Provincial Dynasty of North India and Deccan Province

11. The Bahmani architecture in the Deccan is marked by its distinct origi

The Bahmani architecture in the Deccan is marked by its distinct originality and independent style. Which of the following statements about Bahmani architecture are correct ?

  • 1. It derived its elements from the architectural styles of the Delhi Sultanate and that of distant Persia.
  • 2. The forts built by the Bahmanis were undoubtedly the greatest monuments far exceeding any of the same period in Europe.
  • 3. Bahmani architecture did reflect a harmonious blend of both Hindu and Islamic styles.

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1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
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The correct option is C) 1 and 3 only.
Statement 1 is correct as Bahmani architecture blended influences from the Delhi Sultanate (especially Tughlaq styles) and Persia. Statement 3 is correct because, like much Indo-Islamic architecture, Bahmani structures incorporated local Indian craftsmanship and decorative elements, resulting in a blend of styles. Statement 2 is an exaggeration and is incorrect; while Bahmani forts like Gulbarga and Bidar were impressive, claiming they “far exceeded any of the same period in Europe” is not historically accurate or justifiable.
Bahmani architecture features characteristics such as large domes, tall minarets, arcades, and the use of stucco work, tiles (especially Persian tiles), and intricate carvings. Examples include the Jami Masjid at Gulbarga (unique for its covered prayer hall), the tomb of Muhammad Shah I, and the fortified cities of Bidar and Gulbarga. The influence from Delhi Sultanate architecture (transferred by artisans moving south) and Persian styles (due to connections with Persia) is evident. Local Indian artistic skills were also employed, contributing to the fusion of styles, although the degree of Hindu-Islamic fusion can be debated compared to later periods.

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12. ‘Sengol’, installed in the new Parliament building of India, was seen

‘Sengol’, installed in the new Parliament building of India, was seen as a symbol of the path of service, duty and nation in which Empire of the past?

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Gupta Empire
Shunga Empire
Pandyan Empire
Chola Empire
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The ‘Sengol’, installed in the new Parliament building, is historically associated with the transfer of power in the Chola Empire.
In the Chola tradition, the handing over of the Sengol symbolized the transfer of power from one king to another, representing justice and righteous governance.
A Sengol was presented to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of India’s independence in 1947 by representatives from Tamil Nadu, signifying the transfer of power from the British to India.

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13. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

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List I (Dynasty)List II (Architecture)
A. Chalukyas1. Sun Temple, Konark
B. Hoysalas2. Pattadakal
C. Pandyas3. Kesava Temple, Somnathpur
D. Eastern Gangas4. Eastern gopura of Chidambaram Temple

Code:

1 3 2 4
1 2 3 4
2 4 3 1
2 3 4 1
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Matching List I (Dynasty) with List II (Architecture):
A. Chalukyas are known for their temple architecture at Pattadakal, Aihole, and Badami. Pattadakal (2) is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Chalukyan architecture.
B. Hoysalas are famous for their intricate temple carvings and unique architectural style found in sites like Halebidu, Belur, and Somnathpur. The Kesava Temple at Somnathpur (3) is a prime example of Hoysala architecture.
C. Pandyas significantly contributed to the development of temple complexes in South India, especially through the construction of large gopurams (gateway towers). The eastern gopura of Chidambaram Temple (4) is often attributed to Pandya patronage, reflecting their architectural style and grandeur.
D. Eastern Gangas were a prominent dynasty in Odisha and are credited with building magnificent temples like the Sun Temple at Konark (1) and the Jagannath Temple at Puri.
Thus, the correct match is A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1.
This question tests knowledge of major South Indian dynasties and their contributions to temple architecture. Identifying key sites and architectural styles associated with each dynasty is crucial.
The Chalukyan architecture (6th-12th centuries) shows a blend of Nagara and Dravidian styles. Hoysala architecture (10th-14th centuries) is known for its stellate plans, intricate carvings, and soapstone material. Pandya architecture (6th-14th centuries, peak during the Later Pandyas) is characterized by massive temple complexes, elaborate gopurams, and tank construction. The Eastern Ganga dynasty (5th-15th centuries) played a vital role in the Kalinga style of architecture, seen in the famous temples of Odisha.

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14. Yashovarman was ruler of which one of the following kingdoms ?

Yashovarman was ruler of which one of the following kingdoms ?

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Kannauj
Mewar
Marwar
Kalinga
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Yashovarman was a powerful king who ruled Kannauj (Kanyakubja) in the early 8th century CE. He is known for his military campaigns and patronage of arts and literature. The famous poet Bhavabhuti lived in his court. Yashovarman’s reign represents a period of prominence for Kannauj before the rise of the Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas who contested control over the region.
Yashovarman was a ruler of the kingdom of Kannauj.
Kannauj was a strategically important city in North India and was the capital of the Harsha’s empire before becoming a major political centre contested by various dynasties after his death. Yashovarman’s achievements are mentioned in historical texts and inscriptions.

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15. Which of the following statements about Lachit Borphukan is/are correc

Which of the following statements about Lachit Borphukan is/are correct ?

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  • 1. He was a General of the Ahom Force.
  • 2. He is known for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat.
  • 3. Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy.

