π Exam pattern (from the official 2025 paper): Out of the 10 History questions, about 6-7 questions came from Ancient + Medieval history in every shift. The most asked: Vedic age, Bhakti-Sufi (NCERT Class 12 Themes-II), Buddhism-Jainism, Harsha, Delhi Sultanate, temple/cave art. Many questions were made from exact NCERT lines β such as "the word Sufism was coined in the 19th century", "Chishti saints who died in the same year". So do read the boxes/tables of NCERT Themes-I & II.
π Topics on this page (Jump to Topic):
1. Sources + Prehistory (Bhimbetka)
2. Harappan Civilisation
3. Vedic Age
4. Mahajanapadas & Magadha
5. Buddhism & Jainism
6. Maurya Empire (Ashoka + MP)
7. Post-Maurya (Shunga, Satavahana, Kushana, Sangam)
8. Gupta Empire
9. Harshavardhana
10. Regional Kingdoms + Temple/Cave Art
11. Dynasties of MP (Paramara, Chandela...)
12. Foreign Travellers
13. Delhi Sultanate
14. Bhakti & Sufi
15. Vijayanagara & Bahmani
16. Mughal Empire
17. Marathas + Holkar, Scindia, Bhopal
π 1. Sources of History + Prehistoric Period (Bhimbetka) (5 min read)
Concept: There are two kinds of sources for knowing history β archaeological (inscriptions, coins, buildings, pottery) and literary (texts, accounts of foreign travellers). The period for which there is no written record is the prehistoric period β we know it only from stone tools and cave paintings.
| Term | Study of |
|---|---|
| Epigraphy | Inscriptions β writing on stone, pillars, copper plates |
| Palaeography | Old scripts |
| Numismatics | Coins |
| Archaeology | Remains found in excavation |
Stone Age
| Period | Features | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Palaeolithic | Hunting-gathering, large rough tools, discovery of fire | Bhimbetka (oldest layers), Hunsgi (Karnataka) |
| Mesolithic | Microliths (small tools), beginning of animal rearing | Adamgarh (Narmadapuram, MP), Bagor (Rajasthan) |
| Neolithic | Farming, permanent villages, polished tools, pottery | Mehrgarh (Pakistan β earliest evidence of farming), Burzahom (Kashmir β pit houses, dogs buried with their owners), Chirand (Bihar) |
| Chalcolithic | Copper + stone | Kayatha (Ujjain), Navdatoli (Khargone, Narmada bank), Eran (Sagar), Ahar (Rajasthan) |
π΄ Bhimbetka (Raisen, MP) β must-know
- Discovered by: Dr. V.S. (Vishnu Shridhar) Wakankar, 1957.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site β 2003 ("Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka").
- 700+ rock shelters in the Vindhya hills; 243 on the Bhimbetka hill, of which 133 have paintings.
- Paintings: hunting, dancing, animals (elephant, buffalo, deer) β from the Palaeolithic up to the medieval period.
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Bhimbetka is in Raisen district (near Bhopal) β do not write Bhopal district.
- UNESCO years: Bhimbetka 2003, Sanchi 1989, Khajuraho 1986 β all three in MP, all three in different years.
- Epigraphy = inscriptions; coins = Numismatics. Do not mix the two.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. The word "Hindu" is originally derived from which language?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (3) Old Persian β NCERT: an Old Persian word, used c. 6th-5th century BCE for the region east of the Sindhu (Indus) river.
Q2. Epigraphy is the study of what?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Inscriptions β The study of coins = Numismatics; of old scripts = Palaeography.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Who discovered the Bhimbetka rock shelters?
Answer: (B) V.S. Wakankar β 1957; UNESCO 2003.
P2. What is the main feature of the Mesolithic period?
Answer: (B) Microliths
π 2. Harappan / Indus Valley Civilisation (6 min read)
Concept: India's first urban civilisation, of the Bronze Age. Mature phase about 2600β1900 BCE. Called the "Harappan civilisation" after Harappa, the first site to be discovered. The script has not been deciphered yet.
- Harappa (Ravi river, Pakistan) β 1921, Daya Ram Sahni; Mohenjo-daro (Sindhu, Pakistan) β 1922, R.D. Banerji. John Marshall was then the Director General of the ASI.
- Town planning: grid-like roads, baked bricks (a standard ratio like 1:2:4), covered drains β the most special feature; the city in two parts β the Citadel (raised) and the Lower Town.
- Economy: wheat, barley, cotton (first in the world to grow cotton); animal rearing; trade with Mesopotamia β in its records the Harappan region = Meluhha. Weights: smaller weights binary (1, 2, 4, 8...), larger weights decimal (NCERT).
- Religion: Mother Goddess, the "Pashupati" (proto-Shiva) seal, the one-horned animal (unicorn) is the most common seal; worship of the pipal.
- Pottery: black painting on red pottery β pipal leaves, fish, trees.
- Decline: climate change, rivers changing course/drying up, floods, decline in trade β no single cause is settled.
| Site | State / Country | What is special |
|---|---|---|
| Mohenjo-daro | Sindh (Pak) | Great Bath, "Priest-King" statue, bronze "Dancing Girl" |
| Harappa | Punjab (Pak) | Granary, cemetery R-37 |
| Chanhu-daro | Sindh (Pak) | Bead-making workshop; no citadel |
| Lothal | Gujarat | Dockyard, bead industry |
| Kalibangan | Rajasthan (Ghaggar) | Ploughed field, fire altars |
| Dholavira | Gujarat (Kutch) | Water management (reservoirs), "signboard"; UNESCO 2021 |
| Rakhigarhi | Haryana (Hisar) | The largest Harappan site in India |
| Banawali | Haryana | Clay model of a plough |
| Ropar | Punjab (India) | Dog buried with a human |
| Shortughai | Afghanistan | Lapis lazuli trade centre |
| Alamgirpur | UP (Meerut) | Easternmost site |
| Daimabad | Maharashtra | Southernmost; bronze chariot |
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- The "Dancing Girl" is made of bronze, not stone; the "Priest-King" is made of steatite.
- Dockyard = Lothal; ploughed field = Kalibangan β often swapped with each other.
- Statements with words like "exclusively", "only", "all" are often wrong β pottery was made both on the wheel and by hand.
- The horse is not common in Harappan art β beware of "horse well-known" type statements.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Which two rivers are associated with Mesopotamia?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (4) Euphrates and Tigris β Mesopotamia = "the land between two rivers" (present-day Iraq). Mesopotamian records called the Harappan region Meluhha.
Q2. Consider the following statements about the pottery of the Harappan civilisation:
1. The pottery was made exclusively on the wheel and had a distinctive black-on-red style, in which geometric and floral figures were the most common motifs.
2. The pottery was often decorated with a shiny red coating and painted with black colour. These designs included pipal leaves, fish and birds, as well as geometric patterns.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. The pottery was made exclusively on the wheel and had a distinctive black-on-red style, in which geometric and floral figures were the most common motifs.
2. The pottery was often decorated with a shiny red coating and painted with black colour. These designs included pipal leaves, fish and birds, as well as geometric patterns.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Only 2 β In statement 1, "exclusively on the wheel" is wrong β handmade pottery is also found. The hallmark of Harappa = black painting on red pottery.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. From which site of the Harappan civilisation has the dockyard been found?
Answer: (B) Lothal (Gujarat)
P2. Which is the largest Harappan site located in India?
Answer: (C) Rakhigarhi (Haryana)
P3. By what name was the Harappan region known in Mesopotamian records?
Answer: (C) Meluhha β Dilmun (Bahrain) and Magan (Oman) were intermediate trade centres.
π 3. Vedic Age (7 min read)
Concept: The Vedic age is in two parts β Rigvedic/Early (c. 1500β1000 BCE) and Later Vedic (c. 1000β600 BCE). The Rigvedic people were pastoralists (cow = wealth); later came farming and iron, and the varna system became rigid. The 2025 paper had 9 questions from the Vedic age (8 below + the "Hindu" word question in Topic 1) β the biggest topic along with Bhakti-Sufi!
| Aspect | Rigvedic (Early) | Later Vedic |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Sapta-Sindhu (Punjab) | Up to the Ganga-Yamuna doab |
| Economy | Pastoralism; cow = wealth; Gavishti = "search for cows" = war | Farming the main activity; iron (shyam/krishna ayas); Painted Grey Ware pottery |
| Polity | Rajan = head of the tribe (gopati); Sabha, Samiti, Vidatha (Vidatha the oldest); no standing army | King powerful; big sacrifices β Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Ashvamedha; Sabha-Samiti weak |
| Society | Varna flexible; women allowed to attend assemblies | Varna based on birth, rigid; 4 ashramas |
| Gods | Indra (most suktas), Agni, Varuna, Soma | Importance of Prajapati, Vishnu, Rudra increased |
Vedic literature
- Rigveda β the oldest; 10 mandalas, 1028 suktas; Gayatri mantra β 3rd mandala (deity Savitri, rishi Vishvamitra); Purusha Sukta β 10th mandala (first mention of the 4 varnas).
- Dasharajna (Battle of Ten Kings) β the Bharata king Sudas defeated 10 kings on the bank of the Parushni (Ravi) river (Rigveda 7th mandala).
- Samaveda β music (chanting); Yajurveda β sacrificial rituals (Shukla & Krishna); Atharvaveda β magic spells, medicines.
- Order: Samhita β Brahmana (explanation of sacrifices) β Aranyaka (reflection in the forest) β Upanishad (philosophy). Upanishad = "Vedanta".
- "Satyameva Jayate" β Mundaka Upanishad (on the National Emblem).
- 6 Vedangas: Shiksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukta, Chhanda, Jyotisha. Shulba Sutra (part of Kalpa) β measurements of altars; India's oldest mathematical writing.
