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. Which of the following regions was known as Jejakabhukti in early Medieval India?
[A] Rohelkhand
[B] Bundelkhand
[C] Deccan
[D] Saurastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bundelkhand]
Notes:
Bundelkhand region was known as Jejakabhukti in early Medieval India. The Chandelas of Jejakabhukti ruled the region between the 9th and 13th centuries. The Chandelas were a dynasty in Central India, and belonged to the Chandel clan of the Rajputs. Their capital city was Khajuraho, which was later changed to Mahoba. Their important fort was Kalinjar.
The early medieval period in India lasted from the 6th to the 13th century. The late medieval period lasted from the 13th to the 16th century, ending with the start of the Mughal Empire in 1526.
2. During the time period of Mughal Emperors, who was designated as the ultimate authority in justice?
[A] Qazi-ul-Quzat
[B] Qazi-ul-Hazat
[C] Qazi-Faiz-ul-Islam
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Qazi-ul-Quzat]
Notes:
The position of Qazi-ul-Quzat was significant during the Mughal era as they were regarded as the supreme authority in justice. Managing justice in all cases was challenging for the emperor hence, was delegated to Qazi-ul-Quzat. They were entrusted with upholding justice in accordance to Muslim Law. The position of Qazi-ul-Quzat is equivalent to the modern Chief Judge in contemporary legal systems.
3. “Silver Tanka” and “Copper Jital” coins were introduced by:
[A] Iltutmish
[B] Abu Bakr Shah
[C] Firuz Shah Tughlaq
[D] Sikander Lodi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Iltutmish]
Notes:
Iltutmish introduced Silver Tanka and Copper Jital , the two coins of the Delhi Sultanate. The coins prior to Iltutmish were introduced by the invaders which bear the Sanskrit characters and even Bull and Shivalinga. Iltutmish was the first to introduce a “Pure Arabic Coin” in India. The Coins were engraved with “The Mighty Sultan, Sun of the Empire and the Faith, Conquest-laden, Il-tutmish,” after he received an investiture of Sovereign Sultan of Delhi from the Caliph of Baghdad. The Silver Tanka issued by Iltutmish was weighing 175 grains. Gold Tanka of the same weight was later issued by Balban.
4. 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.
5. Which among the following travelers has recorded his experiences in “Kitab-i-Rehla” ?
[A] Amir Khusro
[B] Ibn Battuta
[C] Malik Murtaza
[D] Al-Bayhaqi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ibn Battuta]
Notes:
Ibn batutta was an Arab traveler and adventure frm Morocoo. His book is a primary source of history of the region of Muhmmad bin Tughluq it throws ligh on the socio-political condition of his times.
6. Which among the following Mughal painters is credited for painting Siberian Crane and the Dodo for the first time?
[A] Abu al-Hasan
[B] Bishandas
[C] Farrukh Beg
[D] Ustad Mansur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ustad Mansur]
Notes:
Ustad Mansur as a painter started his career during the last few years of Akbar`s reign as a minor painter. However, later he flourished during the time of Jahangir.
Ustad Mansur was a leading painter in Emperor Jahangir’s court who was famous for depicting plants and animals. Most important paintings were of Siberian Crane and Dodo. The latter was an important source of reference for Zoologists till date. The Siberian Crane painted on paper is highly intricate showing the wrinkles on the bare skin, the legs and a small feather stuck to the claw.
7. Which among the following rulers of Delhi Sultanate declared himself as Sikandar-I-Sani?
[A] Balban
[B] Kaiqubad
[C] Alauddin Khilji
[D] Firoz Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alauddin Khilji]
Notes:
Alauddin Khilji was a militarist and imperialist to the core. He was very ambitious. Alauddin, whose original name was Ali Gurshap, assumed the title Sikandar-i-Sani (Alexander the Second) and proclaimed Delhi as Dar-ul-Khilafa (Seat of the Caliphate).
8. Which Mughal Emperor had put a ban on killing of animals in certain days?
[A] Shahjahan
[B] Akbar
[C] Darashikoh
[D] Jahangir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Akbar]
Notes:
Akbar put a ban in 1583 on killing animals on certain days.
9. Which gold coin was issued during the Vijayanagar Empire?
[A] Varaha
[B] Tara
[C] Kakini
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Varaha]
Notes:
Varaha was a gold coin issued by the Vijayanagar Empire featuring the boar emblem. It was minted during the reigns of rulers like Harihara II and Krishnadevaraya between the 14th and 16th centuries CE. Tara was a silver coin, and Kakini was a copper coin used in the empire.
10. 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.