In this article, we will see 90 MCQs Quiz on Maratha Empire Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. She is known to be the most prominent and wise ruler in the history of India. Ahilyabai Holkar born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chondi in present-day Maharashtra, India became one of the leading figures of the Holkar dynasty in the Maratha Empire. Ahilyabai was renowned for her effective administration and fair rule. She was a visionary leader who focused on the welfare of her people.

Her reign was marked by development works, including the construction of roads, bridges, wells, and dharamshalas (rest houses) along with the implementation of fair tax policies. Here we are going to present 90 mcqs quiz related to her lifetime achievements, policies, cultural and social contribution to the society and people of India.

 

90 MCQs Quiz on Maratha Empire Queen Ahilyabai Holkar

Also Read: 100 MCQs Quiz on October Revolution (Bolshevik Revolution)

1. Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?

A) A Mughal Empress
B) A Maratha Queen
C) A Rajput Princess
D) A British Administrator

Ans: B) A Maratha Queen

 

2. In which century did Ahilyabai Holkar rule?

A) 16th Century
B) 17th Century
C) 18th Century
D) 19th Century

Ans: C) 18th Century

 

3. Ahilyabai Holkar was the ruler of which region in India?

A) Malwa
B) Mewar
C) Marwar
D) Mahishmati

Ans: A) Malwa

 

4. How did Ahilyabai Holkar come to power?

A) Through inheritance
B) Through marriage
C) By leading a military coup
D) By election

Ans: A) Through inheritance

 

5. What was Ahilyabai Holkar known for?

A) Her military conquests
B) Her administrative abilities
C) Her patronage of arts
D) All of the above

Ans: D) All of the above

 

6. Ahilyabai Holkar contributed significantly to the development of which city?

A) Ujjain
B) Pune
C) Indore
D) Varanasi

Ans: A) Ujjain

 

7. Which temple did Ahilyabai Holkar commission in Varanasi?

A) Kashi Vishwanath Temple
B) Sankat Mochan Temple
C) Tulsi Manas Temple
D) Durga Temple

Ans: A) Kashi Vishwanath Temple

 

8. What was Ahilyabai Holkar's relationship with Malhar Rao Holkar?

A) Daughter
B) Wife
C) Sister
D) Daughter-in-law

Ans: D) Daughter-in-law

 

9. Ahilyabai Holkar's reign was marked by:

A) Extensive warfare
B) Peace and prosperity
C) Economic decline
D) Religious persecution

Ans: B) Peace and prosperity

 

10. Ahilyabai Holkar’s capital was at:

A) Maheshwar
B) Indore
C) Gwalior
D) Bhopal

Ans: A) Maheshwar

 

 

11. Which of the following rivers is associated with Ahilyabai Holkar's capital?

A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Narmada
D) Tapti

Ans: C) Narmada

 

12. Ahilyabai Holkar's reign is especially noted for:

A) Expansion of the Maratha Empire
B) Philanthropy and temple building
C) Defeat of British forces
D) Promoting women's education

Ans: B) Philanthropy and temple building

 

13. How did Ahilyabai Holkar become a ruler?

A) Following the death of her husband
B) After her father-in-law's demise
C) Upon her son's ascension
D) Following the death of her son

Ans: D) Following the death of her son

 

14. Ahilyabai Holkar was a ruler of which dynasty?

A) Holkar dynasty
B) Scindia dynasty
C) Peshwa dynasty
D) Bhonsle dynasty

Ans: A) Holkar dynasty

 

15. Which of these was a focus of Ahilyabai Holkar’s administration?

A) Military expansion
B) Trade with European powers
C) Infrastructure development
D) Diplomatic alliances

Ans: C) Infrastructure development

 

16. Ahilyabai Holkar’s rule is often cited as an example of:

A) Female leadership in a patriarchal society
B) Religious tolerance
C) Maratha resistance to Mughal rule
D) A and B

Ans: D) A and B

 

17. What is Ahilyabai Holkar most celebrated for in modern India?

A) Her military strategies
B) Her progressive governance
C) Her architectural contributions
D) Her diplomatic skills

