Medieval Indian History MCQs

Notes:
One of the vassals of Pala called Hemant Sen founded the Sena Dynasty. The third king of this dynasty Ballala Sena (1160-1178) introduced the social reforms in Bengal known as Kulinism.

Notes:
Ruqaiya Sultan Begum was the first wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar. She was Empress consort of the Mughal Empire from 1557 to 1605. Ruqaiya was a first cousin of her husband, and was a Mughal princess by birth. Her father, Hindal Mirza, was the youngest brother of Akbar’s father Humayun.

Notes:
Sayana was a 14th-century scholar under Vijayanagar rulers Bukka Raya I and Harihara II. He wrote extensive commentaries on the Vedas. Sayana was associated with the Mimamsa school, which focuses on interpreting Vedic dharma based on Jaimini’s Purva Mimamsa Sutras.

Notes:
Jahangir prohibited the use of tobacco in 1617. Jahangir was the fourth Mughal emperor, holding the throne from 1605-1627.

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.

Notes:
To accumulate the vast amount of wealth that existed in India and to spread Islam, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and looted India 17 times.

Notes:
The Somnath Temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva, was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 AD. Due to his attack and plunder on Hindu temples, Mahmud was also known as But-Shikan (or the destroyer of idols). The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was rebuilt by the Paramara king Bhoja of Malwa and the Solanki king Bhimdev I of Anhilwara between 1026 and 1042 AD. This temple was later destroyed and repaired many times during the entire history of medieval India.

Notes:
Mohammad-bin Tughlaq patronized many scholars of different backgrounds viz. Jain saint Jinaprabha Suri and also had  discussions with them. He also used to enjoyed playing holy.

Notes:
Bahlol Lodi, an Afghan noble before becoming Sultan of Delhi, was known for his humble lifestyle. He used to sit on a carpet along with his nobles instead of a lavish throne, projecting equality among them. This was quite contrary to the contemporary norms where sultans highlighted their high status by sitting on extravagant thrones, causing a considerable distance from their subordinates.

Notes:
During the reign of Vidyadhara, the great ruler of the Chandella dynasty, Mahmud Ghazni invaded Kannauj in 1018, Kalinjar in 1019 AD and again in 1022 AD. Though, he was not able to capture the fort and had to retire with friendly terms.  During attack on Kannauj, its ruler Rajyapala had fled the city and was later killed by Vidyadhara.