Here’s a comprehensive set of UPSC Mains map-based questions on the Chedi Dynasty,
covering every aspect with a holistic approach:
1. Political & Administrative Aspects
1. On an outline map of India, mark and label the Chedi kingdom’s territorial extent
during different periods.
2. Identify the capital cities of the Chedis:
o Shuktimati (Suktimati, modern-day Chhattisgarh/Madhya Pradesh) – Ancient
capital
o Tripuri (Present-day Tewar, Madhya Pradesh) – Capital of the Later Chedis under
the Kalachuris
3. Locate the major neighboring kingdoms of the Chedis in different periods:
o Mahajanapada era – Surrounded by Kashi, Kosala, Magadha, and Avanti
o Later Chedis (Kalachuris of Tripuri) – Conflict with Chalukyas, Paramaras, and
Rashtrakutas
4. Mark the important regions influenced by the Chedis in their expansion.
5. Identify the provinces and administrative divisions under the Chedi rulers.
2. Military & Strategic Aspects
6. Identify the battlegrounds of major conflicts, such as:
o Wars with Mahajanapadas (Magadha, Kashi)
o Battles against Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas (under Kalachuris)
7. Locate the forts and military outposts used for defense and expansion.
8. Mark the routes taken by Chedi armies in their conflicts with neighboring powers.
3. Economic & Trade Aspects
9. Mark the important trade centers under the Chedis, such as:
o Tripuri – Major economic hub
o Coastal trade centers (later Kalachuris had connections to Deccan trade routes)
10. Identify the trade routes connecting the Chedi kingdom with North India, Deccan,
and Eastern India.
11. Locate the regions producing key economic resources, such as:
o Iron and copper mining areas in central India
o Agricultural regions in the fertile plains of the Narmada basin
4. Social & Cultural Aspects
12. Identify the important centers of learning and culture associated with the Chedis.
13. Mark the regions where inscriptions and coins of the Chedis have been found.
14. Locate the places associated with Chedi rulers mentioned in epics like
Mahabharata (e.g., King Shishupala's rule).
5. Religious & Philosophical Aspects
15. Identify the major temples and religious centers patronized by the Chedis:
o Kalachuris of Tripuri’s Shiva temples
o Buddhist and Jain sites under Chedi rule
16. Mark the regions influenced by Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Buddhism under
Chedi rule.
17. Identify the locations where Ashokan edicts mention Chedi territory.
6. Architectural & Artistic Aspects
18. Mark the locations of key Chedi-era temples and monuments, such as:
o Shiva temples at Tripuri
o Temples of the Kalachuri period in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
19. Identify the regions where Chedi-style architecture evolved and influenced later
dynasties.
20. Locate the sites where Chedi-era inscriptions and sculptures have been
discovered.
7. Decline & Successor States
21. Identify the regions where the Chedi dynasty declined due to invasions and internal
conflicts.
22. Mark the territories taken over by successor states, such as:
o Paramaras of Malwa
o Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas in the Deccan
23. Locate the areas where Kalachuris of Tripuri emerged as a dominant force after
the Chedis.
8. Comparative & Analytical Aspects
24. Compare the Chedi dynasty with other Mahajanapadas by marking their respective
territories.
25. Identify the trade zones controlled by the Chedis and their role in ancient Indian
commerce.
26. Mark the regions where the Chedi influence continued into later medieval Indian
politics.
Conclusion
This map-based questionnaire ensures in-depth coverage of the Chedi Dynasty,
integrating political, military, economic, social, cultural, religious, and administrative
perspectives.
Would you like printable maps for practice with these questions?