Ans: C) Her architectural contributions

 

18. Ahilyabai Holkar's rule was characterized by:

A) Severe taxation
B) Religious intolerance
C) Fair and just administration
D) Expansionist policies

Ans: C) Fair and just administration

 

19. During Ahilyabai Holkar’s reign, her kingdom was known for its:

A) Naval power
B) Art and culture
C) Wealth and prosperity
D) B and C

Ans: D) B and C

 

20. Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy is preserved in India through:

A) Statues and memorials
B) Literature and folklore
C) Festivals and celebrations
D) All of the above

Ans: D) All of the above

 

21. Ahilyabai Holkar was born in which year?

A) 1725
B) 1735
C) 1745
D) 1755

Ans: A) 1725

 

22. Which religious group did Ahilyabai Holkar belong to?

A) Hinduism
B) Jainism
C) Buddhism
D) Sikhism

Ans: A) Hinduism

 

23. Who was Ahilyabai Holkar's husband?

A) Malhar Rao Holkar
B) Khanderao Holkar
C) Tukojirao Holkar
D) Yashwantrao Holkar

Ans: B) Khanderao Holkar

 

24. Ahilyabai Holkar's reign was noted for its absence of:

A) Cultural activities
B) Military campaigns
C) Religious tolerance
D) Economic development

Ans: B) Military campaigns

 

25. In which present-day Indian state did Ahilyabai Holkar rule?

A) Maharashtra
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat

Ans: B) Madhya Pradesh

 

26. Ahilyabai Holkar is known for her contributions to the restoration and construction of:

A) Forts
B) Palaces
C) Temples
D) Universities

Ans: C) Temples

 

27. What is a major festival celebrated in Maheshwar in honor of Ahilyabai Holkar?

A) Diwali
B) Holi
C) Navratri
D) Ahilya Utsav

Ans: D) Ahilya Utsav

 

28. Which famous fort did Ahilyabai Holkar fortify and use as her residence?

A) Gwalior Fort
B) Daulatabad Fort
C) Maheshwar Fort
D) Raigad Fort

Ans: C) Maheshwar Fort

 

29. Ahilyabai Holkar played a key role in preserving the cultural heritage of:

A) Delhi
B) Varanasi
C) Jaipur
D) Mysore

Ans: B) Varanasi

 

30. Which river is closely associated with Ahilyabai Holkar's capital, Maheshwar?

A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Narmada
D) Godavari

Ans: C) Narmada

 

31. Ahilyabai Holkar's governance was marked by:

A) Autocracy
B) Military rule
C) Paternalistic administration
D) Democratic principles

Ans: C) Paternalistic administration

 

32. What was Ahilyabai Holkar's policy towards different religions?

A) She promoted Hinduism exclusively
B) She was intolerant of other religions
C) She respected all religions
D) She focused on secularism

Ans: C) She respected all religions

 

33. Which of the following did Ahilyabai Holkar NOT engage in?

A) Diplomatic relations
B) Writing poetry
C) Leading military campaigns
D) Philanthropy

Ans: C) Leading military campaigns

 

34. Ahilyabai Holkar was especially revered for her:

A) Diplomatic skills
B) Philanthropic efforts
C) Military strategies
D) Economic policies

Ans: B) Philanthropic efforts

 

35. Which educational and cultural institution did Ahilyabai Holkar promote?

A) Sanskrit schools
B) Libraries
C) Art galleries
D) Museums

Ans: A) Sanskrit schools

 

36. How did Ahilyabai Holkar contribute to infrastructure development?

A) Building roads and bridges
B) Establishing trade routes
C) Constructing dams
D) Developing ports

Ans: A) Building roads and bridges

 

37. Ahilyabai Holkar's rule is often cited as an example of effective governance in the history of:

A) The Maratha Empire
B) The Mughal Empire
C) The British Raj
D) The Maurya Empire

Ans: A) The Maratha Empire

 

38. What aspect of Ahilyabai Holkar's rule is most celebrated in contemporary India?

A) Her military victories
B) Her administrative reforms
C) Her contribution to architecture and culture
D) Her foreign policy achievements

