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 91–100 of 120 questions
I. Nagabhata I established his capital at Bhinmal.
II. Vatsaraja is often considered the real founder of the Pratihara empire.
III. Rajasekhara was the court poet of Vatsaraja.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty’s rise began with Nagabhata I, who established his base at Bhinmal. However, Vatsaraja is often considered the real architect of the empire as he successfully participated in the Tripartite Struggle for Kannauj. While Rajashekhara was indeed a famous court poet, he served much later rulers like Mahendrapala I and Mahipala I, rather than Vatsaraja himself, during the dynasty’s cultural peak.Explanation
Raja Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty was a true polymath and a prolific writer. He is credited with authoring over eighty works on a vast range of subjects, including the "Samarangana Sutradhara" on architecture and the "Saraswatikanthabharana" on grammar. His immense literary and scientific contributions earned him the title "Kaviraja," making him one of the most celebrated intellectual figures in the history of medieval India.I. Foundation of Ajayameru (Ajmer).
II. Construction of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra (originally a Sanskrit college).
III. Battle of Mahoba.
IV. First Battle of Tarain.
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of these events?
Explanation
The history of the Chahamanas followed a distinct chronological progression. It began with the foundation of Ajmer by Ajayaraja II. Later, Vigraharaja IV constructed a Sanskrit college in Ajmer, which was later converted into the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. Prithviraj III then expanded the empire, defeating the Chandelas at Mahoba in 1182, before his famous encounter with Muhammad Ghori at Tarain in 1191.Explanation
In local Rajasthani folklore and traditional accounts, the horse of Prithviraj III is named Natyarambha. According to legends, this horse was exceptionally skilled and was said to have ‘danced’ to the beat of drums. The bond between the warrior and his steed is a common theme in Rajput heroic poetry, symbolizing the martial culture and the personal valor associated with the great Chauhan king.| Guhila Rulers of Mewar | Key Battles/Events |
|---|---|
| A. Jaitra Singh | i. Battle of Singoli |
| B. Rana Hammir | ii. Battle of Bhutala |
| C. Rana Kumbha | iii. Battle of Haldighati |
| D. Maharana Pratap | iv. Battle of Sarangpur |
Explanation
The Guhila rulers of Mewar were involved in several transformative battles. Jaitra Singh defeated Iltutmish at the Battle of Bhutala. Rana Hammir secured Mewar’s independence at the Battle of Singoli. Rana Kumbha defeated the Sultan of Malwa at the Battle of Sarangpur in 1437. Finally, Maharana Pratap fought the famous Battle of Haldighati in 1576, which became a symbol of Rajput resistance.Explanation
The Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. Built by Rana Kumbha in the fifteenth century, it was designed by the architect Mandan. The fort is famous for its massive wall, which is the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China, and its strategic location in the rugged Aravalli hills.I. He was affectionately called "Hindupat".
II. He lost one eye, one arm, and was crippled in one leg due to battlefield injuries.
III. The Rajput confederacy united under him before the Battle of Khanwa.
IV. He was betrayed by Salhadi of Raisen during the Battle of Khanwa.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Rana Sanga was a formidable warrior-king of Mewar, known as "Hindupat". He bore numerous scars from his many battles, including the loss of an eye and a limb. Before the Battle of Khanwa, he successfully united the major Rajput clans into a powerful confederacy. However, during the decisive battle against Babur, he was betrayed by his ally Salhadi, which contributed to his defeat.Explanation
Meerabai, the famous saint-poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna, was born into the Rathore family of Merta. However, she was married into the royal house of Mewar to Prince Bhojraj, the eldest son of Rana Sanga. After her husband’s early death, she faced difficulties at the Mewar court and eventually left to spend her life in devotion, becoming an iconic figure in Indian mysticism.Explanation
Durgadas Rathore is a legendary figure in Marwar’s history, celebrated for his unwavering loyalty to the Rathore throne. After the death of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, he successfully protected the infant prince Ajit Singh from Aurangzeb’s attempts to annex Jodhpur. For nearly thirty years, he led a persistent guerrilla war against the Mughals, eventually restoring Ajit Singh to his ancestral kingdom in 1707.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 91 | (a) 24 |
| 92 | (a) I and II only |
| 93 | (c) Raja Bhoja |
| 94 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
| 95 | (a) Natyarambha |
| 96 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 97 | (b) Rajsamand |
| 98 | (d) I, II, III and IV |
| 99 | (c) Guhilas (Sisodias) of Mewar |
| 100 | (d) Durgadas Rathore |
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.