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. What was the real name of Afzal Khan, commander of the Adil Shahi dynasty?
[A] Samsuddin
[B] Sabar
[C] Abdullah Bhatari
[D] Muhammad Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Abdullah Bhatari]
Notes:
Afzal Khan was a general of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur Sultanate. His real name was Abdullah Bhatari. He led military campaigns in former Vijayanagara territories, capturing forts such as Sira and Belur. In 1659, he was sent to fight Shivaji but died during a truce meeting at Pratapgad on November 10 or 20, followed by his army’s defeat.
2. During the Delhi Sultanate, who among the following were called the Barids?
[A] Craftsmen
[B] Bodyguards of the Sultan
[C] Officer-in-charge of state exchequer
[D] The spy / news reporters
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The spy / news reporters]
Notes:
Barid-i-mumalik was the head of the information and intelligence department. Only a nobleman who enjoyed the fullest confidence of Sultan was appointed the chief barid. The Barid-i-Mumalik had to keep information of all that was happening in the Sultanate
3. Which among the following terms was used for the Royal cavalry of the Maratha Army System?
[A] The Shiledars
[B] The Bargirs
[C] The Hazari
[D] The Subedars
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The Bargirs]
Notes:
Bargir was the Royal cavalry of the Maratha army system. There were two kinds of cavalry viz. Bargirs and the Shiledars. Bargirs were provided horses from the state and thus, the horses were property of the royal household and were looked after by state o
4. Which of the following rulers of India issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands ?
[A] Jahangir
[B] Akbar
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Shah Alam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Akbar]
Notes:
Akbar declared or issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands. This made him supreme in the religious matters. He issued Mahzarnama to curb the dominance of Ulema. It was written by Faizi in 1579.
5. Kamal-ud-Din Abd-ur-Razzaq ibn Ishaq Samarqandi, a Persian Islamic Scholar, visited which Indian city during early 1440s?
[A] Surat
[B] Calicut
[C] Chennai
[D] Chinsurah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Calicut]
Notes:
Calicut is a metropolitan city in the state of Kerala in southern India on the Malabar Coast. Kamal-ud-Din Abd-ur-Razzaq ibn Ishaq Samarqandi visited Calicut in early 1440s. He wrote a narrative of what he saw in Calicut which is valuable as information on Calicut’s society and culture.
6. Who among the following is said to be the pioneer of guerilla warfare in the Deccan region?
[A] Shivaji
[B] Shah ji Bhosle
[C] Malik Ambar
[D] Maloji Bhosale
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Malik Ambar]
Notes:
Malik Ambar (1548 – 13 May 1626) was a Siddi military leader in the Deccan region of India. He was the ruler of Ahmednagar. He humbled the might of the Mughals and Adil Shah of Bijapur and raised the low status of the Nizam Shah.
7. 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.
8. Mirza Ghalib was a contemporary of which among the following Mughal Emperors?
[A] Alamgir II
[B] Muhammad Shah
[C] Bahadur Shah Zafar
[D] Farrukhsiyar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bahadur Shah Zafar]
Notes:
Mirza Ghalib was a prominent Urdu and Persian poet. He served during the last years of the Mughal Empire. He was contemporary of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
9. In context of Vijayanagara Empire, who was the successor of Krishna Dev Raya ?
[A] Sada Shiv Raya
[B] Venkata I
[C] Achyuta Dev Raya
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Achyuta Dev Raya ]
Notes:
The reign period of Tuluva dynasty ruler, Krishna Dev Raya was from 1509 AD to 1529 AD. In his life time, he nominated his half-brother Achyuta Deva Raya as his successor and died towards the end of 1529 AD
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.
