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 81–90 of 120 questions
Explanation
Rana Kumbha was an expert in music and authored the monumental treatise "Sangit Raj," which is considered one of the most comprehensive works on Indian music and dance. The text is systematically divided into five distinct sections or "Ratnakoshas": Pathya, Gita, Vadya, Nritya, and Rasa. This work demonstrates Kumbha’s deep intellectual engagement with the classical arts and his role as a scholar-king.Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Rana Sanga’s defeat at Khanwa shifted the balance of power in North India towards the Mughals.
Reason (R): The battle exposed the technological superiority of Babur’s artillery and tulughma tactics over traditional Rajput warfare.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Rana Sanga’s defeat at the Battle of Khanwa in 1527 was a turning point for North India. While the Rajputs were numerically superior and fought with traditional valor, they could not match Babur’s advanced military technology. The Mughal use of field artillery and the "tulughma" flanking tactic effectively neutralized the Rajput cavalry charges, leading to a decisive Mughal victory and shifting the regional balance of power.Explanation
Maharaja Gaj Singh I of Marwar was a prominent Rathore ruler who served the Mughal Empire with distinction. In recognition of his military prowess and loyalty, Emperor Jahangir conferred upon him the title of "Gaj Singh" and "Dal Thambhan," meaning ‘the withholder of armies’. This title reflected his status as a leading general and the high regard in which he was held at the Mughal court.Explanation
Man Singh I of Amber was a great patron of literature and the arts. His court attracted many scholars and poets, among whom Amrit Rai was a notable figure. Amrit Rai authored "Man Charitra," a biographical work that details the life, military conquests, and administrative achievements of Man Singh I. This text is an important contemporary source for the history of the Kachwaha dynasty.Explanation
Rao Chhatrasal Hada of Bundi was a valiant military leader who played a significant role during the Mughal war of succession. In 1658, he fought for the imperial cause under Prince Dara Shikoh at the Battle of Samugarh against Aurangzeb. Despite his fierce resistance and personal bravery on the battlefield, he was killed in action, and his sacrifice is still remembered in Bundi’s history.Explanation
The renowned Hindi poet Bihari was the court poet of Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amber. He is most famous for the "Bihari Satsai," a collection of seven hundred couplets primarily focused on themes of love and devotion. Mirza Raja Jai Singh was such an admirer of Bihari’s poetry that he reportedly rewarded him with a gold coin for every couplet he composed.Explanation
Phad painting is a unique scroll painting tradition from Rajasthan, traditionally used to narrate the stories of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan. This art form belongs to the Shahpura sub-school of the broader Mewar School of painting. It is characterized by vibrant colors and a crowded composition, where the entire life story of the deity is depicted on a long piece of cloth.Explanation
The Harshat Mata temple at Abhaneri, located in the Dausa district, is a significant example of early medieval architecture. Built in the eighth or ninth century, it reflects the stylistic influences of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Although much of the original structure was destroyed, the remaining carvings and plinth exhibit the intricate Maha-Maru style, characterized by detailed sculptural work and grand proportions.Explanation
The system of Subsidiary Alliances was expanded and formalized in Rajasthan during the governor-generalship of Lord Hastings between 1817 and 1818. Through his representative Charles Metcalfe, the British East India Company signed treaties with almost all major Rajput states. These agreements brought the Rajput rulers under British protection and control, effectively ending their independent political and military role in Indian history.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (b) It was built by a Banjara |
| 82 | (c) Five |
| 83 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 84 | (d) Jahangir |
| 85 | (d) Amrit Rai |
| 86 | (b) Rao Chhatrasal |
| 87 | (d) Mirza Raja Jai Singh |
| 88 | (a) Mewar School |
| 89 | (c) Gurjara-Pratiharas |
| 90 | (a) Lord Hastings |
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.