Important Questions: The Making of Regional Cultures - UPSC MCQ

•  Prithviraj was a significant figure in Indian history, known as a Rajput ruler.
•  He belonged to the Chauhan dynasty and ruled over regions in present-day Rajasthan and Haryana.
•  Prithviraj Chauhan is famous for his role in resisting early Muslim invasions, particularly against Muhammad of Ghor.
• His reign is marked by bravery and chivalry, and he is celebrated in Indian folklore and epic poetry.
  Therefore, the correct answer is A: Rajputana ruler.

Introduction:
Kathak is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. It originated in North India and is now associated with several parts of the country. Let's explore the regions where Kathak is practiced.
North India:
- Kathak originated in North India, specifically in the region of Uttar Pradesh.
- It was nurtured in the royal courts of North Indian kingdoms during the Mughal era.
- North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi have a strong influence of Kathak dance.
West India:
- Although Kathak originated in North India, it also has a significant presence in West India.
- States like Maharashtra and Gujarat have embraced Kathak and have their own unique styles and interpretations of the dance form.
East India:
- Kathak has also spread to the eastern part of India, particularly in the state of West Bengal.
- The city of Kolkata is known for its Kathak dance schools and performances.
South India:
- Unlike the other classical dance forms of India, Kathak is not traditionally practiced in South India.
- However, with the spread of cultural exchange and fusion, there are instances of Kathak being performed in South Indian states as well.
Conclusion:
Kathak, although originating in North India, has now become a dance form associated with several parts of the country. It is practiced and appreciated in North India, West India, and East India, while also making occasional appearances in South India. The cultural diversity and regional variations have enriched the art form, making it a treasured part of India's classical dance heritage.

Development of Kathak in Two Gharanas:
The development of Kathak, a classical dance form of India, can be traced back to two distinct traditions or gharanas. These gharanas were developed in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Lucknow.
Gharana 1: Rajasthan
- Kathak originated in the courts of Rajasthan, a state in northern India.
- It was nurtured and developed by the Rajput rulers and their courtesans.
- The dance form in Rajasthan was known for its vibrant footwork, rhythmic patterns, and graceful movements.
- The gharana in Rajasthan focused on storytelling through dance, incorporating elements of poetry and music.
Gharana 2: Lucknow
- Another significant gharana of Kathak was developed in the royal courts of Lucknow, which is now part of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
- It was influenced by the Mughal rulers and their refined culture.
- The Lucknow gharana emphasized expressiveness, intricate hand gestures, and subtle facial expressions.
- The dance form in Lucknow evolved to incorporate more complex footwork patterns and intricate rhythmic compositions.
The development of Kathak in these two gharanas contributed to the rich and diverse nature of the dance form. While Rajasthan gharana emphasized storytelling and vibrant footwork, the Lucknow gharana focused on expressiveness and intricate hand gestures. Today, both gharanas continue to thrive, preserving the essence of Kathak and showcasing their unique styles and techniques.

Miniatures are:

• Small-sized paintings: Miniatures are typically small-sized paintings, usually no larger than a few inches in size. They are known for their intricate details and precision.

Explanation:
Miniatures are a form of art that originated in the medieval period and are characterized by their small size and intricate details. They are often painted on various surfaces such as parchment, ivory, or copper. Miniatures were highly popular in royal courts and were used as personal gifts, decorative items, or illustrations in manuscripts.
The small size of miniatures allowed for great attention to detail, with artists using fine brushes and pigments to create intricate designs. They often depicted scenes from religious texts, mythology, or daily life. Miniatures required a high level of skill and precision, as artists had to work with limited space.
In conclusion, miniatures are small-sized paintings that are known for their intricate details and precision. They have a rich history and continue to be appreciated as a unique form of art.

The Mughal emperors who patronised highly skilled painters and primarily illustrated manuscripts containing historical accounts and poetry were Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
Here is a detailed explanation of each option:
Option A: Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan
- Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan were Mughal emperors who actively patronised highly skilled painters.
- These emperors promoted the art of manuscript illustration and encouraged painters to create detailed and intricate illustrations.
- The illustrated manuscripts often contained historical accounts and poetry, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Mughal Empire.
Option B: Akbar, Jahangir, and Aurangzeb
- While Akbar and Jahangir indeed patronised highly skilled painters, Aurangzeb, unlike his predecessors, did not have a significant interest in the arts.
- Aurangzeb focused more on military conquests and administrative matters, and his reign saw a decline in the Mughal patronage of art and culture.
Option C: Babar, Jahangir, and Aurangzeb
- Babar, the founder of the Mughal Empire, did not have the same level of patronage for painters and illustrated manuscripts as his successors.
- Jahangir, on the other hand, continued and expanded the artistic traditions established by his father, Akbar.
- Aurangzeb, as mentioned earlier, had a limited interest in the arts and did not actively patronise painters.
Option D: Babar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan
- Babar, as the founder of the Mughal Empire, did not have a significant impact on the patronage of painters and illustrated manuscripts.
- Jahangir's reign marked a period of flourishing art and culture, with a focus on manuscript illustration.
- Shah Jahan, known for his architectural achievements, also supported the arts and commissioned many luxurious illustrated manuscripts.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A: Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.

