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 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
Show Answer
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.
2. In which of the following forts Jahangir Mahal is located?
[A] Lahore Fort
[B] Agra Fort
[C] Red Fort
[D] Golconda Fort
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agra Fort]
Notes:
Jahangir Mahal, a part of the famous Agra Fort, was built by Emperor Akbar as a residence for his son Jahangir. Exhibiting a blend of Central Asian and Indian architectural styles, it was an illustrative example of how Mughal architecture influenced traditional Rajput styles. Primarily used by the Rajput wives of Akbar, the palace is an important point of interest in Agra Fort, reflecting Akbar’s strategy of alliance with Rajputs via matrimonial alliances.
3. Year 1674 AD marks which of the following important events of life of Shivaji ?
[A] Shivaji’s Coronation
[B] Treaty of Purander
[C] Battle of surat
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shivaji’s Coronation]
Notes:
Shivaji was formally crowned Chhatrapati (meaning lord of the umbrella, the umbrella being an important symbol of royalty), on June 6, 1674 at Raigad fort, and given the title Kshatriya Kulavantas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
4. 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.
5. Which among the following foreign travellers is not correctly paired with their respective period of visit in India?
[A] Fa Hien – Gupta Period
[B] Hiuen Tsang – Post Gupta Period
[C] Al Beruni – Early Medieval Period
[D] Ibn Batutta – Mughal Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ibn Batutta – Mughal Period]
Notes:
Ibn Batuta – Sultanate Period during the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
6. ‘Gujri Mahal Museum’ was built by which king?
[A] Raja Man Singh Tomar
[B] Raja Paramal Dev
[C] Raja Suraj Pal
[D] Yashwantrao Holkar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Raja Man Singh Tomar]
Notes:
The Gujri Mahal Museum situated in Gwalior was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar. This historical monument holds a special place in Indian History because of its architectural elegance and the cultural heritage it houses. Interestingly, another Gujri Mahal, located in Hisar, Haryana, was built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in memory of his wife Gujri. Both these structures, despite their shared name, have distinct historical and cultural narratives, yet both contribute significantly to Indian heritage.
7. The king of Vijayanagar empire, Achyuta Raya issued which type of coins?
[A] Varaha
[B] garuda
[C] Hanuman
[D] BalaKrishna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [garuda]
Notes:
The Tuluva dynasty king of Vijayanagar empire, Achyuta Raya issued Garuda type of coins. He was the younger brother of Krishna Deva Raya. The reign period of Achyuta Raya was between 1529 AD -1542 AD.
8. In context of Allauddin Khilji’s conquests, when did Ranthambore was annexed by him?
[A] 1301
[B] 1303
[C] 1305
[D] 1311
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1301]
Notes:
The ruler of Khilji dynasty, Allauddin Khilji annexed Gujarat (1298), Ranthambhor (1301), Mewar (1303), Malwa (1305) and Jalor (1311).
9. Who was the ruler of Gujarat when Allauddin Khilji annexed it?
[A] Rai Karan
[B] Ramchandradeva
[C] Hammir Deva
[D] Ratan Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rai Karan]
Notes:
In 1297 AD, Allauddin Khilji annexed Gujarat which was ruled by Rai Karan. He plundered Anhilwara and Somnath and married to Kamla Devi, the queen of Rai Karan.
10. In the context of the Marathas’ military administration, into what was the cavalry divided?
[A] Bargis and Silahdars
[B] Hazaris and Kotwals
[C] Sipahis and Sawars
[D] Zamindars and Jagirdars
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bargis and Silahdars]
Notes:
Within the military administration of the Maratha Empire, the cavalry was primarily divided into Bargis and Silahdars. Bargis was a term denoting light cavalry, while Silahdars referred to armed troopers. The Maratha Army was known for its guerrilla warfare tactics and swift cavalry attacks that played pivotal roles in victories against larger and more potent foes. This division allowed for comprehensive battlefield strategies where Bargis and Silahdars played distinct roles.