- The Boghazkoi (Turkey) inscription (c. 1400 BCE, Mitanni-Hittite treaty) names Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Nasatya.
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Iron = Later Vedic; the Rigveda has the word "ayas" but not iron (copper/bronze).
- Nishka = a gold ornament/unit of value β wrong if it says "only a coin".
- The Rigvedic Rajan was not absolute; calling the Vidatha "insignificant" is wrong.
- Vajapeya/Rajasuya = sacrifices, not assemblies or officials.
- The word "Hindu" comes from Old Persian β the region east of the Sindhu.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. In the context of ancient history, Vajapeya and Rajasuya mean:
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) Rituals (sacrifices) performed by kings β Later Vedic period: Rajasuya (consecration), Vajapeya (chariot race), Ashvamedha (letting a horse loose).
Q2. The words 'Satyameva Jayate' written on the State Emblem are taken from?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (1) Mundaka Upanishad
Q3. Consider the following statements about Vedic literature. Which of the statements given below is/are correct?
1. The Rigveda is the oldest Veda, containing hymns mainly dedicated to gods like Indra and Agni, and it marks the beginning of the Samhitas.
2. The Brahmanas are ritual texts attached to the Vedas, which explain the methods and symbols of Vedic sacrifices.
3. The Aranyakas and Upanishads are mainly related to forest-dwelling ascetics and form the philosophical basis, marking a transition from ritualism to spiritual enquiry.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. The Rigveda is the oldest Veda, containing hymns mainly dedicated to gods like Indra and Agni, and it marks the beginning of the Samhitas.
2. The Brahmanas are ritual texts attached to the Vedas, which explain the methods and symbols of Vedic sacrifices.
3. The Aranyakas and Upanishads are mainly related to forest-dwelling ascetics and form the philosophical basis, marking a transition from ritualism to spiritual enquiry.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (4) 1, 2 and 3 β Samhita (mantras) β Brahmana (sacrificial rituals) β Aranyaka (reflection in the forest) β Upanishad (philosophy, "Vedanta").
Q4. Consider the following statements about the economic history of the Vedic period. Which of these statements is/are correct?
1. In the Rigveda, the word 'Nishka' was used only for gold coins used in trade and commerce.
2. The wide use of iron (shyam/krishna ayas) took place only in the Early Vedic period, which brought an agricultural revolution.
3. 'Gavishti' was a form of tax-offering given to the king by the common people (Vaishyas) in the Later Vedic period.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. In the Rigveda, the word 'Nishka' was used only for gold coins used in trade and commerce.
2. The wide use of iron (shyam/krishna ayas) took place only in the Early Vedic period, which brought an agricultural revolution.
3. 'Gavishti' was a form of tax-offering given to the king by the common people (Vaishyas) in the Later Vedic period.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (4) None of these β Nishka = a gold ornament/unit of value (not only a coin); iron (shyam ayas) was used in the Later Vedic period; Gavishti = "search for cows", i.e. war, not a tax.
Q5. Which of the following texts contains the oldest evidence of Indian mathematical writing?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (4) Shulba Sutra β measurements for building sacrificial altars (geometry). The Shulba Sutras are a part of the Kalpa Sutras β so the most specific answer is Shulba.
Q6. Consider the following statements about political life in the Early Vedic period. Which is/are correct?
1. The king's authority was absolute and unquestioned, because he was considered a divine representative on earth.
2. The Sabha and Samiti were the two most powerful assemblies, while the Vidatha was of negligible importance and played only an economic role.
3. 'Gavishti' was a term for a royal military campaign, showing the central role of a standing army in Rigvedic polity.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. The king's authority was absolute and unquestioned, because he was considered a divine representative on earth.
2. The Sabha and Samiti were the two most powerful assemblies, while the Vidatha was of negligible importance and played only an economic role.
3. 'Gavishti' was a term for a royal military campaign, showing the central role of a standing army in Rigvedic polity.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (4) None of these β The Rigvedic Rajan (head of the tribe) depended on the Sabha-Samiti and was not absolute; the Vidatha was the oldest assembly (also religious-military); there was no standing army in the Rigvedic period.
Q7. The words "Satyameva Jayate" written on the State Emblem of India are taken from?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) Upanishads β specifically the Mundaka Upanishad (in 17 Jan Shift 1 the same question came with the name of the Upanishad).
Q8. On the bank of which river was the famous 'Battle of Ten Kings' fought?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (4) Parushni β the present-day Ravi river; the Bharata king Sudas was victorious.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. In which mandala of the Rigveda is the Gayatri Mantra found?
Answer: (B) 3rd mandala β the Purusha Sukta is in the 10th mandala.
P2. Which of the following is not a Vedanga?
Answer: (C) Aranyaka β it is a part of the Vedic texts, not a Vedanga.
π 4. Mahajanapadas & Rise of Magadha (5 min read)
Concept: "Janapada" = the land where the jana (tribe) set its foot (pada) and settled. By the 6th century BCE, 16 Mahajanapadas had formed (Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya). Some were monarchies (king), some gana/sangha (decisions by assembly β such as Vajji, Shakya, Koliya, Malla).
| Mahajanapada | Capital | Mahajanapada | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anga | Champa | Magadha | Rajgriha (Girivraja), later Pataliputra |
| Kashi | Varanasi | Kosala | Shravasti |
| Vajji (gana) | Vaishali | Malla (gana) | Kushinara, Pava |
| Vatsa | Kaushambi | Chedi (Bundelkhand) | Shuktimati |
| Kuru | Indraprastha | Panchala | Ahichhatra, Kampilya |
| Matsya | Viratnagar | Shurasena | Mathura |
| Assaka | Potana/Potali (Godavari) | Avanti (Malwa, MP) | Ujjain (north), Mahishmati (south) |
| Gandhara | Taxila | Kamboja | Rajapura |
Dynasties of Magadha
- Haryanka: Bimbisara (expansion through marriage alliances; contemporary of the Buddha) β Ajatashatru (killed his father; conquered Vajji; first Buddhist council) β Udayin (founded Pataliputra, shifted the capital there).
- Shishunaga: merged Avanti into Magadha; second Buddhist council (Vaishali) in the time of Kalashoka.
- Nanda: Mahapadma Nanda; the last, Dhana Nanda (in Alexander's time) β great wealth and a large army.
Foreign invasions
- Darius I of Iran (c. 516 BCE) β Punjab-Sindh; the Kharoshthi script (from Aramaic) came in.
- Alexander 326 BCE β Battle of the Hydaspes (Jhelum) with Porus (Puru); his army refused to go further at the Beas. Effect: the small kingdoms of the north-west became weak β helped Chandragupta Maurya in unification.
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Mahajanapadas of MP: Avanti (Ujjain/Mahishmati) and Chedi (Bundelkhand). Vatsa (Kaushambi) is in UP.
- The founder of Pataliputra = Udayin, not Ajatashatru (Ajatashatru had built a fort at Patali village).
- Hydaspes = with Porus; Alexander never fought the Nandas at all.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Among the following options, 'Janapada' means:
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (3) The land where a tribe settles β NCERT: "where the jana set its foot (pada) and settled".
Q2. Match List-I (administrative feature) with List-II (related Mahajanapada/text). Choose the correct option accordingly.
1. Amatya/Mantrin β 2. Gudhapurusha β 3. Shifting the capital to Pataliputra β 4. Ganamukhya/Sanghamukhya
A. Arthashastra β B. Buddhist texts (e.g., Mahaparinibbana Sutta) β C. General Mahajanapada administration β D. Magadha (under Udayin)
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. Amatya/Mantrin β 2. Gudhapurusha β 3. Shifting the capital to Pataliputra β 4. Ganamukhya/Sanghamukhya
A. Arthashastra β B. Buddhist texts (e.g., Mahaparinibbana Sutta) β C. General Mahajanapada administration β D. Magadha (under Udayin)
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) 1-C, 2-A, 3-D, 4-B β Gudhapurusha (spies) in the Arthashastra; Udayin shifted the capital to Pataliputra; the heads of gana-sanghas are described in Buddhist texts.
Q3. Consider the statements given below about Alexander's invasion (326 BCE) and its immediate consequences. Which statement(s) is/are correct?
1. The most important direct effect of this invasion was the political unification of the north-western region under the Maurya Empire, which happened soon after Alexander's return, and it exposed the weakness of the small monarchies and republics.
2. Alexander's armies were faced by the powerful Nanda army (led by Dhana Nanda) between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, which led to the famous Battle of the Hydaspes.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. The most important direct effect of this invasion was the political unification of the north-western region under the Maurya Empire, which happened soon after Alexander's return, and it exposed the weakness of the small monarchies and republics.
2. Alexander's armies were faced by the powerful Nanda army (led by Dhana Nanda) between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, which led to the famous Battle of the Hydaspes.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) Only 1 β The Battle of the Hydaspes (Jhelum) was fought with Porus (Puru), not Dhana Nanda. Out of fear of the Nanda army, Alexander's army refused to advance beyond the Beas (Hyphasis).
Q4. The political system of the 'Shakya' and 'Koliya' Mahajanapadas, where the Buddha was born, can best be described as?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) β The Shakyas (Kapilavastu) and Koliyas were gana-sanghas; the Buddha's father Shuddhodana was the head of this gana.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. What was the capital of the Avanti Mahajanapada?
Answer: (B) Ujjain (capital of the southern part: Mahishmati).
P2. Who shifted the capital of Magadha to Pataliputra?
Answer: (C) Udayin
π 5. Buddhism & Jainism (7 min read)
Concept: In the 6th century BCE, the shramana (ascetic) tradition arose in opposition to sacrifices and the rigid varna system β Buddhists, Jains, Ajivikas (Makkhali Gosala β niyati, everything is predetermined), Charvaka/Lokayata (materialism).
