67th Prelims Cancelled 2022

Explanation:

Lothal is one of the port cities of Harappan Civilization located in Gujarat. Other important Harappan sites in Gujarat include Dholavira, Rangpur, Surkotada, and Kuntasi. Port cities of Harappan Civilization include Lothal, Sutkagendor, Allahdino, Balakot, and Kuntasi. Dabarkot is in Baluchistan province of Pakistan, Kalibangan is in Rajasthan, and Rakhigarhi is in Haryana. Excavations at Lothal by S.R. Rao (1954) revealed a dockyard, rice husk, fire altars, double burials (male and female in a single grave), terracotta model of a ship, Persian seals, painted jars with birds and foxes, and terracotta figures of horses. [67th BPSC Cancelled Exam 2022]

Explanation:

The founder of the Chola Dynasty was Vijayalaya. He was initially a feudatory of the Pallavas and captured Tanjore in 850 AD. The capital cities of the Chola Dynasty included Tanjore and Gangaikondacholapuram. The greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty were Rajaraja I (985-1014 AD), who built the Brihadeshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Tanjore, and Rajendra I (1014-1044 AD), who assumed the title of Gangaikondachola and built the city Gangaikondacholapura. The last ruler of the Chola Dynasty was Rajendra III. [67th BPSC Cancelled Exam 2022]

Explanation:

'Kiratarjuniya' was written by Bharavi. It is considered one of the most powerful poems in Sanskrit and consists of 18 cantos describing the combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva at Indrakeeladri Hills. For reference, Shudraka was an important poet during Chandragupta II's reign with works like 'Mrichakatika', 'Vinavasavadatta', and 'Padmaprabhritaka'. Kalidasa's famous literary works include 'Shakuntala', 'Malavikaagnimitra', 'Vikramorvasiya', 'Megadutam', 'Raghuvamsa', and 'Kumarasambhava'. [67th BPSC Cancelled Exam 2022]

Explanation:

Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (declared in 1993) built by Muslim conquerors to commemorate their victory over the Rajput rulers of Delhi. Its construction was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206-1210), founder of the Slave Dynasty, and was completed by Shamsuddin Iltutmish (1211-1236). Important dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate include the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Khilji Dynasty (1290-1320) founded by Jalaluddin Khilji, Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414) founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451) founded by Khizr Khan, and Lodhi Dynasty (1451-1526) founded by Bahlol Lodi. [67th BPSC Cancelled Exam 2022]

Explanation:

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka, who were initially feudatories of the Kakatiyas. Important dynasties of the Vijayanagara Empire include the Sangama dynasty (1336-1485) founded by Harihara and Bukka, with Deva Raya I and Deva Raya II belonging to this dynasty; the Saluva dynasty (1485-1505) founded by Saluva Narasimha; the Tuluva dynasty (1505-1570) founded by Veer Narsimha, with Krishna Deva Raya being the most famous ruler; and the Aravidu Dynasty (1570-1650) founded by Tirumala Raya. [67th BPSC Cancelled Exam 2022]

Explanation:

Sir Thomas Roe, ambassador of King James I of England, visited the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1615 to seek permission for the East India Company. After initial resistance, Jahangir granted permission to establish a trading port at Surat. Previously, Captain William Hawkins had visited Jahangir's court in 1608 and was given a mansab of 400. Jahangir (1605-1627), known as Prince Salim, became emperor after Akbar's death. He established 'Zanjir-i-Adal' (Chain of Justice) at Agra Fort for seekers of royal justice, executed the 5th Sikh Guru Arjan Dev in 1606 for supporting Prince Khusrau, and wrote his memoirs 'Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri' in Persian. He was buried in Lahore. [67th BPSC Cancelled Exam 2022]

Explanation:

'Ain-i-Akbari' was written by Abul Fazl, the court historian of Akbar, in Persian. It is the third volume of the 'Akbarnama'; the first two volumes deal with Akbar's ancestors and earlier events. 'Ain-i-Akbari' details Mughal administration, household, army, revenue systems, and cultural traditions during Akbar's reign. Abdul Qadir wrote 'Tarikh-i-Bidāuni', and Khwaja Nizamuddin Ahmed wrote 'Tabakat-i-Akbari'. [67th BPSC Cancelled Exam 2022]