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 wrote the Mahzarnama, or Infallibility Decree, issued by Akbar in 1579 A.D. to assert his authority in religious matters?
[A] Birbal
[B] Faizi
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Tansen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Faizi]
Notes:
Faizi, the elder brother of Akbar’s famous courtier Abul Fazl, wrote the Mahzarnama in 1579 A.D. This decree was a significant step by Akbar towards establishing his absolute control over religious matters, thereby curbing the dominance of Ulema – the leading Islamic scholars. It augmented Akbar’s secular policies and contributed to the syncretic culture during his reign.
2. Which of the following ladies wrote an historical account during the Mughal period?
[A] Gulbadan Begum
[B] Noorjahan Begum
[C] Jahanara Begum
[D] Zebun-nissah Begum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gulbadan Begum]
Notes:
Gulbadan Begum (1523-1603) was a Perso-Turkic Princess, the daughter of Emperor Babur. She is most known as the author of Humayun Nama, the account of the life of her brother, Humayun.
3. Which of the following battles is subject matter of Alha Khand, a 12th Century epic poetic work in Hindi?
[A] Battle of Mandsaur
[B] Battle of Chittor
[C] Battle of Mahoba
[D] Battles of Tarain
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Battle of Mahoba]
Notes:
Paradidev (Parmal) who fought Prithviraj Chauhan-III in 1182 AD in the Battle of Mahoba. This battle is the subject matter of the Alha Khand (c. 12th Century) is an early poetic work in Hindi which consists of a number of ballads describing the brave acts
4. Shershah Suri introduced the coins made of _____?
[A] Silver & Copper Only
[B] Gold & Silver Only
[C] Gold, Silver & Copper
[D] Gold & Copper
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gold, Silver & Copper]
Notes:
The coin was first introduced by Sher Shah Suri during his rule of India between 1540 and 1545. He introduced Gold,silver and copper coins.
5. Hindi poet Jagannath Pandit Raj was the most favorite poet of which of the following Emperors?
[A] Jahangir
[B] Shahjahan
[C] Akbar
[D] Humayun
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shahjahan]
Notes:
Hindi poet Jagannath Pandit Raj was the most favorite poet of Shahjahan. He served as Mughal emperors of Jehangir and Shah Jahan.
6. Who among the following conspired against Ibrahim Lodi and invited Babur to invade Delhi?
[A] Bahlol Lodi
[B] Daulat Khan Lodi
[C] Sikandar Lodi
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Daulat Khan Lodi]
Notes:
Daulat Khan Lodi was the governor of Lahore during the reign of Ibrahim Lodi. He got information that Ibrahim may remove his Governorship, so he sent letter to Babur offering him help and allegiance in exchange for assistance against Ibrahim Lodi.
7. Which among the following rulers belonged to Mamulak Dynasty?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Ibrahim Lodhi
[C] Balban
[D] Mohammed Ghori
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Balban]
Notes:
The Mamluk Dynasty was directed into Northern India by Qutb ud-Din Aibak, a Turkic Mamluk general from Central Asia. Balban belongs to this Mamulak dynasty.
8. During the end of which of the Mughal rulers the Mughal empire faced the problem of jagirdari crisis?
[A] Humayun
[B] Akbar
[C] Jahanagir
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
The jagirdari crisis during the reign of Aurangzeb led to an unhealthy competition among the nobles to gain control over the fertile jagirs. The jagirdars faced the insecurity of getting transferred within a short period.
9. In context with the Ashta Pradhan, that helped with the administration of the Maratha empire of Shivaji, who among the following was in charge of General Administration?
[A] Moro Trimbak Pingale
[B] Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar
[C] Annaji Datto
[D] Dattaji Trimbak Waknis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Moro Trimbak Pingale]
Notes:
Ashta Pradhan of Shivaji:
1. Pantpradhan(Moro Trimbak Pingale) – General administration of the kingdom.
2. Amatya(Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar) – Accounts of the kingdom.
3. Sachiv(Annaji Datto) – To prepare royal edicts.
4. Mantri(Dattaji Trimbak Waknis) – state correspondence.
5. Senapati(Hambirrao Mohite) – Managing the army and protection of the kingdom.
6. Sumant(Ramchandra Trimbak Dabir) – Foreign relations.
7. Nyayadhish(Niraji Raoji) – to dispense justice.
8. Panditrao(Moreswar Panditrao) – Religious matters.
10. Who among the following rulers of Bengal had issued a coin named Zurbe Murshedabad?
[A] Mir Jafar
[B] Mir Qasim
[C] Murshid Quli Khan
[D] Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Murshid Quli Khan]
Notes:
Murshid Quli Khan was the First Nawab of Bengal whose reign in this capacity was from 1717 to 1727. He changed the name of Makhsusabad to Murshidabad and as soon as Farrukhsiyar acknowledged his changing the name of Makhsusabad to Murshidabad he released Zurbe Murshedabad coin, in his own new mint.
