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. Elizabeth I was contemporary of which Mughal ruler?
[A] Babur
[B] Humayun
[C] Akbar
[D] Jahangir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Akbar]
Notes:
Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death on 24 March 1603. Akbar the Great was the third Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1556 to 1605. So Elizabeth I is the contemporary of Akbar.
3. Who among the following is considered to be the teacher of Amir Khusro?
[A] Moinuddin Chishti
[B] Baba Farid
[C] Nizamuddin Auliya
[D] Bakhtiyar Kaki
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nizamuddin Auliya]
Notes:
Amir Khusrau was an influential poet who embraced Sufism under the guidance of Nizamuddin Auliya in 1310 during reign of Alauddin Khilji. In his prolific career, he wrote several significant works. One of them was Nuh Sipihr, a masnavi about the reign of Sultan Qutb ud-Din Mubarak Shah Khalji. Another noteworthy work was Duval Rani – Khizr Khan, a love saga about the alliance between Vaghela princess Duval Rani and Khizr Khan, the progeny of Sultan Ala ud-Din Khalji.
4. In whose times the Mughal Empire reached its territorial climax ?
[A] Akbar
[B] Shah Jahan
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Bahadur Shah I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
The Mughal empire reached territorial climax during the reign of Aurangzeb. He ruled from 1658 to 1707. Aurangzeb policies lead to the dissolution of the empire.
5. Who among the following was defeated by Mohammed Ghori in battle of Chandawar?
[A] Prthviraj Chauhan
[B] Mularaja
[C] Jaichandra
[D] Jaypala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jaichandra]
Notes:
Jaichandra was defeated by Mohammed Ghori in the battle of Chandawar in 1193-94. It took place at Chandawar (modern Chandawal near Ferozabad), on the Yamuna River close to Agra.
6. Which of the following Mughal emperors was famous as Shah-i-Bekhabar ?
[A] Shah Alam
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Bahadur Shah I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bahadur Shah I]
Notes:
Khafi khan called Bahadur Shah I popularly Shahi-i- Bekhabar. He was also known as as Shah Alam I. This is due to his appeasement parties by grants of title and rewards. He was ascended himself on the throne in 1707 after killing his brothers.
7. Which of the following Sultans is known to have laid the foundation of Agra City?
[A] Bahlol Lodi
[B] Sikandar Lodi
[C] Ibrahim Lodi
[D] Shershah Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sikandar Lodi]
Notes:
Sikandar Lodi, son of Bahlol Lodi, is reputed for establishing the city of Agra in 1503 AD. His rule was characterized by peaceful expansion and efficient administration, which laid a firm foundation for the growth and development of Agra. He also played a crucial part in promoting Persian culture in Agra, ultimately shaping it into one of the most influential cities of medieval India.
8. Which among the following Mughal Emperor was also known as “Ali Gauhar”?
[A] Bahadur Shah Zafar
[B] Shah Aalam II
[C] Muhammad shah
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shah Aalam II]
Notes:
Ali Gohar is known as Shah Alam II. He was the sixteenth Mughal Emperor and the son of Alamgir II. Shah Alam II became the emperor of a crumbling Mughal empire.
9. 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.
10. Which of the following is category in which coins issued by Iltutmish can be correctly placed?
[A] Persian Silver
[B] Arabic Silver
[C] Afghani Gold
[D] Ethiopian style
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Arabic Silver]
Notes:
Iltumish was the first Turkish Sultan who introduced pure Arabic coins in India.