History Of Jammu And Kashmir MCQs
High-yield multiple choice questions asked in previous years (UPSC, SSC CGL, JKSSB, RRB & State PSCs).
High-Yield Concept Capsule & Key Facts
📌 Foundational history module across all JKSSB and JKPSC competitive recruitment examinations.
Ancient & Classical Dynasties of Kashmir
- • Rajatarangini ('River of Kings'): Composed in Sanskrit verse by Kalhana in 1148-1150 CE during the reign of King Jayasimha; foundational historical chronicle of Kashmir.
- • Karkota Dynasty (625-855 CE): Founded by Durlabhavardhana; reached peak under Lalitaditya Muktapida who defeated Yashovarman of Kannauj and erected the Martand Sun Temple.
- • Utpala Dynasty (855-1003 CE): Founded by Avantivarman; engineering feats by engineer Suyya to dredge the Jhelum (Vitasta) and tame recurring floods.
- • Lohara Dynasty: Produced powerful queens including Queen Didda, who ruled as regent and sovereign monarch.
Medieval Sultanate, Afghan Rule & The Dogra Dynasty
- • Establishment of Sultanate: Rinchan (Buddhist prince of Ladakh) converted to Islam (adopted name Sultan Sadruddin) under Bulbul Shah in 1320 CE.
- • Shah Mir Dynasty: Founded by Shams-ud-din Shah Mir in 1339 CE. Golden age under Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-1470 CE, lovingly called 'Budshah' - Great King), who patronized paper-mâché, silk weaving, and built the artificial island Zaina Lank in Wular Lake.
- • Mughal Annexation (1586 CE): Annexed by Akbar, ending the Chak dynasty rule. Afghan Durrani Rule (1753-1819 CE) established by Ahmad Shah Durrani's commander Abdullah Khan Ishk Aqasi.
- • Dogra Dynasty (1846-1947 CE): Founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh via the Treaty of Amritsar (March 16, 1846) with the British for Rs. 75 Lakh Nanakshahi. Last ruler Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947.
| Era / Dynasty | Founder / Key Ruler | Prominent Contribution / Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajatarangini | Kalhana (1148-50 CE) | First authentic Sanskrit historiography | Reign of King Jayasimha |
| Karkota Dynasty | Durlabhavardhana / Lalitaditya | Martand Sun Temple, Military expansions | Kashmir's greatest empire |
| Utpala Dynasty | Avantivarman / Suyya (Eng.) | Awantipora Temples, Jhelum River canalization | Relief from catastrophic floods |
| Shah Mir Dynasty | Zain-ul-Abidin ('Budshah') | Zaina Lank in Wular Lake, Introduced Crafts | Epoch of religious tolerance & arts |
| Treaty of Amritsar | Maharaja Gulab Singh (1846) | Creation of Princely State of J&K (Rs. 75 Lakh) | Birth of Dogra Dynasty |
Who was the author of the celebrated Sanskrit historical chronicle 'Rajatarangini'?
The Treaty of Amritsar, which established the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir under Maharaja Gulab Singh, was signed in which year?
Which ruler of Kashmir is fondly revered by the Kashmiri people with the title 'Budshah' (The Great King)?
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir during the reign of which Kushan emperor?
Which ancient Ladakhi prince converted to Islam and became the first Muslim monarch of Kashmir under the name Sultan Sadruddin?
Who was the royal engineer during the reign of King Avantivarman who dredged and regulated the course of the Jhelum River to prevent catastrophic floods?
In which year did Mughal Emperor Akbar conquer and formally annex Kashmir to the Mughal Empire?
The legendary Queen Didda, who ruled Kashmir first as queen consort, then regent, and finally as sovereign monarch, belonged to which dynasty?
Who was the Sikh Maharaja who ended oppressive Afghan rule in Kashmir by conquering it in the Battle of Shopian in 1819?
Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession joining the Union of India on which date?
Who founded the Jammu kingdom and built the original Bahu Fort along the Tawi river according to folklore?
Zaina Lank, an artificial island constructed in the middle of Wular Lake, was built by which ruler?
The historic 'Quit Kashmir' movement was launched in May 1946 against Dogra rule by:
Who was the military general under Gulab Singh who conquered Ladakh, Baltistan, and marched up to Western Tibet in the 1830s?
Which Sufi saint introduced the Rishi order of Sufism in Kashmir, preaching harmony and vegetarianism?
Frequently Asked Questions (History Of Jammu And Kashmir)
Q: Who authored Rajatarangini and in which language was it originally written?
Rajatarangini ('River of Kings') was authored in Sanskrit by the Kashmiri scholar Kalhana between 1148 and 1150 CE during the reign of King Jayasimha.
Q: Why is Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin commemorated as 'Budshah' in Kashmir's history?
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-1470 CE) earned the title 'Budshah' (Great King) for his benevolent governance, complete religious tolerance (welcoming Kashmiri Pandits back), abolition of Jizya, introduction of Persian administration, and promotion of paper-mâché, carpet weaving, and silk manufacture.
Q: What is the historical significance of the Treaty of Amritsar signed on March 16, 1846?
The Treaty of Amritsar was signed between the British East India Company and Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu, transferring the hilly territory between the Indus and Ravi rivers for Rs. 75 Lakh (7.5 million Nanakshahi rupees), thereby officially creating the Princely State of Jammu & Kashmir.
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