Gautama Buddha
- Traditional dates 563β483 BCE; born at Lumbini (Nepal), Shakya gana; father Shuddhodana, mother Mahamaya, wife Yashodhara, son Rahul.
- Left home at 29 years (Mahabhinishkramana); enlightenment under a pipal tree at Bodh Gaya (Niranjana river); first sermon at Sarnath (Dharmachakra Pravartana); died at Kushinagar (Mahaparinirvana), aged 80 years.
- 4 Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Middle Path; Tripitaka (Pali): Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma.
- Mahayana (worship of Buddha images, Bodhisattva) β Nagarjuna (Shunyavada/Madhyamika); Asanga-Vasubandhu (Yogachara).
| Buddhist Council | Place | King | President |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (c. 483 BCE) | Rajgriha | Ajatashatru | Mahakassapa |
| 2nd (c. 383 BCE) | Vaishali | Kalashoka | Sabakami |
| 3rd (c. 250 BCE) | Pataliputra | Ashoka | Moggaliputta Tissa |
| 4th (1st-2nd century CE) | Kundalvana (Kashmir) | Kanishka | Vasumitra (vice-president Ashvaghosha) |
Jainism
- 24 Tirthankaras: the first Rishabhdev, the 23rd Parshvanath (4 vows), the 24th Mahavira (added the 5th vow β brahmacharya).
- Mahavira: born at Kundagrama (near Vaishali), father Siddhartha, mother Trishala; kaivalya at 42 years; nirvana at Pavapuri (72 years). (Traditional dates 540β468 BCE; some sources 599β527 BCE.)
- Triratna: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct; five great vows (panch mahavrata); the greatest stress on ahimsa.
- Division: Digambara (Bhadrabahu β went south with Chandragupta Maurya) and Shvetambara (Sthulabhadra).
- Jain councils: 1st Pataliputra (Sthulabhadra); 2nd Vallabhi (Gujarat, Devardhi Kshamashramana) β final compilation of the Shvetambara Agamas.
- Tamil Jain epic Jivaka Chintamani; Gommateshwara (Bahubali) statue at Shravanabelagola (Karnataka).
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Sanchi (Raisen, MP) is not connected with any event of the Buddha's life β it was built by Ashoka. UNESCO 1989.
- The Sanchi stupa was discovered in 1818; the Begums of Bhopal (Shahjahan Begum, Sultan Jahan Begum) gave money for its preservation.
- 4th council = Kanishka; 3rd = Ashoka β do not reverse them.
- Shunyavada = Nagarjuna, not Vasumitra.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Match the following early shramana sects with their basic philosophical doctrines and choose the correct option accordingly.
A. Buddhism β B. Jainism β C. Ajivika β D. Charvaka (Lokayata)
1. Complete determinism and absence of free will
2. Extreme materialism (annihilation at death)
3. Middle Path (Majjhima Patipada)
4. Severe austerity and belief in jiva (soul)
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
A. Buddhism β B. Jainism β C. Ajivika β D. Charvaka (Lokayata)
1. Complete determinism and absence of free will
2. Extreme materialism (annihilation at death)
3. Middle Path (Majjhima Patipada)
4. Severe austerity and belief in jiva (soul)
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (3) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Buddha = Middle Path; Jain = severe austerity + jiva; Ajivika (Makkhali Gosala) = niyati (everything is predetermined); Charvaka = materialism.
Buddha = Middle Path; Jain = severe austerity + jiva; Ajivika (Makkhali Gosala) = niyati (everything is predetermined); Charvaka = materialism.
Q2. At which Jain council was the final compilation of the Shvetambara Agamas done?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Vallabhi β Second Jain council (Gujarat), president Devardhi Kshamashramana.
Q3. Which stupa site is not connected with any event related to the Buddha?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) Sanchi β Bodhgaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (mahaparinirvana) β Sanchi (Raisen, MP) is not connected with any event of the Buddha's life.
Q4. Who was the founder of Shunyavada?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (4) Nagarjuna β Madhyamika (Shunyavada); Asanga-Vasubandhu = Yogachara (Vijnanavada); Vasumitra = president of the fourth council.
Q5. The classical text 'Jivaka Chintamani' is related to which of the following?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) Jainism β a Tamil epic, composed by the Jain monk Tiruttakkatevar.
Q6. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of which king?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Kanishka β Kundalvana (Kashmir), president Vasumitra, vice-president Ashvaghosha; Buddhism split into Hinayana-Mahayana.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Where did the Buddha give his first sermon?
Answer: (B) Sarnath β Dharmachakra Pravartana.
P2. Who was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism?
Answer: (C) Parshvanath
P3. Where did Mahavira attain nirvana?
Answer: (B) Pavapuri (Bihar)
π 6. Maurya Empire (Ashoka's Inscriptions + MP) (6 min read)
Concept: India's first large empire. Chandragupta Maurya removed the Nanda dynasty in c. 322/321 BCE with the help of Chanakya (Kautilya). Capital Pataliputra.
- Chandragupta: defeated Seleucus Nikator in 305 BCE β treaty; Greek ambassador Megasthenes β Indica (administration of Pataliputra: 6 committees, 5 members in each). According to Jain tradition, he became a Jain in the end and went to Shravanabelagola.
- Arthashastra β Kautilya; spies (gudhapurush), Samaharta (revenue), Sannidhata (treasury).
- Bindusara β "Amitraghata"; in his time Ashoka was the governor of Ujjain (Avanti).
- Ashoka: Kalinga war c. 261 BCE (described in the 13th Major Rock Edict) β policy of Dhamma; Dhamma-mahamatras; 3rd Buddhist council; son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra went to Sri Lanka.
- Inscriptions: 14 Major Rock Edicts, 7 Pillar Edicts; script mostly Brahmi; Kharoshthi in the north-west (Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra); Greek & Aramaic at Kandahar. James Prinsep deciphered Brahmi in 1837.
- Sarnath Lion Capital β National Emblem (26 Jan 1950).
- Barabar caves (Gaya) β donated by Ashoka to the Ajivikas (Lomas Rishi cave).
- The last king Brihadratha β killed by his commander Pushyamitra Shunga in 185 BCE.
π΄ Ashoka's inscriptions / monuments in MP
| Site | District | What |
|---|---|---|
| Sanchi | Raisen | Great Stupa (originally of bricks, Ashoka) + pillar inscription (against schism in the Sangha) |
| Rupnath | Katni | Minor Rock Edict |
| Gujarra | Datia | Minor Rock Edict β it has the name "Ashoka" written (like Maski) |
| Panguraria (Saru Maru) | Sehore | Minor Rock Edict; Buddhist monastery |
Development of the Sanchi stupa: Ashoka (brick stupa) β enlarged with stone in the Shunga period β toranas (gateways) in the Satavahana period (1st century BCE). Toranas were earlier made of wood β the stone toranas of Sanchi show wood-like carving.
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- In most inscriptions the king's name is "Devanampiya Piyadasi"; the name "Ashoka" is found at Maski and Gujarra (Datia).
- The Kalinga war is described in the 13th Major Rock Edict.
- Barabar = Ajivika, not Buddhist.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Chandragupta Maurya β c. 322/321 BCE, removed the Nanda dynasty with the help of Chanakya (Kautilya).
Q2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the development of the torana in Indian architecture?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) β First a wooden gate β then in stone at Sanchi (wood-like carving) β its motif (chandrashala) later on temple walls.
Q3. Who was the author of the Arthashastra?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Kautilya β (Chanakya / Vishnugupta), minister of Chandragupta Maurya.
Q4. In the context of Mauryan art and Ashoka's policy of religious tolerance, the importance of the caves of the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills is best understood by which of the following statements?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) β The Barabar (Gaya, Bihar) caves (such as Lomas Rishi) were donated by Ashoka to the Ajivikas; the Nagarjuni caves by his grandson Dasharatha.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. At which place in Madhya Pradesh does the Ashokan inscription clearly mention the emperor's name "Ashoka"?
Answer: (B) Gujarra (Datia)
P2. Who first deciphered Ashoka's Brahmi script?
Answer: (C) James Prinsep (1837)
π 7. Post-Maurya Period (Shunga, Satavahana, Indo-Greek, Shaka, Kushana, Sangam) (6 min read)
| Dynasty | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Shunga | Pushyamitra (185 BCE; Ashvamedha; contemporary of Patanjali); Agnimitra (Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitram). Bharhut stupa (Satna, MP). Heliodorus pillar β Besnagar (Vidisha, MP): Heliodorus, envoy of the Indo-Greek king Antialcidas, set up a "Garuda-dhvaja" for Vasudeva (Vishnu) β evidence of the Bhagavata religion. |
| Kanva | Vasudeva removed the Shungas. |
| Kalinga β Kharavela | Jain king; Hathigumpha inscription (Udayagiri, Odisha). |
| Satavahana (Deccan) | Founder Simuka; capital Pratishthan (Paithan). Gautamiputra Satakarni β defeated the Shaka Nahapana; "eka bamhana" in the Nasik inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri. Kings named after their mothers (matronymics); Prakrit language; Hala β Gathasaptashati. |
| Indo-Greek | Menander (Milinda) β dialogue with the Buddhist monk Nagasena β Milindapanho. Coins with pictures and names of kings. |
| Shaka | Rudradaman I β Junagadh inscription (c. 150 CE): the first long Sanskrit inscription; repair of the Sudarshana lake. |
| Kushan | Kujula Kadphises; Vima Kadphises (gold coins on a large scale); Kanishka (78 CE β Shaka era; capital Purushapura/Peshawar; 4th Buddhist council; Ashvaghosha, Nagarjuna, Vasumitra, Charaka in his court). |
| Sangam (Tamil) | Chera, Chola, Pandya; 3 Sangams at Madurai under Pandya patronage; texts: Tolkappiyam (grammar), Tirukkural, Silappadikaram (Ilango Adigal), Manimekalai. Roman trade β Muziris, Arikamedu. |
Schools of sculpture
| School | Region / Stone | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gandhara | North-west; grey/blue schist | Greek (Hellenistic) influence, curly hair, thick drapery, muscles |
| Mathura | Red sandstone | Indigenous; Buddhist, Jain and Hindu β all three |
| Amaravati | White marble (Andhra) | Narrative scenes; Satavahana patronage |
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- The Heliodorus pillar is at Vidisha (Besnagar), not at Sanchi (the two are close to each other).
