RAS question
Which ruler of Mewar built the famous Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) at Chittorgarh?
Correct answer: (D) Rana Kumbha.
Rana Kumbha built the Vijay Stambha, the Tower of Victory, at Chittorgarh.
Explanation
Rana Kumbha, also referred to as Maharana Kumbha, is the ruler associated with the famous Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh. His reign is placed in 1433-1468, and he built the 37-metre, nine-storied tower in 1448 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa in the Battle of Sarangpur. Rajasthan Tourism says Vijay Stambh, the Tower of Victory, was built by Maharana Kumbha between 1440 AD and 1448 AD to immortalise his triumph over the rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. That makes Rana Kumbha the only option tied directly to the monument's construction and commemorative purpose.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Rana Sanga ruled later, from 1508 to 1528, so he does not fit a tower dated to Rana Kumbha's fifteenth-century reign.
- (B) Rana Hammir belongs to the fourteenth century, whereas Vijay Stambha's construction is placed under Rana Kumbha between 1440 and 1448.
- (C) Maharana Pratap is not the builder because he never controlled Chittorgarh, while the tower is specifically attributed to Rana Kumbha.
Concept
This tests the RAS link between Mewar rulers, Chittorgarh monuments and commemorative architecture. It recurs because Rajasthan history questions often connect a ruler, a site and the political victory remembered through that monument.