History & Kingdoms — Set 15

Correct Answer: B. A hill rising 180 meters above the plains

Chittorgarh Fort is situated on a massive mesa (flat-topped hill) rising approximately 180 meters (590 feet) above the plains in southeastern Rajasthan. The fort covers an area of 280 hectares (691 acres) making it one of the largest forts in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and witnessed three historic sieges (Johars) in 1303, 1535, and 1568.

Correct Answer: B. Chahamana (one of the four)

According to the Agnikula (fire-born) legend in Prithviraj Raso, the four Rajput clans that emerged from a fire pit at Mount Abu were Paramara, Chahamana (Chauhan), Solanki (Chalukya), and Pratihara. The Chauhans of Ajmer were one of these four Agnikula clans. Modern historians, however, consider this legend as a myth of social origin.

Correct Answer: B. Vijay Singh Pathik

Vijay Singh Pathik founded the 'Rajasthan Kesari' newspaper in 1920 to spread awareness about the peasant movements and freedom struggle in Rajputana. The newspaper played a crucial role in publicizing the Bijolia Movement and other struggles against feudal oppression. It was published from Wardha and later from other locations.

Correct Answer: B. Jaisalmer Fort

The Sonar Qila (Golden Fort) is the popular name for Jaisalmer Fort, built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD on the Trikuta Hill. It is called the 'Golden Fort' because the yellow sandstone of the fort glows golden in the sunlight. It is one of the very few 'living forts' in the world as about one-fourth of the old city's population still lives within the fort.

Correct Answer: B. Revolutionary movement and education reform

Arjun Lal Sethi (1880-1941) was a prominent revolutionary and educationist from Jaipur who established the Jaipur Vidya Peeth. He was involved in the revolutionary movement and had connections with revolutionaries across India. He was arrested multiple times by the British and also participated in the Khilafat Movement and later Gandhian movements.

Correct Answer: B. Mandore (later Kanauj)

The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty originally had their base at Mandore (near Jodhpur) before expanding to control Kanauj, which became their main capital in the 9th century. Under rulers like Nagabhata I, Vatsaraja, and Mihira Bhoja, they became one of the most powerful dynasties of northern India. They defended India against Arab invasions from Sindh.

Correct Answer: B. Hunting scenes and wildlife

The Kota school of miniature painting (17th-19th century) is distinguished by its vibrant depictions of hunting scenes and wildlife, set against lush landscapes. The Kota painters excelled in showing dramatic animal chases, with lions, tigers, and boars in dense forests. The school also depicted festivals, court scenes, and the Chambal river landscapes.

Correct Answer: B. James Tod

Colonel James Tod (1782-1835) wrote 'Annals and Antiquities of Rajast'han or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India', published in two volumes (1829, 1832). He served as the British Political Agent to the western Rajput states from 1818 to 1822. His work, though romanticized, remains a foundational text on Rajasthan's history and culture.

Correct Answer: B. Suryavanshi (Solar)

The Sisodias of Mewar claim Suryavanshi (Solar dynasty) lineage, tracing their ancestry to Lord Rama through the Guhilot clan. According to tradition, Guhadatta (Guhil), the founder of the dynasty, was descended from the rulers of Valabhi in Gujarat. This solar lineage claim gave the Mewar rulers a prestigious position among Rajput clans.

Correct Answer: A. Jaipur

Jaipur established the Representative Assembly (Praja Pratinidhi Sabha) in 1944 under Maharaja Man Singh II, making it one of the first democratic institutions in Rajputana. This was partly due to the pressure from the Jaipur Praja Mandal movement. However, the Assembly had limited powers and the Maharaja retained ultimate authority.