MH SET Paper 2 Mock Test - 4 (History) - MAHA TET MCQ

All three of the names mentioned, Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, and Lewis Morgan, employed methods involving historical and comparative analysis in their work.

• Auguste Comte, the founder of sociology and positivism, employed a historical method in his law of three stages theory about societal development.
• Karl Marx, the philosopher, economist, historian, political theorist, and socialist revolutionary, extensively used historical and comparative methods in deriving his theory of historical materialism.
• Lewis Morgan, the American ethnologist and anthropologist, also used comparative methods in his analysis of kinship systems across various societies.

So the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

Frederich Engels observed that "Just as Darwin discovered the law of development of organic nature, so Marx discovered the law of development of human history".

Key Points

• When Karl Marx died the world believe that an immeasurable loss has been sustained both by the militant proletariat of Europe and America and by historical science.
• Another Marxist Frederich Engels observes Just as Darwin discovered the law of development of organic nature, so Marx discovered the law of development of human history.
• The simple fact, hitherto concealed by an overgrowth of ideology, that mankind must first of all eat, drink, have shelter and clothing, before it can pursue politics, science, art, religion, etc.
• But that is not all. Marx also discovered the special law of motion governing the present-day capitalist mode of production, and the bourgeois society that this mode of production has created.

• Engels believes that two such discoveries would be enough for one lifetime, that happy the man to whom it is granted to make even one such discovery.

Hence, we can conclude that Frederich Engels observed that "Just as Darwin discovered the law of development of organic nature, so Marx discovered the law of development of human history".

Important Points

• A. J. P. Taylor
  • ​A. J. P. Taylor was a British historian and journalist noted for his lectures on history and for his prose style.
  • Taylor's The Origins of the Second World War written between 1957-61 proved to be vastly controversial.
  • It challenged the then-accepted view that Hitler had been a uniquely evil plotter of war by presenting a view of Hitler as an opportunist, who had enjoyed much popular support in Germany and Austria.
  • Taylor's own statements such as "in principle and doctrine, Hitler was no more wicked and unscrupulous than many a contemporary statesman" outraged very many people who thought of racial imperialism.
• Charles A. Beard
  • ​As a scholar and historian, Charles A. Beard transformed the teaching and study of American history by stressing the "whole man," including the relationship of economic interests to politics.
  • This approach first appeared in his study of the men who attended the 1787 Constitutional Convention, An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution (1913).
• ​A. Marwick
  • ​Arthur Marwick was a major social historian and an outstanding teacher of history.
  • The subject of his most successful and seminal book, The Deluge (1965), a study of British society in the first world war.

Kumaragupta I issued a gold coin depicting a rhinoceros.

Key Points

• Die-struck gold coins, with material legends in Sanskrit, known as dinaras, were issued by the Guptas.

• These coins have mostly been found in north India.

• The reigning king is depicted in the obverse in various poses, usually martial.

• However, there are also instances of the kings being depicted in non-martial poses.

  • For example, the obverse in the coins of Samuddragupta and Kumaragupta I show them playing the vina.

• Religious symbols are depicted in the reverse of Gupta coins indicating the religious affiliations of the Gupta kings.

• Gupta gold coins underwent a decline in metallic purity during the later part of Skandagupta's reign.

• The Guptas also issued silver coins, however, copper coins issued by them are rarely found.

• The Rhinoceros-slayer type coins were introduced by Kumaragupta I.

• These were identified for the first time by A.S. Altekar in 1947.

• This type is both unique and artistic. coins of this type depict the king riding a horse and attacking a rhinoceros.

​Thus, we can conclude that Kumaragupta I is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• ​Kumaragupta I:

  • ​He was one of the last great emperors of the Gupta dynasty.

  • He is known as having laid the foundation of Nalanda University.

  • In the later part of his reign, he had to face repeated incursions by the Hunas.

