History & Heritage — Set 7

Correct Answer: D. Bhopal

The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) is located on Shamla Hills in Bhopal and is one of India's largest anthropological museums. It showcases the cultural heritage and traditional lifestyles of Indian tribal and rural communities through open-air exhibits, actual transplanted homes, and indoor galleries. The museum was established in 1977 and named after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Bhopal, as the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, hosts several important national cultural and historical institutions.

Correct Answer: C. 30,000 years

The Bhimbetka rock shelters contain some of the world's oldest known rock art, with the earliest paintings dating back approximately 30,000 years to the Upper Paleolithic period. These paintings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, rituals, and wildlife created by prehistoric humans. The site was discovered by archaeologist V.S. Wakankar in 1957 during a train journey when he noticed the rocky outcrops. Bhimbetka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and is remarkable for showing evidence of continuous human occupation over thousands of years.

Correct Answer: C. Shipra (Kshipra)

Ujjain is situated on the eastern bank of the Shipra (also spelled Kshipra) River in western Madhya Pradesh and is one of the four sacred Kumbh Mela venues in India. The Ujjain Kumbh Mela, called Simhastha, is held every 12 years when Jupiter enters the Leo sign. Ujjain was the capital of the ancient Avanti kingdom and was a major center of trade, scholarship, and Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist learning. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 sacred Shiva shrines in India, is located here.

Correct Answer: B. Akbar

Asirgarh Fort near Burhanpur was captured by Emperor Akbar in 1601 after a prolonged siege and siege, and this was considered his last major military conquest. The fort's strategic position on the Satpura Range controlled the pass connecting North India to the Deccan Plateau, hence the title 'Key to the Deccan'. The fort was held by the Faruqi dynasty of Khandesh before Akbar's conquest. Burhanpur later became an important Mughal commercial and military center and the site where Emperor Shah Jahan's wife Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631.

Correct Answer: C. Ahilyabai Holkar

Ahilyabai Holkar ruled Indore from 1767 to 1795 and is revered as 'Lokamata' (Mother of the People) for her extraordinary contribution to public welfare. She restored and built hundreds of temples, ghats, dharamshalas, and wells across holy cities like Varanasi, Dwarka, Somnath, Puri, and Gaya. Her administration was marked by justice, efficiency, and deep compassion for her subjects across all castes. She is regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history, and her birth anniversary is celebrated as a public holiday in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Correct Answer: B. 9th to 12th century

The correct answer is '9th to 12th century'. 9th to 12th century correctly answers the question about the chandela dynasty built the famous temples at khajuraho between which centuries. This is an important fact in the topic of Madhya Pradesh history and heritage sites, which is regularly tested in competitive exams such as RRB NTPC, SSC CGL, UPSC, and state PSC examinations. A thorough understanding of Madhya Pradesh history and heritage sites helps candidates score well in the General Knowledge section.

Correct Answer: B. Bhopal

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are located about 45 km south of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They contain the oldest known rock art in India, dating back to approximately 30,000 years. The site has over 700 rock shelters with paintings depicting daily life, animals, and hunting scenes from the Paleolithic period.

Correct Answer: A. Maharaja Suraj Sen

Gwalior Fort is traditionally associated with Raja Man Singh Tomar who expanded and beautified it in the 15th-16th century, but its foundation is attributed to Maharaja Suraj Sen in the 8th century. The fort stands on a steep sandstone hill and was considered one of the most impregnable fortresses in India. It houses important historical monuments including the Teli-ka-Mandir and Man Mandir Palace.

Correct Answer: C. Ashoka

Sanchi Stupa was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC to enshrine the relics of the Buddha. It was expanded and embellished in subsequent centuries by the Shungas and Satavahanas. The Great Stupa at Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, is considered the oldest stone structure in India.

Correct Answer: C. Ahilyabai Holkar

Maheshwar fort and the ghats on the Narmada river were developed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled the Maratha Holkar dynasty from 1767 to 1795. She was a great administrator and built numerous temples, ghats, and dharamshalas across India. Maheshwar is also famous for the hand-woven Maheshwari sarees which were revived under her patronage.