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 wrote the Mahzarnama, or Infallibility Decree, issued by Akbar in 1579 A.D. to assert his authority in religious matters?
[A] Birbal
[B] Faizi
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Tansen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Faizi]
Notes:
Faizi, the elder brother of Akbar’s famous courtier Abul Fazl, wrote the Mahzarnama in 1579 A.D. This decree was a significant step by Akbar towards establishing his absolute control over religious matters, thereby curbing the dominance of Ulema – the leading Islamic scholars. It augmented Akbar’s secular policies and contributed to the syncretic culture during his reign.
2. Which of the following regions was known as Jejakabhukti in early Medieval India?
[A] Rohelkhand
[B] Bundelkhand
[C] Deccan
[D] Saurastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bundelkhand]
Notes:
Bundelkhand was known as Jejakabhukti, which roughly corresponds to the old Mahajanapadas of Chedi. The notable Kings among notable kings among the Chandels of Jejakabhukti were Dhanga, Ganda and Parmal. The legacy of the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti lies in their art and architecture, most notably for the temples at their original capital Khajuraho.
3. During the time period of Mughal Emperors, who was designated as the ultimate authority in justice?
[A] Qazi-ul-Quzat
[B] Qazi-ul-Hazat
[C] Qazi-Faiz-ul-Islam
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Qazi-ul-Quzat]
Notes:
The position of Qazi-ul-Quzat was significant during the Mughal era as they were regarded as the supreme authority in justice. Managing justice in all cases was challenging for the emperor hence, was delegated to Qazi-ul-Quzat. They were entrusted with upholding justice in accordance to Muslim Law. The position of Qazi-ul-Quzat is equivalent to the modern Chief Judge in contemporary legal systems.
4. Who was Sultan of Delhi Sultanate when Timur invaded India in 1398?
[A] Mahmud Shah Tughluq
[B] Jalal ud din Firuz Khilji
[C] Aram Shah
[D] Ghiyas-ud-din Balban
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahmud Shah Tughluq]
Notes:
Mahmud Shah Tughlaq was the last sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty to rule the Islamic Delhi Sultanate. During his reign in 1398, Amir Timur the Chagtai ruler invaded India. He carried away with him a large booty from Delhi and the surrounding area. Soon after the invasion, the Tughlaq dynasty came to an end.
5. Which Mughal King sat on the throne with title of “Padshah Gazi”?
[A] Jahangir
[B] Shah Jahan
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Mohammad Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jahangir]
Notes:
Jahangir, son of Akbar, ascended the Mughal throne in 1605 AD and adopted the title of Nur-ud-din Jahangir Padshah Ghazi. “Padshah Ghazi” is an honorific title implying “Defender of the Faith” and was traditionally used by Muslim sovereigns. Reigning from Agra, Jahangir was known for his justice, administrative reforms, and patronage of the arts.
6. Tanjore , Anhilwada, Dhara & Kanauj were the capitals of respectively which among the following dynasties?
[A] Pratihara, Parmara, Solanki, Chola
[B] Chola, Solanki, Parmara, Pratihara
[C] Pandya, Solanki, Pratihara, Chola
[D] Chola, Parmara, Pratihara, Solanki
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chola, Solanki, Parmara, Pratihara]
Notes:
The Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty of southern India, one of the longest-ruling dynasties. Its capital is Tanjore.
Anhilwada is the capital of Solanki dynasty.
The Paramara dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled Malwa and surrounding areas in west-central India between 9th and 14th centuries. Its capital city is Dhara.
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty was an imperial power during the Late Classical period on the Indian subcontinent, that ruled much of Northern India from the mid-8th to the 11th century. They ruled first at Ujjain and later at Kannauj. Their capital city is Kanauj.
7. Which Mughal Emperor had put a ban on killing of animals in certain days?
[A] Shahjahan
[B] Akbar
[C] Darashikoh
[D] Jahangir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Akbar]
Notes:
Akbar put a ban in 1583 on killing animals on certain days.
8. What was the main responsibility of Mir Bakshi during the Mughal Era?
[A] All incomes and expenditures
[B] Military department
[C] Revenue department
[D] Royal correspondence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Military department]
Notes:
During Mughal Era, Mir Bakshi was in charge of military pay and accounts office. Since civil service was based on Mansabdari system and all Mansabdars received their pay from Military accounts office, the post of Mir Bakshi was of utmost importance as imperial paymaster.
9. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Alauddin Khilji’s reign?
[A] Implementation of a Rationing system
[B] Introduction of Market regulation for affordable essential commodities
[C] Inception of fixed price market regulated by Diwan-I-Riyasat & Shahan-i-mandi
[D] Establishment of the Agricultural Department named Diwan-i-kohi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Establishment of the Agricultural Department named Diwan-i-kohi]
Notes:
Diwan-i-kohi, the Agricultural Department, was not established during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. It was actually created by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq. Alauddin Khilji, the second and the most powerful ruler of the Khilji Dynasty, was known for his economic reforms which included the systems of market regulation, rationing, and fixed pricing.
10. That part of land granted by the sultan to military chiefs for maintenance of a given number of troopers called ?
[A] Muahatsib
[B] Iqta
[C] Nazir
[D] Usharaf
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Iqta]
Notes:
Iqta referred to that part of land granted by the sultan to its military chiefs for maintenance of troopers.