Q. Consider the following pairs:
| King | Dynasty | ||
| 1. | Nannuka | — | Chandela |
| 2. | Jayashakti | — | Paramara |
| 3. | Nagabhata II | — | Gurjara-Pratihara |
| 4. | Bhoja | — | Rashtrakuta |
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Answer: (b) Only two pairs
Notes:
- The Gurjara Pratihara dynasty was founded by Nagabhatta I in the region of Malwa in the 8th century AD. Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8th to the 11th century. The Pratiharas derived their name from the Sanskrit meaning doorkeeper, are seen as a tribal group or a clan of the Gurjaras.
- Nagabhata I, Nagabhata Il, Mihir Bhoj, or Bhoja and Mahendrapala were the other important rulers of the dynasty.
- The expansion of the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom involved constant conflicts with other contemporary powers such as the Palas and the Rashtrakutas known as the tripartite struggle over the city of Kannauj.
- Dantidurga was the founder of the dynasty called, Rashtrakuta dynasty (8th century AD). The capital of the Rastrakutas was Manyakheta or Malkhed near Sholapur.
- Dhruva-I, Krishna-I, and Amoghavarsha were the other important rulers of this dynasty.
- The Chandela or Chandel was Indian Rajput clan of Central India. They were popularly termed as Chandelas or Jejakabhukti dynasty in Indian history.
- Nannuk, a ruler of small kingdom was the founder of the Chandela Dynasty. Khajuraho was a strong hold of Nannuk who was considered as the chief of his clan. Vakapati succeeded his father in the first quarter of tenth century. Vakapati had to often assist Pratiharas in the battle field, as he was a liegeman of them. Some inscriptions prove that his territory extended till Vindhya hills.
- Jaishakti, the elder son, succeeded the throne and was successful in extending his empire. Jaishakti, the elder brother who ruled first, was also called Jai Jak and from this name the region ruled by the Chandelas acquired the name of Jaijikbhukti. He was succeeded on the throne by his younger brother, Vijayshakti.
Q. In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to:
(a) Clothing
(b) Coins
(c) Ornaments
(d) Weapons
Answer: (b) Coins
Notes:
- Coins were called by popular names such as : anna, cash, dhinglo, dokdo, doudou, dub, escudo, fanam, faruqi, karshapara, kas, kon, mohur, naya paisa, pagoda, panam, pice, pie, rupia, suvarna, tanga, and tanka.
- The fanam was a small coin used in south India between the 9th and 19th centuries. These small gold coins weighed as little as 0.3 grams and had a diameter of less than a centimetre.
Also Read: Coinage in India
Q. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:
- The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
- During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
- Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongola.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Notes:
- Changez Khan reached Indus during the reign of Iltutmish in 1221 AD, chasing the Khwarizmi prince Jalaluddin.
- The fourth Mongol invasion during Ala-ud-din Khalji reign took place only after some months of Ala-ud-din’s return from Chittor in 1303 A.D. The Mongols numbering 1,20,000 horsemen under the command of Targhi moved so swiftly that provincial governors could not get time to reach Delhi to help the Sultan. Besides, a large part of the army of Ala-ud-din had left for Telingana campaign and the army left at Delhi was insufficient and weak after its tough battle at Chittor. Therefore, Ala-ud-din was not in a position to face the Mongols in an open battle. He retired to the fort of Siri and took up defensive position. The Mongols plundered the environs of Delhi and besieged the fort for two months. But as they were ignorant of the art of siege-warfare, they failed to capture the fort and withdrew.
- The next major Mongol invasion took place after the Khiljis had been replaced by the Tughlaq
dynasty in the Sultanate. In 1327 the Mongols invaded under Tarmashirin. Historians have differed regard Muhammad Tughlaq’s policy. According to one version, he defeated the Mongols and himself chased them to drive them out. However according to another version, Muhammad Tughlaq bribed the Mongols and they went back.
Q. With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”?
(a) Arab merchants
(b) Qalandars
(c) Persian calligraphists
(d) Sayyids
Answer: (d) Sayyids
Notes:
- The Sayyids were claimed to descent from the Prophet through his daughter Fatima. They Commanded special respect in Muslim society. Even the Timur protected the life of Sayyids during his invasion in India. Although his policy was one of general slaughter. The sayyids put on a pointed cap (kulah) and they were known as ‘Kulah Daran’ during Delhi sultanate.