1. Where are the headquarters of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) located?
[A] Dubai
[B] Jeddah
[C] Islamabad
[D] Ankara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jeddah]
Notes:
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), formerly known as the Organization of the Islamic Conference, has its headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Established in 1969, it is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN, with 57 member states. The permanent secretariat is located in Jeddah due to Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting the 1971 summit and its religious significance. Despite occasional proposals, the headquarters have never relocated from Jeddah.
2. Consider the following personalities and their primary fields:
- Jugal Kalita — Computer Science
- K. M. Baharul Islam — Management and Public Policy
- Mrinal Miri — Philosophy
- Bhabendra Nath Saikia — Astrophysics
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only One
[B] Only Two
[C] Only Three
[D] All Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only Three]
Notes:
Jugal Kalita is a professor of Computer Science. K. M. Baharul Islam works in management and public policy. Mrinal Miri is a philosopher. Bhabendra Nath Saikia, though trained in physics, is mainly known as a writer and filmmaker, not an astrophysicist. Therefore, three pairs are correctly matched.
3. Who was the first Mech tribe member to convert to Islam during Kamrupa’s Muslim invasion?
[A] Ali Mech
[B] Prithu Mech
[C] Kanai Barasi
[D] Bakhtiyar Khilji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ali Mech]
Notes:
Ali Mech was the first Mech tribe member to convert to Islam during Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji’s 13th-century invasion of Kamrupa (Assam). Bakhtiyar Khilji was the Muslim general who led the invasion but did not convert. The Mech tribe traditionally inhabits areas in northeastern India, including Assam and Bengal.
4. In which century was Islam introduced in Assam?
[A] 13th century
[B] 10th century
[C] 11th century
[D] 12th century
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [13th century]
Notes:
Islam was introduced in Assam in the 13th century. Assam has a significant Muslim population, including indigenous groups like Goria, Moria, Deshi, Juluha, and Syed. The 2011 census reports over 34% of the state’s population as Muslim. Assam also includes 11 Muslim-majority districts.
5. Who led the first Islamic invasion of Assam in 1206?
[A] Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah
[B] Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji
[C] Turbak
[D] Akbar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji]
Notes:
The first Islamic invasion of Assam occurred in 1206 under Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji. Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah led Bengal Sultanate invasions later in 1356-57. Turbak invaded Assam in 1532 but was repelled. Akbar was Mughal emperor associated with later conflicts in Assam but did not lead the first invasion.
6. Who founded Anjuman Islamia and Madrasa Islamia in Ranchi in 1917?
[A] Maulana Mohammad Ali
[B] Hasrat Mohani
[C] Hakim Ajmal Khan
[D] Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maulana Abul Kalam Azad]
Notes:
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad laid the foundation of Anjuman Islamia and Madrasa Islamia in Ranchi in 1917. He established Anjuman-e-Islamiya in August 1917 during his internment (1916-1919). Madrasa Islamiya was started by this society and recognized by Bihar Government in 1919. The foundation was supported by contributions from Hindus and Muslims. These institutions aimed at the education of Ranchi Muslims during British India.
7. Which warrior saint of Islam defeated Manikpur and Kara princes in the 11th century?
[A] Alauddin Khalji
[B] Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud
[C] Muhammad Ghori
[D] Akbar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud]
Notes:
Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, Mahmud of Ghazni’s nephew, campaigned in 11th-century India, notably defeating the rulers of Manikpur and Kara. Revered as a warrior saint, his tomb is in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, and he played a notable role in the early Islamic expansion in Northern India.
8. Which Islamic learning center in Lucknow played a significant role in the Khilafat Movement?
[A] Firangi Mahal
[B] Darul Uloom Deoband
[C] Aligarh Muslim University
[D] Jamia Millia Islamia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Firangi Mahal]
Notes:
Firangi Mahal, Lucknow, was a key Islamic learning center supporting the Khilafat Movement and hosted leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Sarojini Naidu.
9. Which Bijnor-born scholar co-founded Jamia Millia Islamia in 1887?
[A] Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
[B] Abul Kalam Azad
[C] Syed Ahmad Khan
[D] Shabbir Ahmad Usmani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shabbir Ahmad Usmani]
Notes:
Shabbir Ahmad Usmani (1887–1949), born in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, co-founded Jamia Millia Islamia, was a Deobandi scholar, led the pro-Pakistan faction, participated in Pakistan’s creation and served as its first Shaykh al-Islam.
10. In which year was the Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband, located in Uttar Pradesh, established?
[A] 1857
[B] 1866
[C] 1885
[D] 1901
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1866]
Notes:
Darul Uloom Deoband was founded in 1866 by Muhammad Qasim Nanautavi and others in Uttar Pradesh, India.