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 among the following rulers had stamped the figure of Goddess Lakshmi on his coins and had his name inscribed in Nagari Characters ?
[A] Muhammad Ghazni
[B] Muhammad Ghori
[C] Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
[D] Iltutmish
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Correct Answer: B [Muhammad Ghori]
Notes:
Muhammad Ghori is known to have adopted the seated goddess Lakshmi type of the coins of Gahadavalas/ Rajputs for circulation in the Gahadavala territories. He got stamped the figure of Goddess Lakshmi on his coins and had his name inscribed in Nagari Characters.
2. Who was the first ruler to issue Pure Arabic coin in India?
[A] Mohammad Ghori
[B] Qutubuddin Aibak
[C] Iltutmish
[D] Razia Sultan
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Correct Answer: C [Iltutmish]
Notes:
Iltutmish introduced Silver Tanka and Copper Jital, the two coins of the Delhi Sultanate. The coins prior to Iltutmish were introduced by the invaders, which bear the Sanskrit characters and even Hindu Gods, Bull and Shivalinga. The name “Tanka” was derived from the Arabic word “Tankhah,” which means wage or salary.
3. Which of the following Mughal rulers banned engraving Kalma on coins?
[A] Jahangir
[B] Aurangzeb
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Muhammad Shah
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Correct Answer: B [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
Aurangzeb stopped engraving Kalma on coins. Forbade the Parsis to celebrate their festival Navaroz. Released an order to ban the music everywhere and arrest those who listen to the music. His drink was plain water and he used to sleep on ground, something
4. Which was the first monument in India constructed using Islamic architectural elements including horseshoe-shaped arches?
[A] Taj Mahal
[B] Humayun Tomb
[C] Alai Darwaza
[D] Qutub Minar
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Correct Answer: C [Alai Darwaza]
Notes:
The Alai Darwaza, located in Delhi, was the first monument in India built following Islamic architecture principles, including the use of horseshoe-shaped arches. It was constructed in the 14th century by Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji. The Darwaza stands as an entrance to the Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring distinct decorations of inlaid marble and latticed stone screens.
5. Which Mughal Ruler had higher number of Hindus as Mansabdars than Muslims under his administration?
[A] Akbar
[B] Aurangzeb
[C] Jahangir
[D] Shah Jahan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
Aurangzeb had higher number of Hindus as Mansabdars than Muslims under his administration
6. Who among the following has written “Kitab Ul Hind” ?
[A] Al-Beruni
[B] Hākim Nishapuri
[C] Juwayni
[D] Malik ibn Dinar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Al-Beruni]
Notes:
Al Beruni was the First Muslim Scholar to study India and its Brahmanical tradition. He is called father of Indology and the first anthropologist. He is called one of the earliest and greatest polymath of the Islamic World.
Alberuni in his book Kitab-ul-Hind appreciated a very high degree of proficiency of Indians in construction of Tanks and reservoirs at holy places.
7. Muhammad bin Qasim, who was the first Muslim to have successfully invaded Sindh in 712 AD was commander of which caliphate?
[A] Rashidun Caliphate
[B] Umayyad Caliphate
[C] Abbasid Caliphate
[D] Fatimid Caliphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Umayyad Caliphate]
Notes:
Muhammad bin Qasim, who was the first Muslim to have successfully invaded Sindh in 712 AD was commander of Umayyad Caliphate general, who, during the reign of Caliph al-Walid I led the Muslim conquest of Sindh and Multan. He was able to defeat the third and the last Maharaja of the Brahmin dynasty, Raja Dahir. Raja Dahir was killed in the Battle of Aror.
8. Which among the following Mughal painters is credited for painting Siberian Crane and the Dodo for the first time?
[A] Abu al-Hasan
[B] Bishandas
[C] Farrukh Beg
[D] Ustad Mansur
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Correct Answer: D [Ustad Mansur]
Notes:
Ustad Mansur as a painter started his career during the last few years of Akbar`s reign as a minor painter. However, later he flourished during the time of Jahangir.
Ustad Mansur was a leading painter in Emperor Jahangir’s court who was famous for depicting plants and animals. Most important paintings were of Siberian Crane and Dodo. The latter was an important source of reference for Zoologists till date. The Siberian Crane painted on paper is highly intricate showing the wrinkles on the bare skin, the legs and a small feather stuck to the claw.
9. In which among the following battles, Jaichandra was defeated and killed by Mohammad Ghori?
[A] Battle of Kannauj
[B] Battle of Chandawar
[C] Battle of Tarain III
[D] Battle of Talikota
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Correct Answer: B [Battle of Chandawar]
Notes:
The Battle of Chandawar was fought in 1194 between Muhammad Ghori and Jayachandra of the Gahadavala dynasty. It took place at Chandawar near Agra. Jayachandra was killed in this battle.
10. Ustad Isa is related to the design and architecture of which of the following Buildings in Mughal Era?
[A] Taj Mahal
[B] Buland Darwaza
[C] Red fort
[D] Itimad-ud-daula’s tomb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Taj Mahal]
Notes:
Ustad Isa was the chief architect of Taj Mahal.