The emergence of regional kingdoms marks a pivotal chapter in the tapestry of medieval Indian history, a saga defined by dynamic political landscapes and cultural exchanges. Amidst the expansive canvas of the Indian subcontinent, regional powers burgeoned, each weaving its unique narrative of governance, warfare, and socio-cultural evolution. From the decline of the mighty Gupta Empire to the advent of the Mughals, the medieval period witnessed a mosaic of regional entities vying for supremacy, leaving an indelible imprint on the historical trajectory of the subcontinent. Delving into the intricacies of these kingdoms illuminates not only the kaleidoscope of power dynamics but also the rich tapestry of societal norms, economic structures, and religious paradigms that shaped medieval India. In this exploration, we navigate through the labyrinth of medieval history, deciphering the emergence, consolidation, and legacy of regional kingdoms, unraveling the threads of continuity and change that bind them to the larger narrative of Indian civilization.
Q1. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with (1995)
(a) eight hands
(b) six hands
(c) four hands
(d) two hands
Ans. (c)
Bronze sculptures of Nataraja crafted during the illustrious Chola era consistently portray the deity adorned with four hands. Within the spectrum of temple-related crafts during this period, the art of crafting bronze images stood out as unparalleled, earning global acclaim for its exquisite craftsmanship. The iconic dance of Lord Shiva in Chidambaram serves as the central motif inspiring all representations of Shiva as Nataraja.
Q2. Which one of the following monuments has a dome which is said to be one of the largest in the world? (1995)
(a) Tomb of Sher Shah, Sasaram
(b) Jama Masjid, Delhi
(c) Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Delhi
(d) Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur
Ans. (d)
The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur stands as an architectural marvel, boasting one of the largest domes globally. Serving as the mausoleum for Muhammed Adil Shah Sur of Bijapur, this majestic structure was commissioned during the reign of the Bahamani kingdom. Situated in Vijayapura, Karnataka, construction commenced in 1626 AD, reaching completion in 1656 AD.
The name “Gol Gumbaz” finds its roots in “Gola Gummata,” signifying its distinctive feature – the circular dome. Reflecting the elegance of Deccan architecture, it stands as a testament to the region’s artistic prowess. This monumental edifice ranks as the second-largest dome ever constructed, surpassed only by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Q3. One consistent feature found in the history of Southern India was the growth of small regional kingdoms rather than large empires because of (1999)
(a) the absence of minerals like iron
(b) too many divisions in the social structure
(c) the absence of vast areas of fertile land
(d) the scarcity of manpower
Ans. (c)
Throughout Southern India’s history, a recurring pattern was the emergence of small regional kingdoms instead of expansive empires, largely due to the scarcity of vast fertile lands. Take, for instance, the Chola Empire, which rose to prominence in the mid-9th century AD. Although it wielded influence over significant swathes of the Indian peninsula, including parts of Sri Lanka and the Maldives Islands, its reach was characterized by regional strength rather than sprawling territorial dominance.
Q4. Consider the following statements. (1999)
The striking feature of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir completed by Zain-ul-Abidin include (s)
1. turret
2. similarity with Buddhist pagodas
3. persian style
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(c) 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 2
Ans. (b)
All the provided statements are accurate. The notable aspect of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir, finalized under Zain-ul-Abidin’s supervision, encompasses turrets and echoes of both Buddhist pagodas and Persian architectural elements. The design of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir is rectangular, featuring four turrets. It bears a significant imprint of Persian architectural influence, reminiscent of Buddhist pagodas. Commissioned by Sultan Sikandar Shah in 1394 AD and completed in 1402 AD, the Jama Masjid was later expanded and embellished by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-1470 AD), who added a turret to the original structure.
