Ans: A

Exp:

After Ashoka, Kalinga (present-day Orissa) became prominent under the kings of the Chedi dynasty. Unfortunately, we have no information about the kings of the dynasty except Kharavela. His achievements are recorded on an inscription known as the Hathigumpha inscription, situated in the Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar in Orissa. The inscription is so named because the image of an elephant is carved out of stone next to the boulder carrying the inscription. The inscription tells us that he was a follower of Jainism and had fought many successful battles against his neighbours. He probably lived in the first century BC. 

Ans: B

Exp:

Pair 1 is correct:  The death of Jaswant Singh of Marwar brought about a succession issue. The Rajput queen Rani Hadi, wife of Raja Jaswant Singh, resented the move of Aurangzeb to install Indra Singh, a grandnephew of Jaswant Singh, a titular chief of the state. This led to a revolt with the help of Rathor Rajputs but was effectively put down. The Rana of Mewar, Rana Raj Singh, resenting the interference of Aurangzeb in the affairs of Marwar, rose in revolt, and he was supported by Prince Akbar, the rebellious son of Aurangzeb.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Jat revolt was more related to agrarian and economic issues rather than religious issue. Jats, who were predominantly agriculturists, rebelled against the Mughal administration due to oppressive taxation policies and the economic hardships they faced, including high land revenue demands and other agricultural burdens.

Pair 3 is correct: The Maratha revolt against Aurangzeb was primarily about asserting local independence and autonomy. The Marathas aimed to establish their own sovereignty and reduce Mughal control over their territories, marking a significant struggle for regional self-governance.

Ans: C

Exp:

Shivaji’s administration largely borrowed from the administrative practices of the Deccani States. He established a council of eight ministers known as the “Ashtapradhan” to assist in the governance of his kingdom. These ministers had specific roles and responsibilities, and they were responsible for various aspects of administration, including finance, military, and foreign affairs.

Pair 1 is correct: The Majumdar was an accountant in the Shivaji administration. They  were responsible for revenue and financial matters. They played a key role in managing the kingdom’s finances and taxation.

Pair 2 is correct: The Chitnis, or Surunavis, were responsible for managing the king’s correspondence. 

Pair 3 is incorrect: Mirasdars were landlords who were responsible for collecting revenue from their respective territories. They had hereditary rights in the land. They served as intermediaries between the central authority and the local population. Shivaji strictly supervised the Mirasdars. 

Pair 4 is correct: Wakenavis was responsible for intelligence, posts and household affairs.  They were responsible for espionage, and monitoring the activities of officials and courtiers in the kingdom. 

Ans: D

Exp:

In Mughal India, a substantial “middle state” population existed, which included small mansabdars, petty shopkeepers, master craftsmen, professionals such as hakims, musicians, artists, historians, scholars, qazis, theologians, and a significant number of low-ranking administrative officials. While the petty officials were typically paid in cash and often engaged in corruption for additional income, scholars and religious figures received small land grants known as “madad-i-maash” or sasan in Rajasthan for their upkeep. In addition to the Mughal emperor, local rulers and zamindars, and even nobles made such grants. Although these grants were to be renewed by every ruler, they often became hereditary in practice.

Ans: B

Exp:

Tansen composed several Dhrupads, the subject matter of which ranged from praise of deities to technical terms of music. Tansen wrote several Dhrupads in praise of Ramchandra Vaghela and emperor Akbar. Among the four Banis of Dhrupad prevalent during that time – Khandar, Nauhar, Dagar and Govarhar, Tansen is believed to have initiated the Govarhar Bani.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Tansen was also a follower of the Shattari Silsilah order (not Kubwariya order). Shattari Silsilah was established by Sheikh Sirajuddin Abdullah Shattar and became popular in Malwa, Jaunpur and Bengal. 

Statement 2 is incorrect: Akbar had “Nine Navaratnas” or nine jewels in his court. They included Abul Fazl, Faizi, Tansen, Birbal, Raja Todar Mal, Raja Man Singh, Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, Fakir Aziao-Din and Mullah Do Piyaza. It is believed that Tansen invoked rain upon singing Raga Malhar and lighted lamps upon singing Raga Deepak.

Statement 3 is correct: Tansen is regarded as an important exponent of Hindustani classical music. He is credited with introducing ragas such as the Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi and darbari in Hindustani classical music. Some Ragas that have the prefix ‘Miyan’ before their names are associated with Tansen, e.g., Miyan ki Sarang, Miyan Malhar, Miyan ki Todi etc.