These were some of the most important officials during the Mauryan dynasty. Pradesikas were the modern district magistrates and in-charge of district. They were to make tours once in every 5 years to inspect the entire administration of the areas under control. Rajukas were the later day Patwaris. They were responsible for surveying and assessing the land. In rural areas they were the judicial officers. Yukta were the subordinate revenue officer of the district level. He was responsible for the secretarial work of accounting. Vachabhumika were the officer-in-charge of the rest houses, groves and wells etc.

The correct order is (iii), (iv), (ii), (i)

Key Points

• Revolt of Mahabat Khan:
  • Mahabat Khan was a noble who had served Jahangir's father, Akbar, and Jahangir himself.
  • He became angry with Jahangir after being demoted from his position as governor of Punjab.
  • In 1626, Mahabat Khan led a rebellion against Jahangir, which was quickly put down by the emperor's forces.
  • Mahabat Khan was captured and imprisoned, and eventually died in captivity.
• Khurram was Viceroy of the Deccan:
  • Khurram was one of Jahangir's sons, who would later become the emperor Shah Jahan.
  • In 1615, Jahangir appointed Khurram as the viceroy of the Deccan region of India, which was a very important and lucrative post.
  • Khurram carried out several successful military campaigns in the Deccan during his tenure as viceroy, which increased his prestige and power.
• Captain Hawkins visit to his court:
  • Captain William Hawkins was an English trader who visited Jahangir's court in 1609.
  • He was the first Englishman to receive permission to establish a trading factory in India, which he did in Surat.
  • Hawkins' visit to Jahangir's court was marked by several misunderstandings and cultural clashes, but he was eventually able to establish a friendly relationship with the emperor.
• Sir Thomas Roe's arrival at Jahangir's court:
  • Sir Thomas Roe was an English diplomat who arrived at Jahangir's court in 1615.
  • He was sent by King James I to establish better trade relations with the Mughal Empire.

  • Roe was able to negotiate several important trade agreements with Jahangir, which helped to increase English trade in India.

Hence the correct chronological order is:

In British India, the Vernacular Press Act (1878) was enacted to curtail the freedom of the Indian press and prevent the expression of criticism toward British policies—notably, the act was proposed by Lord Lytton, the then Viceroy of India, and was unanimously passed by the Viceroy's Council on 14 March 1878.

The administrative policy of the Company underwent frequent changes during the long period between 1757-1857, however, it never lost sight of its main objects which were to increase the Company’s profit, to enhance the profitability of its Indian possessions to Britain, and to maintain and strengthen the British hold over India; all other purposes were subordinated to these aims. The administrative machinery of the Government of India was designed and developed to serve these ends. The main emphasis in this respect was placed on the maintenance of law and order so that trade with India and exploitation of its resources could be carried on without disturbance.

The correct answer is (A), (B) and (C) all are true.Key Points

• The Palaeolithic period is a prehistoric era that lasted for around 2 million years until 12,000 years ago.
• It is divided into three stages: lower, middle, and upper palaeolithic, based on the development of stone tools and technology.
• Statement (A) is true as it correctly defines the time span of the Palaeolithic period.
• Statement (B) is also true as it describes the division of the period into three stages.
• Statement (C) is correct as it highlights that the palaeolithic period covers 99% of human history, indicating its significance in shaping the evolution of humans.

The Bengal Land Holder’s Society was founded by Dwarkanath Tagore in Calcutta. It was the first political party in Modern India. In 1866, Dadabhai Naroji founded the East India Association in London. In 1867, Mary Carpenter, founded the National Indian Association in London. In 1872, Indian Society was founded by Ananda Mohan Bose in Kolkata. It became Indian Association under Surendranath Banarjee in 1876. It was the most dynamic political party before the Congress.