- Shaka era 78 CE (Kanishka); Vikram era 57 BCE.
- "Eka Brahmana" = Gautamiputra Satakarni; Pushyamitra was also a Brahmin but this title is not his.
- Matrilocal = the woman lives in her parental home after marriage; Patrilocal = in the husband's house.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. For which of the following rulers is the title 'Eka Brahmana' used?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (3) Gautamiputra Satakarni β called "eka bamhana" (the unique Brahmana) in the Nasik inscription of his mother Gautami Balashri.
Q2. What does the term "matrilocal residence" mean?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (4) β Its opposite = patrilocal (the wife goes to the husband's house). Options (1) and (3) are both patrilocal.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. At which place in Madhya Pradesh is the Garuda pillar of Heliodorus?
Answer: (B) Besnagar (Vidisha)
P2. From which year did the Shaka era begin?
Answer: (B) 78 CE β 319 CE = Gupta era, 606 CE = Harsha era.
π 8. Gupta Empire (6 min read)
| Ruler | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Sri Gupta | Founder |
| Chandragupta I | Gupta era 319β320 CE; married the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi |
| Samudragupta | Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad pillar) β poet Harishena; "Napoleon of India" (V.A. Smith); coins showing him playing the veena |
| Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) | Defeated the Shakas; Ujjain the second capital; Fa-Hien (399β414 CE) came; Udayagiri caves (Vidisha, MP) β Varaha image; Mehrauli iron pillar (king "Chandra") |
| Kumaragupta I | Founded the Nalanda mahavihara |
| Skandagupta | Stopped the Hunas; Junagadh inscription (repair of the Sudarshana lake) |
Golden Age β science, literature, art
- Aryabhata β Aryabhatiya (499 CE): the earth rotates on its axis, scientific cause of eclipses. Varahamihira β Brihat Samhita, Pancha-siddhantika. Brahmagupta (628 CE, after the Guptas) β mathematical rules of zero.
- Kalidasa β Abhijnanashakuntalam (love drama), Meghaduta, Raghuvamsha, Kumarasambhava; Vishakhadatta β Mudrarakshasa (Chanakya's politics); Shudraka β Mricchakatika (social drama of common life); Amarasimha β Amarakosha (dictionary); Vishnu Sharma β Panchatantra (stories).
- Beginning of temple building: Tigawa (Katni, MP), Sanchi temple no. 17 (flat roof), Deogarh Dashavatara (Lalitpur, UP β beginning of the shikhara), Bhitargaon (of bricks).
- Sarnath Buddha β almost transparent drapery clinging to the body, calm meditation. Paintings of the Bagh caves (Dhar, MP) and Ajanta.
- Eran (Sagar, MP) β inscription of Bhanugupta (510 CE): first inscriptional evidence of sati; the boar (varaha) inscription of the Huna king Toramana is also at Eran.
- Yashodharman (Mandsaur, MP) defeated the Huna king Mihirakula β victory pillars of Mandsaur (Sondhni).
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- The author of the Prayag Prashasti is Harishena; the pillar also has an inscription of Ashoka β the option "achievements of Ashoka" is wrong.
- Fa-Hien = Chandragupta II; Xuanzang = Harsha.
- Gandhara = Greek-like thick drapery; Sarnath = transparent drapery.
- Nalanda = Kumaragupta I; Vikramashila = Pala king Dharmapala.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Whose achievements are recorded in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) Samudragupta β Prayag Prashasti, composed by the court poet Harishena. The same pillar also has an inscription of Ashoka.
Q2. In the context of Gupta art, the feature of the 'Sarnath Buddha' image is identified in which of the following forms?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) β Sarnath school (Chunar sandstone): almost transparent drapery, calm meditation posture. Option (1) is a feature of the Gandhara style.
Q3. Match the following and choose the correct option accordingly.
A. Abhijnanashakuntalam β B. Panchatantra β C. Mudrarakshasa β D. Amarakosha
1. A political drama based on Chanakya's diplomacy β 2. A dictionary or lexicon of the Sanskrit language β 3. A social drama focused on common life β 4. A love drama composed by Kalidasa
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
A. Abhijnanashakuntalam β B. Panchatantra β C. Mudrarakshasa β D. Amarakosha
1. A political drama based on Chanakya's diplomacy β 2. A dictionary or lexicon of the Sanskrit language β 3. A social drama focused on common life β 4. A love drama composed by Kalidasa
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (1) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2 β Mudrarakshasa (Vishakhadatta) = Chanakya's diplomacy; Amarakosha (Amarasimha) = dictionary. The Panchatantra (Vishnu Sharma) is actually a collection of animal fables β here B-3 remains by elimination.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Where has the first inscriptional evidence of the sati custom (510 CE) been found?
Answer: (A) Eran (Sagar, MP) β inscription of Bhanugupta.
P2. Who is the author of 'Mricchakatika'?
Answer: (B) Shudraka
π 9. Harshavardhana (606β647 CE) (4 min read)
Concept: The greatest ruler of north India after the fall of the Gupta Empire. Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty, first capital Thanesar (Sthanvishvara); Harsha made Kannauj the capital.
- Father Prabhakaravardhana β married his daughter Rajyashri to the Maukhari king Grahavarman of Kannauj. Brother Rajyavardhana was killed by the Gauda king Shashanka β Harsha came to the throne in 606 CE (Harsha era 606 CE).
- Pulakeshin II (Chalukya, Badami) defeated Harsha on the bank of the Narmada β Aihole inscription (poet Ravikirti, 634 CE). The same inscription calls Harsha "Sakalottarapathanatha" (lord of the whole of north India).
- Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) β studied at Nalanda; Si-Yu-Ki. Kannauj assembly (643 CE); a charity assembly at Prayag every 5 years.
- Harsha was himself a writer β plays Nagananda, Ratnavali, Priyadarshika. Court poet Banabhatta β Harshacharita, Kadambari.
- Copper plates: Banskhera and Madhuban.
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- The one who defeated Harsha = Pulakeshin II, river = Narmada. Rajyavardhana's killer = Shashanka.
- The capital moved from Thanesar β Kannauj β "Thanesar never changed" is wrong.
- Harshacharita (Bana) is a eulogistic poem β it has to be read critically.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Which Chinese traveller came to the court of Harshavardhana and wrote about him?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) β wrote Si-Yu-Ki; Fa-Hien had come in the time of Chandragupta II.
Q2. The term "Sakalottarapathanatha" used for Harshavardhana is best explained as:
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Lord of the northern route/region β Sakala + Uttarapatha + Natha = lord of the whole of north India. This title is found in the Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the early Vardhana (Pushyabhuti) dynasty. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. They were initially feudatories of the Gupta Empire.
2. The marriage alliance with the Maukhari dynasty of Kannauj took place in the time of Prabhakaravardhana.
3. The dynasty's capital Thanesar was never replaced as the primary political centre during Harsha's reign.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. They were initially feudatories of the Gupta Empire.
2. The marriage alliance with the Maukhari dynasty of Kannauj took place in the time of Prabhakaravardhana.
3. The dynasty's capital Thanesar was never replaced as the primary political centre during Harsha's reign.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) Only 1 and 2 β Prabhakaravardhana married his daughter Rajyashri to the Maukhari king Grahavarman. Harsha shifted the capital from Thanesar to Kannauj β 3 is wrong.
Q4. Harshavardhana ruled after the fall of which empire?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) Gupta Empire
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Who defeated Harshavardhana on the bank of the Narmada river?
Answer: (B) Pulakeshin II β Aihole inscription (Ravikirti).
P2. Who wrote the 'Harshacharita'?
Answer: (C) Banabhatta
π 10. Regional Kingdoms (700β1200 CE) + Temple and Cave Art (7 min read)
Tripartite Struggle (for Kannauj, 8thβ10th century)
| Dynasty | Region | Main rulers / facts |
|---|---|---|
| Pala | Bengal-Bihar | Gopala (was elected), Dharmapala β Vikramashila; patrons of Buddhism |
| Gurjara-Pratihara | Rajasthan-Malwa β Kannauj | Nagabhata I (stopped the Arabs), Mihira Bhoja; the Teli ka Mandir of Gwalior belongs to this period |
| Rashtrakuta | Deccan (Manyakheta) | Dantidurga (founder); Krishna I β Kailasa temple of Ellora; Amoghavarsha β Kavirajamarga (Kannada) |
South India
| Dynasty | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Chalukya (Badami/Vatapi) | Pulakeshin II; Aihole (cradle of temple architecture), Pattadakal (UNESCO) |
| Pallava (Kanchi) | Mahendravarman I (cave temples); Narasimhavarman I "Mamalla" β Pancha Rathas of Mahabalipuram, conquered Vatapi; Narasimhavarman II "Rajasimha" β Shore Temple, Kailasanatha of Kanchi |
| Chola (Thanjavur) | Vijayalaya (c. 850); Rajaraja I (985β1014) β Brihadeshwara temple; Rajendra I β Gangaikondacholapuram, naval expedition up to Srivijaya; Uttaramerur inscription (Parantaka I) β elections of the village assembly (local self-government) |
| Hoysala | Capital Dwarasamudra (Halebidu); Chennakeshava of Belur; UNESCO 2023 |
| Kakatiya / Yadava | Warangal (Rudramadevi; Ramappa temple UNESCO 2021) / Devagiri |
North/East: Chauhan β Prithviraj III (won Tarain 1191, lost 1192); Kashmir β Kalhana's Rajatarangini; Odisha β Lingaraja (Bhubaneswar), Konark Sun temple (Eastern Ganga, Narasimhadeva I, 13th century), Jagannath Puri.