Q5. Which one of the following Muslim rulers was hailed as the ‘Jagadguru’ by his Muslim subject because of his belief in secularism? (2000)
(a) Hussain Shah
(b) Zain-ul-Abidin
(c) Ibrahim Adil Shah
(d) Mahmud II
Ans. (c)
Ibrahim Adil Shah, revered as the ‘Jagadguru’ by his Muslim subjects for his staunch commitment to secularism, reigned as the sovereign of the Adil Shahi dynasty within the Bijapur Sultanate. Known in full as ‘Abul Muzaffar Ibrahim Adil Shah Jagadguru Badshah’, his rule spanned from 1580 AD to 1627 AD. Renowned for his adept administration and inclusive attitude towards diverse faiths, he fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance. His passion for music and musical instruments was notable, complementing his devotion to Hazrat Banda Nawaj, the esteemed Sufi saint of Gulbarga.
Q6. Assertion (A) Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title.
Reason (R) He wanted to save the kingdom from further degeneration and disintegration. (2003)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (c)
Saluva Narasimha, hailing from the Saluva dynasty, rose to power and assumed the royal title after putting an end to the old dynasty, although the claim that he ended it is disputed. He reigned as an emperor of the Vijayanagara empire. In 1452 AD, he was honored with the title ‘Maha Mandaleshwara’ of Chandragiri during Mallikarjuna Raya’s reign. However, contrary to popular belief, historical records indicate that Saluva Narasimha’s conflict with the Gajapatis over Udaygiri in 1489 AD led to his capture and subsequent release upon surrendering the fort and its surrounding territories to the Gajapatis of Orissa. Tragically, he passed away in 1491 AD, leaving behind young sons who were unable to ascend to the throne.
Q7. Consider the following statements. (2003)
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South-East Asia and conquered some of the areas.
Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (c)
Both statements (1) and (2) stand accurate. During the early medieval era, the Cholas asserted their dominance over peninsular India by subduing the Pandya and Chera rulers. In 910 AD, Parantaka Chola vanquished Pandya King Rajasimha II, solidifying Chola authority. Later, under the reign of Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD), the Cholas confronted and triumphed over a coalition comprising the Pandya, Chera, and Sri Lankan monarchs. This victory led to the defeat of the Cheras and the seizure of Madurai, the ancient capital of the Pandyas, by the Cholas. Furthermore, the Cholas expanded their influence beyond the Indian subcontinent by launching expeditions against the Sailendra empire in South-East Asia, securing territorial gains. Rajaraja Chola’s conquests extended to peninsular South India, parts of present-day Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Islands. Rajendra Chola, his successor, even ventured into North India, where his forces routed the Pala ruler Mahipala, showcasing the Chola Empire’s military prowess and territorial reach.
Q8. How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahi of Ahmednagar come to an end? (2004)
(a) Ahmednagar was annexed into Mughal empire and Hussain Shah was consigned to life imprisonment
(b) Mughal troops destroyed Daulatabad fort and killed Nizam-ul Mulk of Ahmednagar
(c) Fateh Khan usurped the throne from Nizam ul-Mulk
(d) Malik Ambar was defeated in a battle with Mughals in 1631 and the entire royal family was killed by the Mughal troops
Ans. (a)
The Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmednagar met its demise when the Mughal Empire annexed Ahmednagar, leading to Hussain Shah’s confinement to life imprisonment. In response, Malik Ambar and other officials of Ahmednagar resisted the Mughals, proclaiming Murtaza Nizam Shah II as Sultan in 1600 AD at a new capital in Paranda. Malik Ambar assumed the role of ‘Vakil-us-Saltanat’ of Ahmednagar. Following Malik Ambar’s passing in 1626 AD, his son Fateh Khan capitulated to the Mughals in 1633 AD, surrendering the young Nizam Shahi ruler Hussain Shah, who was subsequently imprisoned in the fort of Gwalior.