• The recruitment of soldiers for the Indian National Army (INA) primarily from Axis prisoner-of-war (POW) camps demonstrates the complexity of international alliances during World War II. This complexity is highlighted by several factors:

• Recruitment from Axis POW Camps:
  The INA sourced a significant portion of its manpower from Indian soldiers who had initially served in the British Indian Army but were captured by Axis powers, particularly Japan, during the early stages of World War II. These soldiers were given a choice by Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA leadership to join the fight against the British for India's independence, rather than remain as prisoners. This recruitment strategy underscores the pragmatic use of the circumstances created by the global conflict, leveraging the resources of Axis powers to fuel the independence movement.

• Complex Allegiances:
  The fact that Indian soldiers, who were once part of the colonial military force loyal to the British Empire, switched allegiances to join the INA under Bose's leadership, illustrates the layered loyalties and the impact of nationalist sentiment among colonized peoples. These soldiers were willing to ally with their captors (the Axis powers), who were adversaries of their colonial rulers, to fight for India’s freedom. This reflects a strategic, albeit uneasy, alignment of interests between Indian nationalists and Axis powers based on a common enemy—the British.

• Contribution to the Complexity of International Alliances:
  The involvement of Indian nationalists with Axis powers, primarily Japan, adds a layer of complexity to the traditional understanding of World War II alliances. It shows that the global conflict was not solely about the military and ideological confrontation between the Axis and Allied powers but also involved colonial struggles for independence that intersected with these larger dynamics. The INA's formation and operations signify how the war provided a unique geopolitical opportunity for independence movements to advance their causes by navigating the complex international alignments of the time.

• The INA's recruitment of soldiers from Axis POW camps and their participation in the broader conflict against British colonial rule exemplifies how World War II facilitated unusual and strategic partnerships. It highlights the multifaceted nature of international relations during the war, with colonial liberation movements exploiting the shifting alliances and conflicts among major world powers to achieve their own political objectives.

Initially influenced by socialist principles, Subhas Chandra Bose’s ideological stance evolved to embrace a more pronounced nationalist perspective, underpinned by the belief in militaristic action as a means to achieve Indian independence. This evolution is evidenced by his leadership of the INA and his efforts to secure foreign support for an armed struggle against the British Raj.
Key Points

• Subhas Chandra Bose's ideological stance underwent significant evolution over the course of his political career, particularly in relation to the Indian freedom struggle.
• This evolution is best characterized by his shift from a purely socialist outlook to one that embraced nationalism and militarism as crucial components of his strategy to achieve Indian independence.
  Early Socialist Leanings:
• In his early political career, Bose was influenced by socialist ideologies, which were gaining prominence globally during the early 20th century. He admired the Soviet Union's model and initially sought to advance India's independence struggle through socialist reforms. Bose believed in the power of economic and social restructuring to emancipate the Indian masses from not just colonial oppression but also from the deeply entrenched socio-economic dispari​Emphasis on Nationalism:
• As Bose's political career progressed, his focus increasingly shifted towards a broader conception of nationalism that sought to unite all Indians against British rule. His experience with the British response to peaceful protests and his observations of international political developments convinced him that achieving independence would require a more assertive stance. His form of nationalism transcended mere political freedom, aiming for a complete socio-economic and cultural revival of India.

  Adoption of Militaristic Approach:

• Bose's ideological evolution reached a pivotal point when he concluded that armed struggle was the most effective means to end British colonialism in India. This realization led him to seek alliances with Axis powers during World War II, as he believed that the geopolitical context presented a unique opportunity to leverage international conflicts against the British. His leadership of the Indian National Army (INA) symbolizes this militaristic approach, where he actively engaged in military planning, recruitment, and operations to challenge British forces directly.

  Contrast with Other Leaders:

• Bose's shift from a purely socialist to a nationalist and militaristic approach marked a significant divergence from other contemporary Indian leaders, most notably Mahatma Gandhi, who remained committed to non-violence and peaceful civil disobedience. Bose's tactical pivot reflected his belief in the necessity of seizing the moment offered by the global conflict (World War II) and the willingness to explore all avenues, including armed resistance, to achieve the overarching goal of Indian independence.

