Q71. The fortification known as Taragarh Fort in Bundi was built by which Hada ruler?
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 71–80 of 120 questions
Q72. During the reign of which Kachwaha ruler did the Jaipur school of painting reach its zenith, blending Mughal and indigenous techniques?
Explanation
The Jaipur school of painting reached its artistic zenith during the reign of Sawai Pratap Singh in the late eighteenth century. He was a great patron of the arts and maintained a large studio of painters. Under his influence, the style became more vibrant, focusing on religious themes like the Radha-Krishna Leela, while successfully integrating Mughal technical finesse with indigenous folk traditions.
Q73. Which of the following literature details the genealogy and achievements of the Rathore dynasty?
Explanation
Mundiyar ri Khyat is an important historical work that provides a detailed genealogy and record of the achievements of the Rathore dynasty of Marwar. This khyat, or traditional chronicle, is a primary source for understanding the early history, territorial expansions, and internal politics of the Rathore rulers. It serves as a vital tool for historians researching the medieval period of Western Rajasthan.
Q74. The Ranakpur Jain Temple, famous for its 1444 intricately carved pillars, was built by Dharna Shah during the reign of:
Explanation
The Ranakpur Jain Temple is an architectural masterpiece located in the Pali district. It was constructed in the fifteenth century by Dharna Shah, a wealthy Jain merchant, who received land and support from Rana Kumbha of Mewar. The temple is dedicated to Adinatha and is famous for its intricate marble carvings and its 1444 unique pillars, reflecting the era’s religious and artistic flourishing.
Q75. A major internal factor for the weakening and eventual decline of Rajput political hegemony in Rajasthan during the 18th century was:
Explanation
The decline of Rajput political power in the eighteenth century was accelerated by internal instability. A prime example was the prolonged succession war in Marwar between Ram Singh and Bakht Singh following the death of Maharaja Abhai Singh. This conflict drained the state’s resources and forced both factions to invite Maratha intervention, leading to increased external control and the eventual erosion of Rajput independence.
Q76. Consider the following statements regarding the Rajput origin theories:
I. The Agnikunda theory lists Chauhans, Chalukyas, Paramaras, and Pratiharas as the four clans born from the fire pit.
II. G.H. Ojha argued that Rajputs are descendants of Kshatriyas of the Vedic period.
III. Alexander Cunningham linked Rajputs to the Kushanas.
IV. The foreign origin theory is solely based on their worship of fire and weapons.
V. Colonel Tod’s theory was opposed by several Indian nationalist historians.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Agnikunda theory lists Chauhans, Chalukyas, Paramaras, and Pratiharas as the four clans born from the fire pit.
II. G.H. Ojha argued that Rajputs are descendants of Kshatriyas of the Vedic period.
III. Alexander Cunningham linked Rajputs to the Kushanas.
IV. The foreign origin theory is solely based on their worship of fire and weapons.
V. Colonel Tod’s theory was opposed by several Indian nationalist historians.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Theories on Rajput origins are complex and varied. The Agnikunda theory identifies four specific clans, while G.H. Ojha argued for Vedic Kshatriya descent. Alexander Cunningham proposed a link to the Kushanas. Furthermore, Colonel Tod’s foreign origin theories were frequently challenged by nationalist historians seeking indigenous roots. However, the foreign origin theory is based on various cultural parallels, not solely on fire and weapons.
Q77. The Arab traveler Al-Masudi visited the court of which Gurjara-Pratihara ruler and referred to his kingdom as "Al-Juzr"?
Explanation
The Arab traveler and historian Al-Masudi visited North India during the early tenth century. He spent time at the court of the Gurjara-Pratihara ruler Mahipala I. In his writings, Al-Masudi referred to the Pratihara kingdom as "Al-Juzr" and praised the king for his vast army and efficient administration. His account provides a valuable external perspective on the power and prosperity of the dynasty.
Q78. Consider the following powers that controlled the region of Malwa:
I. Paramaras
II. Khalji Sultans of Malwa
III. Mughals
Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of their control over the region?
I. Paramaras
II. Khalji Sultans of Malwa
III. Mughals
Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of their control over the region?
Explanation
The Malwa region saw a succession of powerful rulers over the centuries. It was first a stronghold of the Rajput Paramara dynasty until the early fourteenth century. Following their decline, the region came under the control of the independent Khalji Sultans of Malwa. Finally, in the sixteenth century, Malwa was integrated into the Mughal Empire, representing a transition from Rajput to regional and then imperial rule.
Q79. Which Chauhan ruler defeated the Tomaras and captured the city of Delhi (Dhillika)?
Explanation
Vigraharaja IV was a formidable Chahamana ruler who significantly expanded the kingdom’s northern borders. He is most famous for defeating the Tomara Rajputs and capturing the city of Dhillika, which is modern-day Delhi. This conquest shifted the political center of gravity and placed the Chauhans in a position of supreme authority in North India, just prior to the decisive conflicts with the Ghorid invaders.
Q80. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Texts on Prithviraj III | Authors |
|---|---|
| A. Prithviraj Raso | i. Nayanchandra Suri |
| B. Prithviraj Vijaya | ii. Jayanaka |
| C. Hammir Mahakavya | iii. Chandika (Chand Bardai) |
| D. Surjan Charitra | iv. Chandrashekhar |
Explanation
Several contemporary and later texts document the life of Prithviraj III. Chand Bardai (Chandika) wrote the epic Prithviraj Raso, while Jayanaka authored the Prithviraj Vijaya. Nayanchandra Suri wrote the Hammir Mahakavya, which deals with his descendants, and Chandrashekhar authored the Surjan Charitra. These works offer various perspectives, blending historical facts with legendary accounts of the most famous Chahamana ruler and his lineage.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (d) Rao Bar Singh |
| 72 | (a) Sawai Pratap Singh |
| 73 | (c) Mundiyar ri Khyat |
| 74 | (a) Rana Kumbha |
| 75 | (d) The persistent dispute over the Jodhpur succession between Ram Singh and Bakht Singh |
| 76 | (a) I, II, III and V |
| 77 | (c) Mahipala I |
| 78 | (a) I, II, III |
| 79 | (a) Vigraharaja IV |
| 80 | (a) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv |
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.