Forts & Palaces — Set 14
Rajasthan GK · किले और महल · Questions 131–140 of 160
The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur stands at what height above the city?
Correct Answer: C. 125 metres
Mehrangarh Fort stands on a rocky hill approximately 125 metres above the city of Jodhpur, making it one of the most imposing forts in India. Built by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, it houses several elaborately decorated palaces within its massive walls. The fort offers panoramic views of the Blue City (Jodhpur) below and is now one of India's best-maintained heritage sites with a world-class museum.
The Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) is called a living fort because:
Correct Answer: B. About one-fourth of the old city population still lives within its walls
Jaisalmer Fort is called a living fort because approximately one-fourth of Jaisalmer's old city population still lives within its walls, making it one of the few such inhabited fortresses in the world. Built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal on Trikuta Hill, it is made of yellow sandstone that glows golden in the sun. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and faces conservation challenges due to water seepage from the resident population.
Ranthambore Fort in Sawai Madhopur is significant because it was built by which dynasty?
Correct Answer: B. Chahamana (Chauhan) kings in the 10th century
Ranthambore Fort was originally built by the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty in the 10th century and later expanded by various rulers. It is situated within the Ranthambore National Park on a steep rocky hill. The fort is famous for the heroic last stand of Hammir Dev Chauhan against Alauddin Khilji in 1301. It is one of the six Hill Forts of Rajasthan inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur was built in 1734. What does its name mean?
Correct Answer: B. Abode of Tigers (named after the spirit of Nahar Singh Bhomia)
Nahargarh means Abode of Tigers, and the fort was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734 as part of the defensive ring around Jaipur. According to local legend, the spirit of a Rajput prince named Nahar Singh Bhomia used to haunt the construction site, and a temple dedicated to him was built within the fort to appease the spirit. The fort offers spectacular views of Jaipur city and the Aravalli hills.
The Jaigarh Fort near Jaipur houses the Jaivana cannon. Why is this cannon historically significant?
Correct Answer: B. It is the world's largest wheeled cannon, cast in 1720 AD
The Jaivana cannon in Jaigarh Fort is the largest wheeled cannon in the world, cast in 1720 AD with a barrel length of 6.15 metres and weighing approximately 50 tonnes. It was reportedly test-fired only once and the cannonball landed about 35 km away. Jaigarh Fort also served as the treasury and ammunition depot for the Jaipur royal family.
Which Rajasthan fort was used by Akbar as a route to Chittorgarh and is associated with the legend of Rani Padmini?
Correct Answer: D. Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort is directly associated with the legend of Rani Padmini (Padmavati), who is said to have led the women of the fort in Johar when Alauddin Khilji besieged it in 1303. The fort also features the Padmini Palace on a small island within a lake where the legend says Khilji saw her reflection. Chittorgarh is the largest fort in India by area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) in Udaipur appears to float on water because:
Correct Answer: B. It is built on a natural island in Lake Pichola
The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) appears to float on water because it is built on a natural island of about 1.5 hectares in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1746 as a royal summer palace, it is now a luxury heritage hotel. The white marble palace with its colonnaded terraces extending to the water's edge makes it one of the most photographed and romantic heritage hotels in the world.
The Kumbhalgarh Fort is the birthplace of which famous Rajput ruler?
Correct Answer: C. Maharana Pratap
Maharana Pratap, the legendary warrior king of Mewar, was born at Kumbhalgarh Fort on 9 May 1540. The fort served as a refuge for the Mewar royal family during times of danger, including when Maharana Pratap was born there after his father Udai Singh II took shelter from the Mughals. The fort contains over 360 temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Chittorgarh Fort witnessed three major Johar incidents. When did the first Johar take place?
Correct Answer: A. 1303 AD during Alauddin Khilji's siege
The first Johar at Chittorgarh took place in 1303 AD during Alauddin Khilji's siege, when Rani Padmini is said to have led the women of the fort in self-immolation. The second Johar occurred in 1535 AD during Bahadur Shah of Gujarat's siege under Rani Karnavati's leadership. The third and most famous Johar was in 1568 during Emperor Akbar's siege, which ended independent Mewar's occupation of Chittor.
Amber Fort near Jaipur is built overlooking which lake?
Correct Answer: B. Maota Lake
Amber Fort is built on a hill overlooking Maota Lake near Jaipur, and this combination creates one of the most picturesque fort landscapes in India. Tourists historically rode elephants up to the fort entrance, though this practice has been restricted for animal welfare. Built primarily by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, the fort blends Rajput and Mughal architectural styles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.