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. 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.
2. Who wrote famous Hindi work “Padmavat”?
[A] Malik Muhammad Jayasi
[B] Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
[C] Amir Khusro
[D] Bulleh Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Malik Muhammad Jayasi]
Notes:
Padmavat of Malik Muhammad Jayasi is a poem about the beauty and Jauhar of Padmani.
3. Akbar had adopted the ‘Ray’ System of revenue assessment which he had abolished later on as part of his land revenue reforms. Who among the following had introduced the ray system ?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Balban
[C] Iltutmish
[D] Sher Shah Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alauddin Khilji]
Notes:
The genesis of Akbar’s revenue system can be traced to Alauddin Khilji. Akbar’s adopted this system . Till 1566 which was 10th year of Akbar’s reign no change was made in Akbar policy of crop rate (ray) that he inherited. Subsequently Akbar adopted a system of annual assessment.
4. Who among the following died in consequence of falling from his horse playing chaugan?
[A] Humayun
[B] Qutub Ud Din Aibak
[C] Mohd Ghori
[D] Alludin Khilji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Qutub Ud Din Aibak]
Notes:
Qutub Ud Din Aibak died in consequence of falling from his horse playing chaugan. He ruled from 1206 to 1210. Aram shah and Qutub begum are his children.
5. Which of the following Sultans is known to have laid the foundation of Agra City?
[A] Bahlol Lodi
[B] Sikandar Lodi
[C] Ibrahim Lodi
[D] Shershah Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sikandar Lodi]
Notes:
Sikandar Lodi, son of Bahlol Lodi, is reputed for establishing the city of Agra in 1503 AD. His rule was characterized by peaceful expansion and efficient administration, which laid a firm foundation for the growth and development of Agra. He also played a crucial part in promoting Persian culture in Agra, ultimately shaping it into one of the most influential cities of medieval India.
6. In the council of ministers of Shivaji, the finance minister was known as
[A] Mazumdar
[B] Dabir
[C] Sar-i-Naubat
[D] Peshwa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mazumdar]
Notes:
In the council of ministers of Shivaji, Mazumdar (or Amatya) was the finance and revenue minister who looked after the accounts of income and expenditure.
7. In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan, who was the Commander-in-chief?
[A] Surnavis
[B] Dabir
[C] Sar-i-Naubat
[D] Mazumdar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sar-i-Naubat]
Notes:
In the Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan (or Council of Eight Ministers), Sar-i-Naubat ( or Senapati) was the Commander-in-chief, who looked after the requirement and administration of the army.
8. The tomb of Babur was located at:
[A] Delhi
[B] Agra
[C] Kabul
[D] Multan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kabul]
Notes:
On December 26,1530 AD, Mughal emperor Babur died in Agra due to over drinking. Initially, he was buried in Agra against his wishes. Later on, he was buried in Bagh-e Babur Garden in Kabul, Afghanistan by Sher Shah Suri.
9. In which year did the coronation of Emperor Akbar occur?
[A] 1555 AD
[B] 1556 AD
[C] 1557 AD
[D] 1558 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1556 AD]
Notes:
On February 14, 1556, Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar was coronated at Kalanour (now in Gurdaspur, Punjab). Akbar, known for his great administrative reforms, is credited with establishing the Mughal empire’s cultural and economic prosperity. His court was adorned by the famous “Navaratnas” or “Nine Jewels,” which included outstanding personalities like Tansen, a legendary musician, and Birbal, renowned for his wit. His rule marked the flowering of art and cultural syntheses between Hindu and Muslim traditions.
10. When did Jizya reintroduced by Aurangzeb ?
[A] 1681
[B] 1682
[C] 1679
[D] 1680
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1679]
Notes:
In 1679 AD, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on Hindus, at the usual rates of 48 dirhams on the rich, 24 on the middle class, and 12 on the poor. The Jizya was hated by the Hindus as it was a symbol of their inferiority and involved a lot of humiliation. In 1564 AD, the Mughal emperor Akbar abolished Jizya, a poll tax, on Hindus.