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 among the following was the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire?
[A] Precious stones
[B] Horses
[C] Luxury goods
[D] Raw Silk
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Horses]
Notes:
Kings of Vijayanagar, imported Arabian horses on a large scale, in order to improve the breed of cavalry horses in their own districts. Thus, the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire was Horses.
2. Who was the first ruler to issue Pure Arabic coin in India?
[A] Mohammad Ghori
[B] Qutubuddin Aibak
[C] Iltutmish
[D] Razia Sultan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [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 Hindu Gods, Bull and Shivalinga. The name “Tanka” was derived from the Arabic word “Tankhah,” which means wage or salary.
3. Which was the first monument in India constructed using Islamic architectural elements including horseshoe-shaped arches?
[A] Taj Mahal
[B] Humayun Tomb
[C] Alai Darwaza
[D] Qutub Minar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alai Darwaza]
Notes:
The Alai Darwaza, located in Delhi, was the first monument in India built following Islamic architecture principles, including the use of horseshoe-shaped arches. It was constructed in the 14th century by Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji. The Darwaza stands as an entrance to the Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring distinct decorations of inlaid marble and latticed stone screens.
4. Which of the following rulers earned the title of Purvapaschima Samudradhishavara?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Karikala Chola
[C] Harihara I
[D] Parantaka-I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harihara I]
Notes:
Harihara-I of Vijayanagara Kingdom gained control over most of the area south of the Tungabhadra River and earned the title of Purvapaschima Samudradhishavara (“master of the eastern and western seas”).
5. In which among the following territories, Marco Polo had travels in the last decade of 13th century in India?
[A] Chola
[B] Pandya
[C] Madurai Sultanate
[D] Cheras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pandya]
Notes:
Marco polo an Italian traveler landed in Pandya Empire (at Kayal) in 13th century and impressed by the wealth and magnificence of the King, Prince as well as people, tagged it as the richest kingdom in existence.
6. Moti Masjid was built in Red Fort by which of the following Mughal Emperor?
[A] Shahjahan
[B] Aurangazeb
[C] Shah Aalam II
[D] Akbar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aurangazeb]
Notes:
Moti Masjid is a mosque built in Red Fort. It was built by Aurangzeb in 1659 for his second wife. It was used by the ladies of the Zenana.
7. Which among the following place is the birth place of Humayun?
[A] Agra
[B] Kabul
[C] Badakhashan
[D] Sasaram
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kabul]
Notes:
Nasir-ud-Din Muḥammad (6 March 1508 – 27 January 1556), is known by his name, Humayun was the second emperor of the Mughal Empire, who ruled over territory in what is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern India, and Bangladesh from 1530–1540 and again from 1555–1556. Like his father, Babur, he lost his kingdom early but regained it with the aid of the Safavid dynasty of Persia, with additional territory. At the time of his death in 1556, the Mughal Empire spanned almost one million square kilometres.
8. Who among the following assumed the title of Islam Shah Suri, ?
[A] Shershah Suri
[B] Jalal Khan
[C] Firuz Shah Suri
[D] Ibrahim Khan Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jalal Khan]
Notes:
Jalal Khan assumed this title. He was son of Shershah and was his successor
9. Who was defeated in the Battle of Ghaghra by Mughal emperor Babur ?
[A] Rana Sanga
[B] Medini Rai
[C] Muhammad Lodhi
[D] Ibrahim Lodhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Muhammad Lodhi]
Notes:
In 1529 AD, the battle of Ghaghra was fought between Muhammad Lodi and Babur on the confluence of the Ganga and its tributary. But, again Babur again turned victorious and it consolidated his power in India.
10. When did Jizya reintroduced by Aurangzeb ?
[A] 1681
[B] 1682
[C] 1679
[D] 1680
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1679]
Notes:
In 1679 AD, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya on Hindus, at the usual rates of 48 dirhams on the rich, 24 on the middle class, and 12 on the poor. The Jizya was hated by the Hindus as it was a symbol of their inferiority and involved a lot of humiliation. In 1564 AD, the Mughal emperor Akbar abolished Jizya, a poll tax, on Hindus.
