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 is the correct meaning of a word “Manigramam” used in medieval India?
[A] Association of Villages
[B] Complex of various markets
[C] Association of Merchants
[D] Unit of administration in a small village
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Association of Merchants]
Notes:
Manigramam was a merchant organisation active in medieval South India. Its members participated in regional and overseas trade, and evidence of its activity also occurs in Southeast Asia.
2. The most important reason for collection of “Chauth” and “Sardeshmukhi” by Marathas was __?
[A] To increase the source of income
[B] To expand his territories
[C] To consolidate his political influence
[D] Because of the opposition of Muslim rulers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To increase the source of income]
Notes:
Shivaji collected the chauth and sardeshmukhi from the territory which was either under his enemies or under his own influence. The chauth was one fourth part of the income of a particular territory while the sardeshmukhi was one tenth. Shivaji collected these taxes simply by force of his arms. These constituted of the primary sources of income of Shivaji and helped in the extension of the power and territory of the Marathas.
3. In which of the following battles did Babur use field artillery to defeat Ibrahim Lodi?
[A] First Battle of Panipat
[B] Third Battle of Tarain
[C] First Battle of Khanwa
[D] Second Battle of Panipat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [First Battle of Panipat]
Notes:
Babur used field artillery and a protected line of carts at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Artillery had appeared in the subcontinent earlier, so this was not its first use in all Indian history.
4. During the reign of which among the following Mughal rulers, maximum number of books on classical music were written?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahanagir
[C] Shahjahan
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aurangzeb]
Notes:
Numerous Persian works on Indian music were produced during Aurangzeb’s reign. Musical activity continued under nobles and royal family members despite restrictions on imperial court performance. Aurangzeb was himself reputed to play the veena.
5. What was the term used in the medieval India for the land directly ruled by the Central Government?
[A] Muqtis
[B] Khalisa
[C] Inam
[D] Waqf
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Khalisa]
Notes:
Khalisa is the term used in the medieval India for the land directly ruled by the central government. It is an Arabic word. It was the term used during the Delhi Sultanates.
6. Who among the following was considered as the “mixture of opposites”.?
[A] Firuz Tughlaq
[B] Mohammed bin Tughlaq
[C] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[D] Kaiqubad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mohammed bin Tughlaq]
Notes:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq is often described as a mixture of opposites because accounts contrast his intellectual abilities and ambitious policies with severe punishments and costly administrative failures. The phrase is a historical assessment, not a clinical diagnosis.
7. Out of the battles fought between contemporary rulers and Babur, which among the following resulted in the firm establishment of Babur’s rule in North India?
[A] Battle of Panipat
[B] Battle of Khanva
[C] Battle of Ghagra
[D] Second Battle of Panipat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Battle of Khanva]
Notes:
The Battle of Khanwa was fought at Khanwa, in Bharatpur District of Rajasthan, on March 16, 1527. It was fought between the invading forces of the first Mughal Emperor Babur and the Rajput forces led by Rana Sanga of Mewar, after the Battle of Panipat.
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. Alamgirnama was written by whom ?
[A] Mulla Daud
[B] Dara Sikoh
[C] Mirza Muhammad Qazim
[D] Mutamid Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mirza Muhammad Qazim]
Notes:
Mirza Muhammad Qazim was the author of book “Alamgir-Nama”. The book gives the chronicle of the contemporary events covering the first decaded of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s reign.
10. During which mughal emperor rule ,Mewar came to conclude peace treaty with Mughals ?
[A] Akbar
[B] Shahjahan
[C] Jahangir
[D] Aurangjeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jahangir]
Notes:
During the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir, Rana Amar Singh (the son of Maharana Pratap of Mewar) conditionally accepted Mughals as rulers in 1615 AD. Before this peace treaty, like his father, he fought 17 wars with the Mughlas but due to depletion in financial and manpower he accepted them as rulers.
