History & Panipat Battles — Set 2

Correct Answer: C. Vishwasrao (Visvas Rao) and Sadashivrao Bhau

Both Vishwasrao (heir apparent of the Peshwa) and Sadashivrao Bhau (also called Bhau Sahib), the commander-in-chief, were killed in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761). Their deaths were a catastrophic blow to the Maratha leadership. The battle effectively ended the Maratha dominance over northern India.

Correct Answer: B. It ended Maratha expansion northward

The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) effectively ended the Maratha Confederacy's northward expansion and their ambition to become the paramount power of India. The Marathas suffered enormous casualties — estimated at over 100,000 soldiers, administrators, and camp followers. This power vacuum was eventually filled by the rising British East India Company.

Correct Answer: C. Haryana

Panipat is located in the state of Haryana, India. It lies on the Yamuna plains, strategically positioned on the traditional route from the northwest into the Indian heartland. This geographic position made it the site of three of India's most decisive battles.

Correct Answer: B. Due to its three decisive battles and strategic importance

Panipat earned historical significance due to the three major battles fought on its plains that changed the course of Indian history. Its strategic location on the flat Yamuna plains made it an ideal battleground for armies marching from northwest India. The city is known as 'City of Weavers' for its textile industry, but historically it is famous for its battles.

Correct Answer: B. Prithviraj Chauhan III and Muhammad Ghori

The First Battle of Tarain (1191) was fought between Prithviraj Chauhan III (Prithviraj III) of the Chahamana dynasty and Muhammad Ghori (Muʿizz ad-Din Muhammad). Prithviraj III decisively defeated Muhammad Ghori in this battle. This was one of the last major victories of the Rajput kingdoms against the invading Muslims.

Correct Answer: B. 1192

Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan III in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192. In the first battle (1191), Prithviraj had defeated Ghori, but the latter returned the next year with a stronger force. This victory at Tarain (1192) laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate in India.

Correct Answer: C. Kurukshetra

Tarain (also called Taravari or Taraori) is located in the Karnal district of present-day Haryana, near the town of Thanesar in Kurukshetra. The site is close to the historical city of Kurukshetra, which has been a battlefield since ancient times. Both battles of Tarain (1191 and 1192) were pivotal in determining control over northern India.

Correct Answer: C. Delhi Sultanate

Muhammad Ghori's victory in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) paved the way for the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. After Ghori's assassination, his slave general Qutb ud-Din Aibak became the first Sultan of Delhi in 1206. The Delhi Sultanate ruled northern India for over 300 years until Babur's conquest in 1526.

Correct Answer: C. 1 November 1966

Haryana was carved out as a separate state on 1 November 1966 from the then Punjab state. The division was done on a linguistic basis — Hindi-speaking areas became Haryana and Punjabi-speaking areas remained Punjab. The Chandigarh city was made a Union Territory to serve as the shared capital of both states.

Correct Answer: B. Vishnu Sahay

Vishnu Sahay was appointed as the first Governor of Haryana when the state was formed on 1 November 1966. He served as the Constitutional head of the newly formed state in its initial period. The Governor's role was crucial in establishing the administrative framework of the new state.