Medieval History of India

71. What is *Nalayira Divyaprabandham* ?

What is *Nalayira Divyaprabandham* ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Compositions by the Alvars com- piled in the form of an anthology” option2=”Hymns composed by Nayanars” option3=”Eulogies composed for Chola kings” option4=”An exposition of the hymns of *Rig Veda* in Malayalam” correct=”option1″]

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*Nalayira Divyaprabandham* is a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses (hymns) composed by the 12 Alvars, who were Vaishnava poet-saints of South India between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. This anthology is considered a significant work of Tamil literature and a devotional text of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
*Nalayira Divyaprabandham* is the canonical collection of hymns by the Alvars, representing the devotional fervor of the Bhakti movement in Vaishnavism in South India.
Option B is incorrect; hymns by the Nayanars, who were Shaiva saints contemporary to the Alvars, are compiled in the *Tevaram*. Option C is incorrect as the work is religious and devotional, not eulogistic poetry for kings. Option D is incorrect; it is a Tamil collection of hymns, not an exposition of the Rig Veda in Malayalam.

72. Abdur Razzak, the traveler to Vijaya- nagar, had referred to the prese

Abdur Razzak, the traveler to Vijaya- nagar, had referred to the presence of a number of flower merchants in Vijayanagar and noted a particular flower that seemed as necessary as food to the people of that part. Which variety of flower was being referred to by Abdur Razzak ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Jasmine” option2=”Lotus” option3=”Hibiscus” option4=”Rose” correct=”option1″]

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The correct option is A.
Abdur Razzak was a Persian traveler who visited the Vijayanagar Empire during the reign of Devaraya II (mid-15th century CE). His account, the ‘Matla-us-Sadain wa Majma-ul-Bahrain’, provides a vivid description of the city of Vijayanagar and its grandeur.
Abdur Razzak indeed noted the abundance of flowers in Vijayanagar and their extensive use by the people. While many flowers were cultivated, accounts from travelers and local literature suggest that Jasmine (Mallige in Kannada, or variations in other South Indian languages) was particularly popular and widely used for garlands, religious offerings, hair adornments, and fragrances. It was deeply integrated into the daily life and cultural practices of the people of South India. The description of a flower being “as necessary as food” strongly points towards something ubiquitous, culturally significant, and perhaps economically important due to trade and cultivation. Jasmine fits this description well within the context of South India and Vijayanagar.
Other options:
– Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is religiously significant but perhaps not used in the sheer volume or variety of everyday applications as Jasmine.
– Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is also used in religious ceremonies and for hair care but was likely not as pervasive as Jasmine.
– Rose (Rosa species) was known and cultivated, but less central to the daily floral economy and customs compared to Jasmine in this region during that period.
Based on historical descriptions of Vijayanagar and the use of flowers in South India, Jasmine is the most likely flower Abdur Razzak was referring to as being exceptionally necessary.
Abdur Razzak was an ambassador sent by the Timurid ruler Shah Rukh to the court of Devaraya II of Vijayanagar in 1442-1443 CE. His travelogue is one of the most important primary sources for understanding the administration, society, and prosperity of the Vijayanagar Empire during its peak. He described the city as magnificent, comparing it favourably with others he had seen. His observations on the economy, religious practices, and daily life, including the extensive use of flowers, are highly valuable to historians.

73. The celebrated group of poets in medieval Mathura and Vrindavana calle

The celebrated group of poets in medieval Mathura and Vrindavana called the Ashta-Chhapa were the successors of which one of the following medieval Bhakti Saints ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kabir of Benaras” option2=”Chaitanya of Bengal” option3=”Guru Nanak of Punjab” option4=”Surdas of Braj region” correct=”option4″]

