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. Who wrote the Mahzarnama, or Infallibility Decree, issued by Akbar in 1579 A.D. to assert his authority in religious matters?
[A] Birbal
[B] Faizi
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Tansen
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Faizi]
Notes:
Faizi, the elder brother of Akbar’s famous courtier Abul Fazl, wrote the Mahzarnama in 1579 A.D. This decree was a significant step by Akbar towards establishing his absolute control over religious matters, thereby curbing the dominance of Ulema – the leading Islamic scholars. It augmented Akbar’s secular policies and contributed to the syncretic culture during his reign.
2. 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:
At the time of Arab Invasions, Sindh was under Raja Dahir who reigned till 712 AD from his capital Brahamanabad. He was the last Hindu Ruler of Sindh and parts of Modern Punjab (Pakistan). The Arab conquest of Sindh is mentioned in the oldest Chronicle of Sindh called Chachnama.
3. Which of the following rulers of Delhi Sultanate abolished the Iqtas?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Muhammad Tughlaq
[C] Firozshah Tughlaq
[D] Balban
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alauddin Khilji]
Notes:
Alauddin Khilji suddenly abolished the system of small Iqtas with a stroke of pen and brought them under the central Government, it is regarded as one of the most important agrarian reform of Alauddin Khilji.
4. Which of the following rulers of India issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands ?
[A] Jahangir
[B] Akbar
[C] Aurangzeb
[D] Shah Alam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Akbar]
Notes:
Akbar declared or issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands. This made him supreme in the religious matters. He issued Mahzarnama to curb the dominance of Ulema. It was written by Faizi in 1579.
5. Who is the author of the renowned composition, Ananga?
[A] Kabir
[B] Gyaneshwar
[C] Tukaram
[D] Raidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gyaneshwar]
Notes:
Ananga, one of the most famous works in Marathi literature, was composed by Saint Gyaneshwar. He was a significant figure in the Bhakti movement and made significant contributions to the Warkari sect. Gyaneshwar also translated the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi, making it accessible to the common people. His other works include Amritanubhava and Haripatha.
6. Deogiri was first of all subjugated by which Muslim invader?
[A] Ala-ud-din Khilji
[B] Jalal-ud-din Firoz
[C] Malik Kafur
[D] Qutubudin Aibak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ala-ud-din Khilji]
Notes:
The first attack on the south of the Narbada was made in 1294 by Ala-ud-din, who marched 700 miles into Berar and Khandesh, and compelled Raja Ramachandra Deva, the Yadava
7. Mir Bakshi was the officer in Akbar’s reign with which of the following responsibilities?
[A] Revenue Collection
[B] Payment of salaries
[C] Head of the military administration
[D] Head of Nobility
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Head of the military administration]
Notes:
Mir Bakshi was the Head of the military administration in the reign of Akbar’s reign. The mir bakshi was in charge of intelligence gathering, and also made recommendations to the emperor for military appointments and promotions.
8. As recorded by Abul Fazl, Akbar, used to play which among the following music instruments?
[A] Dholak
[B] Tabla
[C] Nakkara
[D] Mridang
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nakkara]
Notes:
Nakkara is the famous instrument played by Akbar. He was a great Mughal king. This was recorded by Abulfazal.
9. The area around which among the following modern cities of India, a Hindu Silhara dynasty ruled from 9th to 13th century AD?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Notes:
Silhara dynasty ruled the region around present-day Mumbai between 9th and 13th century. They were vassals of Rastrakutas. Kapardin is considered to be the founder of this dynasty and the princes of this dynasty held the title Tagara-puradhishvara. Tagara was an ancient place near Osmanabad.
10. Who among the following Slave dynasty rulers belong to Ilabari tribe of the Turks?
[A] Qutb-ud-din Aibak
[B] Iltutmish
[C] Balban
[D] Ruknuddin Firoj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Iltutmish]
Notes:
Iltutmish was one of the slaves of Qutb-ud-din Aibak who later became his son-in-Law, was from the Ilabari tribe of the Turks. That’s why, some scholars call the slave dynasty as Ilabari dynasty.
