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 are the only two emperors of the Mughal Empire to have written their own autobiographies?
[A] Humayun and Akbar
[B] Babur and Jahangir
[C] Akbar and Shah Jahan
[D] Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Babur and Jahangir]
Notes:
Babur and Jahangir were the only two Mughal emperors who penned their own autobiography. Babur created “Baburnama”, his memoirs recounted in a vivid and extremely rich prose. Jahangir, on the other hand, wrote his autobiography “Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri”, which is widely recognized for its unique storytelling and meticulous details covering his life and administration.
2. 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.
3. The year 1576, is famous for which among the following battles?
[A] Battle of Talikota
[B] Battle of Haldighati
[C] Battle of Gagron
[D] Battle of Khargaon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Battle of Haldighati]
Notes:
Battle of Haldighati took place in 1576 between Rana of Mewar Maharana Pratap and Akbar forces led by Man Singh. It was a decisive victory for Akbar’s chieftain Man Singh. Abul Fazal called this war as “Battle of Khamnaur”.
4. Muhammad bin Qasim, who was the first Muslim to have successfully invaded Sindh in 712 AD was commander of which caliphate?
[A] Rashidun Caliphate
[B] Umayyad Caliphate
[C] Abbasid Caliphate
[D] Fatimid Caliphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Umayyad Caliphate]
Notes:
Muhammad bin Qasim, who was the first Muslim to have successfully invaded Sindh in 712 AD was commander of Umayyad Caliphate general, who, during the reign of Caliph al-Walid I led the Muslim conquest of Sindh and Multan. He was able to defeat the third and the last Maharaja of the Brahmin dynasty, Raja Dahir. Raja Dahir was killed in the Battle of Aror.
5. Who wrote famous Hindi work “Padmavat”?
[A] Malik Muhammad Jayasi
[B] Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
[C] Amir Khusro
[D] Bulleh Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Malik Muhammad Jayasi]
Notes:
Padmavat of Malik Muhammad Jayasi is a poem about the beauty and Jauhar of Padmani.
6. Which among the following rulers belonged to Mamulak Dynasty?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Ibrahim Lodhi
[C] Balban
[D] Mohammed Ghori
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Balban]
Notes:
The Mamluk Dynasty was directed into Northern India by Qutb ud-Din Aibak, a Turkic Mamluk general from Central Asia. Balban belongs to this Mamulak dynasty.
7. Which of the following achievements is not associated with Iltutmish?
[A] Initiation of the silver tanka and copper jetal
[B] Establishment of the iqtadari system
[C] Formation of the Chalisa
[D] Advocacy of the Divine Right Theory
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Advocacy of the Divine Right Theory]
Notes:
Iltutmish was known for innovations including the introduction of a new currency system and administrative reforms. He introduced the silver tanka and copper jetal, organized the Chalisa (a group of forty noblemen), and implemented the iqtadari system to manage land. The concept of the Divine Right Theory, however, is credited to Balban, one of his successors. This doctrine asserts the monarch’s authority is derived directly from God, and it was not a part of Iltutmish’s governance.
8. What was the purpose of the creation of “Diwan-i-Riyasat” by Alauddin Khilji?
[A] Revenue Collection
[B] Civil Court Operations
[C] Tax Control
[D] Market Control
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Market Control]
Notes:
Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi from the Khilji dynasty (1296-1316), was known for his significant market reforms. He established the “Diwan-i-Riyasat” and “Shahna-i-mandi” to strengthen market control. Additionally, he fortified the espionage system to monitor these economic changes. His measures were aimed at regulating the markets to inhibit hoarding and foster economic stability.
9. In the reign of Allauddin Khilji, what does the ‘Ghari’ term denote?
[A] House Tax
[B] Irazing Tax
[C] Grain Tax
[D] Headmen cess
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [House Tax]
Notes:
In the reign of Allauddin Khilji, the taxes viz. Ghari ( House tax) and Charai (Irazing tax) levied on public.
10. Which queen of Jahangir was given the title of Padshah Begum ?
[A] Nur Jahan
[B] Jagat Gosai
[C] Shah Begum
[D] Khas Mahal Begum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nur Jahan]
Notes:
Padshah Begum (Empress) was a superlative imperial title bestowed in the Mughal Harem to the first lady of the Court of Empire. The Mughal emperor Jahangir bestowed the title ” Padshah Begum” upon Nur Jahan Begum who was the twentieth and last legal wife of him. The coins were struck in her name and on all farmans her name was attached to the imperial signature.