Ans: C) Her contribution to architecture and culture

 

39. Ahilyabai Holkar's reign is particularly remembered for:

A) Expanding the Maratha Empire
B) Establishing new trade policies
C) Patronage of the arts and culture
D) Conquests and annexations

Ans: C) Patronage of the arts and culture

 

40. Which of the following best describes Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy?

A) A warrior queen
B) A religious reformer
C) A visionary ruler
D) A diplomatic genius

Ans: C) A visionary ruler

 

41. Ahilyabai Holkar's administration was known for its:

A) Strict military discipline
B) Fair and just rule
C) Expansionist policies
D) Focus on international trade

Ans: B) Fair and just rule

 

42. What role did Ahilyabai Holkar play in the development of Indore?

A) She founded the city
B) She modernized and expanded it
C) She played no significant role
D) She moved the capital there

Ans: B) She modernized and expanded it

 

43. Ahilyabai Holkar was a contemporary of which British colonial figure?

A) Robert Clive
B) Warren Hastings
C) Lord Dalhousie
D) Lord Cornwallis

Ans: B) Warren Hastings

 

44. How did Ahilyabai Holkar contribute to the welfare of pilgrims?

A) By providing free meals
B) By building dharamshalas (rest houses)
C) By organizing annual pilgrimages
D) By offering financial assistance

Ans: B) By building dharamshalas (rest houses)

 

45. Ahilyabai Holkar's rule is often cited as a golden era in the history of:

A) Women's empowerment in India
B) The Maratha Confederacy
C) Indian architecture
D) Religious harmony

Ans: B) The Maratha Confederacy

 

46. What was Ahilyabai Holkar's approach to religious practices and institutions?

A) She supported only Hinduism
B) She was intolerant of other religions
C) She advocated for religious pluralism
D) She was indifferent to religious matters

Ans: C) She advocated for religious pluralism

 

47. Which of these rivers was closely associated with Ahilyabai Holkar's reign?

A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Narmada
D) Godavari

Ans: C) Narmada

 

48. Ahilyabai Holkar is celebrated for her rule's emphasis on:

A) Expansionist warfare
B) Maritime trade
C) Social justice and infrastructure
D) Espionage and intelligence

Ans: C) Social justice and infrastructure

 

49. What was a notable feature of Ahilyabai Holkar's military policy?

A) Aggressive expansionism
B) Defensive strategies
C) Maintenance of a large standing army
D) Reliance on mercenaries

Ans: B) Defensive strategies

 

50. Ahilyabai Holkar's reign is especially remembered for:

A) Battles against the British
B) Diplomatic alliances with neighboring states
C) Patronage of art and architecture
D) Reforms in agriculture and trade

Ans: C) Patronage of art and architecture

 

51. In which area did Ahilyabai Holkar make significant contributions?

A) Science and technology
B) Maritime exploration
C) Literature and poetry
D) Public works and philanthropy

Ans: D) Public works and philanthropy

 

52. How did Ahilyabai Holkar's rule impact the status of women in her region?

A) It had little to no impact
B) It led to increased restrictions
C) It provided a role model for women's leadership
D) It focused on women's education

Ans: C) It provided a role model for women's leadership

 

53. What was the status of the Holkar dynasty in the Maratha Confederacy during Ahilyabai Holkar's reign?

A) It was the leading power
B) It was a minor principality
C) It was in decline
D) It was at its zenith

Ans: D) It was at its zenith

 

54. Ahilyabai Holkar is best remembered for her:

A) Military victories
B) Administrative reforms
C) Diplomatic skills
D) Philanthropic work

Ans: D) Philanthropic work

 

55. Which characteristic is most associated with Ahilyabai Holkar's governance?

A) Autocratic rule
B) Patronage of arts
C) Religious zeal
D) Welfare-oriented policies

Ans: D) Welfare-oriented policies

 

56. Ahilyabai Holkar's capital, Maheshwar, is located on the banks of which river?

A) Yamuna
B) Krishna
C) Narmada
D) Kaveri

Ans: C) Narmada

 

