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 rulers of Delhi Sultanate faced maximum number of Mongol Attacks?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Muhammad Tughlaq
[C] Firozshah Tughlaq
[D] Bahlol Lodi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alauddin Khilji]
Notes:
The maximum number of Mongol attacks were faced by Alauddin Khilji. He built Siri his capital mainly to deter the Mongols.
3. Which among the following two cities were joined by “Sadak-i-Azam” or the precursor of the Grand Trunk Road built by Shershah Suri?
[A] Agra & Calcutta
[B] Delhi & Patna
[C] Delhi & Sasaram
[D] Agra & Sasaram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Agra & Sasaram]
Notes:
The Grand Trunk Road also formerly known as Uttarapath, Sadak-i-Azam, Badshahi Sadak. The road was known as Uttarapath (Northern Route) during the Mauryan period as Sadak-i-Azam or Shah Rah-i-Azam (The Great Road). It was built between Agra and Sasaram.
4. Which of the following Mughal Emperor’s is also known to be a very good player of Veena?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shah Jahan
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
Aurangzeb is a great veena player. He is extremely religious bent. He was a connoisseur of music and a proficient Veena player.He is said to have been so infatuated with her that he gave in to her demand that he taste wine.
5. During the end of which of the Mughal rulers the Mughal empire faced the problem of jagirdari crisis?
[A] Humayun
[B] Akbar
[C] Jahanagir
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
The jagirdari crisis during the reign of Aurangzeb led to an unhealthy competition among the nobles to gain control over the fertile jagirs. The jagirdars faced the insecurity of getting transferred within a short period.
6. Which among the following was prevalent in the Indian Society before the Muslim conquest?
[A] Purdah System
[B] Child Marriage
[C] Sati System
[D] Slavery
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Slavery]
Notes:
Comparing to the other options, some sort of slavery was prevalent before Muslim conquests. The Purdah was a gift of Muslim invasions, and same applies to Child marries which came into practice to avoid the new danger of lifting Hindu girls by Muslims as an holy act of Jihad, Sati & Jauhar also got established as the wives of the invaded used to kill themselves before their husbands went on the last battle.
Slavery became more prevalent because it was a fashion and a status symbol among the Muslims at that time. As we read Aladdin had 84000 slaves and Firuz Tughlaq had 2 lakhs, all of them were maintained at the state cost.
7. 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.
8. The exhaustive codification of Islamic laws in the name of ‘Fatwa-i-Alamgiri’ was done at the behest of which among the following rulers of Medieval India?
[A] Alauddin Khalji
[B] Sher Shah Suri
[C] Akbar
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
Fatawa-i-Alamgiri is a sharia based compilation on statecraft, general ethics, military strategy, economic policy, justice and punishment. It was done at the behest of Aurangzeb.
9. Who wrote ‘Tarik-i-Feruz Shahi’ that mentions the conquest of Nagarkot Fort?
[A] Khawand Mir
[B] Badr Chach
[C] Abul Fazal
[D] Ziauddin Barani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Ziauddin Barani ]
Notes:
Ziauddin Barani has written ‘Tarik-i-Feruz Shahi’ that mentions the seige and conquest of the Nagarkot Fort by Sultan Firoz-shah Tughlaq
10. In context of administrative reforms of Allauddin Khilji, military department was known as
[A] Diwan-i-Mustakhraj
[B] Shahna-i-Mandi
[C] Diwan-i-Arz
[D] Diwan-i-Riyasat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Diwan-i-Arz]
Notes:
In the reign of Allauddin Khilji, the military department was known as “Diwan-i-Arz” and it was headed by Ariz-i-Mumalik. Ariz-i-Mumalik was responsible for organization and maintenance of the royal army. The review of the army and branding of the horses was also done by him.
