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 superintendent of ports under the Mughals ?
[A] Mutsaddi
[B] Mir-i-Bahar
[C] Tahvildar
[D] Mushrif
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mir-i-Bahar]
Notes:
Administration under Akbar: The Mir-i-Bahar was incharge of customs and boats and ferry taxes, and port duties in coastal towns.
2. Who was the Qazi-ul-Quzat in the Mughal Empire?
[A] Head of the Finance Department
[B] Censor of Public Morals
[C] Supreme Authority in Justice
[D] Head of Charitable Organizations
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Supreme Authority in Justice]
Notes:
During the era of the Mughal Empire, the “Qazi-ul-Quzat” served as the Supreme Authority in Justice. With the extensive nature of the empire, it was arduous for the emperor to oversee all matters related to justice. Hence, Qazi-ul-Quzat was appointed for this significant role and was responsible for administering justice based on Muslim Law.
3. 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 was known as Jejakabhukti, which roughly corresponds to the old Mahajanapadas of Chedi. The notable Kings among notable kings among the Chandels of Jejakabhukti were Dhanga, Ganda and Parmal. The legacy of the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti lies in their art and architecture, most notably for the temples at their original capital Khajuraho.
4. 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.
5. Who among the following was not included in the “Asta Pradhan” of Shivaji?
[A] Sumant
[B] Majmudar
[C] Vakiyanavis
[D] Vakeel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vakeel]
Notes:
Ashta Pradhan Pantpradhan or Peshwa – Prime Minister, general administration of the Empire. Amatya – Finance Minister, managing accounts of the Empire. Sacheev – Secretary, preparing royal edicts. Mantri – Interior Minister, managing internal affairs especially intelligence and espionage. Senapati – Commander-in-Chief, managing the forces and defense of the Empire. Sumant – Foreign Minister, to manage relationships with other sovereigns. Nyayadhish – Chief Justice, dispensing justice on civil and criminal matters. Panditrao – High Priest, managing internal religious matters.
6. 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.
7. At which among the following places, Gokal Jat revolted against mughals in the 17th century?
[A] Hisar
[B] Mathura
[C] Ujain
[D] Bundelkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mathura]
Notes:
In 1669-70, the Jats of Mathura region rose under the leadership of a local Zamindar Gokul. Religion was main factor behind this revolt because Abdul Nabi, local officer of imperial Mughal government, had destroyed the temples of Hindus and disrespected their women.
We note here that Jat uprising occurred at a time Mughal government was by no means weak or imbecile. The Mughal army pursued the Jats and the leader Gokul was captured and executed. However, the rebel did not subdue completely. Taking advantage of the civil war amongst the sons of Shahjahan, the Jats again rose in arms and this rebellion finally culminated in establishment of sovereign Jat Kingdom under Raja Surajmal with Bharatpur its capital
8. One of the cited reasons of the expedition of Muhammad Bin Qasim on Sindh was to punish the Bawarij of Sindh. Who were these people?
[A] Dacoits
[B] Pirates
[C] Soldiers
[D] Traders
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pirates ]
Notes:
Bawarij were Sindhi pirates who used special ships called barja warships. They looted Arab shipping bound for the Indian subcontinent and China. One of the cited reasons of Arab conquest of Sindh was to punish the Bawarij who used to prey on Arab shipping from their bases at Kutch, Debal and Kathiawar.
9. In the council of 8 Ministers of Shivaji which was called as Ashtapradhan , who was known as chief Minister and was responsible for General Administration?
[A] Peshwa
[B] Amatya
[C] Sachiv or Shuru Navis
[D] Majumdar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Peshwa]
Notes:
Peshwa is the chief minister in the council of Shivaji who is responsible for General Administration. The council had 8 ministers in the council. Peshwa was the most powerful after the emperor.
10. Which of the following Sikh Guru collected all the work of the previous Gurus and dictated it in the form of verses ?
[A] Guru Har Govind
[B] Guru Har Kishan
[C] Guru Arjun Dev
[D] Guru Gobind
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Guru Arjun Dev]
Notes:
Guru Arjan Dev was born in 15 April 1563. He collected all the work of the previous Gurus and dictated it in the form of verses. He was arrested under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. He was asked to change his religion to Islam. He denied and for this reason he was executed in 1606 CE. The name of his son was Guru Hargobind.
