Medieval Indian History MCQs

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.

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Alauddin Khilji sent two of his general brothers Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan to invade Gujarat. Gujarat was invaded and the temples of Somnath and Rudra Mahalaya were sacked.

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Aurangzeb is a great veena player. He is extremely religious bent. He was a connoisseur of music and a proficient Veena player.He is said to have been so infatuated with her that he gave in to her demand that he taste wine.

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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.

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Capital of Akbar Kingdom, Buland Darwaja , Panch Mahal  (all fatehpur sikri ) mausoleum at Sikandara

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Bairam Khan played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Mughal empire in India in the late 16th century. His most significant contribution was marked by his victory at the Second Battle of Panipat. After the death of Humayun, Bairam Khan was appointed as a guardian to the young Akbar. He was also the de facto ruler of the Mughal Empire during Akbar’s minority.

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The first attack on the south of the Narbada was made in 1294 by Ala-ud-din, who marched 700 miles into Berar and Khandesh, and compelled Raja Ramachandra Deva, the Yadava

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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). Atharva Veda was translated by Haji Ibrahim Sirhindi.

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Diwan-i-kohi, the Agricultural Department, was not established during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. It was actually created by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq. Alauddin Khilji, the second and the most powerful ruler of the Khilji Dynasty, was known for his economic reforms which included the systems of market regulation, rationing, and fixed pricing.

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.