Indian History - 2

The Peacock Throne (Takht-i-Taus) was constructed in 1628-1635 during Shah Jahan's reign by master craftsmen from Persia and India. It was adorned with precious stones including the Kohinoor diamond and took seven years to complete. It was not built during the reigns of Babur, Humayun, or Akbar.

Tarafdar was the designation for provincial governors (Subedars) in the Bahmani Sultanate (1347-1527). They governed large territories called tarafs, collected revenue, maintained military forces, and reported to the central authority. The Bahmani kingdom was divided into several tarafs for administrative efficiency.

The new addition in the temple architecture introduced by the Vijaynagar rulers was Kalyana Mandapa.

The Sama Veda is the Veda primarily concerned with music and melody. It contains hymns from the Rig Veda set to musical notation and meant to be sung during rituals. The Sama Veda is considered the earliest source of Indian musical tradition, as it systematically developed musical scales (swaras), rhythm patterns, and chanting techniques that later evolved into classical Indian music.

Moti Masjid in Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb from 1659-1660.The Moti Masjid in Agra was built by Shah Jahan. During the rule of Shah Jahan the Mughal emperor, numerous architectural wonders were built. Most famous of them being the Taj Mahal.

Slavery was indeed a well-established institution during the Mauryan period, as documented in Kautilya's Arthashastra. The text mentions various categories of slaves and regulations regarding their treatment, purchase, and sale. This practice was common in ancient Indian society during this era.

Mihirakula, the cruel Huna leader who persecuted Buddhists, was defeated by Yashodharman, the ruler of Malwa. Yashodarman's victory over the Hunas is recorded in the Mandasor pillar inscription and is considered a significant event in pushing back the Huna invasion of India.

James Prinsep deciphered the Ashokan Brahmi script in 1837, which was a major breakthrough in understanding ancient Indian history. He successfully read the inscriptions at Allahabad (Prayag) and identified the name 'Devanampriya Priyadarsin' as Ashoka, unlocking a wealth of historical information about the Mauryan period.

Pushyamitra Sunga was the founder of the Sunga dynasty, which came to power after he assassinated the last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha, around 185 BCE. He was initially a Mauryan military commander who then established his own rule.

Gupta coins frequently depicted musical instruments like the veena, indicating the dynasty's patronage of music and arts. Samudragupta was himself an accomplished musician and was depicted playing the veena on some gold coins. The Gupta period is considered the golden age of Indian classical arts, with significant development in music, literature, and sculpture.

Under the Gupta land grant system, donees (recipients of land grants) had significant rights over the land and its produce but could not arbitrarily evict peasants who faithfully paid their taxes. The peasant's right to cultivation was protected as long as they fulfilled their tax obligations, providing stability to agrarian society.

The Hathigumpha inscription was written by Kharavela, the ruler of the Kalinga dynasty (Mahameghavahana dynasty). This inscription, found in Udayagiri caves of Odisha, provides valuable information about Kharavela's conquests and achievements. The other dynasties mentioned - Vakatakas, Pushyabhutis, and Kalachuris - ruled in different regions and time periods.

In the Chola judicial system, local assemblies (Sabhas and Ur) had significant autonomy. The laws and judicial decisions were often declarations of local institutions, and the king's approval was NOT necessary for these declarations - they functioned independently. Option B correctly identifies what was NOT true about the Chola judicial system. The disputes were indeed resolved with the help of local officers.

The Chola dynasty maintained extensive trade networks across the Indian Ocean. Horses were one of their most significant imports, primarily from Arabia and Persia, as these animals were essential for building and maintaining a strong cavalry. India did not have native horse breeds suitable for warfare, making this import crucial for military power.

Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan to actively curb the political power of the Ulema (religious scholars). He believed that the Sultan was the ultimate authority in state matters, not religious scholars.

Correct answer is (2). 

Ala-ud-din Khilji's military ambitions required a standing and strong army, especially after the Mongol siege of Delhi. Maintaining a large army at regular salaries, however, would be severe drain on the treasury. A system of price controls reduced the salary amount that needed to be paid. Three separate markets were set up in Delhi. The first one for food grains, the second for cloth and items such as ghee, oil and sugar and the third market was for horses, cattle and slaves. Regulations were laid out for the operations of these markets. He took various steps to control the prices. He exercised supervision over the markets. He fixed the prices of all the commodities from top to bottom. Market officers, called Shahna, were appointed to keep a check on the prices. 

According to Buddhist scriptures, King Bimbisara met Buddha for the first time prior to Buddha's enlightenment and later became an important disciple that featured prominently in certain Buddhist suttas.
King Bimbisara is referred to as King Shrenika of Rajgir in Jain literature, who became a devotee of Jainism impressed by the calmness of Yamadhar (a Jain Muni). He frequently visited Samavasarana of Lord Mahavira seeking answers to his queries.

Mahavira 599 – 527 BC
Buddha 563 - 483 BC 
Kautilya (Chanakya) 340 - 293 BC
Kanishka   127 – 163 AD
Nagarjuna 150 - 250  BC 

Brick platforms used for granaries are seen in the excavation at Lothal.

The Indus Valley Civilization had extensive trade relations with Mesopotamia and other regions. Archaeological evidence shows they worshipped various gods and goddesses, including mother goddess figurines. They had knowledge of wheeled vehicles and carts. Cotton cultivation and use are well-documented at Harappan sites. Option C is the correct statement.

An important characteristic of Vedic mythology is the pre-dominance of the male element. Thus, Vedic civilisation presents a contrast to the prehistoric culture of Indus Valley, where the mother goddess is coequal with her male partner.
Sacrifices occupied a prominent place in Vedic rituals. These included offerings of milk, grain, ghee and juice of the Soma plant.

Lord Hastings was determined to proclaim British paramountary in India. His moves against the Pindaris transgressed the sovereignty of the Maratha chief and the third Anglo-Maratha war began in 1817.

The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought from 1803 to 1805 between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire. This war resulted in decisive British victories at Assaye, Laswari, and Argaon, leading to the annexation of large Maratha territories. The First Anglo-Maratha War was 1775-1782, and the Third was 1817-1818.

The Three Jewels or Triratna of Buddhism are Buddha (the enlightened one), Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community of practitioners). Taking refuge in these three jewels is the fundamental act of becoming a Buddhist and represents the core of Buddhist practice and faith.

Seals found at Mohenjodaro and those from Sumerian civilization show striking similarities in terms of pictographic symbols, animal motifs (particularly bulls), and manufacturing techniques. Both civilizations used seals for trade identification and administrative purposes, suggesting possible cultural or commercial connections.

Correct Answer: Mesopotamians

Rajendra I Chola, son of Rajaraja I, earned the title 'Gangai-Konda' (Conqueror of the Ganges) after his successful military campaigns that reached the Ganges river in northern India. He defeated the Pala dynasty and brought Ganges water back in a ceremonial procession, commemorating this achievement.

Correct answer is (4). 

Ibn Battuta (1304-1369 CE) lived during the Delhi Sultanate period. Mohammad bin Tughlaq (1324-1351 CE) was indeed ruling when Ibn Battuta visited India in 1333 CE. Balban preceded him by decades, Mahmud of Ghazni lived three centuries earlier, and Alauddin Khilji died before Ibn Battuta's travels began.

Nirgrantha (meaning 'one who has untied all knots') is a term specifically associated with Jainism, referring to ascetics who have broken all karmic bonds. Ajivikas were a distinct heterodox sect, Charvakas represented materialist philosophy, and Pasupatas were a Shaivite sect.