57. What was Ahilyabai Holkar's approach to different religions and sects?

A) She favored Hinduism exclusively
B) She was a strict adherent of her own sect
C) She respected and supported all religions
D) She was known for religious persecution

Ans: C) She respected and supported all religions

 

58. Which of the following was a hallmark of Ahilyabai Holkar's rule?

A) Emphasis on cultural and educational development
B) Extensive territorial conquests
C) Establishment of a centralized autocracy
D) Expansion of maritime trade

Ans: A) Emphasis on cultural and educational development

 

59. Ahilyabai Holkar's reign was notable for its:

A) Strong military alliances
B) Peace and prosperity
C) Internal conflicts and rebellions
D) Foreign invasions and wars

Ans: B) Peace and prosperity

 

60. How did Ahilyabai Holkar contribute to religious and cultural sites?

A) By constructing and renovating temples
B) Through establishing religious festivals
C) By writing religious texts
D) By promoting religious conversions

Ans: A) By constructing and renovating temples

 

61. What significant contribution did Ahilyabai Holkar make to the Somnath Temple?

A) She commissioned its original construction
B) She donated gold for the temple's dome
C) She rebuilt the temple
D) She performed annual rituals there

Ans: C) She rebuilt the temple

 

62. Why was Ahilyabai Holkar's rebuilding of the Somnath Temple significant?

A) It marked the temple's first construction
B) The temple was a symbol of Maratha power
C) It was a key site of pilgrimage
D) The temple had been destroyed multiple times in history

Ans: D) The temple had been destroyed multiple times in history

 

63. In which state is the Somnath Temple, rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar, located?

A) Maharashtra
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat

Ans: D) Gujarat

 

64. When did Ahilyabai Holkar undertake the rebuilding of the Somnath Temple?

A) Early 18th century
B) Mid-18th century
C) Late 18th century
D) Early 19th century

Ans: C) Late 18th century

 

65. Ahilyabai Holkar's reconstruction of the Somnath Temple reflected her commitment to:

A) Promoting tourism
B) Preserving Hindu religious heritage
C) Expanding her kingdom
D) Establishing political alliances

Ans: B) Preserving Hindu religious heritage

 

66. The reconstruction of the Somnath Temple by Ahilyabai Holkar can be seen as a part of her wider efforts in:

A) Educational reforms
B) Military campaigns
C) Temple restoration across India
D) Developing trade routes

Ans: C) Temple restoration across India

 

67. What was the condition of the Somnath Temple before Ahilyabai Holkar's reconstruction efforts?

A) It was in ruins
B) It was under foreign occupation
C) It was a functioning temple
D) It was being used as a fort

Ans: A) It was in ruins

 

68. Ahilyabai Holkar's initiative to rebuild the Somnath Temple demonstrated her:

A) Desire for political dominance
B) Devotion to Lord Shiva
C) Interest in architecture
D) Commitment to religious tolerance

Ans: B) Devotion to Lord Shiva

 

69. The rebuilding of the Somnath Temple by Ahilyabai Holkar is an example of her:

A) Administrative capabilities
B) Religious piety and patronage
C) Architectural innovation
D) Diplomatic strategy

Ans: B) Religious piety and patronage

 

70. What impact did Ahilyabai Holkar's rebuilding of the Somnath Temple have on the local community?

A) It led to economic decline
B) It caused religious conflict
C) It boosted pilgrimage and local economy
D) It had no significant impact

Ans: C) It boosted pilgrimage and local economy

 

71. What was Ahilyabai Holkar's notable contribution to the city of Dwarka?

A) Building a palace
B) Establishing a university
C) Renovating and constructing temples
D) Setting up a trade port

Ans: C) Renovating and constructing temples

 

72. Ahilyabai Holkar's administration was marked by:

A) High taxation policies
B) Corrupt practices
C) Efficient and fair governance
D) Militaristic focus

Ans: C) Efficient and fair governance

 

73. How did Ahilyabai Holkar contribute to the welfare of her people during famines?

A) By importing food grains
B) By reducing taxes and providing relief
C) By seeking foreign aid
D) By redistributing royal wealth

Ans: B) By reducing taxes and providing relief

 

74. Ahilyabai Holkar was known for her patronage of:

A) Literature and arts
B) Sports and games
C) Military innovations
D) Foreign trade

Ans: A) Literature and arts

 

75. Ahilyabai Holkar's reign was distinct due to her:

A) Expansionist wars
B) Diplomatic ties with European countries
C) Philanthropic and religious works
D) Industrialization efforts

Ans: C) Philanthropic and religious works

 

76. Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for rebuilding which famous temple?

