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 was the first Indian ruler to organize Haj pilgrimage at the expense of the state?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Feroz Tughlaq
[C] Akbar
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Akbar]
Notes:
Akbar was the first Indian ruler to organize Haj pilgrimage at the expense of the state.
2. Who is the author of the renowned composition, Ananga?
[A] Kabir
[B] Gyaneshwar
[C] Tukaram
[D] Raidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gyaneshwar]
Notes:
Ananga, one of the most famous works in Marathi literature, was composed by Saint Gyaneshwar. He was a significant figure in the Bhakti movement and made significant contributions to the Warkari sect. Gyaneshwar also translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, making it accessible to the common people. His other works include Amritanubhava and Haripatha.
3. Surdas was a disciple of which among the following?
[A] Ramanujacharya
[B] Ramananda
[C] Vallabhacharya
[D] Gyaneshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vallabhacharya]
Notes:
Surdas was a 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer known for his lyrics written in praise of Krishna. He was a disciple of Vallabhacharya.
4. Hazi Ibrahim Sarhindi is known to be a Persian Writer during the reign of Akbar was translated the following Sanskrit work in Persian?
[A] Ramayana
[B] Mahabharata
[C] Atharva Veda
[D] Rigveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Atharva Veda]
Notes:Akbar had a committee of scholars with cross lingual expertise. Some of them were Naqeeb Khan, Mulla Abdul Qadir Badayuni, Mulla Sheri and Sultan Haji Thanesari.
- In that era Mahabharat was translated into Persian and was renamed as Razm Namah (Saga of the Battlefield).
- Ramayana was translated by Mulla Abdul Qadir Badayuni. Badayuni also took up the task of Singhasan Batisi into Persian , which was later titled Khurd Afza in Persian.
- Atharva Veda was translated by Haji Ibrahim Sirhindi. Rajataringini by Kalhana was translated by Maulana Shah Mohammad Shahabadi. Panchtantra were rendered into Persian by Mulla Hussain Waiz and it was called Anwar-i-Suhaili.
- Panchatantra was also translated in Persian by Maulana Husain Faizi and its translated name was Yar-i-Danish.
- Abul Fazal, Vazeer of Akbar and author of Akbarnama had translated Panchatantra in persian as Anvar-i-Saadat.
5. Ibaadat Khana which was constructed by Akbar at fatehpur Sikri was basically for the purpose of ______?
[A] Discuss matters related to propagation of Islam
[B] Discuss matters related to expansion of Din-i-Ilahi
[C] Discuss matters related to all religions
[D] Discuss matters related to Hinduism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Discuss matters related to all religions]
Notes:
Abul Fazal encouraged Akbar for debates on doctrinal and philosophical enquiries. Akbar displayed a curiosity in these discussions. The debate took place in the Ibadat Khana or Hall of Worship. The Ibadat Khana is now recognized to be the Diwan-i-Khas, which was founded in 1574 at the City of Fatehpur Sikri. It was opened for Sunni Muslims initially and was opened to all religions viz. Sufis, Shias, Christians, Zoroastrians, Hindus and Jains.
6. “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.
7. Which among the following Mughal emperors prohibited the use of tobacco?
[A] Aurangzeb
[B] Jahnagir
[C] Akbar
[D] Babur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jahnagir]
Notes:
Jahangir prohibited the use of tobacco in 1617. Jahangir was the fourth Mughal emperor, holding the throne from 1605-1627.
8. Which among the following departments created by Allauddin Khilji to enquire into the revenue arears and to collect them?
[A] Diwan-i-Mustakhraj
[B] Diwan-i-Arz
[C] Diwan-i-Riyasat
[D] Shahna-i-Mandi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Diwan-i-Mustakhraj]
Notes:
Allauddin Khilji created new department viz. Diwan-i-Mustakhraj to enquire into the revenue arears and to collect them.
9. As per the economic reforms of Allauddin Khilji who look after the market of cloth and groceries?
[A] Malik Qabul
[B] Rais Parwani
[C] Malik Yakub
[D] Khusru Malik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rais Parwani]
Notes:
In the reign of Allauddin Khilji, Rais Parwani look after the the market of cloth and groceries (or Sarai Adl) near Badaun gate.
10. Who among the following rulers awarded the title of Khan-i-Khana to Mahabat Khan?
[A] Akbar
[B] Shahjahan
[C] Jahangir
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shahjahan]
Notes:
The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan awarded the title of “Khan-i-Khana” to Mahabat Khan, who rebelled against the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1626 AD. Later, under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, he was appointed the Governor of Ajmer.