Q9. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements. (2016)
1. Siddhas (Sittars) to Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (c)
Both statements (1) and (2) accurately reflect aspects of the cultural history of medieval India. In the Tamil region, Siddhas (Sittars) were proponents of monotheism and staunchly opposed idol worship. The term Siddhars also denotes early wandering adepts who wielded significant influence over ancient Tamil teachings and philosophy. Nearly all Siddhas espoused the concept of the unity of all creation, advocating monotheism while promoting a philosophy centered on love, service, and condemnation of idolatry.
Similarly, in the Kannada region, the Lingayats challenged the notion of reincarnation and rebuffed the caste system’s hierarchical structure. Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayat sect, vehemently opposed the rigid practices associated with the caste system, advocating for social equality and inclusivity.
Q10. With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara empire.
3. Rohilkhand kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) Only 3
Ans. (b)
Only statement (2) is accurate regarding Indian history. The Mysore kingdom originated from the remnants of the Vijayanagara empire. Following the decline of the Vijayanagara empire in 1565 AD, Mysore became an independent state under the Hindu Wodeyar Dynasty. In 1761, Hyder Ali supplanted the ruling dynasty in Mysore, establishing his own authority over the state, which was later succeeded by Tipu Sultan in 1782 AD.
Q11. In medieval India, the term ‘Fanam’ referred to (2022)
(a) Clothing
(b) Coins
(c) Ornaments
(d) Weapons
Ans. (b)
During Medieval India, ‘Fanam’ was the term used to denote coins. The Travancore Fanam specifically constituted a form of currency issued by the State of Travancore, primarily situated in what is now Kerala, South India.
Q12. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese? (2023)
(a) Ahmad Shah
(b) Mahmud Begarha
(d) Muhammad Shah
(c) Bahadur Shah
Ans. (c)
During the 16th century, Bahadur Shah, the ruler of medieval Gujarat, also recognized as Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, relinquished control of Diu to the Portuguese. This significant event occurred in 1535 when he yielded the strategic port to the Portuguese forces, led by Dom João de Castro.
FAQs
Q: What were the significant regional kingdoms that emerged during medieval Indian history?
During the medieval period in Indian history, several regional kingdoms emerged, including the Cholas in the south, the Chalukyas in the Deccan, the Pallavas in Tamil Nadu, the Rashtrakutas in Karnataka, and the Pala and Sena dynasties in Bengal. These kingdoms played crucial roles in shaping the political landscape of the subcontinent.
Q: What were the factors contributing to the emergence of regional kingdoms in medieval India?
The emergence of regional kingdoms in medieval India can be attributed to various factors such as the decline of centralized power, fragmentation of larger empires like the Gupta Empire, geographical diversity leading to regional identities, the weakening of imperial control due to invasions, and the rise of local chieftains and feudal lords who established their dominance over specific territories.
Q: What were the significant cultural and architectural contributions of medieval regional kingdoms?
Medieval regional kingdoms made significant contributions to Indian culture and architecture. The Chola dynasty, for instance, is renowned for its temple architecture, particularly the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. The Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas also left behind impressive structural marvels such as the Kailasanatha Temple in Ellora and the Badami Cave Temples, showcasing intricate sculptural details and innovative architectural techniques.
Q: How did trade and commerce influence the growth and prosperity of medieval regional kingdoms?
Trade and commerce played pivotal roles in the growth and prosperity of medieval regional kingdoms. Ports like Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, and Kaveripattinam flourished under the Chola dynasty, facilitating maritime trade with Southeast Asia. Similarly, the Rashtrakutas benefited from the trade routes passing through their territories, connecting northern and southern India, and even extending to the Middle East and Africa.
Q: What were the major conflicts and alliances between medieval regional kingdoms and the Delhi Sultanate?
The medieval period witnessed frequent conflicts and alliances between regional kingdoms and the Delhi Sultanate. The southern kingdoms, particularly the Cholas, resisted Delhi’s attempts at expansion, leading to intermittent conflicts. However, alliances were also formed based on strategic interests, with some regional rulers pledging allegiance to the sultans in exchange for autonomy or protection against rival kingdoms.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
