Q101. Man Singh I constructed the famous Govind Dev Ji temple in which city during his tenure as a Mughal governor?
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 101–110 of 120 questions
Q102. The region of Hadoti, historically ruled by the Hadas, primarily comprises which present-day districts?
Explanation
The Hadoti region, located in the southeastern part of Rajasthan, was historically the domain of the Hada branch of the Chauhan Rajputs. This fertile region primarily comprises the modern-day districts of Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar. Hadoti is known for its distinct cultural identity, including its own dialect and unique styles of painting and architecture, developed under the patronage of its Hada rulers.
Q103. Which Kachwaha ruler performed the Ashvamedha Yajna, considered the last such grand Vedic sacrifice performed by a Hindu king?
Explanation
Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur was a unique ruler who sought to revive ancient Vedic traditions. In 1742, he performed the Ashvamedha Yajna, or horse sacrifice, which is considered the last major performance of this grand Vedic ritual by an Indian king. This act was intended to proclaim his sovereignty and religious authority, marking a significant moment in the late medieval history of Rajasthan.
Q104. Consider the following historical texts:
I. Prithviraj Raso
II. Padmavat
III. Nainsi ri Khyat
IV. Vamsha Bhaskar
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their composition?
I. Prithviraj Raso
II. Padmavat
III. Nainsi ri Khyat
IV. Vamsha Bhaskar
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of their composition?
Explanation
The literary history of Rajasthan follows a clear timeline. The Prithviraj Raso was composed in the late twelfth century. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the Padmavat in 1540 during the Sur dynasty. Muhnot Nainsi authored his famous Khyat in the mid-seventeenth century. Finally, the Vamsha Bhaskar was written by Surajmal Misran in the nineteenth century, representing a late example of the grand bardic tradition.
Q105. The architectural form known as ‘Chhatri’ (cenotaph) prevalent in Rajasthan is a structural synthesis of:
Explanation
The ‘Chhatri’ is a quintessential feature of Rajasthani funerary architecture, serving as a memorial for royals and nobles. Structurally, it represents a synthesis of traditional Rajput open pavilion designs, characterized by pillars and lintels, and the rounded domes introduced by Mughal architecture. These cenotaphs are often intricately carved and placed on elevated platforms, creating a striking silhouette in the desert landscape.
Q106. Consider the following statements regarding the decline of major Rajput dynasties:
I. The rigid clan structure prevented the formation of a unified Rajput empire.
II. Continuous warfare severely drained the economic resources of the states.
III. Internal successions disputes were frequently exploited by external powers.
IV. Strategic reliance on forts proved ineffective against Mughal artillery.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The rigid clan structure prevented the formation of a unified Rajput empire.
II. Continuous warfare severely drained the economic resources of the states.
III. Internal successions disputes were frequently exploited by external powers.
IV. Strategic reliance on forts proved ineffective against Mughal artillery.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Several factors contributed to the decline of Rajput political power. Their rigid clan-based structure made it nearly impossible to form a unified, lasting empire. Constant internal warfare drained their economic resources, while frequent succession disputes allowed external powers like the Mughals to intervene. Finally, their traditional reliance on hilltop forts became a strategic disadvantage when faced with the modern artillery of the Mughal army.
Q107. Which Rajput clan claims their descent from Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama?
Explanation
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty claimed descent from Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama. According to their inscriptions, Lakshmana served as the ‘door-keeper’ or ‘Pratihara’ for his brother, and the clan adopted this name to signify their role as the protectors of the land. This legendary origin provided them with a high status in the traditional social hierarchy and linked them to the Solar race.
Q108. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Rajput Dynasties | Ancient Capitals |
|---|---|
| A. Guhilas | i. Shakambhari |
| B. Chauhans | ii. Nagda |
| C. Rathores | iii. Dausa |
| D. Kachwahas | iv. Mandore |
Explanation
The ancient capitals of the major Rajput dynasties highlight their early centers of power. The Guhilas initially established themselves at Nagda. The Chauhans were associated with Shakambhari, from where they later moved to Ajmer. The Rathores first rose to prominence at Mandore before founding Jodhpur. The Kachwahas began their rule in the Dhundhar region, with Dausa serving as one of their earliest administrative seats.
Q109. The inscription which describes the Chauhans as "Vatsa Gotra Brahmins" is:
Explanation
The Bijolia rock inscription of 1170 CE is a vital historical source for the Chahamana dynasty. It specifically describes the Chauhans as "Vatsa Gotra Brahmins," suggesting a priestly origin that later transitioned into a martial one. This inscription also lists the genealogy of the dynasty and mentions numerous ancient place names, providing essential data for reconstructing the early political geography of medieval Rajasthan.
Q110. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Prithviraj III could not consolidate his victory after the First Battle of Tarain.
Reason (R): He allowed Muhammad Ghori’s forces to retreat rather than pursuing and destroying them.
Which of the following is correct?
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Prithviraj III could not consolidate his victory after the First Battle of Tarain.
Reason (R): He allowed Muhammad Ghori’s forces to retreat rather than pursuing and destroying them.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
After defeating Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191, Prithviraj III failed to capitalize on his success. Rather than pursuing the retreating Ghorid army and permanently eliminating the threat, he allowed them to return to Ghazni. This strategic error gave Ghori the time to regroup and return with a more organized force the following year, leading to Prithviraj’s final defeat.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 101 | (c) Vrindavan |
| 102 | (b) Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar |
| 103 | (d) Sawai Jai Singh II |
| 104 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
| 105 | (c) Rajput pavilion architecture and Mughal domes |
| 106 | (b) I, II, III and IV |
| 107 | (d) Gurjara-Pratiharas |
| 108 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 109 | (c) Bijolia Inscription |
| 110 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
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.