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 lowest in rank in the Maratha infantry was of__?
[A] Nayak
[B] Hawaldar
[C] Zumladar
[D] Hazari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Hawaldar]
Notes:
Hawaldar was the lowest in rank in the Maratha Infantry.
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. 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.
4. Who among the following were the last belligerents against whom Mohammad Ghori had led a campaign?
[A] Khokhars
[B] Gohils
[C] Baghelas
[D] Bhattis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Khokhars]
Notes:
Ghori had suffered a humiliating defeat in 1205 at the hands of the Shah of Khwarizm. Soon afterwards, he heard the news of a revolt by Khokhars in central Punjab. Hard pressed, Aibek appealed to Muhammad Ghori for help. The latter came to the Punjab, crushed the revolt and helped Aibek in restoring law and order. On his return journey to Ghazni, he was encamped at Jhelum on the Indus when a party of the Khokhar dare-devils stealthily entered his tent and put him to death on March 15, 1206.
5. 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.
6. Prithviraj Raso of Chand Bardai was originally written in which of these languages?
[A] Hindi
[B] Awadi
[C] Mewari
[D] Brij Bhasha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Brij Bhasha]
Notes:
Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan had written the epic poem in Brij Bhasha.
7. Which of the following Mughal emperor is famous for his golden chain of justice?
[A] Akbar
[B] Shahjahan
[C] Jahanagir
[D] Babur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jahanagir]
Notes:
Jahangir was the Mughal emperor who is famous for his chain of justice. Jahangir had placed a long golden chain with bells on his palace wall. Anyone who had been subjected to injustice could come to the palace, pull the chain and make his or her complaint heard for redressal.
8. In context of military administration of Marathas, “Bargis and Silahdars” represents whom?
[A] Finance Minister
[B] Cavalrymen
[C] Hawaldars
[D] Artisians
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cavalrymen]
Notes:
In context of military administration of Marathas, the cavalry was divided into Bargis and Silahdars. Bargis (troops) equipped and maintained by the state. On the other hand, Silahdars had to brought their own horses and equipments and took a stipulated amount from the state for meeting the expenses of services in the field.
9. What was the real name of Mughal Empress Nurjahan ?
[A] Mihar-un-nisa
[B] Nihar-un-nisa
[C] Jehar-un-nisa
[D] Jodha Bai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mihar-un-nisa]
Notes:
Mughal Empress Nur Jahan ( Noor Jahan) was the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir, her real name was Mehr-un-nisa (Nur Jahan). She was one of the most powerful personalities in the Mughal empire that the coins were struck in her name and on all farmans her name was attached to the imperial signature.
10. Which Mughal ruler sentenced the fifth Sikh guru Arjun Dev to death ?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Aurangjeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jahangir]
Notes:
The fifth Sikh guru Arjun Dev laid the foundation of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar and compiled all of the past Gurus’ writings into one book , now the holy scripture: the Guru Granth Sahib. In 1606 AD, the Mughal emperor Jahangir ordered that he be tortured and sentenced to death after he refused to remove all Islamic and Hindu references from the Holy book, Guru Granth Sahib.
