History & Kingdoms — Set 20
Rajasthan GK · इतिहास और राज्य · Questions 191–200 of 200
Hiralal Shastri became the first Chief Minister of Greater Rajasthan on which date?
Correct Answer: C. 7 April 1949
Hiralal Shastri became the first Prime Minister (Chief Minister) of Greater Rajasthan on 7 April 1949, appointed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru following the merger. He had been associated with the freedom movement and Praja Mandal activities in Jaipur state. He served till January 1951 and contributed to establishing the early administrative framework of the new state.
Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in which year, before Chittor fell to Akbar?
Correct Answer: B. 1559
Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur on the banks of Lake Pichola in 1559, nine years before Chittor fell to Akbar in 1568. He chose the Girwa valley of the Aravalli Hills as a more defensible capital. Udaipur later became renowned for its scenic lakes and palaces and is called the City of Lakes and the Venice of the East.
The Chundawat and Shaktawat clans are noble sub-clans (thikanas) of which Rajput dynasty?
Correct Answer: C. Sisodias of Mewar
The Chundawats and Shaktawats are important noble sub-clans of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar. The Chundawats descended from Rana Chunda (14th century) and held prominent jagirs including Salumbar. The rivalry between these two powerful factions within Mewar often influenced succession disputes and the political history of the kingdom across several centuries.
Chand Bardai composed Prithviraj Raso in which language?
Correct Answer: C. Old Hindi (Apabhramsha/Brajbhasha)
Chand Bardai composed the Prithviraj Raso in Old Hindi (a blend of Apabhramsha and Brajbhasha), making it one of the earliest examples of Hindi literature. The epic runs into thousands of stanzas covering the life and battles of Prithviraj Chauhan. Though its historical accuracy is debated, it remains a crucial cultural document of early medieval Rajasthan.
Maratha general Mahadji Scindia had his northern capital at which city near Rajasthan?
Correct Answer: C. Gwalior
Mahadji Scindia (1730-1794) had his capital at Gwalior and was the dominant Maratha power in northern India during the late 18th century. From Gwalior he exerted influence over Rajputana, forcing many Rajput states to pay tribute. He even briefly controlled Delhi and acted as regent to the Mughal emperor, demonstrating the extent of Maratha power before the British era.
The Pindaris who devastated Rajasthan before 1818 were finally suppressed during which British military campaign?
Correct Answer: B. Third Anglo-Maratha War and Pindari War (1817-1818)
The Pindaris were irregular marauding horsemen suppressed during the Third Anglo-Maratha War and the simultaneous Pindari War of 1817-1818 conducted by the Marquess of Hastings. This campaign cleared Rajputana of the Pindari threat and enabled the British to offer protection to Rajput states through the 1818 subsidiary alliance treaties. Chiefs like Karim Khan, Wasil Muhammad, and Chitu Pindari were defeated or killed.
The formal beginning of the princely state system in Rajputana is marked by which treaties?
Correct Answer: C. Subsidiary Alliance Treaties of 1817-1818
The Subsidiary Alliance Treaties of 1817-1818 between the British East India Company and various Rajput states are considered the formal beginning of the princely state system in Rajputana. States like Kota (1817), Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer (all 1818) signed these treaties. They accepted British suzerainty and a resident British political agent in exchange for protection from external threats.
Durgadas Rathore is celebrated for protecting whom from Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb?
Correct Answer: C. Prince Ajit Singh of Marwar
Durgadas Rathore is celebrated for protecting Prince Ajit Singh, the infant heir of Marwar's throne, from Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who tried to seize the young prince after Maharaja Jaswant Singh's death. For over 26 years (1679-1707) Durgadas fought a brilliant guerrilla campaign against the Mughals. He finally restored Ajit Singh to the Jodhpur throne in 1707 after Aurangzeb's death.
Who was the first Rajpramukh (Head of State) of Greater Rajasthan inaugurated on 30 March 1949?
Correct Answer: B. Bhupal Singh of Mewar
Maharana Bhupal Singh of Mewar became the first Rajpramukh of Greater Rajasthan when it was inaugurated on 30 March 1949. Mewar's inclusion was crucial as it was the most prestigious Rajput state, and Sardar Patel personally convinced the ailing Maharana to join. Man Singh II of Jaipur later served as Rajpramukh from 1956 to 1971, and the position was abolished in 1956 and replaced by a Governor.
Rajput hero Hammir Dev Chauhan of Ranthambore is especially remembered for which act?
Correct Answer: B. Refusing to surrender Muhammad Shah to Alauddin Khilji and dying in defence
Hammir Dev Chauhan, the last independent ruler of Ranthambore, is remembered for his refusal to surrender the fugitive Muhammad Shah to Alauddin Khilji even at the cost of his kingdom. His Rajput code of honour forbade betraying a guest who had sought refuge. Alauddin besieged Ranthambore in 1301 and after Hammir's heroic death the fort fell, but he is celebrated as a symbol of Rajput valor and unwavering loyalty to one's pledged word.