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 41–50 of 120 questions
Explanation
When the Maratha leader Shivaji visited the Mughal court at Agra in 1666, he was placed under house arrest following a confrontation with Aurangzeb. During this period, Ram Singh I, the son of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, was entrusted with his custody. Ram Singh provided Shivaji with refuge and eventually played a role in facilitating his daring escape from the Mughal capital.Explanation
Several historical texts were produced under Rajput patronage. Nainsi ri Khyat was written by Muhnot Nainsi, and Prithviraj Vijaya by Jayanaka. Nayanchandra Suri authored the Hammir Mahakavya. However, the Vamsha Bhaskar is incorrectly matched with Dayaldas; it was actually written by the famous poet Surajmal Misran of Bundi. Dayaldas is instead known for his work, the Dayaldas ri Khyat about Bikaner.I. The Osian temples were built predominantly in the Maha-Maru style.
II. The Sas-Bahu temple of Nagda is associated with the Guhila dynasty.
III. The Brahma Temple of Pushkar was constructed entirely by Rana Kumbha.
IV. The Jagdish Temple in Udaipur is a fine example of the Panchayatana style.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Temple architecture in Rajasthan flourished under various dynasties. The Osian temples exhibit the Maha-Maru style, and the Sas- Bahu temple at Nagda is a Guhila masterpiece. The Jagdish Temple in Udaipur follows the Panchayatana style. However, the Brahma Temple at Pushkar was not built entirely by Rana Kumbha, as the site has ancient origins and has undergone several historical renovations.Explanation
In the eighteenth century, as the Mughal Empire weakened, the Marathas expanded their influence into Rajasthan. They demanded a tribute known as Chauth, which was theoretically one-fourth of the land revenue. In exchange for this payment, the Marathas promised protection from external invasions and agreed not to plunder the territory themselves, placing a heavy financial burden on the Rajput states.| Origin Theories | Key Proponents/Texts |
|---|---|
| A. Brahman origin theory | i. G.H. Ojha |
| B. Solar/Lunar origin theory | ii. Muhnot Nainsi |
| C. Foreign origin theory | iii. D.R. Bhandarkar |
| D. Agnikunda theory | iv. William Crooke |
Explanation
The origins of the Rajputs have been explained through multiple lenses. D.R. Bhandarkar proposed a Brahmin or Gurjara origin, while G.H. Ojha championed the Solar and Lunar descent theory. William Crooke was a prominent supporter of the foreign origin theory, linking them to Central Asian tribes. The Agnikunda theory is a legendary account found in various traditional texts, including those by Nainsi.Explanation
Mihir Bhoja was the most powerful ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, reigning in the ninth century. He was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu and adopted titles such as "Adivaraha" and "Prabhasa," which appeared on his silver and copper coins. His reign marked the zenith of Pratihara power, with an empire extending from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Narmada.I. They served as feudatories of the Chalukyas (Solankis) of Gujarat.
II. Vimala Shah built the Vimal Vasahi temple at Mount Abu during their period.
III. Their capital was primarily located at Chandravati.
IV. Dharavarsha was one of the most powerful rulers of this branch.
V. They ultimately overthrew the Chalukyas and ruled Gujarat independently.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Paramaras of Abu functioned as feudatories of the Solankis of Gujarat and maintained their capital at Chandravati. During their rule, Vimala Shah, a minister, constructed the famous Vimal Vasahi Jain temple. Dharavarsha was their most prominent leader. However, they did not overthrow the Solankis to rule Gujarat independently; rather, they remained a localized power until their eventual decline.Explanation
Vigraharaja IV, also known as Bisaldev, was a powerful Chahamana ruler who significantly expanded his kingdom. His most notable achievement was the conquest of Delhi from the Tomara dynasty. This victory established the Chauhans as the dominant power in North India and made them the primary defenders of the region against incoming Turkic invasions from the northwest during the twelfth century.I. Ajayaraja II
II. Prithviraj III
III. Arnoraja
IV. Vigraharaja IV
Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of their reigns?
Explanation
The chronological sequence of major Chahamana rulers begins with Ajayaraja II, who founded Ajmer. He was followed by his son Arnoraja, who built the Ana Sagar lake. Next was Vigraharaja IV, celebrated for capturing Delhi and for his literary works. The final prominent ruler in this line was Prithviraj III, who famously fought Muhammad Ghori at the Battles of Tarain.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (c) Deva, the son of Rao Anirudh Singh’s wet nurse |
| 42 | (a) Ram Singh I |
| 43 | (d) Vamsha Bhaskar - Dayaldas |
| 44 | (a) I, II and IV |
| 45 | (c) A protective tribute demanded by Marathas |
| 46 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 47 | (a) Mihir Bhoja |
| 48 | (a) I, II, III and IV |
| 49 | (b) Vigraharaja IV |
| 50 | (a) I, III, IV, II |
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.