The earliest miniatures were on:
- Palm leaves or wood: The earliest miniatures were created on materials such as palm leaves or wood. These materials were readily available and easy to carve or paint on.
- Glass: While glass miniatures have been created throughout history, they were not the earliest form of miniatures. Glass miniatures became more popular in the 18th and 19th centuries with the development of glassblowing techniques.
- Plastic: Plastic was not available in ancient times, so it is not a plausible material for the earliest miniatures.
- Paper: Paper was not commonly used for miniatures in ancient times. While paper has been used for various forms of artwork, including origami and paper dolls, it was not the primary material for early miniatures.
In conclusion, the earliest miniatures were typically made on materials such as palm leaves or wood. These materials were easily accessible and allowed for intricate carving or painting.

Nadir Shah's invasion and the conquest of Delhi in 1739
Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia, invaded India in 1739 and successfully conquered Delhi.
Background:
- Nadir Shah was a powerful ruler who aimed to expand his empire and gain wealth.
- He had already conquered several regions in Central Asia and the Middle East before turning his attention towards India.
- The Mughal Empire in India was in decline during this period, which made it an attractive target for Nadir Shah.
The Invasion:
- In 1738, Nadir Shah crossed the Indus River and entered India with a large army.
- He faced little resistance as he advanced towards Delhi, as the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah was ill-prepared to defend against the invasion.
- Nadir Shah's forces swiftly defeated the Mughal army and captured the city of Delhi.
The Conquest of Delhi:
- After capturing Delhi, Nadir Shah ordered the massacre of its citizens and looted the city of its riches.
- The invasion was marked by widespread destruction, violence, and plundering.
- Nadir Shah's forces killed thousands of people and took massive amounts of wealth, including the famous Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Aftermath:
- The invasion of Nadir Shah deeply weakened the Mughal Empire and exposed its vulnerabilities.
- It also marked the beginning of the end of Mughal rule in India, as the empire continued to decline in the following years.
- The conquest of Delhi by Nadir Shah had a significant impact on the political and cultural landscape of India.
Conclusion:
- Nadir Shah's invasion and conquest of Delhi occurred in 1739.
- It was a brutal event that had far-reaching consequences for the Mughal Empire and the region as a whole.

Answer:
Introduction:
Xuan Zang was a famous traveler and monk from ancient times. He is widely known for his epic journey to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures and spread Buddhism in China.
Explanation:
Xuan Zang was a Chinese traveler, not from any other nationality. He played a significant role in promoting Buddhism and bringing knowledge back to China. Here are some key points to support this answer:
- Chinese Traveler: Xuan Zang was born in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
- Buddhist Monk: He became a Buddhist monk at a young age and dedicated his life to studying and propagating Buddhism.
- Journey to India: Xuan Zang embarked on a perilous journey to India in 629 AD, with the aim of obtaining authentic Buddhist scriptures.
- Travel Route: He traveled through treacherous terrains, crossed deserts, and mountains, facing numerous challenges along the way.
- Stay in India: Xuan Zang spent around 15 years in India, studying Buddhist philosophy and collecting important scriptures.
- Return to China: After successfully completing his mission, Xuan Zang returned to China with a vast collection of Buddhist texts, which greatly enriched Chinese Buddhism.
- Contributions: Xuan Zang's journey and the texts he brought back inspired the development of Buddhism in China and had a profound impact on Chinese culture and history.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Xuan Zang was a Chinese traveler who made a remarkable journey to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures and promote Buddhism in China. His contributions are still revered and remembered today.

The Brihaddharma Purana and the Permission to Eat Fish
The Brihaddharma Purana, a thirteenth-century Sanskrit text from Bengal, granted the local Brahmanas the permission to consume certain types of food. One of the items allowed for consumption was fish. Here is a detailed explanation:
The Brihaddharma Purana:
The Brihaddharma Purana is a Sanskrit text that originated in Bengal during the thirteenth century. It is a religious and philosophical scripture that contains various guidelines and regulations for Brahmanas, the priestly class of Hindu society.
Permission to Eat Fish:
According to the Brihaddharma Purana, certain varieties of fish were considered permissible for consumption by the local Brahmanas. This permission was significant because Brahmanas were generally expected to follow strict dietary restrictions.
Importance of the Brihaddharma Purana:
The Brihaddharma Purana played a crucial role in influencing the dietary practices and traditions of Brahmanas in Bengal. It provided guidance on what could be consumed and what needed to be avoided, thereby shaping the food habits of the community.
Other Permitted and Restricted Foods:
While fish was allowed for consumption, it is important to note that the Brihaddharma Purana also listed other food items that were both permitted and prohibited for Brahmanas. However, in the context of this question, the focus is on the permission granted to eat fish.
In conclusion, the Brihaddharma Purana, a thirteenth-century Sanskrit text from Bengal, permitted the local Brahmanas to consume certain varieties of fish. This permission was significant in shaping the dietary practices of the Brahmana community in Bengal during that time period.

