Question Discussion & Solution

During the period of crisis and confusion, there emerged saints in the country who strengthened the faith of the people in the cultural ethos of the nation. Various saints appeared all over India as well as in Rajasthan. They offered a liberal approach to Hinduism, which was mainly targeted at the lower castes. They used local language for preaching.

Important Points

Dadu was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 1544 AD.

• He founded the Dadu sect/cult.
• He is also known as 'Kabir of Rajasthan'.
• He travelled extensively in Rajasthan and lived at Sirohi, Kalyanpur, Sambhar, Ajmer, etc.
• His teachings are collected in 'Daduvani', which comprises 5000 verses.
• As Dadu used local language for preaching and because of the thoughts he propagated, he is called 'Kabir of Rajasthan'.

Additional Information  

Lets' look at the other famous saints:

• Meera is called 'Radha of Rajasthan'. She devoted all her attention to Krishna Bhakti.
• Dhannaji was the disciple of Ramanand. He opposed casteism and discrimination based on high and low in society and believed that the guidance of guru necessary to acquire knowledge.
• Jambhoji was the founder of the Bishnoi sect. He criticised hypocrisy, deceit and ostentation that prevailed in the society in the name of dharma and laid stress on purity of conduct and fundamental virtues.

The correct answer is Udayin.

Key Points

• Udayin (460BC - 444 BC) was the son and successor of Ajatashatru.
• Udayin laid the foundation of the city of Pataliputra at the confluence of two rivers, the Son and the Ganges.
• He shifted the capital from Rajagriha to Patliputra.
• He defeated Palaka of Avanti multiple times but was ultimately killed by him in 444 BC.

Additional Information

• Bimbisara (Shronika) (544 BC - 492 BC) was the founder of the Haryanaka Dynasty.
  • He was contemporary to Gautama Buddha.
  • He built the city of New Rajagriha.
• Ajatashatru was the son of Bimbisara and a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha.
  • He killed his father and seized the throne.
  • Magadha under Ajatashatru became the most powerful kingdom in North India.
• Mahapadma Nanda was the first Emperor of the Nanda Empire of ancient India.
  • He is known as Sarvakshatrantak i.e., Uproter of all the Kshatriyas (Purans), and Ugrasena i.e., Owner of the huge army (Pali texts).
  • He was succeeded by his eight sons and Dhana Nanda was the last one.

🔑 Key Points

• The Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) is located within the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan.
• It was constructed by Maharana Kumbha between 1440 and 1448 AD.
• The tower commemorates his victory over the combined armies of Mahmud Khalji I of Malwa and Sultan Qutbuddin Ahmad Shah II of Gujarat in 1440 AD.

The correct answer is A - 4, B - 3, C - 2, D - 1.

The correct answer is Chittaranjan Das.

Key Points

• Chittaranjan Das was the President of the Gaya Session of the Indian National Congress held in 1922.
• List of Presidents in their respective Sessions and years:
  • Chittaranjan Das - Gaya Session, 1922.
  • S.N.Banerjee - Pune Session, 1895 and Ahmedabad Session, 1902.
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad - Bombay Session, 1934.
  • Hakim Ajmal Khan -  Ahmedabad Session, 1921.