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. What was the real name of Afzal Khan, commander of the Adil Shahi dynasty?
[A] Samsuddin
[B] Sabar
[C] Abdullah Bhatari
[D] Muhammad Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Abdullah Bhatari]
Notes:
Afzal Khan was a general of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur Sultanate. His real name was Abdullah Bhatari. He led military campaigns in former Vijayanagara territories, capturing forts such as Sira and Belur. In 1659, he was sent to fight Shivaji but died during a truce meeting at Pratapgad on November 10 or 20, followed by his army’s defeat.
2. The irrigation tax was charged on the farmers for the first time by which among the following Sultans?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[C] Mohammad Tughlaq
[D] Firoz Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Firoz Tughlaq]
Notes:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ascended Delhi’s throne on March 23, 1351, introduced four taxes based on Islamic law: kharaj (land tax), khams (one-fifth of spoils of war), jizya (tax on non-Muslims), and zakat (2% on property). The kharaj, or land tax, was the precursor to the first irrigation tax, equalling one tenth of the land produce. This first irrigation tax marked a significant shift in the economic policy of the Sultanate and had a lasting impact on Indian agriculture.
3. What was the capital of the Bahamani Sultanate?
[A] Gulbarga
[B] Halebidu
[C] Hampi
[D] Badami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gulbarga]
Notes:
Gulbarga was the capital of the Bahamani Sultanate from 1347 to 1425.
Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (also known as Hasan Gangu or Zafar Khan) founded the sultanate in 1347 after rebelling against the Delhi Sultanate and established its headquarters at Aḥsanābād (Gulbarga).
In 1425, Ahmad Shah I shifted the capital to Bidar (Muḥammadābād).
Halebidu, Hampi, and Badami were capitals of Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Chalukya dynasties, respectively.
4. The temples of Halebid and Belur were built by which among the following dynasties?
[A] Kalabhras
[B] Hoyasalas
[C] Rastrakutas
[D] Kadambas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hoyasalas]
Notes:
Belur and Halebidu are the temples of the Hoysala dynasty. The temples give a glimpse of Hindu temple art at its glorious best of the 16th century. They are famous for their carvings and splendid architecture.
5. After the death of Aurangzeb , which of the following Mughals abolished jazia tax for the first time?
[A] Jahandar Shah
[B] Rafi Ul Darjat
[C] Mohammad Shah Rangila
[D] Farrukhsiyar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jahandar Shah]
Notes:
Jizya was abolished by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 16th century but was re-introduced by Aurangzeb in 17th century. After the death of Aurangzeb Jahandar Shah abolished Jazia tax.
6. Which among the following Mughal emperor had prohibited smoking and use of tobacco in 1617 AD?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahanagir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jahanagir]
Notes:
Jahangir is the Mughal emperor who prohibited smoking and use of tobacco in 1617 AD. Jahangir ruled from 1605 to 1627.
7. During the reign of which among the following rulers, Malik Muhammad Jayasi completed his epic work Padmavat?
[A] Shershah
[B] Akbar
[C] Jahangir
[D] Shahjahan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shershah]
Notes:
Malik Muhammad Jayasi completed his work Padmavat during Sher Shah’s reign.
8. In context with the Ashta Pradhan, that helped with the administration of the Maratha empire of Shivaji, who among the following was in charge of General Administration?
[A] Moro Trimbak Pingale
[B] Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar
[C] Annaji Datto
[D] Dattaji Trimbak Waknis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Moro Trimbak Pingale]
Notes:
Ashta Pradhan of Shivaji:
1. Pantpradhan(Moro Trimbak Pingale) – General administration of the kingdom.
2. Amatya(Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar) – Accounts of the kingdom.
3. Sachiv(Annaji Datto) – To prepare royal edicts.
4. Mantri(Dattaji Trimbak Waknis) – state correspondence.
5. Senapati(Hambirrao Mohite) – Managing the army and protection of the kingdom.
6. Sumant(Ramchandra Trimbak Dabir) – Foreign relations.
7. Nyayadhish(Niraji Raoji) – to dispense justice.
8. Panditrao(Moreswar Panditrao) – Religious matters.
9. Ekamabaranadhar temple of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu was built by__?
[A] Cholas
[B] Pandyas
[C] Pallavas
[D] Vijayanagar Emperors
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Vijayanagar Emperors ]
Notes:
Kanchipuram is known as the “city of a thousand temples. The 192 feet high temple tower of Ekamabaranadhar temple and the 100-pillar mandabam (building) in Varadaraja Perumal temple in this town are famous, and are considered marvels of the architectural techniques of the Vijayanagara dynasty.
10. In the light of events which occurred during the reign of Shahjahan, select the statement which is NOT correct:
[A] The capital of the mughal empire was shifted from Agra to Delhi.
[B] Monthly scale was introduced in Mansabdari system.
[C] Foreign travelers Bernier, Travernier and Manucci visited the Mughal court.
[D] Jats and Satnamis raised the banner of rebellion.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jats and Satnamis raised the banner of rebellion.]
Notes:
Monthly scale was introduced in Mansabdari system by ShahJahan. Month-ratio or Month-scale system It was a new scaling device under which the salaries of mansabdars were put on a month scale: ten months, eight months, six months or even less. The obligations of the mansabdars for main¬taining a quota of sawars were brought down accordingly. The month-scale system was applied to both jagirs and those who were paid in cash. Jats and Satnamis raised the banner of rebellion during the reign of Aurangzeb.(Hence Option 4. is incorrect)