Temple styles
| Nagara (North) | Dravida (South) | Vesara |
|---|---|---|
| Curvilinear shikhara the most prominent; usually no boundary wall/big gateways | Pyramid-like vimana (= equivalent of the shikhara); boundary wall all around, gopuram at the entrance (very tall in later temples) | Mixture of both β Chalukya, Hoysala region |
| Khajuraho, Lingaraja, Konark | Brihadeshwara, Shore Temple, Meenakshi | Belur, Halebidu |
Cave art
- Ajanta (Aurangabad, Maharashtra) β only Buddhist; 2nd century BCE to 5th-6th century CE; murals of Jataka tales; UNESCO 1983.
- Ellora β Buddhist + Hindu + Jain, all three; Kailasa temple of the Rashtrakuta Krishna I (cut out of a single rock from top to bottom); UNESCO 1983.
- Elephanta (Mumbai) β Shaiva; Maheshmurti; cut in basalt rock; UNESCO 1987.
- MP: Bagh (Dhar) β paintings; Udayagiri (Vidisha) β Gupta; Bhimbetka β prehistoric.
- Kitab Khana = Mughal royal library/painting studio; Vishnudharmottara Purana β rules for images/paintings.
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Rathas = Narasimhavarman I; Shore Temple = Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II).
- Elephanta = basalt, not granite. Ellora has all three religions; Ajanta only Buddhist.
- Hoysala = Dwarasamudra; Kakatiya = Warangal; Yadava = Devagiri β all three come together in options.
- Statements with "always" (such as subsidiary shrines in Dravida temples always inside the prakara) β wrong.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Consider the following pairs. How many of the pairs given below are correctly matched?
1. Kitab Khana : Translation department under Krishnadevaraya
2. Ain-i-Akbari : A text describing Mughal painters and their techniques.
3. Vishnudharmottara Purana : Prescribes dimensional (iconometric) principles for sculpture.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. Kitab Khana : Translation department under Krishnadevaraya
2. Ain-i-Akbari : A text describing Mughal painters and their techniques.
3. Vishnudharmottara Purana : Prescribes dimensional (iconometric) principles for sculpture.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Only two pairs
Kitab Khana = Mughal royal library/scriptorium (not of Krishnadevaraya) β pair 1 is wrong. In the Ain-i-Akbari, Abul Fazl described the painters (Daswanth, Basawan) β correct. The Vishnudharmottara Purana gives the rules for images/paintings β correct.
Kitab Khana = Mughal royal library/scriptorium (not of Krishnadevaraya) β pair 1 is wrong. In the Ain-i-Akbari, Abul Fazl described the painters (Daswanth, Basawan) β correct. The Vishnudharmottara Purana gives the rules for images/paintings β correct.
Q2. Consider the following comparisons between the Nagara and Dravida temple styles. How many of the statements given below are correct?
1. Nagara temples emphasise the shikhara, while Dravida temples emphasise the gopuram.
2. In the Dravida style, the vimana is the equivalent of the shikhara of the Nagara style.
3. In a Dravida temple complex, subsidiary shrines are always located within concentric rectangular prakaras (enclosures).
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. Nagara temples emphasise the shikhara, while Dravida temples emphasise the gopuram.
2. In the Dravida style, the vimana is the equivalent of the shikhara of the Nagara style.
3. In a Dravida temple complex, subsidiary shrines are always located within concentric rectangular prakaras (enclosures).
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Only two β 1 and 2 are correct. In statement 3, "always" is wrong: according to NCERT, in a Dravida temple the subsidiary shrines are sometimes included in the main vimana itself, and sometimes present as separate small shrines.
Q3. Consider the statements given below about the Ajanta-Ellora caves. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
1. Ajanta (2nd century BCE β 6th century CE) is mainly focused on Buddhist chaityas-viharas, with murals (frescoes) of Jataka tales.
2. Ellora (6th β 11th century CE) distinctively includes Hindu-Buddhist-Jain caves, including the top-to-bottom excavation of the Kailasa temple.
3. The Elephanta caves are different because they are located in granite rocks formed by marine erosion and have Shaiva carvings like the Maheshmurti.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. Ajanta (2nd century BCE β 6th century CE) is mainly focused on Buddhist chaityas-viharas, with murals (frescoes) of Jataka tales.
2. Ellora (6th β 11th century CE) distinctively includes Hindu-Buddhist-Jain caves, including the top-to-bottom excavation of the Kailasa temple.
3. The Elephanta caves are different because they are located in granite rocks formed by marine erosion and have Shaiva carvings like the Maheshmurti.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (3) Only 3 β The Elephanta caves are cut in basalt rock (not granite); they are man-made (rock-cut).
Q4. Where is the Lingaraja temple located?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (3) Bhubaneswar β Odisha, Kalinga (Nagara) style.
Q5. During the reign of which Pallava ruler were the Ratha temples at Mahabalipuram built?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) Narasimhavarman I β "Mamalla"; Mamallapuram is named after him. (The Shore Temple was built later by Narasimhavarman II "Rajasimha".)
Q6. What was the capital of the Hoysalas?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (3) Dwarasamudra β (present-day Halebidu, Karnataka). Warangal = Kakatiya; Devagiri = Yadava.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Which dynasty built the Kailasa temple of Ellora?
Answer: (C) Rashtrakuta (Krishna I)
P2. The Uttaramerur inscription is famous for which subject?
Answer: (B) Local self-government of the village assembly (Chola period)
π 11. Ancient-Medieval Dynasties of MP (MP Special) (6 min read)
| Dynasty / Kingdom | Region / Capital | Worth remembering |
|---|---|---|
| Paramara | Malwa β Ujjain, then Dhar | Munja (Vakpati II); Raja Bhoj (11th century) β Bhojshala (Dhar), Bhojpur Shiva temple (Raisen) β huge Shivalinga, incomplete; architecture text Samarangana Sutradhara; the Bada Talab (Bhojtal) of Bhopal is linked with him. Udayaditya β Udayeshvara temple (Udaypur, Vidisha). |
| Chandela | Bundelkhand β Khajuraho, Mahoba, Kalinjar | Khajuraho temples (Chhatarpur) β UNESCO 1986; Nagara style; Hindu + Jain; Yashovarman β Lakshmana temple; Dhanga β Vishvanatha temple; Kandariya Mahadeva the largest (in the time of Vidyadhara); Chausath Yogini. |
| Kalachuri (Chedi) | Tripuri (Tewar, Jabalpur) | Kokalla I; Gangeyadeva, Lakshmikarna (Karna); the Chausath Yogini temple of Bhedaghat. |
| Pratihara / Kachchhapaghata / Tomar | Gwalior | Teli ka Mandir (Pratihara); Chaturbhuj temple inscription (876 CE) β early inscriptional use of zero (0); Sas-Bahu temple (Kachchhapaghata); Raja Man Singh Tomar β Man Mandir palace, Gujari Mahal (Rani Mrignayani), patronage of Dhrupad music; Tansen's tomb is in Gwalior. |
| Malwa Sultanate | Mandu (Dhar) | Dilawar Khan Ghuri; Hoshang Shah moved the capital from Dhar β Mandu; Hoshang Shah's tomb β India's first marble building; Ghiyasuddin Khalji β Jahaz Mahal; Baz BahadurβRupmati; conquered in 1561 by Akbar's general Adham Khan. |
| Gond β Garha-Mandla | Jabalpur-Mandla | Sangram Shah (52 forts); Rani Durgavati (Chandela princess, wife of Dalpat Shah) β died fighting the Mughal general Asaf Khan on 24 June 1564 near Narai nala (Jabalpur). |
| Bundela | Orchha (Niwari) | Founded by Rudra Pratap in 1531; Bir Singh Deo (friend of Jahangir) β Jahangir Mahal; Ram Raja temple. Chhatrasal (Panna) β took help from Bajirao I. |
| Faruqi / Mughal | Burhanpur, Asirgarh | Asirgarh β Akbar's last conquest (1601), "Gateway of the Deccan"; Mumtaz Mahal died at Burhanpur (1631). |
Also: Ujjain β linked with Kalidasa; Mahakal; Jai Singh II's observatory (Jantar Mantar). Chanderi β Babur defeated Medini Rai in 1528. Maheshwar = ancient Mahishmati; capital of Ahilyabai.
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Bhojpur temple is in Raisen, Bhojshala in Dhar β both of Raja Bhoj.
- Khajuraho = Chandela, Chhatarpur district; Tripuri = Kalachuri, Jabalpur.
- Rani Durgavati fought the Mughal (Akbar's) army β not Alauddin Khalji or Sher Shah.
- Asirgarh = Burhanpur district, Akbar's last conquest.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs β no question came from this topic in the 2025 paper, but it is important for the MP exam):
P1. Which dynasty built the temples of Khajuraho?
Answer: (B) Chandela β UNESCO 1986.
P2. In which district is the huge Shiva temple of Bhojpur?
Answer: (C) Raisen
P3. Which is considered India's first marble building?
Answer: (C) Hoshang Shah's tomb, Mandu
P4. Which Mughal general did Rani Durgavati fight?
Answer: (B) Asaf Khan β 24 June 1564. (Adham Khan had conquered Malwa/Baz Bahadur.)
