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. Who wrote the Mahzarnama, or Infallibility Decree, issued by Akbar in 1579 A.D. to assert his authority in religious matters?
[A] Birbal
[B] Faizi
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Tansen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Faizi]
Notes:
Faizi, the elder brother of Akbar’s famous courtier Abul Fazl, wrote the Mahzarnama in 1579 A.D. This decree was a significant step by Akbar towards establishing his absolute control over religious matters, thereby curbing the dominance of Ulema – the leading Islamic scholars. It augmented Akbar’s secular policies and contributed to the syncretic culture during his reign.
2. Who among the following poets used to write the Urdu Ghazals with the pen name “Asad”?
[A] Mir Taqi Mir
[B] Dushyant
[C] Mirza Ghalib
[D] Amir Khusrow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mirza Ghalib]
Notes:
His original name was “Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan. Most of us know that “Ghalib” was his pen name. But before Ghalib, he wrote with a pen name “Asad“: which means a Lion. He was honored with title of Dabeer-ul-Mulk by Bahadur Shah Zafar II. When another title Mirza Nosha was given to him, he came to be known as Mirza Ghalib.
3. Who invaded India in 1398 AD during the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud of Tughlaq Dynasty?
[A] Chegiz khan
[B] Khijr Khan
[C] Timur
[D] Babur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Timur]
Notes:
Timur invaded India in 1398 AD during the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud of Tughlq Dynasty. He carried away with him a large booty from Delhi and the surrounding area. Soon after the invasion, the Tughlaq dynasty came to an end.
4. What was the purpose of the creation of “Diwan-i-Riyasat” by Alauddin Khilji?
[A] Revenue Collection
[B] Civil Court Operations
[C] Tax Control
[D] Market Control
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Market Control]
Notes:
Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi from the Khilji dynasty (1296-1316), was known for his significant market reforms. He established the “Diwan-i-Riyasat” and “Shahna-i-mandi” to strengthen market control. Additionally, he fortified the espionage system to monitor these economic changes. His measures were aimed at regulating the markets to inhibit hoarding and foster economic stability.
5. Which among the following was prevalent in the Indian Society before the Muslim conquest?
[A] Purdah System
[B] Child Marriage
[C] Sati System
[D] Slavery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Slavery]
Notes:
Comparing to the other options, some sort of slavery was prevalent before Muslim conquests. The Purdah was a gift of Muslim invasions, and same applies to Child marries which came into practice to avoid the new danger of lifting Hindu girls by Muslims as an holy act of Jihad, Sati & Jauhar also got established as the wives of the invaded used to kill themselves before their husbands went on the last battle.
Slavery became more prevalent because it was a fashion and a status symbol among the Muslims at that time. As we read Aladdin had 84000 slaves and Firuz Tughlaq had 2 lakhs, all of them were maintained at the state cost.
6. The area around which among the following modern cities of India, a Hindu Silhara dynasty ruled from 9th to 13th century AD?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Notes:
Silhara dynasty ruled the region around present-day Mumbai between 9th and 13th century. They were vassals of Rastrakutas. Kapardin is considered to be the founder of this dynasty and the princes of this dynasty held the title Tagara-puradhishvara. Tagara was an ancient place near Osmanabad.
7. Who among the following painters was sent to Persia by Mughal emperor Jahangir to draw portraits of Shah Abbas for Mughal Album ?
[A] Bishandas
[B] Ustad Mansur
[C] Govardhan
[D] Nainsukh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bishandas]
Notes:
In 1613 AD, Bishandas was sent on a diplomatic mission to Persia by Mughal emperor Jahangir, to paint the Shah Abbas’s portrait for Mughal Album.
8. Who among the following abolished Chalisa or Chehalgani ?
[A] Rajia
[B] Balban
[C] Masud Shah
[D] Nasiruddin Mahmud
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Balban]
Notes:
Due to growing influence of Turkan-i-Chahalgani or Chalisa (a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles) in the administartion, Balban abolished Turkan-i-Chahalgani when he came in power in 1266 AD.
9. Who among the following Sultans of Delhi Sultanate is credited with building the most extensive network of canals in India?
[A] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[B] Feroz Shah Tughlaq
[C] Mohammad-bin Tughlaq
[D] Muhammad Shah Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Feroz Shah Tughlaq]
Notes:
The reign of Feroz Shah Tughlaq marked impressive advancements in irrigation systems, where he built and repaired canals, aiming to improve agricultural productivity.
10. Who was the founder of Sayyid dynasty?
[A] Khizr Khan
[B] Ala ud din shah
[C] Muhammad Shah
[D] Mubarak Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Khizr Khan]
Notes:
After the invasion of Timur and the fall of the Tughlaq dynasty, Khizr Khan founded the Sayyid dynasty and ruled from 1414- 1421 AD. Due to fear of Amir Timur, he did not take up any royal title and postulated himself with the titles of Rayat-i-Ala (Sublime Banners) and Masnad-i-Aali or (Most High Post). During his reign, coins were struck in the name of Amir Timur. In the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Khizr Khan was the governor of Multan.
