Uttarakhand PCS Prelims 2021

Female Monarchs in Indian History

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following dynasty is associated with the female king Rudrma Devi?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Rudrama Devi (r. 1262–1289) was one of the few women to rule a major Indian kingdom as a 'King'. She was formally designated as a male heir by her father, Ganapati Deva.

Explanation She belonged to the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal. The Venetian traveler Marco Polo, who visited her kingdom, left a glowing account of her administrative efficiency and the prosperity of her realm.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct. She defended her kingdom against the Pandyas and Yadavas and completed the fortification of the Warangal Fort.
Logic 2: She encouraged the rise of the 'Nayakas' (warrior-officers), a system that became the basis for later South Indian military organization.

Active Recall

Question

How did Rudrama Devi legitimize her rule?

Answer

She adopted the male name 'Rudradeva Maharaja' and wore male attire to signify her sovereign authority to the conservative nobility.

Core Insight

Rudrama Devi's reign proves that medieval South Indian political systems were flexible enough to accept female leadership if it ensured stability and defense.