Under theme: History of India
44 PYQs. Learn elimination tricks first, then attempt the questions below.
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Associate major political transitions (e.g., fall of Lodi, rise of Mughals) with their specific years.
Associate rulers with their known contributions in literature, art, or administration to aid recall.
The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was
The Araghatta was an ancient Indian irrigation device consisting of a large wheel with earthen pots fixed around its rim. As the wheel rotated—usually powered by animals or humans—the pots dipped into a water source and lifted water for irrigation. This mechanism is distinct from leather bags or simple buckets pulled by hand and represents early mechanical water-lifting technology.
Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya?
The correct answer is C. Rajendra I (Chola). Rajendra Chola I, son of Rajaraja Chola I, led a famous naval expedition against the Srivijaya kingdom around 1025 CE. Srivijaya was a powerful maritime empire controlling the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and nearby islands. Rajendra I’s campaign asserted Chola naval dominance in the region and secured control over important sea trade routes. The other rulers listed did not conduct campaigns against Srivijaya: * Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta) focused mainly on the Deccan region.
* Prataparudra (Kakatiya) ruled much later and was centered in the Deccan.
* Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala) focused on South Indian affairs.
Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta' and 'Gunabharata'?
The correct answer is A. Mahendravarman I. Mahendravarman I, a 7th-century Pallava king, was known for his literary talent and artistic patronage. He adopted the titles ‘Mattavilasa’ (lover of playful sport), ‘Vichitrachitta’ (curious-minded or inventive), and ‘Gunabharata’ (full of virtues). He also authored the Sanskrit play *Mattavilasa Prahasana*, reflecting his cultural contributions. The other rulers listed did not assume these titles.
88 min · −33% negative · explanations after submit
Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
Out of the four sites listed, two were included in the World Heritage List (WHS) in 2023: Shantiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas. While Rani-ki-Vav was added to the WHS list in 2014 and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya in 2002. * Shantiniketan: It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore's father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, in 1863 as a spiritual retreat. Shantiniketan was further expanded by Rabindranath Tagore into Visva-Bharati University in 1921, emphasizing the fusion of traditional Indian and modern Western education. * Rani ki Vav: It was built in the 11th century CE by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty in Patan, Gujarat, as a memorial to her husband, King Bhimdev I. It is an exceptional example of stepwell design. * Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas: These were built during the 12th-13th centuries CE under the patronage of the Hoysala dynasty, centered in Karnataka. Hoysala temples are characterized by star-shaped platforms (jagatis). Some of the renowned temples are Chennakeshava Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu), and Keshava Temple (Somanathapura). * Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya: It was built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE at the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal?
* Krishnadeva Raya, the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire (1509-1529), maintained friendly relations with the Portuguese. In 1510, with his permission, Alphonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese governor, constructed a fort at Bhatkal, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. * Narasimha Saluva (reigned 1491–1505) was a ruler of the Saluva dynasty, which briefly controlled the Vijayanagara Empire. The Portuguese presence in India was only beginning to take root during his reign, and their focus was primarily on establishing trade rather than fortifications. * Muhammad Shah III (reigned 1463–1482) was a ruler of the Bahmani Sultanate, a medieval kingdom in the Deccan region. By the time of his reign, the Portuguese had not yet arrived in India (their arrival occurred in 1498). * Yusuf Adil Shah:** He was the founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur and ruled from 1489 to 1510. His engagements with the Portuguese were more conflictual, particularly over the control of Goa.
Consider the following dynasties:
1. Hoysala
2. Gahadavala
3. Kakatiya
4. Yadava
How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?
None of the listed dynasties established their kingdoms in the early eighth century AD (701-800 AD). 1. Hoysala - 1006 AD
2. Gahadavala - 1026 AD
3. Kakatiya - 1000 AD (established as a sub-feudatory, declared independence around the 10th century)
4. Yadava - 850 AD (although some sources suggest a later date) Even the earliest of these estimates (Yadava dynasty) falls outside the early eighth-century range.
Please note: Early eighth century AD refers to the beginning of the medieval period. At that time, there were 3 major dynasties that established their empires in India - Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas.
88 min · −33% negative · explanations after submit
Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?
* The ruler of medieval Gujarat who surrendered Diu to the Portuguese was Sultan Bahadur Shah. Diu was an important port city strategically located on the western coast of India, and its surrender to the Portuguese in 1535 marked a significant event in the history of Portuguese colonial expansion in India. * This was done to seek Portuguese military assistance against his rival Humayun, the Mughal emperor. As a result, the Portuguese established a strong foothold in Diu, turning it into a significant strategic and trading post.
Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?
* Devaraya I, around 1410 A.D., got a barrage constructed across the Tungabhadra river and commissioned a 24 km long aqueduct from the Tungabhadra river to the capital. * The account provided by Nuniz gives details of the projects undertaken by Deva Raya I that brought prosperity to the Kingdom. Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval.
Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is correct. One of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva is in Jyotirlinga here in Somnath. Statement 2 is correct. Al Biruni writes that the temple was built of stone and constructed about 100 years before Mahmud’s attack (which would date it to the 10th century) and that it was set in a fortress surrounded by the sea on 3 sides. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the present-day Somnath Temple in 1951 was performed by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, at the invitation of K.M. Munshi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He remarked that it symbolized a victory of reconstruction over destruction.
The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
Ramanuja believed in qualified non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita), where the individual soul (atman) and God (Brahman) coexist in a qualified oneness. Qualified Non-dualism (Vishishtadvaita): This is the core concept in Ramanuja's philosophy. It contrasts with the strict non-dualism (Advaita) of Adi Shankara. While both acknowledge an ultimate reality, Ramanuja argues for a qualified oneness, where the individual soul (atman) and God (Brahman) exist in a dependent relationship. God's supremacy: Ramanuja emphasized the concept of a personal God, often identified with Vishnu, who is both immanent (present within the world) and transcendent (beyond the world). Path to salvation: Liberation (moksha) is achieved through devotion (bhakti) to God and his grace.