History & Kingdoms — Set 11

Correct Answer: B. 1829

Colonel James Tod published 'Annals and Antiquities of Rajast'han' in two volumes in 1829 and 1832. He served as the Political Agent to the western Rajput states from 1818 to 1822. While some of his historical claims are disputed by modern historians, his work remains an important reference for Rajasthan's medieval history.

Correct Answer: A. Rao Surjan Hada

Akbar captured Ranthambore Fort in 1569 from Rao Surjan Hada, the Hada Chauhan ruler of Bundi, through negotiation rather than force. Rao Surjan Hada accepted Mughal suzerainty and was given a high mansab in the Mughal court. This brought the strategic fort under Mughal control without bloodshed.

Correct Answer: A. Mewar (Udaipur)

The Ragamala painting tradition is believed to have originated in Mewar in the 16th-17th centuries. These paintings depict various ragas (musical modes) through visual imagery, combining music and art. The earliest known Ragamala series was painted at Chawand (Mewar) in 1605 AD. This tradition later spread to other Rajasthani art schools.

Correct Answer: C. Maharaja Ganga Singh

Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner built the Lalgarh Palace in 1902, naming it after his father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob in red sandstone. Ganga Singh was one of the most progressive rulers of Rajputana and represented India at the Versailles Peace Conference after World War I.

Correct Answer: C. Unknown Charanas

The Durgadas ri Khyat was composed by Charana poets (traditional bards of Rajasthan) who recorded the heroic deeds of Durgadas Rathore. The Charana community served as the oral historians and chroniclers of Rajput kingdoms. These Khyats are important historical sources though they often contain exaggerated accounts of heroism.

Correct Answer: B. Men fighting to death after women perform Johar

Saka is the Rajput practice where men don saffron robes and ride out to fight to the death against overwhelming enemy forces, typically after the women have performed Johar (self-immolation). It was considered the ultimate act of Rajput honor and valor. The practice was common during medieval sieges, particularly at Chittorgarh.

Correct Answer: B. Kanhadadeva Songara

Kanhadadeva Songara, a Chauhan ruler of Jalore, defended the fort against Alauddin Khilji's forces in 1311 AD. After a prolonged siege, the fort fell and Kanhadadeva along with his son Veeramadeva attained veergati (death in battle). The heroic defense is described in the 'Kanhadde Prabandh' by Padmanabha.

Correct Answer: B. Paris Peace Conference (Versailles)

Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner represented India at the Paris Peace Conference (Treaty of Versailles) in 1919 and signed the treaty on behalf of India. He was one of the most forward-looking Rajput rulers and introduced many reforms in Bikaner. He also built the Gang Canal (1927) to bring irrigation to the desert state.

Correct Answer: B. Four

The Rajasthani school of miniature painting is divided into four main sub-schools: Mewar (Udaipur, Nathdwara, Devgarh), Marwar (Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Nagaur), Dhundhar (Jaipur, Amber, Shekhawati), and Hadoti (Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar). Each sub-school has distinctive stylistic features, color palettes, and thematic preferences.

Correct Answer: B. Never submitted to Mughal authority

Rao Chandrasen (1562-1581) is called the 'Pratap of Marwar' because, like Maharana Pratap of Mewar, he never submitted to Mughal authority and fought a guerrilla war against Akbar. He was the son of Rao Maldeo and the rightful heir to Jodhpur, but his brothers allied with the Mughals. He died fighting in the Aravalli hills in 1581.