Historical Scenario

1. In which district of Madhya Pradesh are the caves of Udayagiri situated? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Raisen
(b) Vidisha
(c) Dhar
(d) Bhopal

Correct Answer: (b) Vidisha

Solution:Udaygiri caves are located in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. It belongs to the Gupta Period and some caves were carved during 4th to 5th century. Cave 5 is notable for the ancient monumental relief sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as the Varaha.

2. Where is prehistoric Sculpture found in Madhya Pradesh? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1993]

(a) Bagh cave
(b) Udaygiri
(c) Songiri
(d) Bhimbetka

Correct Answer: (d) Bhimbetka

Solution:Pre-historic rock sculpture is found in Bhimbetka caves, the sprawling caves of Bhimbetka are located about 45 Km northeast of Bhopal situated along the Bhopal- Hoshangabad highway. These caves bear proximity to the Bhiyapur Village in Raisen district. It is a UNESCO world heritage site 'since 2003'.

3. Which fort is called the 'Gibraltar of India'? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004]

(a) Bandhavgarh
(b) Mandu
(c) Gwalior
(d) Jhansi

Correct Answer: (c) Gwalior

Solution:Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh is also known as 'Gibralter of India'. It was built by King Surajsen around 5th century CE. The fort has five gates.

4. Which place in M.P. was called 'Avanti'? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004]

(a) Vidisha
(b) Ujjain
(c) Indore
(d) Dhar

Correct Answer: (b) Ujjain

Solution:The ancient name of Ujjain was Avantika., According to the Buddist texts, the Anguttara Nikaya, Avanti was one of the Salasa Mahajanapadas (sixteen great realms) of the 6th century BCE. Avanti was divided into Northern Avanti with Ujjaiyini as it's capital and Southern Avanti with Mahishmati as it's capital.

5. Asirgarh Fort is situated in which district of M.P.? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]

(a) Betul
(b) Khandwa
(c) Dhar
(d) Panna

Correct Answer: (b) Khandwa

Solution:When this question was asked Asirgarh Fort was situated in Khandwa district. In 2003 Khandwa district was divided to form Burhanpur district, so at present Asirgarh Fort is located between the Narmada and Tapti rivers in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh. A coin inscription of Sarvavarma, the fifth ruler of Maukhari Dynasty, has been recovered from here.

6. Which dynasty is from Madhya Pradesh? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]

(a) Kalchuri
(b) Pratihar
(c) Chalukya
(d) Kakatiya

Correct Answer: (a) Kalchuri

Solution:Kalchuri Dynasty has an important place in the history of Madhya Pradesh. Kings of this dynasty recognised themselves as 'Chandravanshi' and the descendant of Kartavirya Sahastrarjuna. It was ruled in 6th - 7th Centuries.

7. The poet of King Bhoj who accepted Jainism was : [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]

(a) Granthapal
(b) Rajpal
(c) Mahipal
(d) Dhanpal

Correct Answer: (d) Dhanpal

Solution:Dhanpal was the poet of King Bhoj who accepted Jainism. King Bhoj had immense admiration for the poet and his po- etry and conferred the title Kavishvar on him.

8. Which of the following inscription reveals information about silk weavers guild? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]

(a) Dashpur Inscription
(b) Prayag Prashasti
(c) Eran Inscription
(d) Hathigumpha Inscription

Correct Answer: (a) Dashpur Inscription

Solution:The Mandasor Pillar Inscriptions of Yashodharman are a set of Sanskrit inscriptions from early 6th-century discovered at an archaeological site at the village of Sondani, about 4 kilometers south of Mandsaur (Mandasor) in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, India. These record the victory of Aulikara king Yasodharman over the Swastik Mihirakula.

9. The ancestors of Shungas originated from [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]

(a) Magadh
(b) Prayag
(c) Ujjain
(d) Saurashtra

Correct Answer: (c) Ujjain

Solution:The ancestors of Shungas originated from the city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. There is both literary and archaeological evidence that shows the founder and First king of the Shunga Dynasty were Viceroy of Maurya at Ujjain and his ancestors belong to Ujjain.

10. Which dynasty made Orchha the Capital of Bundelkhand? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]

(a) Bundelas
(b) Chandelas
(c) Moghuls
(d) Scindias

Correct Answer: (a) Bundelas

Solution:Orchha Kingdom (M.P.) was established in 16th century by Bundela King Rudra Pratap. The son of Rudra Pratap Singh Bharti Chand shifted the capital from Garh Kundar to Orchha.