Q81. What was the primary mechanism through which the "Drain of Wealth" occurred from Rajputana to British India?
Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th Centuries: RAS Prelims MCQs
101 RAS Prelims MCQs on Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th centuries cover the decline of Mughal authority, Maratha pressure, Pindari raids and the British treaties of 1817 and 1818. Questions ask about alliances, battles, the order in which states signed and the working of the Rajputana Agency, so learn the sequence of events together with the names.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 81–90 of 101 questions
Q82. In the administrative and economic fabric of 18th and 19th-century Rajasthan, the influential class of Seths, Sahukars, and Mahajans primarily held power because:
Explanation
The Mahajan community, including Seths and Sahukars, held significant power because they were the primary financiers of both the princely states and the rural population. They provided essential loans to the rulers for administration and tribute payments, while also controlling the credit available to peasants for agriculture. Their financial control made them indispensable to the political and economic stability of the princely states.
Q83. In the context of the economic history of Rajasthan, a ‘Hundi’ can best be defined as:
Explanation
A Hundi was a bill of exchange or credit note used in long-distance trade. Merchants used it to move money without carrying cash.
Q84. Identify the incorrectly matched pair of a prominent historical merchant/banker family and their primary base in Rajasthan:
Explanation
Prominent merchant families in Rajasthan had specific historical bases, such as Seth Mirzamal in Churu and the Lodha family in Ajmer. Amar Chand Banthia was associated with Bikaner and Gwalior. However, the Birla family’s traditional roots are in Pilani, Shekhawati, rather than Jaisalmer. These families were central to the regional banking system and later became major industrial figures in India.
Q85. Consider the following statements regarding the migration of Marwari Mahajans in the 19th century:
Statement I: A large number of Marwari merchants migrated from Rajputana to British Indian centers like Calcutta, Bombay, and Kanpur.
Statement II: The primary reason for their migration was the highly favorable and protective economic policies offered by the native Rajput rulers.
Statement I: A large number of Marwari merchants migrated from Rajputana to British Indian centers like Calcutta, Bombay, and Kanpur.
Statement II: The primary reason for their migration was the highly favorable and protective economic policies offered by the native Rajput rulers.
Explanation
During the nineteenth century, many Marwari merchants migrated to British Indian commercial centers like Calcutta and Bombay. However, the reason for this migration was not the favorable policies of native rulers. On the contrary, the decline of traditional trade routes and the lack of opportunities within the fragmented princely states drove them toward growing colonial markets where new business prospects were emerging.
Q86. Which of the following was NOT a typical function performed by the leading bankers (Nagar Seths) in the princely states of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Leading bankers or Nagar Seths performed various vital functions, such as minting state currency and advancing Taqavi loans to peasants. They also handled financial obligations like paying the Maratha Chauth for the state. However, they were not traditionally involved in leading religious conversion movements among tribal groups, as their activities were primarily centered on the state’s financial administration and their own commercial interests.
Q87. Which of the following is the most appropriate reason for the massive out-migration of the Mahajan community from Rajasthan in the latter half of the 19th century?
Explanation
The massive out-migration of the Mahajan community from Rajasthan in the late nineteenth century was primarily due to economic shifts. The development of colonial ports and railways led to the decline of traditional inland trade routes passing through Rajasthan. Consequently, Marwari merchants moved to rising British commercial hubs like Calcutta and Bombay to take advantage of new and more lucrative business opportunities.
Q88. The most prominent and wealthy banker in a state capital, who often served as the principal financier to the ruler and the public, was conventionally honored with the title of:
Explanation
In the princely states of Rajasthan, the most influential and wealthy banker in a capital city was honored with the title of Nagar Seth. This individual served as the principal financier for both the ruler and the general public. The Nagar Seth played a crucial role in state ceremonies, economic policy, and occasionally even represented the city’s financial interests during times of crisis.
Q89. The devastating famine of 1899-1900 in Rajasthan is locally and historically remembered as:
Explanation
The devastating famine of 1899-1900 is locally known as the ‘Chhappanya Akal’ in Rajasthan. This name is derived from the Vikram Samvat year 1956, which corresponds to the period of the famine. It remains one of the most severe demographic disasters in the region’s history, resulting in massive loss of human life and livestock due to absolute and simultaneous crop failure.
Q90. The severe famine of 1868-69 in Rajputana is notoriously referred to as ‘Tri-kal’ (Triple Famine) because it involved an acute, simultaneous scarcity of:
Explanation
The famine of 1868-69 is called ‘Tri-kal’ because it represented a simultaneous and acute scarcity of three essential resources: grain for human consumption, water for all living beings, and fodder for livestock. This combination made the crisis particularly lethal, as it not only caused widespread human starvation but also destroyed the animal wealth that was central to the region’s agricultural economy.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 81 | (b) Annual tributes, maintenance of contingents, and unequal trade terms |
| 82 | (b) They financed the state and controlled agricultural credit. |
| 83 | (c) A bill of exchange or credit note used for long-distance trade |
| 84 | (d) Birlas - Jaisalmer |
| 85 | (c) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect. |
| 86 | (b) Leading religious conversion movements among tribal groups |
| 87 | (d) Decline of traditional routes and colonial business opportunities |
| 88 | (a) Nagar Seth |
| 89 | (c) Chhappanya Akal |
| 90 | (d) Grain, Water, and Fodder |
Key facts from Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th Centuries
- The Triple Alliance of 1708 brought Mewar, Marwar and Amber together against Mughal interference.
- The Bundi succession dispute of 1734 is seen as the first open Maratha interference in a Rajput state.
- The Battle of Tunga in 1787 was fought between Mahadji Scindia and the combined forces of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
- Tonk was granted to Amir Khan Pindari and recognised as a state by the British in 1817.
- Charles Metcalfe negotiated the treaties of subordinate isolation with most Rajput states.
- The Krishna Kumari dispute led to a war involving Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th Centuries?
This page has 101 practice MCQs on Rajasthan in the 18th and 19th Centuries (Rajasthan History, Art and Culture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was Chauth?
Chauth was a payment demanded by the Marathas from a territory in return for sparing it from plunder, usually reckoned as a quarter of the revenue. Rajput states paid it in the eighteenth century because they could not resist Maratha armies.
Who was Amir Khan in Rajasthan’s history?
Amir Khan was a Pindari leader who took part in the internal conflicts of Rajputana. After the Pindari wars the British recognised him as ruler, and Tonk was granted to him and recognised as a state in 1817.
What did the British aim for in the Rajputana treaties?
To create a buffer of dependent states that would protect British territories. Under the treaties the states accepted British paramountcy, paid for auxiliary forces and gave up independent dealings with other states.