Q1. Which of the following historical texts first propounded the Agnikunda theory for the origin of Rajputs?
Major Dynasties of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
120 RAS Prelims MCQs on the major dynasties of Rajasthan test rulers, capitals, battles, temples and treaties. The Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Chauhans (Chahamanas), the Guhilas of Mewar, the Rathores of Marwar and the Kachwahas of Amber and Jaipur each have their own set of facts to learn, and the explanations tie every ruler to the fort or city he is remembered for.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 120 questions
Q2. The Gurjara-Pratihara ruler who successfully checked the Arab advances in the 8th century CE and is often mentioned in the Gwalior Prashasti was:
Explanation
Nagabhata I was the founder of the imperial Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. He is celebrated for successfully defending Western India against the Umayyad Caliphate’s Arab invasions during the eighth century. The Gwalior Prashasti, an inscription from the reign of Mihir Bhoja, specifically credits him with defeating the Mlechchhas, thereby preserving the territorial and cultural integrity of the region.
Q3. Consider the following rulers of the Paramara dynasty:
I. Upendra
II. Munja
III. Sindhuraja
IV. Bhoja
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their reigns?
I. Upendra
II. Munja
III. Sindhuraja
IV. Bhoja
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their reigns?
Explanation
The Paramara dynasty of Malwa began with Upendra, the founder who established the lineage in the early ninth century. He was followed much later by Vakpati Munja, known for his military prowess and literary patronage. Sindhuraja succeeded Munja and continued the expansion. The most famous ruler, Raja Bhoja, reigned last among these four, bringing the dynasty to its cultural zenith.
Q4. The Chahamana ruler who established the city of Ajayameru (Ajmer) and shifted his capital there from Shakambhari was:
Explanation
Ajayaraja II was a significant ruler of the Chahamana dynasty of Shakambhari. He is credited with founding the city of Ajayameru, modern-day Ajmer, in the early twelfth century. By shifting the capital from Shakambhari to Ajmer, he established a more strategically defensible and central administrative base, which allowed the Chauhans to expand their influence across the Rajasthan region.
Q5. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Battles of Prithviraj III | Opposing Rulers/Generals |
|---|---|
| A. Battle of Mahoba | i. Muhammad Ghori (Defeated) |
| B. First Battle of Tarain | ii. Muhammad Ghori (Victorious) |
| C. Second Battle of Tarain | iii. Paramardi Deva |
| D. Battle against the Bhadanakas | iv. A rebellious neighboring tribe |
Explanation
Prithviraj III engaged in several decisive conflicts during his reign. In 1182, he defeated the Chandela ruler Paramardi Deva in the Battle of Mahoba. He later faced Muhammad Ghori twice at Tarain, winning the first encounter in 1191 but losing the second in 1192. Additionally, he successfully suppressed the Bhadanakas, a rebellious tribe threatening the northern borders of his kingdom.
Q6. Bappa Rawal, the early ruler of the Guhila dynasty of Mewar, captured the fort of Chittor from which of the following rulers?
Explanation
Bappa Rawal is regarded as the first significant ruler of the Guhila dynasty in Mewar. Historical accounts and traditions state that he captured the strategic fort of Chittor from the Mori Rajput ruler, Man Mori, in the eighth century. This conquest laid the foundation for the long-standing Guhila and later Sisodia rule over Mewar, making Chittor their primary stronghold.
Q7. Which of the following texts was not authored by Rana Kumbha?
Explanation
Rana Kumbha was a prolific scholar and patron of the arts, credited with writing works like Rasik Priya, Sudha Prabandh, and Sangit Raj. However, the text Raj Vallabh was actually authored by his chief architect, Mandana. While Mandana served under Kumbha’s patronage and designed several forts, the literary credit for this specific architectural treatise belongs to the architect himself.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Rana Sanga:
I. He defeated the Malwa Sultan Mahmud Khalji II in the Battle of Gagron.
II. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Khatoli.
III. He lost the Battle of Bayana to Babur’s forces.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He defeated the Malwa Sultan Mahmud Khalji II in the Battle of Gagron.
II. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the Battle of Khatoli.
III. He lost the Battle of Bayana to Babur’s forces.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rana Sanga was a powerful Rajput monarch who achieved significant military successes before his final defeat. He defeated Mahmud Khalji II of Malwa at the Battle of Gagron and overcame Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Khatoli. Although he eventually lost to Babur at Khanwa, he was actually victorious in the earlier Battle of Bayana against the Mughal forces.
Q9. Rao Jodha laid the foundation of the Mehrangarh Fort and the city of Jodhpur in which of the following years?
Explanation
Rao Jodha, a prominent Rathore ruler, sought a more secure location for his capital than the older seat at Mandore. In 1459, he laid the foundation of the Mehrangarh Fort on a high hill known as Chidiyatunk. The surrounding city was named Jodhpur after him. This move provided a strategic military advantage and facilitated the consolidation of Rathore power in Marwar.
Q10. Man Singh I of Amber served as the Mughal Subahdar (Governor) for which of the following provinces during Akbar’s reign?
Explanation
Man Singh I of Amber was one of Emperor Akbar’s most trusted and high-ranking generals. He served extensively as the Subahdar or Governor of several key provinces, including Kabul in the northwest, and Bihar and Bengal in the east. His administrative and military skills were instrumental in expanding and stabilizing the Mughal Empire across these diverse and often rebellious regions.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Prithviraj Raso |
| 2 | (a) Nagabhata I |
| 3 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
| 4 | (d) Ajayaraja II |
| 5 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 6 | (b) Man Mori |
| 7 | (d) Raj Vallabh |
| 8 | (a) I and II only |
| 9 | (b) 1459 CE |
| 10 | (a) Bengal, Bihar, and Kabul |
Key facts from Major Dynasties of Rajasthan
- Nagabhata I of the Gurjara-Pratiharas checked the Arab advance in the 8th century.
- Ajayaraja II, a Chahamana ruler, founded Ajayameru (Ajmer) and moved the capital there from Shakambhari.
- Rao Jodha laid the foundation of Mehrangarh and Jodhpur in 1459.
- Rana Kumbha built the Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh to mark his victory over Mahmud Khalji of Malwa.
- Man Singh I of Amber served as Mughal Subahdar of Bengal, Bihar and Kabul; Sawai Jai Singh II founded Jaipur and built the Jantar Mantar observatories.
- Kota was separated from Bundi in 1631 by a decree of Shah Jahan.
- The Delwara temples at Mount Abu were built under the patronage of the Solankis of Gujarat.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Major Dynasties of Rajasthan?
This page has 120 practice MCQs on Major Dynasties of Rajasthan (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who founded Jodhpur?
Rao Jodha, a Rathore ruler of Marwar, founded Jodhpur in 1459 and laid the foundation of the Mehrangarh Fort. He moved the capital of Marwar there from Mandore, and the city is named after him.
Which Chahamana ruler founded Ajmer?
Ajayaraja II, who founded Ajayameru, the present Ajmer, and shifted the Chahamana capital there from Shakambhari. Ajmer remained an important Chauhan centre until the defeat of Prithviraj III in the twelfth century.
Who wrote Kavya Mimamsa and under which dynasty?
Rajashekhara, the court poet of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, wrote the treatise Kavya Mimamsa. It is a work on poetics, and it remains one of the best-known literary products of the Pratihara court.