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. Which among the following is the correct meaning of a word “Manigramam” used in medieval India?
[A] Association of Villages
[B] Complex of various markets
[C] Association of Merchants
[D] Unit of administration in a small village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Association of Merchants]
Notes:
Manigramam guild was a localized merchant body which first appeared along the Kerala coast in the ninth century A.D. According to Herman Gundert, Manigramam people were descendants of Syrian Christian merchants who were converted to Saivism by Tamil Saivite poet Manikkavasagar. They gradually flourished in Tamil Nadu in the Pallava and Chola periods and then became supra-regional in character by being active in South-east Asia.
2. The famous “Treaty of Purandhar” was signed between Shivaji and which among the following in 1665?
[A] Jaswant Singh
[B] Jai Singh
[C] Shaista Khan
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jai Singh]
Notes:
The treaty of Purandhar was signed on Jun 11th 1665 between Rajput ruler Jai Singh-I who was the commander of Mughal army and Maratha ruler Shivaji.
3. Which among the following travelers has recorded his experiences in “Kitab-i-Rehla” ?
[A] Amir Khusro
[B] Ibn Battuta
[C] Malik Murtaza
[D] Al-Bayhaqi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ibn Battuta]
Notes:
Ibn batutta was an Arab traveler and adventure frm Morocoo. His book is a primary source of history of the region of Muhmmad bin Tughluq it throws ligh on the socio-political condition of his times.
4. Who among the following led a campaign against Warangal in 1309?
[A] Ala-ud-din Khilji
[B] Malik Kafur
[C] Bakhtiar Khilji,
[D] Mohmmad bin Tuglaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malik Kafur]
Notes:
In 1308, Malik Kafur had defeated the Yadavas, the neighbours of the Kakatiyas, and the Yadava king Ramachandra had become a vassal of Alauddin. According to the Delhi courtier Amir Khusrau, Alauddin ordered Malik Kafur to invade the Kakatiya kingdom on 31 October 1309.
5. Who among the following was defeated by Mohammed Ghori in battle of Chandawar?
[A] Prthviraj Chauhan
[B] Mularaja
[C] Jaichandra
[D] Jaypala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jaichandra]
Notes:
Jaichandra was defeated by Mohammed Ghori in the battle of Chandawar in 1193-94. It took place at Chandawar (modern Chandawal near Ferozabad), on the Yamuna River close to Agra.
6. “Rihla” was a work of which of the following?
[A] Mir Hasan Dehlvi
[B] Ibn Battuta
[C] Malik Murtaza
[D] Muhammad al-Idrisi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ibn Battuta]
Notes:
Rihla was written by Ibn Battuta. The book is also known as The Travels. It’s a travelogue that documents Battuta’s 29-year journey across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Battuta traveled over 120,000 kilometers, visiting countries including Morocco, Egypt, India, China, and Mali. The book’s formal title is A Masterpiece to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Traveling. It provides insights into the cultures, societies, and historical events of the places Battuta visited. The book also includes his interactions with rulers, scholars, and ordinary people. Battuta’s travels lasted from 1304 to 1369. He returned home to Tangier in 1349. The book is an important historical document that offers a unique perspective on the medieval world.
7. 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.
8. Which among the following Mughal emperors prohibited the use of tobacco?
[A] Aurangzeb
[B] Jahnagir
[C] Akbar
[D] Babur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jahnagir]
Notes:
Jahangir prohibited the use of tobacco in 1617. Jahangir was the fourth Mughal emperor, holding the throne from 1605-1627.
9. In the reign of Allauddin Khilji, what does the ‘Ghari’ term denote?
[A] House Tax
[B] Irazing Tax
[C] Grain Tax
[D] Headmen cess
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [House Tax]
Notes:
In the reign of Allauddin Khilji, the taxes viz. Ghari ( House tax) and Charai (Irazing tax) levied on public.
10. 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.