π 12. Foreign Travellers (4 min read)
| Traveller | Country | In whose time | Text / special point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megasthenes | Greece | Chandragupta Maurya | Indica |
| Fa-Hien (Faxian) | China | Chandragupta II | Search for Buddhist texts |
| Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) | China | Harsha | Si-Yu-Ki; studied at Nalanda |
| I-Tsing | China | 7th century | Description of Nalanda |
| Al-Biruni | Khwarizm (Uzbekistan), born 973 | With Mahmud Ghazni (11th century) | Kitab-ul-Hind (Arabic); learnt Sanskrit; described differences of language, religion and caste as "barriers" |
| Marco Polo | Venice (Italy) | 13th century, Kakatiya (Rudramadevi) | Description of South India |
| Ibn Battuta | Morocco | Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1333) | Rihla; became the qazi of Delhi; postal system β uluq (horse post), dawa (foot post); description of paan and coconut |
| Nicolo Conti | Italy | Vijayanagara β Devaraya I | |
| Abdur Razzaq | Persia (Timurid envoy) | Vijayanagara β Devaraya II | |
| Athanasius Nikitin | Russia | Bahmani (15th century) | |
| Domingo Paes, Duarte Barbosa, Fernao Nuniz | Portugal | Vijayanagara (Krishnadevaraya / Achyuta period) | |
| William Hawkins (1608), Thomas Roe (1615) | England | Jahangir | Permission for trade |
| Francois Bernier | France (doctor) | Shah Jahan-Aurangzeb (1656β68) | Travels in the Mogul Empire; showed India as "inferior" to Europe; claimed there was no private ownership of land |
| Tavernier, Manucci | France / Italy | Mughal period | Tavernier β dealer in diamonds and jewels |
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Al-Biruni β born 973, taken to Ghazni in 1017; text in Arabic.
- Ibn Battuta = Muhammad bin Tughlaq; Bernier = Shah Jahan/Aurangzeb; Thomas Roe = Jahangir.
- Abdur Razzaq = Devaraya II; Nicolo Conti = Devaraya I.
π― Official PYQ (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. In which year was Al-Biruni born?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) 973 β in Khwarizm (present-day Uzbekistan); in 1017 Mahmud Ghazni took him to Ghazni; book Kitab-ul-Hind (Arabic).
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. In whose reign did Ibn Battuta come to India?
Answer: (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
P2. Who wrote 'Kitab-ul-Hind'?
Answer: (C) Al-Biruni
π 13. Delhi Sultanate (1206β1526) (7 min read)
Concept: Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan at Tarain (1192) (he himself had lost in 1191); Jaichand at Chandawar in 1194. After Ghori's death (1206), his slave Qutbuddin Aibak started the Sultanate. Order: Slave (Ilbari) β Khalji β Tughlaq β Sayyid β Lodi.
| Dynasty | Rulers & works |
|---|---|
| Slave / Ilbari (1206β90) | Aibak β "Lakh Baksh"; started the Qutub Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Adhai Din ka Jhonpra (Ajmer); died while playing chaugan (polo) (1210). Iltutmish β the real founder; completed the Qutub Minar; iqta; Chahalgani (40 Turkish nobles); silver tanka + copper jital; recognition from the Caliph (1229). Razia (1236β40) β the only woman sultan. Balban β "Zil-i-Ilahi"; sijda-paibos; policy of "blood and iron"; ended the Chahalgani; Diwan-i-Arz. |
| Khalji (1290β1320) | Jalaluddin; Alauddin (1296β1316) β market control, standing army, dagh-chehra, defence against the Mongols, Malik Kafur's southern campaigns, Chittor (1303), Alai Darwaza, Siri fort. Amir Khusrau in his court. |
| Tughlaq (1320β1414) | Ghiyasuddin β Tughlaqabad. Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325β51) β capital Delhi β Daulatabad (Devagiri), token currency, tax increase in the Doab, Diwan-i-Kohi (agriculture); Ibn Battuta came. Firoz Shah β canals, Diwan-i-Khairat, Diwan-i-Bandagan (slaves), jaziya on Brahmins, iqta made hereditary, brought 2 pillars of Ashoka (Topra, Meerut) to Delhi. The last β Nasiruddin Mahmud; Timur's invasion 1398. |
| Sayyid (1414β51) | Khizr Khan |
| Lodi (1451β1526) | Bahlul (first Afghan dynasty); Sikandar β founded Agra (1504), Gaz-i-Sikandari; Ibrahim β lost to Babur at Panipat I (1526). |
Architecture: The Turks brought the true arch and dome β Indo-Islamic style; early buildings used material from demolished temples. Balban's tomb β first true arch; Alai Darwaza β true dome. Tughlaq buildings β simple, sloping walls. Pietra dura = Mughal (Shah Jahan).
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Two Nasiruddin Mahmuds: one the son of Iltutmish (Slave dynasty, before Balban), the other the last Tughlaq.
- Tanka-jital = Iltutmish; token currency = MBT; rupiya = Sher Shah.
- Hereditary iqta = Firoz Shah; market control = Alauddin.
- Agra = Sikandar Lodi; Tughlaqabad = Ghiyasuddin; Siri = Alauddin; Firozabad = Firoz Shah.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Who was the last ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (3) Nasir-ud-din Mahmud β Timur's invasion took place in his time, in 1398. (Note: the son of Iltutmish/the sultan before Balban was also Nasiruddin Mahmud β a different person.)
Q2. Consider the following pairs about currency reforms in the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal period. Choose the correct option accordingly.
1. Iltutmish: introduced the silver tanka and the copper jital, establishing a bimetallic system.
2. Sher Shah Suri: issued the rupiya, which was a pure silver coin and became the basis of the modern Indian rupee.
3. Akbar: abolished the tanka and introduced a new gold coin, the "mohur", as the standard currency, and discontinued silver.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. Iltutmish: introduced the silver tanka and the copper jital, establishing a bimetallic system.
2. Sher Shah Suri: issued the rupiya, which was a pure silver coin and became the basis of the modern Indian rupee.
3. Akbar: abolished the tanka and introduced a new gold coin, the "mohur", as the standard currency, and discontinued silver.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (1) Only 1 and 2 β In the Mughal period, the silver rupiya remained the main currency; Akbar did not discontinue silver β 3 is wrong.
Q3. In medieval India, the term 'Jital' was used for what?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (3) Coin β a copper coin (Iltutmish).
Q4. What is the "Adhai Din ka Jhonpra"?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) Mosque β in Ajmer; Qutbuddin Aibak started building it.
Q5. Consider the following statements about cultural synthesis in the architecture of the Delhi Sultanate period. Which statement(s) is/are correct?
1. The use of the true arch and dome was started in India by the Turkish rulers, which began the Indo-Islamic or Indo-Saracenic style.
2. Early Sultanate buildings mainly used locally obtained stone and rubble, and reused material from demolished temples.
3. The use of pietra dura (inlay work of coloured stones) was a distinctive feature of Tughlaq architecture, giving their monuments a distinctive Persian colour.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. The use of the true arch and dome was started in India by the Turkish rulers, which began the Indo-Islamic or Indo-Saracenic style.
2. Early Sultanate buildings mainly used locally obtained stone and rubble, and reused material from demolished temples.
3. The use of pietra dura (inlay work of coloured stones) was a distinctive feature of Tughlaq architecture, giving their monuments a distinctive Persian colour.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Only 1 and 2 β Pietra dura is the hallmark of the Mughals (Shah Jahan β Taj Mahal, Itimad-ud-Daula). Tughlaq buildings were simple, with sloping walls.
Q6. Arrange the following in chronological order:
1. Tughlaq β 2. Lodi β 3. Sayyid β 4. Ilbari Turks β 5. Khalji
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. Tughlaq β 2. Lodi β 3. Sayyid β 4. Ilbari Turks β 5. Khalji
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (4) 4, 5, 1, 3, 2 β Ilbari (Slave) β Khalji β Tughlaq β Sayyid β Lodi. Remember: "Good Kids Take Sweet Laddoo".
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Which sultan implemented the market control policy?
Answer: (B) Alauddin Khalji
P2. Who started the 'Sijda' and 'Paibos' customs?
Answer: (B) Balban
P3. Who founded the city of Agra?
Answer: (B) Sikandar Lodi (1504)
π 14. Bhakti and Sufi Traditions (8 min read)
Concept: Bhakti = direct love for God, opposition to caste distinctions and ritual show; Saguna (God with form β Ram, Krishna) and Nirguna (formless β Kabir, Nanak). The 2025 paper had 9 questions from this topic β read NCERT Class 12 Themes-II "Bhakti-Sufi Traditions" line by line.
South India (6thβ9th century, Tamil Nadu)
- 12 Alvars (devotees of Vishnu; woman saint Andal) β compilation Nalayira Divyaprabandham ("four thousand sacred compositions"), the "Tamil Veda".
- 63 Nayanars (devotees of Shiva; woman saint Karaikkal Ammaiyar) β Tevaram.
- Virashaiva/Lingayat (Karnataka, 12th century) β Basavanna (minister of a Kalachuri king); ishtalinga, kayaka (labour); opposed caste, the authority of the Vedas and rebirth; vachana literature.
- Philosophers: Shankaracharya (Advaita), Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita; prapatti β surrender), Madhva (Dvaita), Nimbarka, Vallabhacharya (Shuddhadvaita, Pushtimarg).