Introduction:
Bengali is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world with over 200 million native speakers. Bengali, also known as Bangla, has a rich linguistic history and has evolved from various sources.
Derivation of Bengali:
Bengali is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. The evolution of Bengali can be traced through different stages:
1. Sanskrit:
- Sanskrit, an ancient language, is the root of many modern Indian languages.
- Bengali shares a strong linguistic connection with Sanskrit, especially in terms of vocabulary and grammar.
- Many words in Bengali are derived from Sanskrit roots.
2. Middle Indo-Aryan:
- During the Middle Ages, Bengali developed from the Apabhramsha form of Middle Indo-Aryan.
- The influence of Middle Indo-Aryan languages like Magadhi, Ardhamagadhi, and Varendra can be seen in the evolution of Bengali.
3. Magadhi Prakrit:
- Magadhi Prakrit, an earlier form of Bengali, was spoken in the Magadha region of ancient India.
- It played a significant role in shaping the Bengali language.
4. Influence of Persian and Arabic:
- During the medieval period, Bengali also assimilated vocabulary and linguistic features from Persian and Arabic, due to the influence of Muslim rulers in the region.
5. Influence of European languages:
- With the arrival of European colonizers, Bengali absorbed loanwords and linguistic elements from English, Portuguese, and Dutch.
Conclusion:
Bengali, a widely spoken Indo-Aryan language, has evolved over centuries through various influences. While it has roots in Sanskrit and Middle Indo-Aryan, it has also been shaped by Magadhi Prakrit, Persian, Arabic, and European languages. Understanding the historical development of Bengali helps us appreciate its linguistic richness and cultural significance.

Mangalakavyas is a Sanskrit Epics.
Explanation:
- Mangalakavyas are a form of Sanskrit poetry that originated in ancient India.
- The word "Mangala" means auspicious or propitious, and "Kavya" means poetry.
- These epics are known for their devotional and mythological themes and are characterized by their rich literary and poetic qualities.
- Mangalakavyas are written in the Sanskrit language, which is considered to be the ancient language of the Indian subcontinent.
- They often narrate stories from Hindu mythology and celebrate the glory of gods and goddesses.
- Some famous examples of Mangalakavyas include the Ramacharitamanasa by Tulsidas, the Mahabharata by Vyasa, and the Ramayana by Valmiki.
- These epics have had a significant influence on Indian literature, culture, and religious practices.
- They are highly regarded for their moral teachings, philosophical insights, and artistic beauty.
- Mangalakavyas continue to be studied and appreciated for their literary and cultural significance in India and around the world.

Answer:
The popular regional deity worshipped in the form of a stone or a piece of wood is Dharma Thakur.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Dharma Thakur:
- Dharma Thakur is a popular regional deity in certain parts of India, particularly in the state of West Bengal.
- The worship of Dharma Thakur is prevalent among the lower castes and rural communities.
- Dharma Thakur is often worshipped in the form of a stone or a piece of wood, which represents the deity.
- The stone or wood is considered sacred and is usually placed in a small shrine or under a tree.
- Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and food to the deity as a sign of devotion and seek blessings for their well-being.
- The worship of Dharma Thakur is believed to bring prosperity, protection, and harmony in the community.
- The rituals and practices associated with Dharma Thakur worship vary in different regions, but the core belief in the deity remains the same.
- Dharma Thakur is considered to be a guardian deity and is believed to protect the devotees from evil forces and bring justice.
- The worship of Dharma Thakur is often accompanied by folk songs, dances, and other cultural activities.
- The devotees have deep faith in the deity and consider Dharma Thakur as an integral part of their religious and cultural identity.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma_Thakur

Peer or Pir (Persian:'old [person]', 'elder') is a title for a Sufi master or spiritual guide. They are also referred to as a Hazrat (from Arabic:, romanized: Haḍra) and Sheikh or Shaykh, which is literally the Arabic equivalent.

The correct answer is D as In Bengal Officials and functionaries received land and often set up mosques  that served as centres for religious transformation in these areas.

• Dhaka served as the capital during the reign of Mughal rulers like Subahdar Islam Khan in the early 17th century.
• It became a prominent administrative and trade center due to its strategic location and thriving economy.
• The city was known for its flourishing muslin trade, attracting merchants and artisans.
• Dhaka's importance as a capital reflected the Mughal Empire's efforts to consolidate power in Bengal.

Therefore,Correct Answer- Option B