Medieval Indian History & Dynasties

"Bani Thani" is a famous painting associated with the Kishangarh school of painting, which flourished in the princely state of Kishangarh in Rajasthan during the 18th century. This painting is particularly renowned for its elegance and depiction of Indian beauty. Some famous paintings from the other three schools: Bundi School
- Ragamala Series – A set of paintings depicting various Indian musical modes (ragas).
- Chaugan Players – A painting showing women playing Polo, reflecting royal leisure. Jaipur School
- Gita Govinda Series – Paintings depicting the love story of Radha and Krishna.
- Ganesh Stuti – A painting of Lord Ganesha, often seen in Jaipur miniatures. Kangra School
- Gita Govinda Paintings – Like Jaipur, Kangra also depicted Radha-Krishna love stories, but with soft, delicate features.
- Nayika Bheda – A series showing different moods of a heroine (nayika) in love.

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French traveller and gem merchant, extensively documented his travels to India in the 17th century. He wrote about various aspects of Indian society, culture, and economy, including detailed descriptions of diamond mines and the diamond trade in India. Tavernier's writings provided valuable insights into the diamond industry of India during his time. Francois Bernier (1625–1688): A French physician and traveler who visited India during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Jean de Thévenot (1633–1667): A French traveler who visited India in the 17th century. Abbe Barthelemy Carre (17th Century): A French traveler and envoy who visited India in the late 17th century.

Historical records and literary references point towards Motupalli being a significant trading centre for the Kakatiya dynasty. The famous traveller Marco Polo might have even visited this port during his travels.

Eripatti (Correct match): Eripatti refers to land set apart specifically for the maintenance of village tanks. The revenue generated from this land was used to finance the upkeep of these vital water sources for irrigation and other uses. Taniyurs (Incorrect match): While Taniyurs were land grants, they were not exclusively for Brahmins. They were larger revenue units that could include several villages and were often associated with the Cholas. Ghatikas (Correct match): Ghatikas were centres of learning, particularly religious education, often attached to temples. They were smaller institutions compared to Agraharas, which were larger temple-based educational complexes.

Statement 1 is correct: The Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were indeed monotheistic. They believed in a single ultimate reality and often rejected the traditional Hindu practices of idol worship and elaborate temple rituals. Statement 2 is correct: The Lingayats of the Kannada region challenged the established social order. - They did not subscribe to the concept of rebirth within the caste system. - They emphasized equality and rejected the rigidities of the caste system. Therefore, both statements are correct. Hence, option C is the correct Answer.

Araghatta, also known as the 'Persian wheel' or 'Norias', was a device used in medieval India for lifting water from wells or rivers for irrigation purposes. It typically consisted of a large wheel fitted with pots or buckets along its circumference. As the wheel rotated, the pots would fill with water from a water source and then empty into a trough, channel, or aqueduct for distribution to fields or other areas requiring irrigation.

Both statements (1 and 2) are correct regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva Raya, the ruler of Vijayanagar. Statement 1 is correct. Land tax based on quality The Vijayanagara Empire, under Krishna Deva Raya, had a well-defined taxation system. Land revenue was the primary source of income, and the tax rate was determined based on the land's quality, fertility, and irrigation methods. This ensured a fair system where more productive lands yielded higher tax revenue. Statement 2 is correct. Industry tax, besides land tax, the empire levied taxes on various professions and activities. Private workshops and businesses likely paid an industry tax, contributing to the state's treasury.

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally traders. They were nomadic communities known for transporting goods like salt, grain, cattle, and other necessities across long distances using bullock caravans called tandas. They played a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce within the Indian subcontinent.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: A strong central authority is not a defining characteristic of the feudal system. In fact, a weak central government with power dispersed among regional lords is more typical. Statement 2 is Correct: Land ownership and control were fundamental aspects of the feudal system in India. Powerful landowners (Zamindars, Jagirdars etc.) gained control over vast territories and the peasantry who worked on them. Statement 3 is Correct: A hierarchical structure with lords granting land to vassals in exchange for military service, taxes, and loyalty was a core principle of the feudal system. While the Indian feudal system had some unique characteristics, these two elements - land control and the lord-vassal relationship - formed the backbone of the system.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Gunpowder was already known and used in India before Babur's arrival, likely introduced by the Mongols in the 13th or 14th century. Statement 2 is incorrect: The use of arches and domes in Indian architecture predates Babur. It was a prominent feature in earlier architectural styles like Indo-Islamic and Deccan Sultanate architecture. Babur did introduce new military tactics and technologies, but gunpowder wasn't a novelty. Statement 3 is correct: His victory at the Battle of Panipat in 1526 marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire, an extension of the Timurid dynasty he hailed from. So, the establishment of the Timurid dynasty is the most accurate consequence of Babur's arrival.