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 among the Sikh Gurus was gifted the “Palace of Amritsar” by Mughal Emperor Akbar?
[A] Guru Ram Das
[B] Guru Arjun Das
[C] Guru Angad
[D] Guru Hargovind
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Ram Das]
Notes:
Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism, was gifted the “Palace of Amritsar” by Mughal Emperor Akbar. This was a significant event in his reign as Guru from 1574 to 1581. The “Palace of Amritsar,” later became the Golden Temple, representing the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Akbar’s gifting of the palace manifests his respect for the Sikh community and its leaders.
2. The temples of Halebid and Belur were built by which among the following dynasties?
[A] Kalabhras
[B] Hoyasalas
[C] Rastrakutas
[D] Kadambas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hoyasalas]
Notes:
Belur and Halebidu are the temples of the Hoysala dynasty. The temples give a glimpse of Hindu temple art at its glorious best of the 16th century. They are famous for their carvings and splendid architecture.
3. The Battle of Chandawar was fought in last decade of 12th century between which among the following rulers?
[A] Mohammad Ghori & Prithviraj Chauhan
[B] Mohammad Ghori and Jaichand
[C] Jaichand and Prithviraj Chauhan
[D] Prithviraj Chauhan and Bhimdev Solanki
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mohammad Ghori and Jaichand]
Notes:
The Battle of Chandawar (1193 or 1194) was fought between Muhammad Ghori and Jaichand of Kannauj of the Gahadavala dynasty. It took place at Chandawar on the Yamuna River close to Agra. Jaichand was defeated, giving Muhammad control of much of northern India.
4. Who among the following is considered to be the teacher of Amir Khusro?
[A] Moinuddin Chishti
[B] Baba Farid
[C] Nizamuddin Auliya
[D] Bakhtiyar Kaki
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nizamuddin Auliya]
Notes:
Amir Khusrau was an influential poet who embraced Sufism under the guidance of Nizamuddin Auliya in 1310 during reign of Alauddin Khilji. In his prolific career, he wrote several significant works. One of them was Nuh Sipihr, a masnavi about the reign of Sultan Qutb ud-Din Mubarak Shah Khalji. Another noteworthy work was Duval Rani – Khizr Khan, a love saga about the alliance between Vaghela princess Duval Rani and Khizr Khan, the progeny of Sultan Ala ud-Din Khalji.
5. Which temple was built during Devaraya II’s reign in the Vijayanagara Empire?
[A] Hampi Temple
[B] Belgaum Temple
[C] Virupaksha Temple
[D] Hazara Rama Temple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Hazara Rama Temple]
Notes:
Hazara Rama Temple, also known as Hazura, was constructed under Devaraya II in the early 15th century. It is located in Hampi, the Vijayanagara Empire’s capital. The temple features Ramayana reliefs and was originally a sanctum with a pillared hall and ardhamandapa, later expanded with an open porch. Devaraya II ruled from 1422 to 1446 and expanded the empire through military conquests.
6. Hamim Humam who was the chief of Royal School (Pathshala) adorned the court of which Mughal Emperor?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahanagir
[C] Humayun
[D] Shahjahan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Akbar]
Notes:
Hamim Humam was one of the Nav Ratnas of Akbar.
7. Who among the following is called Zinda Peer?
[A] Babur
[B] Akbar
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Humayun
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
Aurangzeb is called Zinda Peer. He was a devoted worshipper and thus known as Zinda Pir (living saint). He was not anti-Hindu but kept changing his policies.
8. Which among the following is not a work of Amir Khusrau?
[A] Khazyan-ul-Futuh
[B] Tughluq Nama
[C] Tarik-i-Alai
[D] Tabqat-i-Naisiri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tabqat-i-Naisiri]
Notes:
Tabaqat-i Nasiri (named after Sultan Nasir-ud-Din) is a mega history of Islamic world writen in Persian by Minhaj-i-Siraj. It gives details of early Islamic empires in 23 volumes.
9. Which of the following Sultans is known to have laid the foundation of Agra City?
[A] Bahlol Lodi
[B] Sikandar Lodi
[C] Ibrahim Lodi
[D] Shershah Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sikandar Lodi]
Notes:
Sikandar Lodi, son of Bahlol Lodi, is reputed for establishing the city of Agra in 1503 AD. His rule was characterized by peaceful expansion and efficient administration, which laid a firm foundation for the growth and development of Agra. He also played a crucial part in promoting Persian culture in Agra, ultimately shaping it into one of the most influential cities of medieval India.
10. In context with the Ashta Pradhan, that helped with the administration of the Maratha empire of Shivaji, who among the following was in charge of General Administration?
[A] Moro Trimbak Pingale
[B] Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar
[C] Annaji Datto
[D] Dattaji Trimbak Waknis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Moro Trimbak Pingale]
Notes:
Ashta Pradhan of Shivaji:
1. Pantpradhan(Moro Trimbak Pingale) – General administration of the kingdom.
2. Amatya(Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar) – Accounts of the kingdom.
3. Sachiv(Annaji Datto) – To prepare royal edicts.
4. Mantri(Dattaji Trimbak Waknis) – state correspondence.
5. Senapati(Hambirrao Mohite) – Managing the army and protection of the kingdom.
6. Sumant(Ramchandra Trimbak Dabir) – Foreign relations.
7. Nyayadhish(Niraji Raoji) – to dispense justice.
8. Panditrao(Moreswar Panditrao) – Religious matters.
