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. The most important reason for collection of “Chauth” and “Sardeshmukhi” by Marathas was __?
[A] To increase the source of income
[B] To expand his territories
[C] To consolidate his political influence
[D] Because of the opposition of Muslim rulers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To increase the source of income]
Notes:
Shivaji collected the chauth and sardeshmukhi from the territory which was either under his enemies or under his own influence. The chauth was one fourth part of the income of a particular territory while the sardeshmukhi was one tenth. Shivaji collected these taxes simply by force of his arms. These constituted of the primary sources of income of Shivaji and helped in the extension of the power and territory of the Marathas.
2. During the reign of which among the following Mughal Emperors, Mughal Architecture reached its zenith?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Aurangazeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shahjahan]
Notes:
The Mughal emperor Shahjahan was the last great Mughal emperor who patronized the architecture. Taj Mahal was built during his reign. Architecture declined completely after Aurangzeb.
3. The ryotwari system, which was instituted in some parts of British India, was one of the two main systems used to collect revenues from the cultivators of agricultural land. It was originally introduced by________?
[A] Akbar
[B] Shershah Suri
[C] Jahanagir
[D] Humayun
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shershah Suri]
Notes:
The Ryotwari system was originally introduced by Shershah Suri. He had surveyed the entire land under cultivation of his territory and fixed per bigha due on the basis of average of three rates representing good, middle and low soils.
4. “Rihla” was a work of which of the following?
[A] Mir Hasan Dehlvi
[B] Ibn Battuta
[C] Malik Murtaza
[D] Muhammad al-Idrisi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ibn Battuta]
Notes:
Rihla was written by Ibn Battuta. The book is also known as The Travels. It’s a travelogue that documents Battuta’s 29-year journey across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Battuta traveled over 120,000 kilometers, visiting countries including Morocco, Egypt, India, China, and Mali. The book’s formal title is A Masterpiece to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Traveling. It provides insights into the cultures, societies, and historical events of the places Battuta visited. The book also includes his interactions with rulers, scholars, and ordinary people. Battuta’s travels lasted from 1304 to 1369. He returned home to Tangier in 1349. The book is an important historical document that offers a unique perspective on the medieval world.
5. Which type of coins were issued by the king of Vijayanagar empire, Tirumala Raya ?
[A] Varaha
[B] Garuda
[C] BalaKrishna
[D] Hanuman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Varaha ]
Notes:
Inscriptions tells that “Varaha”, a gold coin with an approximate weight of 3.4 grams ( 52 grains), was made the basic monetary unit in the Vijayanagar empire. These coins were issued by Tirumala Raya, the first Crowned King from the Aravidu Dynasty
6. The ‘Ashta Diggajas’ adorned in the court of which ruler of South India?
[A] Srikrishna Devraya
[B] Harihara Raya I
[C] Bukka Raya I
[D] Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Srikrishna Devraya ]
Notes:
In the court of an emperor Sri Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529 AD), a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, the group of eight Telugu poets (also known as Ashtadiggajas) were regarded as the eight pillars of his literary assembly.
The Ashta Diggajas were Allasani Peddana, Nandi Thimmana, Madayyagari Mallana, Dhurjati, Ayyalaraju Ramambhadrudu, Pingali Surana, Ramarajabhushanudu, and Tenali Ramakrishnudu. In his reign, Telugu literature and culture reached its zenith
7. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to which clan of the Marathas?
[A] Bhonsle
[B] Gaikward
[C] Scindia
[D] Sisodia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhonsle]
Notes:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj belonged to the Bhonsle clan of the Marathas. His 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. During the reign of Jahangir at which place English granted permission to set up a factory ?
[A] Surat
[B] Lahore
[C] Goa
[D] Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Surat]
Notes:
In 1613 AD, during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir, English East India Company was permitted to establish their first factory at Surat.
9. Who among the following rulers of Slave dynasty was known by ” Lakh Baksh”?
[A] Ruknuddin Firoj
[B] Qutub-ud-din Aibak
[C] Iltutmish
[D] Rajiya Sultan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Qutub-ud-din Aibak]
Notes:
Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak also known as “Lakh Baksh Sultan”, who marked the beginning of the Mamluk (Slave dynasty) rule and laid the foundation of Delhi Sultanate period in 1206 AD.
10. Who among the following abolished Chalisa or Chehalgani ?
[A] Rajia
[B] Balban
[C] Masud Shah
[D] Nasiruddin Mahmud
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Balban]
Notes:
Due to growing influence of Turkan-i-Chahalgani or Chalisa (a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles) in the administartion, Balban abolished Turkan-i-Chahalgani when he came in power in 1266 AD.