• In summary, Subhas Chandra Bose's political ideology evolved considerably throughout his involvement in the Indian freedom struggle. His transition from socialist ideals to embracing nationalism and militarism underscores a pragmatic adaptation to changing circumstances and a relentless pursuit of independence, employing any means he deemed necessary to free India from colonial rule.

• Catalyzed a significant erosion of British moral authority and the loyalty of the Indian armed forces
  The trials of soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA) had profound repercussions for British colonial rule in India, most notably by significantly eroding British moral authority and undermining the loyalty of the Indian armed forces towards the British. Here's a detailed explanation of this consequence:

• Erosion of British Moral Authority:
  The INA trials, held in the Red Fort of Delhi, attracted widespread attention across India. The British intended to use these trials to deter any future dissent within the Indian army by punishing those who had sided with the INA and, by extension, against the British Empire during World War II. However, the trials had the opposite effect on public sentiment. Instead of reaffirming the legitimacy of British rule, they highlighted the repressive nature of colonial authority and the extent to which Indian soldiers had been willing to fight for the cause of independence.

• Impact on the Loyalty of the Indian Armed Forces:
  A significant consequence of the INA trials was the impact on the loyalty of the Indian armed forces towards the British colonial government. The Indian armed forces had been a crucial pillar of British authority in India, not only in maintaining internal order but also in securing the empire's interests across the globe. The trials and the public outcry against them revealed a growing discontent within the Indian military ranks towards British rule. Solidarity for the INA prisoners was evident not only among the general population but also within the British Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, leading to instances of unrest and mutiny, most notably the Royal Indian Navy mutiny in 1946.

• Galvanizing Public Opinion and Nationalist Sentiment:
  The trials galvanized public opinion against British rule and fostered a united front among Indians across diverse political and social spectrums. The defence of the INA soldiers was taken up by leading figures in the Indian National Congress, including Jawaharlal Nehru, who donned his lawyer's robes after years to appear in court for them. This legal and moral support bridged ideological divides within the Indian independence movement, bringing nationalist leaders and the general populace closer in their shared aspiration for an end to colonial rule.

• While the trials did not directly lead to immediate independence for India, they fundamentally weakened British authority and paved the way for the eventual withdrawal of British colonial rule. The INA trials underscored the untenability of British imperial control in the face of widespread nationalist sentiment and eroding loyalty within the very forces that underpinned British power in the region. They contributed significantly to the events that eventually led to India's independence in 1947.

The correct answer is Member of Constituent Assembly and First Home Minister in cabinet of free India.

Key Points

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

• (1888-1958): original name — Abul Kalam Mohiyuddin Ahmed;
• Scholar of Islam;
• freedom fighter and Congress leader;
• A proponent of Hindu Muslim unity; opposed to Partition;
• Member of Constituent Assembly;
• Education Minister in the first cabinet of free India

Additional Information

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

• Known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was one of the major reasons behind the Britishers leaving India.
• He pioneered the famous Khudai Khidmatgar (“Servants of God”) movement in 1929 and it successfully guided it to its Destiny.
• After independence, he opposed the partition of India but failed. He moved to Pakistan and started a movement for a separate Baloch province. He was jailed many times for the same cause.
• He died in 1988. During that period, a war was going on between the Afghani rebels and soviet forces. However, both sides halted their proceedings to lend a tribute to this legend.

Mohammad Abdur Rahiman

• Born in the Thrissur district of Kerala in the year 1898, Mohammad Abdur Rahiman was known for his heroics in restoring peace in the riot affected areas of 1921. He was jailed for two years for the same.
• He practised Salt Satyagraha and was again sentenced for rigorous imprisonment for 7 months.
• He mobilised the Muslim masses against the two nation theory of Muslim league Party.
• Soon after addressing a public meeting at Kodiyathur on 23 November 1945, he breathed his last.

Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan

• Sayyid also spelled Syad, Syed, Ahmad also spelled Ahmed, (born Oct. 17, 1817, Delhi—died March 27, 1898, Alīgarh, India), Muslim educator, jurist, and author, founder of the Anglo-Mohammedan Oriental College at Alīgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
• He was the principal motivating force behind the revival of Indian Islām in the late 19th century. His works, in Urdu, include Essays on the Life of Mohammed (1870) and commentaries on the Bible and on the Qurʾān.
• In 1888 he was made a Knight Commander of the Star of India.

Explanation:

Let's look at the options mentioned here:

• The rulers of Aryavarta.
  • There were nine rulers who were uprooted, and their kingdoms were made a part of Samudragupta’s empire.
• The rulers of Dakshinapatha.
  • There were twelve rulers in the Dakshinapatha.
  • They surrendered to Samudragupta after being defeated and he then allowed them to rule again.
  • Thus, statement C is true.
• Inscription inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad was composed as a Kavya by Harishena in praise of Samudragupta.
  • He was a poet and a minister at the court of Samudragupta.
  • This inscription is of a special kind known as a Prashasti, a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘in praise of’.
• Aihole, the capital of the Chalukyas, was an important trading centre.
  • It developed as a religious center, with a number of temples.
  • The Pallavas and Chalukyas frequently raided one another’s lands, especially attacking the capital cities, which were prosperous towns.
  • Thus, statement D is false.

Thus, we can say that only statement C is true.

The correct chronology of the given events that occurred during the reign of Akbar is: b, d, a, c

Key Points

• Akbar laid the foundation of an empire based on equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
• After marrying Jodha Bai of Amber, he abolished jizya in 1564 CE and also the pilgrim tax in 1563 CE.
• The liberal principles of the empire were strengthened by bringing able Hindus into the nobility.
• For instance, Raja Todar Mal rose to the post of diwan and Birbal who was a constant companion of Akbar.
• Akbar was deeply interested in religion and philosophy.
• In 1575 CE, Akbar built a hall called Ibadat Khana or the Hall of Prayer at his new capital, Fatehpur Sikri wherein he invited learned scholars from all religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism and used to conduct religious discussions with them.
• In 1579 CE, Akbar also issued a declaration or mahzar which was called “Decree of Infallibility” by which he asserted his religious powers.
• He was entitled to choose any of the interpretations of the holy book, Quran, if there were a difference of opinion among the ulamas.

• In 1582 CE, he set up a new religion called Din-i-Ilahi/Tawhid-i-Ilahi (Divine Monotheism) which believes in one God and Sulh-i-Kul i.e, equal toleration and respect to all religious sects. It contained the good points of various religions.

Hence, we can conclude that the correct chronology of the given events that occurred during the reign of Akbar is:

Harshavardhana was converted into Mahayana Buddhism by the Chinese Buddhist traveler Huan tsang. He took the title Siladitya. He also conducted the Buddhist conferences called Sangeethis at Prayag. This was done to promote Mahayana Buddhism. Harshavardhana was defeated by Pulakesin II in the battle of Narmada. Pulakesin II then took the title of Parameshwara.

When East India Company came to India, it controlled Bengal through a post named "Governor of Bengal" (first Governor of Bengal: Robert Clive).

• By Charter Act of 1833, the post name of Governor-General of Bengal again converted into "Governor-General of India" (first Governor-General of India was William Bentinck.
• After the revolt of 1857, the company rule was abolished and India came under the direct control of the British crown.
• Government of India Act 1858 passed which changed the name of post-Governor General of India by Viceroy of India.

Important Points

List of the Governor Generals of India in ascending order:

Thus, we can say that option 3 is the correct option.

The communal representation persisted in the act of 1935. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3.

