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⚔️ Medieval History Chapter 4: Chero & Ujjainiya Dynasties (चेरो वंश एवं उज्जैनिया वंश)

Module 2: Chero Monarchy, Rulers & Conflict with Muslim Powers

📖 Chapter 4 of 6 🧩 Module 2 of 6 ⏱️ ~2 min read 💡 10 MCQs
Topic Part 1 of 2

Concept

Subtopic 2.1: King Phoolchand, Jagdishpur Fair & Multi-Century Wars

The Chero kingdom maintained a formidable military presence, enduring prolonged military engagements with imperial dynasties:

  • King Phoolchand & Jagdishpur Fair: Chero King Phoolchand (फूलचन्द) was a renowned sovereign who founded the historic Jagdishpur Fair (जगदीशपुर का मेला) in Bhojpur, which developed into a major socio-cultural tradition.
  • Military Conflicts with Muslim Dynasties: The Chero state engaged in prolonged, bitter military struggles with three major Islamic imperial dynasties:
    • Tughlaqs (तुगलक)
    • Surs / Afghan Sur Dynasty (सूर वंश)
    • Mughals (मुगल वंश)
  • Sher Shah Suri and Maharath Chero: During his early struggles against the Mughal Emperor Humayun, Sher Shah Suri obtained critical military support and alliance from the Chero rulers. However, when the powerful chieftain Maharath Chero raided Afghan supply lines, Sher Shah dispatched his chief general Khawas Khan in 1538 CE, who defeated Maharath Chero and captured his prized white war-elephant, Shyam Sundar.
  • The Golden Age under Medini Rai: Following their displacement from the Shahabad plains, the Cheros made Palamu their stronghold. Under King Medini Rai (1658–1674 CE), known as Medini the Just, the Chero kingdom reached its political and economic zenith.
⭐ Key Points
  • Chero King Phoolchand initiated the celebrated Jagdishpur Fair in Bhojpur.
  • The Cheros engaged in military conflicts with the Tughlaq, Sur, and Mughal dynasties.
  • Sher Shah Suri sought and received assistance from Chero rulers in his struggle against the Mughals.
  • Sher Shah's general Khawas Khan defeated Maharath Chero and captured the elephant Shyam Sundar.
  • King Medini Rai was the greatest Chero monarch in the Palamu phase.
📌 One-line Q&A
  • Question: Which Chero king started the Jagdishpur Fair? Answer: Phoolchand.
  • Question: With which Muslim dynasties did the Chero kingdom clash? Answer: Tughlaq, Sur, and Mughal dynasties.
  • Question: From whom did Sher Shah receive help in his early struggle against the Mughals? Answer: Chero rulers.
  • Question: Who was the Chero chieftain defeated by Sher Shah's commander Khawas Khan? Answer: Maharath Chero.
Topic
Questions

MCQs

Answer this question, then use Next.

Question 1: Which Chero king started the famous Jagdishpur Fair?

King Phoolchand of the Chero dynasty founded the popular Jagdishpur Fair in Bhojpur.

Question 2: With which of the following Muslim dynasties did the Chero state have military conflicts? I. Tughlaq II. Lodi III. Nuhani IV. Sur V. Mughal

The Cheros fought extensive wars against the Tughlaqs (I), the Surs (IV), and the Mughals (V).

Question 3: From whom did Sher Shah Suri receive vital support during his early struggle against the Mughals?

Sher Shah secured assistance from local Chero rulers during his confrontation with Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Question 4: Which general was dispatched by Sher Shah Suri in 1538 CE to subdue Maharath Chero?

Khawas Khan invaded Chero territory, subdued Maharath Chero, and seized his famous war-elephant.

Question 5: What was the name of the celebrated white war-elephant captured by Sher Shah from Maharath Chero?

The white elephant captured from Maharath Chero was named Shyam Sundar, famed for never throwing dust on its head.

Question 6: Which Chero king of Palamu was revered as 'Medini the Just'?

Medini Rai was celebrated for his benevolent rule, during which it was said no household lacked grain.

Question 7: The imposing ruins of the 'Old Fort' and 'New Fort' of Palamu were constructed by:

The twin forts of Palamu (Purana Qila and Naya Qila) were erected by Chero rulers Pratap Rai and Medini Rai.

Question 8: During the Mughal period, which governor of Bihar led an expedition into Palamu to extract tribute from the Cheros?

Raja Man Singh (under Akbar), Shaista Khan (under Shah Jahan), and Daud Khan (under Aurangzeb) all invaded Chero lands.

Question 9: What famous gateway stone was brought from the Chero fort of Palamu by Daud Khan and installed in his fort at Daudnagar?

The celebrated Nagpuri Gate, carved with intricate stonework, was carried away from Palamu to Daudnagar.

Question 10: In which river basin was the secondary capital and power hub of the Cheros relocated after their displacement from Shahabad?

The Cheros relocated along the North Koel River in the forests of Palamu after losing the Shahabad plains.
Question 1 of 10

One-liners

Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.

Which Chero king started the Jagdishpur Fair?

Phoolchand.

With which Muslim dynasties did the Chero kingdom clash?

Tughlaq, Sur, and Mughal dynasties.

From whom did Sher Shah receive help in his early struggle against the Mughals?

Chero rulers.

Who was the Chero chieftain defeated by Sher Shah's commander Khawas Khan?

Maharath Chero.
Question 1 of 4