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 of the following ports during ancient / medieval era were situated on the west coast of South India?
- Kaveripattinam
- Korkai
- Musiri
- Tondi
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] 1, 2
[B] 2, 3
[C] 3, 4
[D] 2, 3, 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [3, 4]
Notes:
Musiri and Tondi were situated on the west coast of South India.
2. Who among the following Sultans of Delhi assumed the title Sikandar-i-Sani?
[A] Balban
[B] Alauddin Khalji
[C] Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
[D] Sikandar Lodi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Alauddin Khalji]
Notes:
Alauddin Khilji was a militarist and imperialist to the core. He was very ambitious. Alauddin, whose original name was Ali Gurshap, assumed the title Sikandar-i-Sani (Alexander the Second) and proclaimed Delhi as Dar-ul-Khilafa (Seat of the Caliphate).
3. What was the largest import item for the Vijayanagar Empire?
[A] Precious stones
[B] Luxury goods
[C] Raw silk
[D] Horses
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Horses]
Notes:
Horses were the biggest import to Vijayanagar Empire, imported mainly from West Asia including Balkh, Herat, and Bukhara. They were brought to improve cavalry breeds as local horses were unsuitable for warfare. Traveler Fernão Nunes recorded purchases at three horses for 1,000 pardaos, with annual expenditures up to 30,000 pardaos. The horse trade was managed by local merchants called Kudirai Chettis.
4. Which of the following Sena rulers introduced Kulinism in Bengal?
[A] Hemant Sen
[B] Ballala Sen
[C] Vijay Sen
[D] Lakshman Sen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ballala Sen]
Notes:
One of the vassals of Pala called Hemant Sen founded the Sena Dynasty. The third king of this dynasty Ballala Sena (1160-1178) introduced the social reforms in Bengal known as Kulinism.
5. Akbarnama was written originally in which among the following languages?
[A] Chagtai Turkic
[B] Persian
[C] Arabic
[D] Urdu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Persian]
Notes:
Abul Fazal was the author of Akbarnama which is written in Persian. It is the official history of Akbar’s reign in 3 volumes. This book gives the history of Akbar’s forefathers from Timur to Humayun and Akbar’s reign till 1602.
6. The famous “Treaty of Purandhar” was signed between Shivaji and which among the following in 1665?
[A] Jaswant Singh
[B] Jai Singh
[C] Shaista Khan
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jai Singh]
Notes:
The treaty of Purandhar was signed on Jun 11th 1665 between Rajput ruler Jai Singh-I who was the commander of Mughal army and Maratha ruler Shivaji.
7. Who among the following is said to be the pioneer of guerilla warfare in the Deccan region?
[A] Shivaji
[B] Shah ji Bhosle
[C] Malik Ambar
[D] Maloji Bhosale
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Malik Ambar]
Notes:
Malik Ambar (1548 – 13 May 1626) was a Siddi military leader in the Deccan region of India. He was the ruler of Ahmednagar. He humbled the might of the Mughals and Adil Shah of Bijapur and raised the low status of the Nizam Shah.
8. After the death of Aurangzeb , which of the following Mughals abolished jazia tax for the first time?
[A] Jahandar Shah
[B] Rafi Ul Darjat
[C] Mohammad Shah Rangila
[D] Farrukhsiyar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jahandar Shah]
Notes:
Jizya was abolished by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 16th century but was re-introduced by Aurangzeb in 17th century. After the death of Aurangzeb Jahandar Shah abolished Jazia tax.
9. Which among the following Mughal painters is credited for painting Siberian Crane and the Dodo for the first time?
[A] Abu al-Hasan
[B] Bishandas
[C] Farrukh Beg
[D] Ustad Mansur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ustad Mansur]
Notes:
Ustad Mansur as a painter started his career during the last few years of Akbar`s reign as a minor painter. However, later he flourished during the time of Jahangir.
Ustad Mansur was a leading painter in Emperor Jahangir’s court who was famous for depicting plants and animals. Most important paintings were of Siberian Crane and Dodo. The latter was an important source of reference for Zoologists till date. The Siberian Crane painted on paper is highly intricate showing the wrinkles on the bare skin, the legs and a small feather stuck to the claw.
10. ‘Padshah-nama’ (Chronicle of the Emperor) written by Abdul Hamid Lahori, is the official visual history giving a detailed account of the reign of which of the following Mughal Emperor?
[A] Babur
[B] Jahanagir
[C] Shah Jahan
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shah Jahan]
Notes:
Padshahnama or Badshah Nama is a genre of works written as the official history of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan’s reign.