Key Points

• Rise of Bengal in Bengal in the 17^th-18^th Century
  • Bengal was the most fertile and the richest province of the Mughal Empire and included present-day Bangladesh and the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
  • The authoritative powers of the province lay in the hands of the Nawab of Bengal.
  • Bengal held economic importance for its famous textiles, silk, and saltpeter. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
  • Exports from Bengal to Europe consisted of saltpeter, rice, indigo, pepper, sugar, silk, cotton textiles, handicrafts, etc. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
  • ​Bengal became the first kingdom to be occupied by the British in India. The East India Company carried on a profitable trade with this province.
  • The enormous resources of Bengal came in handy for financing the British expansion.
  • Nearly 60% of the British imports from Asia consisted of goods from Bengal.
  • The British East India Company laid the foundation of Calcutta and established a British commercial settlement in the 1690s.
  • The Company paid a sum of Rs 3,000 (£ 350) per annum to the Mughal emperor who allowed them to trade freely in Bengal.
  • In contrast, the Company’s exports from Bengal were worth more than £ 50,000 per annum.
  • Conflicts among Nawabs and the British:
    • The special privileges enjoyed by the British Company were strongly opposed by the Nawabs of Bengal as it meant a huge loss to the provincial exchequer.
    • Consequently, the friction between the British commercial interests and the Bengal government became the chief cause for conflict between the two.
    • As a result, the British felt a need for a “puppet” as the Nawab on the throne of Bengal to willingly give them trade concessions and other privileges and establish they're indirect but ultimate power in the province.

Only statements 2 and 3 are correct, while 1 is wrong.

In 1858 Lord Canning sent forth the royal proclamation in a grand Darbar at Allahabad via which Queen Victoria intimated that she had assumed the direct government of India. This proclamation also set forth the principles on the basis of which India was to be governed in the future and the British policy towards people of British-Indian territories and princes. All treaties and engagements of East India Company with princely states would be maintained and honored. There will be no further extension of the territories of the erstwhile East India Company. No encroachment on British territories in India would be allowed and no encroachment will be done by the British on territories of others. The above proclamation was called “Magnacarta of people of India” and was declared in eloquent style to be in consonance with the principle of justice and religious toleration as guiding policy of queen’s rule. The document also granted amnesty to all except those who had directly taken part in the murder of British subjects.

The correct answer is Mahatma Gandhi in 1920
Key Points

• In about 1920, a number of trade unions were formed. The Madras Textile Labour union was formed in 1918 by B.P. Wadia which led the formation of another 14 unions during 1918-19.
• The active association of Mahatma Gandhi with the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association gave a new turn to the labour movement by applying the principle of non-violence.
• In 1890, M.N Lokhande established the Bombay Mill Hands Association. This was the first organized labour union in India.
• Tilak found the first home rule league at the Bombay provincial congress at Belgaum in April 1916 then after this Annie Besant founded the second league at Adyar Madras in September 1916.
• In subsequent years, a number of unions were formed such as:
  • (a)The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of India and Burma (for European and Anglo-Indian railway employees);
  • (b)The Printers’ Union of Calcutta, 1905;
  • (c)The Bombay Postal Union at Calcutta and Madras, 1907;
  • (d)The Kamgar Hitwardhak Sabha, 1909; and
  • (e)The Social Service League, 1910.

The correct answer is Barabar cave

Key Points

• Barabar caves are located in the Jehanabad district of Bihar state.
• It is the oldest surviving rock-cut cave related to the Maurya and Ashoka empire.
• The Palaeolithic Age is divided into three phases - Upper, Middle, and Lower Palaeolithic ages.
• In this era, the man completely relied on hunting and had no knowledge of cultivation and house building.
• There are some sites of Palaeolithic ages (Upper, Middle, and Lower) found in India, which is following -

Aurobindo Ghosh was the founder of extremist thought. His pamphlet ‘New Lamps for the Old’ is regarded as the ‘Bible of Extremism’.

Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar wrote Nibandhamala, a collection of poems with extrimist thought.