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1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
1 only
2 only
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All three statements about Lachit Borphukan are correct.
Lachit Borphukan was a prominent military general of the Ahom Kingdom in the 17th century. He is celebrated for his decisive leadership in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, where the Ahom forces successfully defeated the Mughal army, preventing their advance into Assam. His bravery, strategic acumen, and patriotism are widely revered. In his honour, the National Defence Academy (NDA) confers the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal upon the best cadet each year.
Lachit Borphukan’s leadership in the Battle of Saraighat, which was primarily a naval battle on the Brahmaputra river, is considered a significant event in the history of Assam and Northeast India, highlighting the resilience of the Ahom kingdom against Mughal expansion. He was the Borphukan (one of the five principal ministers) of the Ahom Kingdom appointed by King Chakradhwaj Singha.

16. At which one of the following places was a Shiva temple not constructe

At which one of the following places was a Shiva temple not constructed under the patronage of the Chola rulers?

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Chidambaram
Thanjavur
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Naneghat
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The correct answer is D) Naneghat.
The Chola rulers, particularly the Imperial Cholas (9th to 13th centuries CE), were prolific builders of magnificent Shiva temples across their empire in South India. Prominent examples include the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, the Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur (built by Rajaraja I), and the Brihadeshwara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram (built by Rajendra I). Naneghat, located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is historically associated with the Satavahana dynasty (c. 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE) and is known for its ancient rock-cut caves and inscriptions, long before the rise of the Chola power.
The architectural style and patronage of the temples at Chidambaram, Thanjavur, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram are distinctly characteristic of the Chola period and their fervent devotion to Shiva. Naneghat, on the other hand, belongs to a much earlier period and different dynasty, geographically far from the core Chola territory and their architectural tradition.

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17. Which of the following clans are included in the Agnikula Rajputs ? 1.

Which of the following clans are included in the Agnikula Rajputs ?
1. Pratiharas
2. Chaulukyas
3. Paramaras
4. Chahamanas
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1 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
2 and 4 only
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The Agnikula theory is a legend about the origin of certain Rajput clans from a sacrificial fire pit (agnikunda) at Mount Abu. The four major clans traditionally associated with the Agnikula origin are the Pratiharas (or Pariharas), Chaulukyas (or Solankis), Paramaras (or Pawars), and Chahamanas (or Chauhans). All four clans listed in the options are included in the Agnikula Rajputs according to traditional accounts.
The Agnikula legend is mentioned in later Rajput chronicles and poems, such as the Prithviraj Raso, though its historical accuracy is debated among scholars. It is often seen as a way to legitimize the status of these clans who rose to prominence after the decline of older dynasties.
These four clans played significant roles in the history of North India during the early medieval period, ruling various kingdoms after the decline of the Gurjara-Pratiharas. They frequently engaged in conflicts with each other and with other powers like the Palas and Rashtrakutas.

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18. Consider the following statements about Rashtrakuta kings : They we

Consider the following statements about Rashtrakuta kings :

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  • They were ardent patrons of Shaivism and did not support other forms of religion.
  • They promoted only Sanskrit scholars and gave them large grants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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The correct answer is D) Neither 1 nor 2.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Rashtrakuta kings were known for their religious tolerance. While some rulers were patrons of Shaivism, they also supported and patronized other religions like Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Buddhism. Evidence includes the famous rock-cut caves at Ellora, which contain sculptures and monuments related to Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, largely patronized by the Rashtrakutas.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rashtrakutas were patrons of not just Sanskrit but also other languages, most notably Kannada. Their court produced important works in Kannada, such as the Kavirajamarga by Amoghavarsha I, which is considered a foundational work in Kannada literature. They patronized scholars of various linguistic and religious backgrounds.
The Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled parts of South India from the 8th to the 10th centuries. Important rulers included Dantidurga (founder), Krishna I (built the Kailasa temple at Ellora), and Amoghavarsha I (a great scholar and patron of letters). Their reign is noted for its cultural achievements, including architectural marvels like Ellora and Elephanta caves and significant literary contributions in multiple languages.

19. Who among the following has written three works on the science of musi

Who among the following has written three works on the science of music called *Sangitaraja*, *Sangita Mimansa* and *Sudha Prabandha* ?

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Tansen
Ibrahim Adil Shah
Amir Khusro
Maharana Kumbha of Mewar
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D
Maharana Kumbha (Maharana Kumbhakarna Singh) of Mewar (ruled 1433–1468) was not only a powerful ruler but also a great scholar, poet, and patron of arts and architecture. He is credited with authoring several important works on music, including the monumental *Sangitaraja* (King of Music), *Sangita Mimansa* (Investigation of Music), and *Sudha Prabandha* (Treatise on the Essence).
Maharana Kumbha’s contributions to music theory and practice were significant. *Sangitaraja* is considered one of the most comprehensive treatises on Indian music from the medieval period, covering various aspects like raga, tala, instruments, and performance.

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20. The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was dedicated to which one of

The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was dedicated to which one of the following rulers?

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Sultan Sikandar Lodi
Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur
Bahadur Shah of Gujarat
Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior
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The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was compiled in the 15th century under the patronage of Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of the Jaunpur Sultanate. The Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur were renowned patrons of art, architecture, and music, and Jaunpur became a prominent cultural center, earning the title “Shiraz of India”. *Sangeetasiromani* is one of the significant works produced during this period, consolidating knowledge of Indian classical music.
*Sangeetasiromani* is a significant treatise on Indian music dedicated to Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur.
The Jaunpur Sultanate (1394-1479) was known for fostering a unique style of architecture and promoting learning and arts. Ibrahim Shah Sharqi’s reign is considered a golden age for art and culture in Jaunpur. Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior (15th-16th century) was also a great patron of music and is credited with the development of the Dhrupad style and the compilation of the musical text *Man Kutuhal*. However, *Sangeetasiromani* is associated with Ibrahim Shah Sharqi.

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