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. The irrigation tax was charged on the farmers for the first time by which among the following Sultans?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[C] Mohammad Tughlaq
[D] Firoz Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Firoz Tughlaq]
Notes:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ascended Delhi’s throne on March 23, 1351, introduced four taxes based on Islamic law: kharaj (land tax), khams (one-fifth of spoils of war), jizya (tax on non-Muslims), and zakat (2% on property). The kharaj, or land tax, was the precursor to the first irrigation tax, equalling one tenth of the land produce. This first irrigation tax marked a significant shift in the economic policy of the Sultanate and had a lasting impact on Indian agriculture.
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. During the reign of which among the following Mughal Emperors, Mughal Architecture reached its zenith?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Aurangazeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shahjahan]
Notes:
The Mughal emperor Shahjahan was the last great Mughal emperor who patronized the architecture. Taj Mahal was built during his reign. Architecture declined completely after Aurangzeb.
4. 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.
5. Who among the following Vijayanagar rulers assumed titles “Vaidika Marga Parvatika” and “Veda Marga Prathisthapaka” ?
[A] Harihara
[B] Bukka-I
[C] Sri krishnadevaraya
[D] Harihara-II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Harihara-II]
Notes:
Harihara II (1342 – 1404 CE), an Emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire from the Sangama Dynasty, patronized the Jaina poet Madhura. An important work on the Vedas was completed during his time. Earning the titles Vaidikamarga Sthapanacharya and Vedamarga Pravartaka, these denote his contribution and patronage to the Vedic traditions and rituals.
6. When did Shivaji visited the court of Aurangzeb in Agra?
[A] 1664 AD
[B] 1665 AD
[C] 1669 AD
[D] 1666 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1666 AD]
Notes:
On the invitation of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Shivaji visited the imperial court at Agra in 1666 AD. But there, Aurangzeb didn’t give him respectable welcome and imprisoned him and his 9-year old son Sambhaji. Though, Shivaji was able to escape with his son in disguise from jail and from there onwards, Shivaji and Mughals became bitter enemies.
7. What was the real name of Mughal Empress Nurjahan ?
[A] Mihar-un-nisa
[B] Nihar-un-nisa
[C] Jehar-un-nisa
[D] Jodha Bai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mihar-un-nisa]
Notes:
Mughal Empress Nur Jahan ( Noor Jahan) was the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir, her real name was Mehr-un-nisa (Nur Jahan). She was one of the most powerful personalities in the Mughal empire that the coins were struck in her name and on all farmans her name was attached to the imperial signature.
8. Who among the following rulers built Shalimar Bagh in Lahore?
[A] Akbar
[B] Shahjahan
[C] Jahangir
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shahjahan]
Notes:
In 1641 AD, the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built Shalimar Bagh in Lahore, Pakistan. The project management was carried out under the superintendence of Khalilullah Khan, a noble of Shah Jahan’s court, in cooperation with Ali Mardan Khan and Mulla Alaul Maulk Tuni.
9. 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.
10. During the reign of whom Mahmud Gawan was the wazir of Bahmani Kingdom?
[A] Ahmad Shah
[B] Humayun Shah
[C] Muhammad Shah II
[D] Tajuddin Firoj Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Humayun Shah]
Notes:
Mahmud Gawan was appointed as the vakil-us-sultanate under Humayun Shah as well as the tarafdar of the Bijapur division. He also served in the dual capacity of both amir-i-jumla (finance minister) and wazir-i-kull (external affairs minister) of the province.