Within the Congress, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the Lokmanya was the foremost extremist. He wrote Gita Rahasya.

Lala Lajpat Rai was known as ‘Punjab Kesari’ and he wrote ‘Unhappy India’.

By the end of fourth century BC, there was a serious famine in the Ganges valley leading to a great exodus of many Jaina monks to the Deccan and South India (Sravana Belgola) along with Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya. They returned to the Gangetic valley after 12 years. The leader of the group, which stayed back at Magadha was Sthulabahu. The changes that took place in the code of conduct of the followers of Sthulabahu led to the division of the Jainas into Digambaras (sky-clad or naked) and Svetambaras (white-clad).

1. First Council:- was held at Pataliputra by Sthulabahu in the beginning of the third century BC and resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace the lost 14 Purvas.

2. Second Council:- was held at Valabhi in the 5th century AD under the leadership of Devaradhi Kshamasr-amana and resulted in final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.

The correct answer is Humayun Shah.

Key Points

• One of the most important personalities in the Bahamani kingdom was Mahmud Gawan under whom, the Bahmani kingdom reached its peak.
• Mahmud Gawan’s early life is obscure and was an Iranian by birth and first reached Deccan as a trader.
• He was granted the title of ‘Chief of the Merchants’ or Malik-ut-Tujjar by the Bahamani ruler, Humayun Shah.
• The sudden death of Humayun led to the coronation of his minor son Ahmad III.
• A regency council was set for the administration and Mahmud Gawan was its important member.
• He was made wazir or the prime minister and was given the title of ‘Khwaju-i-Jahan.’
• The history of the Bahmani kingdom after this period is actually the record of the achievements of Mahmud Gawan.

Additional Information

• The Bahmani kingdom ruled between 1347-1526 AD.
• The Bahmani Kingdom was founded by Alauddin Bahaman Shah in the year 1347.
• He was also known as Hasan Gangu.
• The capital of the Bahmani Kingdom was Gulbarga.
• It was a Persianised Muslim state of the Deccan in South India and one of the major medieval Indian Kingdoms.
• Later, Ahmad Wali Shah shifted the capital from Gulbarga to Bidar in the year 1424.
• Bahmani Kingdom reached its peak under the reign of Muhammad Shah III.
• The Kingdom stretched from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal, including the whole of Deccan.
• Rulers of Bahmani Kingdom
  • Hasan Gangu Bahmani
  • Muhammad Shah 1 (1358-1377 AD)
  • Muhammad Shah II (1378-1397 AD)
  • Feroz Shah Bahmani (1397-1422 AD)
  • Ahmed Shah (1422-1435 AD)
  • Muhammad Shah III (1463-1482 AD)
  • Muhammad Shah III dies in 1482.
• After the death of Muhammad Shah III, the Bahmani Kingdom was divided into 5 kingdoms, namely
  • Bijapur
  • Ahmednagar
  • Berar
  • Golconda
  • Bidar

1. The Harappan society seems to have been divided into three sections, viz. an elite class, associated with the Citadel, a well-to-do middle class, and the relatively weaker section, occupying the lower town which was generally fortified.

2. Doorways and windows rarely opened out into the main street, but faced side lanes.

3. Most distinctive feature is the number of burnt brick drains at Mohenjodaro and Lothal. There are drains in all larger streets and smaller lanes also. There is no system of street drainage at Kalibangan.

4. The lower town was also walled. Several buildings were built on platforms, which served as foundations.

Vapal Panguni Menon, also known as V.P. Menon, was an Indian civil servant, who played a vital role in the partition of India and the integration of independent India, during the period 1945-1950. The son of school headmaster in Kerala, Menon had begun as a clerk in the Indian civil service, but working assiduously hard, Menon rose through the ranks to become the highest serving Indian officer in British India.

In 1946, he was appointed Political reforms Commissioner to the British Viceroy V P Menon wrote the book' The Story of the Integration of the Indian states'.