Medieval Indian History MCQs
Multiple choice questions on Medieval Indian History for General Studies and GK preparation of SSC, NDA, CDS, UPSC, UPPSC and State PSC Examinations.
1. During the time period of Mughal Emperors, who was designated as the ultimate authority in justice?
[A] Qazi-ul-Quzat
[B] Qazi-ul-Hazat
[C] Qazi-Faiz-ul-Islam
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Qazi-ul-Quzat]
Notes:
The position of Qazi-ul-Quzat was significant during the Mughal era as they were regarded as the supreme authority in justice. Managing justice in all cases was challenging for the emperor hence, was delegated to Qazi-ul-Quzat. They were entrusted with upholding justice in accordance to Muslim Law. The position of Qazi-ul-Quzat is equivalent to the modern Chief Judge in contemporary legal systems.
2. Nadir Shah attacked India, at the time of which among the following later Mughals?
[A] Jahandar Shah
[B] Shah Alam
[C] Akbar II
[D] Muhammad Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Muhammad Shah]
Notes:
Muhammad Shah was able to keep the throne for around 29 years partially because the first thing he did was to eliminate the Sayyid Brothers. During his time Nadir Shah attacked and looted Delhi and took the Peacock Throne with himself. The invasion of Nadir Shah fastened the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. During his time, the states of Hyderabad, Bengal, Awadh were established as independent Kingdoms.
3. Who among the following laid the foundation of Shalimar & Nishaat Garden in Kashmir?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Nur Jahan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jahangir]
Notes:
Jahangir was the founder of Shalimar & Nishaat Garden in Kashmir. It was opened in 1619 A.D. Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal garden built on the eastern side of the Dal Lake, close to Srinagar in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
4. Who is the author of the renowned composition, Ananga?
[A] Kabir
[B] Gyaneshwar
[C] Tukaram
[D] Raidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gyaneshwar]
Notes:
Ananga, one of the most famous works in Marathi literature, was composed by Saint Gyaneshwar. He was a significant figure in the Bhakti movement and made significant contributions to the Warkari sect. Gyaneshwar also translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, making it accessible to the common people. His other works include Amritanubhava and Haripatha.
5. Who among the following changed the name of Tanna Mishra to Tansen?
[A] Akbar
[B] Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior
[C] Raja Mansingh Tomar
[D] Swami Haridas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior]
Notes:
The Tomaras of Gwalior (also called Tomar in modern vernaculars because of schwa deletion) were a dynasty who ruled the Gwalior Fort and its surrounding region during 14th-16th centuries. They are known for their patronage to the cultural activities in Gwalior. Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior changed the name of Tanna Mishra to Tansen.
6. The ‘Ashta Diggajas’ adorned in the court of which ruler of South India?
[A] Srikrishna Devraya
[B] Harihara Raya I
[C] Bukka Raya I
[D] Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Srikrishna Devraya ]
Notes:
In the court of an emperor Sri Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529 AD), a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, the group of eight Telugu poets (also known as Ashtadiggajas) were regarded as the eight pillars of his literary assembly.
The Ashta Diggajas were Allasani Peddana, Nandi Thimmana, Madayyagari Mallana, Dhurjati, Ayyalaraju Ramambhadrudu, Pingali Surana, Ramarajabhushanudu, and Tenali Ramakrishnudu. In his reign, Telugu literature and culture reached its zenith
7. In context of Maratha Land revenue system, Chauth was collected on how much of the land revenue?
[A] 1/3
[B] 1/4
[C] 1/5
[D] 1/6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1/4]
Notes:
In context of Maratha Land revenue system, Chauth was 1/4th i.e 25% of the land revenue was paid to the Marathas. It was collected from those territories which were not under direct control of Marathas.
8. In the Maratha Land revenue system, what was the unit of measurement of land?
[A] Jarib
[B] Kathi
[C] Bigha
[D] Acre
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kathi]
Notes:
In the Maratha Land revenue system, assessment of land revenue was based on measurement. The Kathi of Malik Ambar was adopted as the unit of measurement. The length of this kathi was five cubits and five closed fists and was later called Shivkathi. (Malik Ambar was the regent of the Nizamshahi dynasty of Ahmednagar from 1607 to 1626 and pioneer in guerilla warfare). Other common land measurement units in West India states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa include Bigha, Biswa, and Biswansi.
9. Whom among the following Rana of Mewar submitted to Jahangir ?
[A] Rana Pratap Singh
[B] Rana Amar Singh
[C] Rana Karan Singh
[D] Rana Uday Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rana Amar Singh]
Notes:
Maharana Amar Singh of Mewar fought many battles with Jahangir. Due to depletion in financial and manpower of Mewar, he signed a treaty with Jahangir in 1615 AD. The treaty between Rana Amar Singh and Jahangir stands on a different platform. In it , it was agreed that the Ruler of Mewar will not be bound to present himself in person at the Mughal court and will not forced to enter into a matrimonial alliance with the Mughals. Owing to generous nature, Jahangir gave back the territories around Chittor along with the Chittorgarh Fort to Mewar in 1616 AD. Maharana Amar Singh was the eldest son of Maharana Pratap, ruled Mewar from 1597 AD to 1620 AD.
10. Who among the following Mughal rulers banned singing and dancing in court ?
[A] Babur
[B] Akbar
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Bahadur Shah Jafar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb banned singing and dancing in the royal court but not the playing of musical instruments. He himself was expert in playing rudra Veena. Many books on classical Indian music were written in Persian during his reign.