History & Heritage — Set 6
MP GK · इतिहास और विरासत · Questions 51–60 of 84
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.
The Holkar dynasty of Indore traces its origins to which community from Maharashtra?
Correct Answer: C. Dhangar (shepherd) community of Maharashtra
The Holkar dynasty of Indore originated from the Dhangar (shepherd) community of Pune district in Maharashtra. Malhar Rao Holkar I, the founder of the dynasty, rose from a common soldier in Peshwa Baji Rao I's army to become a powerful Maratha commander. The Holkars were known for their military valor and their remarkable governance under Ahilyabai Holkar. Despite their humble origins, they became one of the most powerful ruling dynasties in 18th-century central India.
The Man Mandir Palace within Gwalior Fort is attributed to which Tomar Rajput ruler who also patronized music and literature?
Correct Answer: B. Man Singh Tomar
Man Singh Tomar (r. 1486-1516) built the exquisite Man Mandir Palace within Gwalior Fort, one of the finest examples of medieval Hindu architecture in India. The palace is adorned with colourful glazed tiles and intricate carvings of ducks, elephants, and crocodiles. Man Singh was also a great patron of music and is credited with composing or patronizing the Dhrupad style of classical music. The Tomar dynasty brought Gwalior Fort to its greatest architectural glory before Mughal conquest.
The Great Stupa at Sanchi, originally built by Emperor Ashoka, was later enlarged and its carved toranas (gateways) were added during which dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Satavahana dynasty
The famous carved toranas (gateways) of Sanchi Stupa were added during the Satavahana period, likely in the 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. The four gateways are covered with elaborate carvings depicting Jataka tales and scenes from the life of the Buddha. Emperor Ashoka had originally built the stupa in the 3rd century BCE to enshrine Buddhist relics. Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the full evolution of Buddhist art and architecture over several centuries.
Rani Durgavati, the brave Gond queen who sacrificed her life fighting Mughal forces in 1564, ruled which kingdom?
Correct Answer: C. Garha-Katanga kingdom
Rani Durgavati ruled the Garha-Katanga kingdom (present-day Jabalpur area) from 1550 to 1564 as regent for her minor son. She successfully repulsed several invasions before being defeated by Akbar's general Asaf Khan, choosing death over surrender in 1564. She is revered as a symbol of valor and feminine courage in Madhya Pradesh and across India. A university in Jabalpur and numerous institutions bear her name in recognition of her supreme sacrifice.
The Khajuraho temples, built between 950 CE and 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty, represent which style of North Indian temple architecture?
Correct Answer: B. Nagara (North Indian) style
The Khajuraho temples are outstanding examples of the Nagara or North Indian style of Hindu temple architecture, characterized by tall curvilinear shikhara towers rising over the sanctum. Originally there were 85 temples built by the Chandela dynasty, of which about 25 survive today. The temples are world-famous for their sculptural programs that include erotic carvings on the outer walls, believed to have symbolic and philosophical significance. Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting millions of visitors annually.