Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

Sarkar was NOT a unit in the Chola administrative system. Sarkar was a Persian term used in the Mughal administrative system, much later in history. The Chola administrative units were Mandalam (province), Kottam (district), Nadu (sub-district comprising several villages), and the village assembly (Ur or Sabha).

Rajraja I (also known as Rajaraja I) was the Chola ruler who defeated the Chera ruler (known as Bhaskara Ravi Varman) and destroyed the Chera navy at Kandalur Salai. This naval victory was a significant achievement that established Chola maritime dominance. Parantak I fought the Cheras but didn't destroy their navy, while Aditya and Rajendra I had different military achievements.

The Satavahana ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni is credited with finally defeating the Sakas (Scythians) who had invaded Northwestern India. His victory is documented in the Nasik cave inscription where he claims to have defeated the Sakas and restored the prestige of the Brahminical religion. The Sakas had ruled parts of India for several centuries before this defeat.

Kadungon is traditionally regarded as the founder of the early Pandyan dynasty that ruled parts of Tamil Nadu. He is credited with reviving Pandyan power after the Kalabhra interregnum, a period when Tamil country was under the rule of the Kalabhras. His reign marked the beginning of a new era for Pandyan authority in the region.

Correct Answer: Cholas

Ahilyabai Holkar (also known as Ahilyadevi) was the Holkar dynasty ruler of the Malwa kingdom, with her capital at Maheshwar. She was renowned for her just administration, temple construction, and welfare activities during the late 18th century.

 Option (3) is correct.

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.

Correct Answer: Kanishka

Correct Answer: Menander  Menander I Soter (also known as Milinda) was an Indo-Greek King of the Indo-Greek Kingdom (165 – 130 BC) who established a large empire in Northwestern regions of South Asia and became a patron of Buddhism. 

When Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut in 1498, the Vijayanagara Empire was ruled by Immadi Narasimha, also known in some records as Naresh Nayak. The Vijayanagara Empire was at the height of its power under the Saluva and Tuluva dynasties during this period, controlling much of southern India. The empire maintained complex trade relations with Portuguese newcomers.

In lieu of the services provided to the people, the king used to collect taxes, namely - Bali, Sulka and Bhaga, through his officials. These taxes were roughly 1/6th of the income of his subjects.

Establishment of Archaeological Department of India - 1904 Partition of Bengal - 1905 Foundation of Muslim League - 1906 Execution of Kudiram Bose - 1908

The Peshwa was relegated to secondary position after death of Peshwa Madhavrao I. He became the ceremonial king.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire, was known as 'Haindava Dharmodharak' (Protector of Hindu Dharma). He established Hindavi Swaraj (self-rule for Hindus) and championed Hindu causes against Mughal rule. Shahu was a later ruler, Shambhaji was Shivaji's son, and Nana Saheb was a Peshwa - none primarily associated with this specific title.