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. Which among the following was the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire?
[A] Precious stones
[B] Horses
[C] Luxury goods
[D] Raw Silk
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Horses]
Notes:
Kings of Vijayanagar, imported Arabian horses on a large scale, in order to improve the breed of cavalry horses in their own districts. Thus, the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire was Horses.
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 is the author of the renowned composition, Ananga?
[A] Kabir
[B] Gyaneshwar
[C] Tukaram
[D] Raidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gyaneshwar]
Notes:
Ananga, one of the most famous works in Marathi literature, was composed by Saint Gyaneshwar. He was a significant figure in the Bhakti movement and made significant contributions to the Warkari sect. Gyaneshwar also translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, making it accessible to the common people. His other works include Amritanubhava and Haripatha.
4. Ghazi Malik was the founder and first ruler of which among the following dynasties?
[A] Khilji Dynasty
[B] Mamluk Dynasty
[C] Tughlaq Dynasty
[D] Slave Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tughlaq Dynasty]
Notes:
Ghiasuddin Tughlaq, or Ghazi Malik , (died c. 1325) was the founder of the Tughluq dynasty in India. He reigned over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1320 to 1325. He founded the city of Tughluqabad.
5. Akbar had adopted the ‘Ray’ System of revenue assessment which he had abolished later on as part of his land revenue reforms. Who among the following had introduced the ray system ?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Balban
[C] Iltutmish
[D] Sher Shah Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alauddin Khilji]
Notes:
The genesis of Akbar’s revenue system can be traced to Alauddin Khilji. Akbar’s adopted this system . Till 1566 which was 10th year of Akbar’s reign no change was made in Akbar policy of crop rate (ray) that he inherited. Subsequently Akbar adopted a system of annual assessment.
6. Ibaadat Khana which was constructed by Akbar at fatehpur Sikri was basically for the purpose of ______?
[A] Discuss matters related to propagation of Islam
[B] Discuss matters related to expansion of Din-i-Ilahi
[C] Discuss matters related to all religions
[D] Discuss matters related to Hinduism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Discuss matters related to all religions]
Notes:
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.
7. What was the main responsibility of Mir Bakshi during the Mughal Era?
[A] All incomes and expenditures
[B] Military department
[C] Revenue department
[D] Royal correspondence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Military department]
Notes:
During Mughal Era, Mir Bakshi was in charge of military pay and accounts office. Since civil service was based on Mansabdari system and all Mansabdars received their pay from Military accounts office, the post of Mir Bakshi was of utmost importance as imperial paymaster.
8. “Rihla” was a work of which of the following?
[A] Mir Hasan Dehlvi
[B] Ibn Battuta
[C] Malik Murtaza
[D] Muhammad al-Idrisi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ibn Battuta]
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.
9. Which among the following was called as the Central Pillar of the administrative system of Delhi sultanate?
[A] Izra system
[B] Iqta System
[C] devsirme system
[D] Chahalgami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Iqta System]
Notes:
In Iqta System, the land of the empire was divided into several large and small tracts called Iqta and assigned these Iqtas to his soldiers, officers and nobles. In the beginning, an Iqta was based upon salary. Later, under Firoz Shah Tughlaq it became hereditary.
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.