A) Somnath Temple
B) Meenakshi Temple
C) Jagannath Temple
D) Golden Temple

Ans: A) Somnath Temple

 

77. Under Ahilyabai Holkar's rule, the kingdom of Malwa was known for its:

A) Naval power
B) Prosperity and peace
C) Extensive trade network
D) Strong military

Ans: B) Prosperity and peace

 

78. How did Ahilyabai Holkar's reign impact the status of women in her kingdom?

A) It led to significant advancements in women's rights
B) It had no notable impact on women's status
C) It restricted women's roles in society
D) It emphasized traditional roles for women

Ans: A) It led to significant advancements in women's rights

 

79. Ahilyabai Holkar was particularly known for her dedication to:

A) Economic reforms
B) Educational advancement
C) Spiritual and religious matters
D) Military campaigns

Ans: C) Spiritual and religious matters

 

80. What was a key feature of the legal system under Ahilyabai Holkar's rule?

A) It was based on British legal principles
B) It was highly punitive and strict
C) It was known for its fairness and justice
D) It favored the aristocracy

Ans: C) It was known for its fairness and justice

 

81. Ahilyabai Holkar's administration was characterized by:

A) Centralized autocratic rule
B) Decentralized democratic governance
C) Paternalistic and benevolent administration
D) Military dictatorship

Ans: C) Paternalistic and benevolent administration

 

82. How did Ahilyabai Holkar promote trade in her kingdom?

A) By establishing free trade zones
B) Through naval expeditions
C) By building roads and improving infrastructure
D) By imposing high tariffs on imports

Ans: C) By building roads and improving infrastructure

 

83. What was the primary focus of Ahilyabai Holkar's foreign policy?

A) Aggressive territorial expansion
B) Forming alliances with European powers
C) Maintaining peace and avoiding conflict
D) Export-driven economic growth

Ans: C) Maintaining peace and avoiding conflict

 

84. Ahilyabai Holkar is often celebrated for her role as a:

A) Warrior queen
B) Diplomatic envoy
C) Patron of arts and culture
D) Reformist ruler

Ans: C) Patron of arts and culture

 

85. What legacy did Ahilyabai Holkar leave in terms of social welfare?

A) Establishing hospitals and schools
B) Promoting women's education
C) Implementing social reforms
D) All of the above

Ans: D) All of the above

 

86. Ahilyabai Holkar's rule in Malwa is often regarded as:

A) A period of decline
B) An era of cultural renaissance
C) A time of constant warfare
D) A phase of economic stagnation

Ans: B) An era of cultural renaissance

 

87. What was Ahilyabai Holkar's approach to justice and law?

A) She was known for harsh and quick justice
B) She often disregarded legal proceedings
C) She emphasized fair and equitable justice
D) She outsourced judicial responsibilities

Ans: C) She emphasized fair and equitable justice

 

88. How did Ahilyabai Holkar contribute to the city of Varanasi?

A) By establishing educational institutions
B) Through the construction and restoration of temples
C) By setting up trade guilds
D) Through military fortification

Ans: B) Through the construction and restoration of temples

 

89. What was the condition of the Holkar treasury at the time of Ahilyabai Holkar's death?

A) Empty due to military campaigns
B) In debt
C) Surplus and well-managed
D) Looted by invaders

Ans: C) Surplus and well-managed

 

90. Ahilyabai Holkar is often hailed as a symbol of:

A) Female empowerment in Indian history
B) Maratha military might
C) Economic reforms in the 18th century
D) Diplomatic relations with the British

Ans: A) Female empowerment in Indian history