UPSC Prelims 2020
Medieval History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 2 solved UPSC Prelims 2020 Medieval History questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Consider the following events in the history of India:
- Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
- Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
- Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I
- Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 2-4-1-3
The correct chronological sequence begins with Mahendravarman-I establishing Pallava power (c. 600-630 CE), followed by Gopala founding the Pala dynasty (c. 750 CE), then King Bhoja's rise among the Pratiharas (836-885 CE), and finally Parantaka-I establishing Chola power (907-955 CE). This arrangement reflects the temporal progression of major regional dynasties from the early medieval to the medieval period in Indian history.
📝 Short Notes: Early Medieval Dynasties Chronology
| Dynasty | Region | Ruler Mentioned | Period | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pallavas | South India (Tamil Nadu) | Mahendravarman-I | 600-630 CE | Known for rock-cut architecture; patronized art and literature; preceded the Cholas |
| Palas | Eastern India (Bengal, Bihar) | Gopala (founder) | 750-770 CE | Buddhist patrons; Nalanda and Vikramashila universities flourished; ruled until 12th century |
| Pratiharas | North India (Malwa, Rajasthan) | King Bhoja | 836-885 CE | Part of Tripartite struggle; resisted Arab invasions; peak under Bhoja |
| Cholas | South India (Tamil Nadu) | Parantaka-I | 907-955 CE | Imperial Cholas began with Vijayalaya; Parantaka-I expanded the empire; later reached peak under Rajaraja and Rajendra |
Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — A bill of exchange
A Hundi in the post-Harsha period was a negotiable financial instrument used extensively by merchants for trade and credit transactions. It functioned as a bill of exchange, whereby one party would issue a written order to another to pay a specified sum to a third party, either immediately or at a future date. This system facilitated long-distance trade without the need to physically transport large amounts of currency, making it safer and more efficient.
📝 Short Notes: Hundi System in Medieval India
- Definition: Hundi was an indigenous bill of exchange used as a financial instrument for trade and money transfer in medieval India.
- Function: It served as a written order from one merchant (drawer) instructing another (drawee) to pay a specified amount to a third party (payee), facilitating cashless transactions.
- Types: Various types existed including Darshani (payable on sight), Muddati (payable after a specified period), and Shah Jog (payable to a respectable/creditworthy person).
- Usage: Widely used by merchant communities (like Marwaris, Gujaratis) for remittances, trade financing, and credit transactions across long distances.
- Advantages: Eliminated risk of carrying physical cash, reduced transaction costs, and provided credit facilities to traders.
- Historical Continuity: The Hundi system evolved from ancient times and continued well into the colonial period, demonstrating the sophistication of Indian commercial practices.
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UPSC Prelims 2020 - Medieval History Chapter-wise Distribution
Mughal Society and Economy
1 Qs (50%)South Indian Kingdoms
1 Qs (50%)UPSC Prelims 2020 - Medieval History Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Medieval History questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2020?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Medieval History in UPSC Prelims 2020?
- Mughal Society and Economy: 1 questions (50%)
- South Indian Kingdoms: 1 questions (50%)