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The Ashta-Chhapa (Eight Seals) were a group of eight prominent devotional poets of the Pushtimarg sect founded by Vallabhacharya. These poets were famous for their compositions dedicated to Lord Krishna, particularly focusing on his childhood and youth in the Braj region. Four of the poets were disciples of Vallabhacharya, and the other four were disciples of his son Vitthalnath, who succeeded him. Surdas was one of the most celebrated poets among the Ashta-Chhapa and a direct disciple of Vallabhacharya, known for his Sursagar. While the group was formed by the disciples of Vallabhacharya and Vitthalnath, Surdas is the most famous figure from this group and is strongly associated with the Braj region Bhakti. Given the options, linking the Ashta-Chhapa to Surdas within the context of the Braj region Bhakti tradition is the most plausible intended connection.
The Ashta-Chhapa poets were central to the Pushtimarg tradition and Krishna devotion in the Braj region. Although they were disciples of Vallabhacharya and Vitthalnath, Surdas is the most widely known among them and is synonymous with the poetic expression of Braj Bhakti.
Kabir, Chaitanya, and Guru Nanak represent distinct Bhakti traditions outside the Pushtimarg/Braj school. The Ashta-Chhapa group solidified the poetic and devotional practices of the Vallabha tradition.

74. Consider the following pairs with reference to textiles in Southern In

Consider the following pairs with reference to textiles in Southern India :

(Tax)(Meaning)
1.Panjupeeli:on cotton yarn
2.Nulayam:on cotton thread
3.Tari kadamai:on silk clothes
4.Sella:on silk thread

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2, 3 and 4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option2″]

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During the medieval period in Southern India, particularly under dynasties like the Cholas, various taxes were levied on economic activities, including textile production. Terms like Panjupeeli and Nulayam were associated with taxes on cotton yarn and thread (Nul means thread/yarn in Tamil). Tari kadamai literally means ‘loom duty’ or tax on looms or weaving, not specifically on silk clothes. Sella is not a widely recognized tax term for silk thread.
Based on historical records of medieval South Indian taxes, Panjupeeli and Nulayam were indeed taxes related to cotton yarn/thread, making statements 1 and 2 correct. Tari kadamai was a tax on looms/weavers, not specifically on silk clothes, making statement 3 incorrect. Statement 4 is also likely incorrect.
Taxes like Tari-kadamai were significant revenue sources, levied on weavers based on the number of looms operated, and sometimes varying with the type of fabric produced (though “on silk clothes” is a specific interpretation). Panjupeeli and Nulayam were taxes on the raw material (yarn) used by weavers.

75. Who among the following is credited with the introduction and populari

Who among the following is credited with the introduction and popularization of Dhrupad form of music?

[amp_mcq option1=”Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior” option2=”Tansen” option3=”Naik Gopal” option4=”Shaikh Bahauddin of Barnawa” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior.
– Raja Man Singh Tomar, the Tomar ruler of Gwalior in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, is widely credited with the significant development and popularization of the Dhrupad style of music.
– He was a great patron of music and is believed to have commissioned the composition of many Dhrupad songs. The Gwalior Gharana is historically linked to this tradition.
– Tansen was one of the most famous Dhrupad singers, part of Emperor Akbar’s court, but he lived later (16th century) than Raja Man Singh. While a master, the foundation and initial widespread patronage are attributed more strongly to Raja Man Singh.
– Naik Gopal is also mentioned in historical texts related to music, sometimes alongside figures like Amir Khusrau, but his association with the popularization of Dhrupad specifically is less prominent than that of Raja Man Singh.

76. ‘The King of Dance’ is a description of

‘The King of Dance’ is a description of

[amp_mcq option1=”Trimurti at Elephanta Caves” option2=”Kaliyamardan of Krishna” option3=”Bodhisattva Maitreya at Gandhara” option4=”Bronze Nataraja of the Cholas” correct=”option4″]

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‘The King of Dance’ is a description associated with the Bronze Nataraja of the Cholas.
Nataraja is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic ecstatic dancer. He is considered the master of dance, hence the epithet ‘King of Dance’. The bronze Nataraja sculptures from the Chola period are particularly famous representations of this form.
The Trimurti at Elephanta Caves represents Shiva in his roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer. Kaliyamardan is an episode from the life of Krishna. Bodhisattva Maitreya is a future Buddha.

