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. Chachnama is the oldest chronicle of which of the following regions?
[A] Kashmir
[B] Gandhar
[C] Sindh
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sindh]
Notes:
Chachnama is a Persian chronicle associated with Sindh. It recounts the Brahman dynasty and the Arab conquest under Muhammad bin Qasim, during which Raja Dahir was defeated in 712 CE.
2. 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:
Alha Khand recounts the exploits of Alha and Udal, warriors associated with the Chandela ruler Paramardi, also called Parmal. The Mahoba conflict with Prithviraj Chauhan is a central theme of this ballad tradition.
3. 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:
Ballala Sena is traditionally credited with introducing Kulinism in Bengal. The system ranked certain Brahmin, Kayastha and other lineages by social status and influenced marriage alliances. Its attribution to Ballala Sena rests largely on later genealogical traditions.
4. Which of the following rulers earned the title of Purvapaschima Samudradhishavara?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Karikala Chola
[C] Harihara I
[D] Parantaka-I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harihara I]
Notes:
Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Kingdom earned the title Purvapaschima Samudradhishavara (“master of the eastern and western seas”). He founded the empire in 1336 CE with his brother Bukka Raya I and gained control over most territory south of the Tungabhadra River, from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal.
5. 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 was a leading minister and regent of the Nizam Shahi state of Ahmadnagar. He used mobile forces and guerrilla tactics effectively against the Mughals in the Deccan.
6. Who among the following poets used to write the Urdu Ghazals with the pen name “Asad”?
[A] Mir Taqi Mir
[B] Dushyant
[C] Mirza Ghalib
[D] Amir Khusrow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mirza Ghalib]
Notes:
Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib used Asad as an early pen name and later became famous as Ghalib. He wrote poetry in Urdu and Persian and received courtly honours from Bahadur Shah Zafar.
7. Which Mughal-era monument is traditionally associated with Ustad Isa in accounts of its architectural design?
[A] Taj Mahal
[B] Buland Darwaza
[C] Red Fort
[D] Itimad-ud-Daula’s Tomb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Taj Mahal]
Notes:
Ustad Isa is traditionally associated with the architectural design of the Taj Mahal, the Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Shah Jahan in Agra for Mumtaz Mahal. Its design and construction involved many architects, artisans and supervisors, and the precise allocation of design credit is uncertain. Ustad Ahmad Lahori is also identified in historical accounts as a leading architect connected with the monument. Among the listed buildings, the Taj Mahal is therefore the appropriate answer.
8. The Treaty of Purandar was signed on June 11, 1665 between Mughals and Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Who represented Mughals in this treaty ?
[A] Jai Singh I
[B] Man Singh I
[C] Ram Singh II
[D] Jai Singh II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jai Singh I]
Notes:
The Treaty of Purandar was signed on June 11, 1665, between the Rajput ruler Jai Singh I, who was commander of the Mughal Empire, and Maratha Shivaji. Shivaji was forced to sign the agreement after Jai Singh besieged Purandar fort.
9. 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:
Sher Shah’s currency reforms are conventionally associated with gold, silver and copper issues, especially the standard silver rupiya and copper dam. Coinage itself had existed in India for many centuries.
10. In popular tradition, who is commonly regarded as the spiritual guru of Shivaji?
[A] Tukaram
[B] Eknath
[C] Jnaneshwar
[D] Ram Das
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ram Das]
Notes:
Samarth Ramdas, the 17th-century Marathi saint and devotional poet, is commonly identified in popular accounts as Shivaji’s spiritual guide. This attribution reflects a longstanding tradition linking the two figures; Ramdas is also known for his devotion to Rama and Hanuman. Historians debate the precise nature of their relationship, so the question asks about the traditional identification rather than presenting a guru-disciple connection as an uncontested historical fact.
