UPSC Prelims 2023
Medieval History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 3 solved UPSC Prelims 2023 Medieval History questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Devaraya I
Devaraya I (r. 1406-1422 CE) of the Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam/barrage across the Tungabhadra River around 1410 CE and commissioned a 24 km long canal-cum-aqueduct to bring water to the capital city of Vijayanagara. This monumental irrigation project brought immense prosperity to the kingdom, as documented by Portuguese traveler Fernão Nunes (Nuniz), who provided detailed accounts of Devaraya I's infrastructure projects. These hydraulic works stand as a testament to the advanced engineering capabilities of the Vijayanagara Empire.
📝 Short Notes: Vijayanagara Empire - Major Rulers and Contributions
| Ruler | Dynasty | Period | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harihara I & Bukka I | Sangama | 1336-1377 CE | Founders of Vijayanagara Empire |
| Devaraya I | Sangama | 1406-1422 CE | Tungabhadra dam & 24 km aqueduct; military reforms; employed Muslim archers |
| Devaraya II | Sangama | 1422-1446 CE | Greatest ruler of Sangama dynasty; defeated Gajapatis; visited by Abdur Razzaq |
| Krishnadevaraya | Tuluva | 1509-1529 CE | Greatest ruler of Vijayanagara; defeated Bahmanis; built Hazara Rama temple; patronized Ashtadiggajas |
| Achyutaraya | Tuluva | 1529-1542 CE | Brother of Krishnadevaraya; temple construction |
Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Bahadur Shah
Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese in 1535 in exchange for Portuguese military assistance against the Mughal emperor Humayun. This strategic port city on the western coast became a significant Portuguese trading and military outpost, marking an important phase in European colonial expansion in India.
📝 Short Notes: Portuguese in Gujarat
- Bahadur Shah (1526–1537): The last significant independent Sultan of Gujarat who faced Mughal pressure from Humayun.
- Treaty of Bassein (1534): Bahadur Shah agreed to cede Bassein to the Portuguese in exchange for military support against the Mughals.
- Surrender of Diu (1535): Bahadur Shah surrendered Diu to the Portuguese to secure naval and military assistance against Humayun's expanding Mughal empire.
- Portuguese Strategy: The Portuguese aimed to control strategic ports along India's western coast to dominate maritime trade routes.
- Death of Bahadur Shah (1537): He died under mysterious circumstances during negotiations with the Portuguese, possibly assassinated aboard a Portuguese ship.
- Portuguese Control: Diu remained under Portuguese control until 1961, when it was annexed by India along with Goa and Daman.
Consider the following dynasties:
- Hoysala
- Gahadavala
- Kakatiya
- Yadava
How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — None
None of the listed dynasties established their kingdoms in the early eighth century AD (701-800 AD). The Hoysala dynasty was founded around 1006 AD, the Gahadavala dynasty around 1089 AD, the Kakatiya dynasty gained prominence around 1163 AD (though they existed as feudatories earlier around 1000 AD), and the Yadava dynasty was established around 850 AD. Even the earliest among these (Yadavas) falls outside the early eighth-century timeframe.
📝 Short Notes: Major Medieval Indian Dynasties Timeline
| Dynasty | Establishment Period | Region | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoysala | 1006 AD | Karnataka (Dwarasamudra) | Founded by Nripa Kama; reached zenith under Vishnuvardhana and Ballala II |
| Gahadavala | 1089 AD | Kannauj and Varanasi | Founded by Chandradeva; ruled parts of present-day UP and Bihar |
| Kakatiya | 1163 AD (independence) | Warangal (Telangana) | Initially feudatories of Western Chalukyas; Prola II declared independence |
| Yadava | 850 AD (as feudatories) 1187 AD (independence) |
Devagiri (Maharashtra) | Also known as Seuna dynasty; gained independence under Bhillama V |
Early Eighth Century Context:
During the early eighth century AD, the major powers in India were:
- Pala Dynasty – Established around 750 AD in Bengal and Bihar by Gopala
- Pratihara Dynasty – Rose to prominence in the 8th century in Malwa and Rajasthan
- Rashtrakuta Dynasty – Established around 753 AD in Deccan by Dantidurga
These three dynasties engaged in the famous Tripartite Struggle for control over Kannauj during the 8th-10th centuries.
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UPSC Prelims 2023 - Medieval History Chapter-wise Distribution
Vijayanagara Empire
1 Qs (33.3%)Provincial Kingdoms
1 Qs (33.3%)Mughal Empire
1 Qs (33.3%)UPSC Prelims 2023 - Medieval History Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Medieval History questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2023?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Medieval History in UPSC Prelims 2023?
- Vijayanagara Empire: 1 questions (33.3%)
- Provincial Kingdoms: 1 questions (33.3%)
- Mughal Empire: 1 questions (33.3%)