77. Consider the following statements: 1. The early Malwa school of pain

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The early Malwa school of paintings was influenced by Shirazi school while the early Mughal paintings initially followed Bihzad school.
  • 2. The major exponents of Bihzad school in India were Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

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Statement 1 is incorrect. Early Malwa school of paintings was primarily influenced by the indigenous Rajasthani style, developing from earlier traditions like the Chaurapanchasika style. It was not primarily influenced by the Shirazi school. Early Mughal paintings, however, were significantly influenced by the Persian style, particularly the Safavid school, which had masters like Bihzad. Statement 2 is correct. Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were prominent Persian painters brought to India by Humayun. They were trained in the Persian style (associated with masters like Bihzad) and were instrumental in laying the foundation for the Mughal school of painting, working on early projects like the Hamzanama. Thus, they can be considered major exponents of the Bihzad school’s influence in India.
– Malwa painting is a part of the Rajasthani school, distinct from Persian influences.
– Early Mughal painting resulted from the fusion of Persian (Safavid, associated with Bihzad) and indigenous Indian styles.
– Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were key figures in introducing the Persian style to the Mughal court.
The Malwa style developed its own characteristics from the mid-17th century onwards, known for its bold colours and simple compositions. The early Mughal school, under Akbar, flourished under the guidance of Persian masters like Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad, who supervised large workshops producing illustrated manuscripts and albums.

78. The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi is popularly known as the

The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi is popularly known as the

[amp_mcq option1=”Battle of Talikota” option2=”Battle of Khanwa” option3=”Battle of Panipat” option4=”Battle of Dharmat” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Battle of Talikota.
The Battle of Rakshasi-Tangadi, fought on January 26, 1565, is popularly known as the Battle of Talikota. The battle was fought near the villages of Rakshasi and Tangadi, situated on the banks of the Krishna River, and is named after the plain between them, or after the town of Talikota which was the Sultanates’ base.
The Battle of Talikota was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and the alliance of the Deccan Sultanates (Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golconda, and Bidar). The battle resulted in a decisive defeat for the Vijayanagara Empire, leading to its eventual decline. The city of Vijayanagara (Hampi) was subsequently sacked and destroyed.

79. Who among the following Bhakti saints did not belong to Nirguna Scho

Who among the following Bhakti saints did not belong to Nirguna School of Bhakti?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kabir” option2=”Nanak” option3=”Dadu” option4=”Chaitanya” correct=”option4″]

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The correct answer is D) Chaitanya.
– Bhakti saints are broadly classified into two schools: Nirguna (worshipping a formless God) and Saguna (worshipping God with form).
– Kabir, Guru Nanak (founder of Sikhism), and Dadu Dayal belonged to the Nirguna school, emphasizing a formless, omnipresent God and often criticizing idolatry and caste distinctions.
– Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534) was a prominent saint of the Saguna school, specifically a devotee of Lord Krishna. He is credited with popularizing the Hare Krishna mantra and the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.
– Saguna Bhakti focuses on the worship of specific deities (like Vishnu, Krishna, Rama, Shiva, or the Goddess) through idols, rituals, and devotional practices.
– Nirguna Bhakti emphasizes meditation on the formless aspect of the divine and often downplays external rituals.

80. Consider the following Jat peasant leaders of 17th and early 18th cent

Consider the following Jat peasant leaders of 17th and early 18th centuries :

  • 1. Badan Singh
  • 2. Raja Ram Jat
  • 3. Gokula Jat
  • 4. Churaman Jat

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the above leaders?

[amp_mcq option1=”3-2-4-1″ option2=”1-2-3-4″ option3=”3-4-1-2″ option4=”2-3-1-4″ correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) 3-2-4-1.
– The chronological order of these Jat leaders is:
1. **Gokula Jat**: Led the first major Jat rebellion against Aurangzeb in 1669.
2. **Raja Ram Jat**: Active in the late 1680s, succeeding Gokula in leadership. He is known for raiding Akbar’s tomb in 1688.
3. **Churaman Jat**: A prominent leader in the early 18th century, consolidated Jat power and is considered the founder of the Jat state of Bharatpur. He died around 1721.
4. **Badan Singh**: Succeeded Churaman’s son and is credited with organizing the Jat state into a powerful entity. He ruled from the 1720s until his death in 1756.
– These leaders played crucial roles in the Jat uprisings against Mughal authority, eventually leading to the establishment of an independent Jat kingdom centered around Bharatpur.
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