History & Heritage — Set 19
MP GK · इतिहास और विरासत · Questions 181–190 of 220
Who founded the Bhopal State in the 18th century and became its first Nawab?
Correct Answer: A. Dost Mohammed Khan
Dost Mohammed Khan, an Afghan soldier of fortune, founded the Bhopal State around 1723 after the decline of Mughal authority in central India. He rose from a military officer to become the ruler of Bhopal through diplomatic skill and military prowess. His descendants, the Nawabs of Bhopal, ruled the state for over two centuries. The Bhopal Nawab dynasty became one of the most notable Muslim ruling families in 19th-century India.
Which Begum of Bhopal is known as the first woman ruler to govern without a male regent and was an astute diplomat with the British?
Correct Answer: A. Qudsia Begum
Qudsia Begum became the ruler of Bhopal in 1819 after her husband Nazar Mohammed Khan's death and governed as regent for her daughter. She was a capable administrator who negotiated effectively with the British East India Company and maintained internal stability. The four Begums of Bhopal who ruled successively are celebrated for their progressive and enlightened governance. This dynasty under female rulers was a rare example of women's political authority in 19th-century India.
The British Bhopal Agency, established as part of British political supervision in central India, had its headquarters in which city?
Correct Answer: C. Bhopal
The Bhopal Agency was a British political agency that supervised a group of princely states in central India, with its headquarters at Bhopal. It was part of the broader British system of indirect rule through political agents and residents stationed at princely courts. The Agency overseen administrative and political matters of the affiliated states and ensured they remained loyal to the Crown. After Indian independence in 1947, these states were gradually integrated into the Indian Union.
Madhya Pradesh was formed on 1 November 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act primarily from which former British administrative unit?
Correct Answer: B. Central Provinces and Berar
Madhya Pradesh was constituted on 1 November 1956 by merging the former Central Provinces and Berar with several princely states including Bhopal, Gwalior, and Indore. The reorganisation was carried out on linguistic lines under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Hindi-speaking areas were unified into the new Madhya Pradesh state. MP was the largest state in India by area until Chhattisgarh was carved out in November 2000.
Which Maratha ruler of Gwalior was defeated in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803), leading to the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon?
Correct Answer: B. Daulat Rao Scindia
Daulat Rao Scindia, the Maratha ruler of Gwalior, was defeated by British forces under General Lake in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. After the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon in December 1803, Gwalior became a subsidiary ally of the British East India Company, significantly curtailing Maratha power. This battle was a turning point that established British supremacy across central India. Daulat Rao's defeat resulted in the loss of major territories in northern and central India to the British.
Mandu (Mandavgadh) in Madhya Pradesh served as the capital of which medieval sultanate and is associated with the love story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati?
Correct Answer: C. Malwa Sultanate
Mandu served as the capital of the Malwa Sultanate from the 15th to 16th century and is one of the most atmospheric historical sites in India. The city is famous for its Afghan architecture including the Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, and the tomb of Hoshang Shah which influenced the design of the Taj Mahal. The tragic love story of Sultan Baz Bahadur, the last Sultan of Malwa, and the Hindu singer Rani Roopmati is associated with Mandu. The city was conquered by Akbar in 1562 and incorporated into the Mughal Empire.
Orchha, the historic Bundela capital in Madhya Pradesh, was founded in 1501 by which ruler on the banks of the Betwa River?
Correct Answer: C. Rudra Pratap Singh
Orchha was founded in 1501 by Rudra Pratap Singh of the Bundela Rajput dynasty on a rocky island formed by the Betwa River. He began construction of the first fort and palace complex at the strategically located site. The town later flourished under rulers like Bir Singh Deo who built the Jahangir Mahal and the Ram Raja Temple. Orchha is now on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage Site list and is known for its spectacular medieval temples, palaces, and cenotaphs.
The Jahangir Mahal at Orchha, a masterpiece of Bundela architecture, was built by which ruler to commemorate Emperor Jahangir's visit?
Correct Answer: D. Bir Singh Deo
Bir Singh Deo built the Jahangir Mahal in the early 17th century to honor Emperor Jahangir's visit to Orchha. The palace is a stunning example of Bundela architecture that harmoniously blends Mughal and Rajput elements with intricate stone carvings and blue-tiled turrets. It has 132 rooms spread over three floors and is considered one of the finest palaces of the medieval period. Bir Singh Deo was a close ally and confidant of Emperor Jahangir, for whom he built numerous structures across Bundelkhand.
Chanderi, the medieval walled town in Madhya Pradesh's Ashoknagar district, is famous for Chanderi sarees and which 15th-century Afghan-style monument?
Correct Answer: C. Koshak Mahal
Chanderi is celebrated for its exquisite handwoven Chanderi sarees and the Koshak Mahal built by Mahmud Khilji of the Malwa Sultanate in 1445. The Koshak Mahal is a four-storeyed structure representing fine Afghan architecture with massive proportions and decorative arches. Chanderi also contains numerous medieval monuments including mosques, tombs, and gateways that reflect its multicultural heritage. The town was an important trade and textile center during the Malwa Sultanate and Mughal periods.
The integration of the Bhopal princely state into independent India was completed in which year after prolonged negotiations?
Correct Answer: B. 1949
The Bhopal princely state was merged into independent India on 1 June 1949 after Nawab Hamidullah Khan signed the Instrument of Accession. The Nawab had initially resisted joining India, making Bhopal one of the last major princely states to accede. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and V.P. Menon played crucial roles in persuading the Nawab to accede through sustained diplomacy. After merger, Bhopal became a Chief Commissioner's Province until it was integrated into Madhya Pradesh in 1956.