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 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
Show Answer
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.
2. In which among the following territories, Marco Polo had travels in the last decade of 13th century in India?
[A] Chola
[B] Pandya
[C] Madurai Sultanate
[D] Cheras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pandya]
Notes:
Marco polo an Italian traveler landed in Pandya Empire (at Kayal) in 13th century and impressed by the wealth and magnificence of the King, Prince as well as people, tagged it as the richest kingdom in existence.
3. Who among the following was the first to adopt the new religion propounded by Akbar called Din-i-Ilahi?
[A] Abul Fazal
[B] Faizi
[C] Birbal
[D] Raja Todarmal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Birbal]
Notes:
Din-i-Illahi was an eclectic doctrine that contained elements from very diverse fields. It overthrew almost every ceremonial rule whether Islam or Muslim, but took the good ideas from the Brahmins as well as from the missionaries and adopted “Sun” as a symbol of the worship of the creator. He started a new Illahi era. The new cult was immediately professed by a small band of the courtiers of Akbar including Faizi, Abul Fazal, Birbal and a few others.
4. Which of the following Sultanate Rulers made Delhi as capital in place of Lahore?
[A] Qutubuddin Aibak
[B] Iltutmish
[C] Razia Sultana
[D] Akbar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Iltutmish]
Notes:
Iltutmish made Delhi the capital in place of Lahore. Iltutmish succeeded Qutb-ud-din Aibak as the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, and during his reign in the early 13th century, he moved the capital from Lahore to Delhi. This transition further solidified Delhi’s importance as the center of power for the Sultanate.
5. After the attack of Mahmud of Ghazanavi, who among the following reconstructed the Somnath Temple?
[A] Bhimraja -I
[B] Bhimdev
[C] Mularaj I
[D] Jay Singh Siddharaaj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhimdev]
Notes:
After the attack of Mahmud of Ghazani, Bhimdev reconstructed the Somnath Temple.In 1024, the Somnath temple was constructed by Mularaja which was devastated by the famous Afghan ruler, Mahmud of Ghazni, who invaded the pantheon beyond the Thar Desert.
6. 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.
7. In context of economic reforms of Allauddin Khilji, land revenue was fixed at the rate of
[A] 1/6
[B] 1/4
[C] 1/3
[D] 1/5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1/5]
Notes:
In context of economic reforms of Allauddin Khilji, land revenue was fixed at the rate of 1/5 of the produce and was based on the measurement of land.
8. 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.
9. Who among the following rulers ascended the throne of Delhi by killing Sultan Nasiruddin Khusro Shah?
[A] Allauddin Khilji
[B] Ibrahim Lodhi
[C] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[D] Khizr Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq]
Notes:
In 1320 AD, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq ascended the throne of Delhi by killing Sultan Nasiruddin Khusro Shah (Khusrau Khan), the last ruler of the Khilji dynasty.
10. Where did Mohammad-bin Tughlaq died
[A] Thatta
[B] Doab
[C] Kaithal
[D] Jaunpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Thatta]
Notes:
In 1351 AD, Sultan Mohammad-bin Tughlaq died in Thatta while campaigning in Sindh against rebel Taghi, a Turkish slave.
