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 Mughal Emperor was also known as Roshan Akhtar ?
[A] Ahmed Shah
[B] Muhammad Shah
[C] Jahandar Shah
[D] Shah Alam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Muhammad Shah]
Notes:
Muhammad Shah Rangile also known as Roshan Akhtar, was the Mughal emperor between 1719 and 1748. During his time, Nadir Shah attacked and looted Delhi and took the Peacock Throne with himself.
2. Which among the following Muslim Scholar came to India during the time of Mahmud of Ghazni?
[A] Al-beruni
[B] Amir Khusrau
[C] Abu Zayd Balkhi
[D] Muhammad al-Idrisi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Al-beruni]
Notes:
Al-Biruni was an eleventh-century scholar associated with Mahmud of Ghazni’s period. He studied Sanskrit and Indian religious, philosophical and scientific traditions, which he discussed in Kitab-ul-Hind.
3. Who among the following was not included in the “Asta Pradhan” of Shivaji?
[A] Sumant
[B] Majmudar
[C] Vakiyanavis
[D] Vakeel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vakeel]
Notes:
Ashta Pradhan Pantpradhan or Peshwa – Prime Minister, general administration of the Empire. Amatya – Finance Minister, managing accounts of the Empire. Sacheev – Secretary, preparing royal edicts. Mantri – Interior Minister, managing internal affairs especially intelligence and espionage. Senapati – Commander-in-Chief, managing the forces and defense of the Empire. Sumant – Foreign Minister, to manage relationships with other sovereigns. Nyayadhish – Chief Justice, dispensing justice on civil and criminal matters. Panditrao – High Priest, managing internal religious matters.
4. In which year Mohd. Ghori attacked first in India on Multan?
[A] 1172 A.D
[B] 1175 A.D
[C] 1185 A.D
[D] 1190 A.D
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1175 A.D]
Notes:
Muhammad Ghori led a series of the campaigns in India. He began with Multan in 1175 against a Muslim ruler and got victorious.
5. 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.
6. Nadir Shah attacked India, at the time of which among the following later Mughals?
[A] Jahandar Shah
[B] Shah Alam
[C] Akbar II
[D] Muhammad Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Muhammad Shah]
Notes:
Muhammad Shah was able to keep the throne for around 29 years partially because the first thing he did was to eliminate the Sayyid Brothers. During his time Nadir Shah attacked and looted Delhi and took the Peacock Throne with himself. The invasion of Nadir Shah fastened the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. During his time, the states of Hyderabad, Bengal, Awadh were established as independent Kingdoms.
7. Which among the following travelers has recorded his experiences in “Kitab-i-Rehla” ?
[A] Amir Khusro
[B] Ibn Battuta
[C] Malik Murtaza
[D] Al-Bayhaqi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ibn Battuta]
Notes:
Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveller whose Rihla describes his journeys, including his stay in India under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. It provides information about the society, court and administration of the period.
8. 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.
9. Who among the following built the mosque Quwal-ul-lslam at Delhi?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Iltutmish
[C] Qutubuddin Aiabak
[D] Babur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Qutubuddin Aiabak]
Notes:
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (also known as the Qutub Mosque or the Great Mosque of Delhi) was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, founder of the Mamluk or Slave dynasty and built using the ruins of 27 Hindu and Jain temples.
10. Which of the following were among the markets regulated under Alauddin Khalji’s market-control measures?
[A] Mandi, the grain market
[B] Sarai-i-Adl, the market for cloth and other goods
[C] Markets for horses, cattle and slaves
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Alauddin Khalji regulated several markets in Delhi as part of his price-control measures. Mandi was the grain market, while Sarai-i-Adl dealt with cloth and other specified goods. Separate arrangements covered horses, cattle and slaves. The Shahna-i-Mandi was the market superintendent, not the name of the grain market. These regulations aimed to control prices and ensure the supply of goods, including provisions for the Sultan’s large army.
