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 Muslim Scholar came to India during the time of Mahmud of Ghazni?
[A] Al-beruni
[B] Amir Khusrau
[C] Abu Zayd Balkhi
[D] Muhammad al-Idrisi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Al-beruni]
Notes:
Abu Rayhan Biruni or Alberonius (Latin) was a Persian Scholar and polymath of the 11th century. He accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni in his conquests to South Asia.
Al Beruni was the First Muslim Scholar to study India and its ancient traditions. He is called father of Indology and the first anthropologist. He is called one of the earliest and greatest polymath of the Islamic World.
2. Shivaji had formed a council of eight ministers that administered the Maratha empire. The council was named as:
[A] Nyaya Pradhan
[B] Ashta Sena
[C] Ashta Siddhi
[D] Ashta Pradhan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ashta Pradhan]
Notes:
Ashta Pradhan was a council of eight ministers that administered the Maratha empire. The council was formed in 1674 by founding Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji.The term Ashta Pradhan literally translates to “the Prime Eight”, from the Sanskrit ashta (“eight”) and pradhan (“prime”). The body discharged the functions of a modern council of ministers; this is regarded as one of the first successful instances of ministerial delegation in India. The council is credited with having implemented good governance practices in the Maratha heartland, as well as for the success of the military campaigns against the Mughal Empire.
3. Abdul Qadir Badauani, Naqib Khan and Shaikh Sultan of Thaneshwar were the scholars in which among the following mughal emperors’ court ?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Akbar]
Notes:
Akbar patronized lot of scholars like Abdul Qadir Badauani”, Naqib Khan & Shaikh Sultan of Thaneshwar. Akbar has never forced India’s Hindu majority population to convert to Islam, instead providing lands for them and abolishing the poll tax on non-Muslims. In addition, he translated Hindi literature and also participated in Hindu festivals in Fatehpur Sikri which was designed by Akbar in the Persian style where he built a temple and hosted scholars from various religions frequently including Hindus, Christians, Zoroastrians as well as Muslims.
4. After the death of Aurangzeb , which of the following Mughals abolished jazia tax for the first time?
[A] Jahandar Shah
[B] Rafi Ul Darjat
[C] Mohammad Shah Rangila
[D] Farrukhsiyar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jahandar Shah]
Notes:
Jizya was abolished by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 16th century but was re-introduced by Aurangzeb in 17th century. After the death of Aurangzeb Jahandar Shah abolished Jazia tax.
5. Babar died on 26th December 1530 and was laid to rest at Arambagh in Agra. Afterwards, his body was taken to and buried at which among the following places (During the times of Sher Shah)?
[A] Delhi
[B] Farghana
[C] Kabul
[D] Samarkand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kabul]
Notes:
After Babar died on 26th December 1530 and was laid to rest at Arambagh in Agra. Then on his wish he was taken to Kabul during the reign of Sher Shah.
6. Who was the ruler of Chittorgarh when Allauddin Khilji invaded and annexed it?
[A] Raja Karan
[B] Rana Hammir Deva
[C] Rana Rawal Ratan Singh
[D] Rama Chandra Deva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rana Rawal Ratan Singh]
Notes:
In 1303 AD, Rana Rawal Ratan Singh was the ruler of Chittorgarh when Allauddin Khilji invaded and annexed it. The first Jauhar of royal Rajput ladies at Chittorgarh was also took place. It led by Rani Padmini, wife of Rawal Ratan Singh (King of Mewar) as she preferred to die rather than to surrender themselves against Sultan.
7. Shivaji’s father Shahji was a military commander under the Nizam Shahi rulers of which state?
[A] Ahmedanagar
[B] Pratapgarh
[C] Raigad
[D] Kolhapur
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Correct Answer: A [Ahmedanagar]
Notes:
Shivaji’s father Shahji Bhonsle was the military commander under the Nizam Shahi rulers of Ahmednagar. After the decline of Ahmednagar, he transferred his services to Bijapur.
8. Who among the following wrote ‘Tuzuk -i-Baburi’ ?
[A] Babur
[B] Birbal
[C] Akbar
[D] Humayun
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Babur]
Notes:
Tuzuk -i-Baburi ( or Baburnama) was the autobiography of Babur, the founder of Mughal empire in India. It was written in Turki, in which he gave an excellent account of India and his empire. The autobiography of Babur was translated in Persian by Abdur Rahim Mirza.
9. Where was Jahangir born ?
[A] Agra
[B] Delhi
[C] Fatehpur Sikri
[D] Lahore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fatehpur Sikri]
Notes:
On August 31, 1569 AD, Mughal Emperor Jahangir was born in Fatehpur Sikri and died in Rajouri district, Kashmir on November 7, 1627 AD.
10. Who said ‘ he can distinguish between the work of each noted painter even if a painting was the product of joint work’ ?
[A] Akbar
[B] Shahjahan
[C] Jahangir
[D] Bahadur Shah Jafar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jahangir]
Notes:
In the autobiography “Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri”, Jahangir stated that he could distinguish between the work of each noted painter even if a painting was the product of joint work. The autobiography is a unique piece of literature that shows his power of expression and observation.