanga.
Q108. Find the odd one out among the Rajput chieftains who participated in the First Battle of Tarain alongside Prithviraj Chauhan:
Explanation
At the First Battle of Tarain, Prithviraj Chauhan was supported by several prominent Rajput chieftains, such as Govind Rai of Delhi and the general Skanda. These allies were instrumental in the Rajput victory. Jayachandra, the Gahadavala ruler of Kannauj, is the odd one out because he remained neutral and did not participate in the conflict due to his long-standing rivalry with the Chauhan ruler.
Q109. What was the direct effect of the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain on the region of Ajmer?
Explanation
Following the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain, the region of Ajmer did not immediately lose its Rajput character. Muhammad Ghori briefly allowed Govindaraja, the son of Prithviraj, to rule as a subordinate leader. This arrangement was short-lived, as internal rebellions and subsequent Turkish campaigns eventually led to the direct annexation of Ajmer and the establishment of Turkish administrative control.
Q110. The famous siege of Chittorgarh by Alauddin Khilji is vividly described in which of the following historical literary works authored later in 1540?
Explanation
The epic poem Padmavat, written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540, provides a vivid and legendary account of Alauddin Khilji’s siege of Chittorgarh. Although it was composed over two centuries after the actual event, the work popularized the story of Queen Padmini and the sacrifice of the Rajput defenders. It remains a major literary source that blends historical facts with cultural folklore and romantic themes.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 101 | (c) A symbol of unyielding independence and patriotic resistance. |
| 102 | (b) Maharaja Jaswant Singh never commanded a Mughal army as he constantly rebelled against Shah Jahan. |
| 103 | (d) Durgadas Rathore - Led the Rathore rebellion for 30 years |
| 104 | (a) A firm military alliance formed between the British and Marathas to conquer Rajputana. |
| 105 | (c) Semi-autonomous princely states under British paramountcy. |
| 106 | (c) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct. |
| 107 | (d) Babur at Khanwa |
| 108 | (b) Jayachandra of Kannauj |
| 109 | (c) It was briefly ruled by Govindaraja as a subordinate leader. |
| 110 | (d) Padmavat |
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.