North & West India
| Saint | Region | Special point |
|---|---|---|
| Jnaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, Tukaram | Maharashtra | Varkari β Vitthala of Pandharpur; wari (pilgrimage) every year; abhang |
| Kabir | Varanasi | Nirguna; Bijak; guru Ramananda (by tradition) |
| Guru Nanak (1469β1539) | Talwandi (Nankana Sahib) | Ek Onkar, Japji Sahib, langar; Kartarpur. Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth (1604); Guru Gobind Singh β Khalsa (1699) |
| Mirabai | Rajasthan (Merta/Mewar) | Krishna bhakti; guru Raidas (by tradition) |
| Surdas / Tulsidas | UP | Sursagar / Ramcharitmanas (Awadhi) |
| Chaitanya | Bengal | Krishna; sankirtan |
| Sankardeva | Assam | Ekasarana dharma β refuge in Krishna alone (saguna); namghar |
Sufi (tasawwuf)
- "Sufism" is an English word β 19th century; in Islamic texts it is tasawwuf. According to some scholars it comes from "suf" (wool), according to others from "safa" (purity).
- Terms: khanqah (hospice), pir/shaikh, murid, silsila (master-disciple chain), sama (music), zikr, ziyarat, urs (death anniversary), wahdat-ul-wujud (Ibn Arabi β unity of being).
- Al-Hujwiri ("Data Ganj Bakhsh", Lahore, 11th century) β Kashf-ul-Mahjub.
| Silsila | Saints (place, death β NCERT) |
|---|---|
| Chishti (most popular; kept away from the state) | Muinuddin Sijzi (Ajmer, 1235); Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (Delhi, 1235); Fariduddin Ganj-i-Shakar / Baba Farid (Ajodhan, 1265; his compositions are in the Guru Granth Sahib); Nizamuddin Auliya (Delhi, 1325; disciple Amir Khusrau); Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Dehli (1356); Gesu Daraz (Gulbarga); Salim Chishti (Fatehpur Sikri) |
| Suhrawardi | Bahauddin Zakariya (Multan); accepted state patronage |
| Naqshbandi | Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Mughal period) |
| Qadiri | Mian Mir; Dara Shukoh a follower |
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Died in the same year (1235) = Muinuddin Sijzi + Bakhtiyar Kaki.
- Alvar = Vishnu = Nalayira Divyaprabandham; Nayanar = Shiva = Tevaram β do not reverse them.
- Prapatti = Ramanuja (Sri Vaishnava), not Virashaiva. Varkaris do go on pilgrimage.
- Kashf-ul-Mahjub = Hujwiri; Fawaid-al-Fuad = sayings of Nizamuddin Auliya (Amir Hasan Sijzi).
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. When was the English word "Sufism" coined?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (3) 19th century β NCERT: the English word "Sufism" was coined in the 19th century; in Islamic texts the word for it is tasawwuf.
Q2. Consider the following statements about the syncretic traditions of the Bhakti movement. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. The Varkari sect of Maharashtra, led by saints like Tukaram and Namdev, firmly rejected the need for external rituals, pilgrimage and the caste system, and combined devotion to Vitthala (a form of Lord Vishnu) with socially egalitarian ideals.
2. The Ekasarana dharma founded by Sankardeva in Assam preached a form of saguna bhakti focused on Krishna as the only deity, and strictly prohibited the worship of any other Hindu god or goddess.
3. The Virashaiva movement of Karnataka, founded by Basavanna, was mainly a nirguna tradition that stressed the doctrine of "prapatti", or complete surrender to the divine will.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. The Varkari sect of Maharashtra, led by saints like Tukaram and Namdev, firmly rejected the need for external rituals, pilgrimage and the caste system, and combined devotion to Vitthala (a form of Lord Vishnu) with socially egalitarian ideals.
2. The Ekasarana dharma founded by Sankardeva in Assam preached a form of saguna bhakti focused on Krishna as the only deity, and strictly prohibited the worship of any other Hindu god or goddess.
3. The Virashaiva movement of Karnataka, founded by Basavanna, was mainly a nirguna tradition that stressed the doctrine of "prapatti", or complete surrender to the divine will.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (1) Only 2
Varkari saints go on the "wari" (pilgrimage) to Pandharpur every year β 1 is wrong. "Prapatti" (surrender) is a doctrine of Ramanuja / Sri Vaishnavas, not of the Virashaivas β 3 is wrong. Sankardeva's Ekasarana = refuge in Krishna alone β 2 is correct.
Varkari saints go on the "wari" (pilgrimage) to Pandharpur every year β 1 is wrong. "Prapatti" (surrender) is a doctrine of Ramanuja / Sri Vaishnavas, not of the Virashaivas β 3 is wrong. Sankardeva's Ekasarana = refuge in Krishna alone β 2 is correct.
Q3. What is the title of the book written by Hujwiri to explain tasawwuf?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) Kashf-ul-Mahjub β Tevaram = hymns of the Nayanars (Shaiva); Divyaprabandham = Alvars; Fawaid al-Fuad = sayings of Nizamuddin Auliya (written by Amir Hasan Sijzi).
Q4. What is the literal meaning of the term "Nalayira Divyaprabandham"?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) Four thousand sacred compositions β Tamil "nalayira" = four thousand; a compilation of the compositions of the 12 Alvars.
Q5. Match List-I (saint/movement) with List-II (their main doctrine/associated idea) and choose the correct option.
A. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu β B. Guru Nanak β C. Basavanna β D. Ibn Arabi (popular in India)
1. Kayaka and Ishtalinga β 2. Wahdat-ul-Wujud (unity of being) β 3. Japji Sahib and Guru Granth Sahib β 4. Sankirtan (joyful public singing of hymns)
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
A. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu β B. Guru Nanak β C. Basavanna β D. Ibn Arabi (popular in India)
1. Kayaka and Ishtalinga β 2. Wahdat-ul-Wujud (unity of being) β 3. Japji Sahib and Guru Granth Sahib β 4. Sankirtan (joyful public singing of hymns)
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2 β Basavanna: "kayaka" (work is worship) + ishtalinga worn around the neck.
Q6. Which two Chishti saints died in the same year?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (2) β NCERT table: Muinuddin Sijzi (Ajmer) and Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (Delhi) both died in 1235. Fariduddin 1265, Nizamuddin 1325, Nasiruddin Chiragh 1356.
Q7. According to some scholars, the word 'tasawwuf' is derived from which word meaning wool?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (3) Suf β "suf" = wool (Sufis wore coarse woollen clothes). Some scholars also link it with "safa" (purity) or "suffa" (the platform of the Prophet's mosque) β but the word meaning wool is "suf".
Q8. By what name was Abu'l Hasan al-Hujwiri better known?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (3) Data Ganj Bakhsh β came from Ghazni and settled in Lahore; his dargah is in Lahore.
Q9. In which compilation were the compositions of the 12 Alvars compiled?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (3) Nalayira Divyaprabandham β Tevaram = 63 Nayanars (Shaiva); Silappadikaram = post-Sangam Tamil epic (Ilango Adigal).
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. 'Bijak' is a collection of the sayings of which saint?
Answer: (B) Kabir
P2. Which silsila did Nizamuddin Auliya belong to?
Answer: (C) Chishti
P3. When was the Khalsa Panth founded?
Answer: (C) 1699 β Guru Gobind Singh; 1604 = Adi Granth.
π 15. Vijayanagara & Bahmani (5 min read)
Vijayanagara (1336β1565+)
- 1336 β Harihara and Bukka (Sangama dynasty); capital Hampi (Tungabhadra river) β UNESCO 1986.
- Order of dynasties: Sangama β Saluva β Tuluva β Aravidu.
- Krishnadevaraya (Tuluva, 1509β29) β the greatest; Telugu text Amuktamalyada; Ashtadiggaja (8 poets) in his court; conquered the Raichur doab (1520); tall "raya gopurams".
- Administration: amara-nayakas (military chiefs who were given territories).
- Hampi: Virupaksha temple, Vitthala temple (stone chariot), Hazara Rama (royal temple), Mahanavami Dibba, Lotus Mahal.
- Battle of Talikota / Rakshasi-Tangadi (1565) β defeated by an alliance of the Deccan sultanates (Rama Raya was killed).
- The ruins of Hampi were brought to light by Colin Mackenzie in 1800 (NCERT).
Bahmani (1347) & the 5 Deccan Sultanates
- 1347 β Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Hasan Gangu), capital Gulbarga, later Bidar. Wazir Mahmud Gawan β madrasa of Bidar.
- Broke into 5 kingdoms: Bijapur (Adil Shahi β Gol Gumbaz), Golconda (Qutb Shahi β Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founded Hyderabad, Charminar 1591), Ahmadnagar (Nizam Shahi β Chand Bibi), Berar (Imad Shahi), Bidar (Barid Shahi).
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Vijayanagara 1336, Bahmani 1347 β do not mix up the years.
- The stone chariot of Hampi = Vitthala temple (not Hazara Rama).
- Hyderabad = Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (Quli Qutb Shah = founder of Golconda).
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. Who founded the Vijayanagara Empire?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (3) Harihara and Bukka β 1336 CE, Sangama dynasty.
Q2. Who founded the city of Hyderabad?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (2) Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah β Qutb Shahi sultan of Golconda; he also built the Charminar (1591).
Q3. Which temple in Hampi has a shrine built in the form of a 'chariot'?
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (1) Vitthala temple β stone chariot (Garuda shrine). Brihadishvara is in Thanjavur (Chola).
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Whose work is 'Amuktamalyada'?
Answer: (C) Krishnadevaraya (Telugu)
P2. In which year was the Battle of Talikota fought?
Answer: (C) 1565
π 16. Mughal Empire (1526β1857) (8 min read)
| Ruler | Main events |
|---|---|
| Babur (1526β30) | Panipat I (21 Apr 1526) β Ibrahim Lodi (tulughma, artillery); Khanwa 1527 β Rana Sanga; Chanderi 1528 β Medini Rai (MP); Ghaghra 1529 β Afghans; Baburnama (Turki) |
| Humayun | Lost to Sher Shah at Chausa (1539) and Kannauj/Bilgram (1540); returned in 1555; died in 1556 after falling from the stairs of his library (Sher Mandal); Humayun-nama β Gulbadan Begum |
| Sher Shah Suri (1540β45) | Rupiya (silver), repair of the GT Road (Sadak-e-Azam), sarais, patta-qabuliyat; died at Kalinjar; tomb at Sasaram |
| Akbar (1556β1605) | Panipat II (1556) β Hemu; Bairam Khan as regent; abolished jaziya (1564); Ibadat Khana (1575); Mahzar (1579); Din-i-Ilahi (1582); Sulh-i-kul; Haldighati (1576) β Maharana Pratap vs Man Singh; mansabdari; Todar Mal's zabti/dahsala (1580); Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza (Gujarat victory); Asirgarh (1601) last conquest; Malwa (Baz Bahadur, 1561), Garha-Mandla (Durgavati, 1564) |
| Jahangir | Nur Jahan; chain of justice; Hawkins (1608), Thomas Roe (1615); execution of Guru Arjan (1606); peak of painting β Ustad Mansur (animals and birds) |
| Shah Jahan | Taj Mahal (Mumtaz β died at Burhanpur 1631), Red Fort, Jama Masjid (Delhi), Peacock Throne; pietra dura; war of succession β Dharmat, Samugarh (1658) |
| Aurangzeb | Jaziya again (1679); Guru Tegh Bahadur (1675); conquered Bijapur (1686), Golconda (1687); Bibi ka Maqbara; died 1707 (buried at Khuldabad) |
| Later rulers | Muhammad Shah "Rangila" β Nadir Shah's invasion 1739 (took away the Peacock Throne, Kohinoor); the last β Bahadur Shah Zafar (1857) |
Administration & agriculture
- Mansabdari: Zat = personal rank and salary; Sawar = how many cavalrymen to maintain. Sawar = zat β 1st grade; sawar β₯ half of zat β 2nd; less than half β 3rd. To stop fraud: dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers).
- Salary in the form of jagir (right to revenue); land directly under the emperor = khalisa.
- Peasants: khud-kashta (residents of the same village), pahi-kashta (came from outside to cultivate). Revenue: zabt, batai (ghalla-bakhshi), nasaq.
- Officials: Wakil, Wazir/Diwan (finance), Mir Bakhshi (army/mansabdars), Sadr-us-Sudur (religious), Qazi. Suba β Sarkar β Pargana.
Historians
| Writer | Text / nature |
|---|---|
| Abul Fazl | Akbarnama, Ain-i-Akbari β official, eulogistic biography of Akbar (also describes painters) |
| Badauni | Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh β a strong critic of Akbar's religious policy |
| Nizamuddin Ahmad | Tabaqat-i-Akbari β history of all Muslim dynasties up to Akbar |
| Ziauddin Barani (Sultanate) | Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi; Fatawa-i-Jahandari β statecraft, supremacy of the ulema |
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Panipat I 1526 (Babur-Ibrahim), II 1556 (Akbar-Hemu), III 1761 (Marathas-Abdali).
- Chanderi (MP) β Babur, 1528; Haldighati 1576 β Man Singh on Akbar's side.
- Purpose of zat-sawar = to separate salary and military responsibility; stopping horse fraud = dagh.
- Mumtaz died at Burhanpur (MP); the Taj is at Agra.
π― Official PYQs (MPESB SI Prelims 2025 paper):
Q1. The distinct difference between the "Zat" and "Sawar" mansabs in the Mughal military hierarchy, introduced by Akbar and later refined, was aimed at solving which of the following administrative problems? Choose the correct option.
1. To stop mansabdars from cheating the state, so that they did not present fewer horses than required for their salary grants.
2. To make a clear distinction between the mansabdar's personal salary and his responsibility to maintain a cavalry contingent.
3. To classify mansabdars into first, second and third grades on the basis of the numerical equality or closeness of their 'sawar' rank to their 'zat' rank.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
1. To stop mansabdars from cheating the state, so that they did not present fewer horses than required for their salary grants.
2. To make a clear distinction between the mansabdar's personal salary and his responsibility to maintain a cavalry contingent.
3. To classify mansabdars into first, second and third grades on the basis of the numerical equality or closeness of their 'sawar' rank to their 'zat' rank.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (4) Only 2 and 3 β Zat = personal rank/salary; Sawar = how many cavalrymen to maintain. Sawar = zat β 1st class; sawar half of zat or more β 2nd; less than half β 3rd. There was a separate system to stop fraud with horses β dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers).
Q2. Match List-I (historian/text) with List-II (their main focus/nature) and choose the correct answer.
1. Abul Fazl β 2. Badauni β 3. Ziauddin Barani β 4. Nizamuddin Ahmad
A. A critical, orthodox account, deeply hostile to Akbar's religious innovations.
B. A theoretical treatise on statecraft and kingship, stressing the supremacy of the ulema.
C. A glorifying, detailed and official biography of Akbar, a masterpiece of Mughal historiography.
D. A comprehensive history covering all the Muslim dynasties of India up to Akbar's reign, focused on political events.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
1. Abul Fazl β 2. Badauni β 3. Ziauddin Barani β 4. Nizamuddin Ahmad
A. A critical, orthodox account, deeply hostile to Akbar's religious innovations.
B. A theoretical treatise on statecraft and kingship, stressing the supremacy of the ulema.
C. A glorifying, detailed and official biography of Akbar, a masterpiece of Mughal historiography.
D. A comprehensive history covering all the Muslim dynasties of India up to Akbar's reign, focused on political events.
[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 β 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (1) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D β Abul Fazl: Akbarnama/Ain-i-Akbari; Badauni: Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh; Barani: Fatawa-i-Jahandari (and Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi); Nizamuddin Ahmad: Tabaqat-i-Akbari.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs):
P1. Whom did Babur defeat in the Battle of Chanderi (1528)?
Answer: (B) Medini Rai
P2. What was Akbar's last conquest?
Answer: (C) Asirgarh (1601, Burhanpur)
P3. When was the Ibadat Khana established?
Answer: (B) 1575 β Fatehpur Sikri.
π 17. Marathas + Holkar, Scindia, Bhopal (Princely States of MP) (6 min read)
Shivaji (1630β1680)
- Born at Shivneri (19 Feb 1630); father Shahji Bhonsle, mother Jijabai. First fort Torna.
- Afzal Khan (1659, Pratapgarh); attack on Shaista Khan (1663); plunder of Surat (1664); Treaty of Purandar (1665) β Raja Jai Singh; escape from Agra (1666).
- Coronation 6 June 1674, Raigad β "Chhatrapati"; died 1680.
- Ashtapradhan: Peshwa (prime minister), Amatya (finance), Sachiv, Mantri, Senapati, Sumant (foreign affairs), Nyayadhish, Panditrao.
- Taxes: Chauth (25%) and Sardeshmukhi (10%).
Peshwa period
| Peshwa | Facts |
|---|---|
| Balaji Vishwanath (1713β20) | The first powerful Peshwa |
| Bajirao I (1720β40) | Expansion into north India; defeated the Nizam at Palkhed (1728); helped the Bundela Chhatrasal; defeated the Nizam near Bhopal β Treaty of Durai Sarai/Doraha (1738) β Malwa to the Marathas; died at Raverkhedi (Khargone, Narmada bank) 1740 |
| Balaji Bajirao "Nana Saheb" (1740β61) | Panipat III β 14 Jan 1761 β Sadashivrao Bhau vs Ahmad Shah Abdali; the Marathas lost |
| Madhavrao I | Restored power after Panipat |
| Bajirao II | The last Peshwa; Treaty of Bassein (1802); Bithur after 1818 |
Maratha confederacy: Peshwa (Pune), Bhonsle (Nagpur), Gaekwad (Baroda), Holkar (Indore), Scindia (Gwalior).
π΄ Princely States of MP
| State | Facts |
|---|---|
| Holkar (Indore) | Founder Malhar Rao Holkar (a sardar of Bajirao I). Ahilyabai Holkar (ruled 1767β95) β capital Maheshwar; temples, ghats and dharamshalas across the country, including Kashi Vishwanath (1780). Yashwantrao Holkar β fought the British. Rajwada (Indore). |
| Scindia (Gwalior) | Founder Ranoji Scindia (capital Ujjain); Mahadji Scindia β mediator in the Treaty of Salbai (1782), control over the Mughal emperor at Delhi; Daulatrao made Gwalior (Lashkar) the capital. |
| Bhopal | Founder Dost Mohammad Khan (Afghan; early 18th century; first Islamnagar); the Gond Rani Kamlapati is mentioned from this same period. Rule of the Begums (1819β1926): Qudsia (Gauhar) Begum, Sikandar Begum, Shahjahan Begum (started the Taj-ul-Masajid), Sultan Jahan Begum (first chancellor of AMU). The last Nawab, Hamidullah Khan. |
β οΈ Exam Traps:
- Ahilyabai's capital was Maheshwar, not Indore.
- Bajirao I's samadhi is at Raverkhedi (Khargone) β in MP.
- Scindia first at Ujjain, later Gwalior. Bhopal = Afghan (Dost Mohammad Khan), not Maratha.
- Chauth 25%, Sardeshmukhi 10% β do not swap the percentages.
π Practice MCQs (self-made, not PYQs β no direct question on the Marathas came in the 2025 paper):
P1. What was the capital of Ahilyabai Holkar?
Answer: (C) Maheshwar
P2. Who was the founder of Bhopal state?
Answer: (B) Dost Mohammad Khan
P3. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was fought between the Marathas and whom?
Answer: (B) Ahmad Shah Abdali
P4. Where did Shivaji's coronation take place?
Answer: (C) Raigad (6 June 1674)