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 was the first monument in India constructed using Islamic architectural elements including horseshoe-shaped arches?
[A] Taj Mahal
[B] Humayun Tomb
[C] Alai Darwaza
[D] Qutub Minar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alai Darwaza]
Notes:
The Alai Darwaza, located in Delhi, was the first monument in India built following Islamic architecture principles, including the use of horseshoe-shaped arches. It was constructed in the 14th century by Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji. The Darwaza stands as an entrance to the Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring distinct decorations of inlaid marble and latticed stone screens.
2. The temple city of Osean in Rajasthan was established by which of the following Rajputs?
[A] Gurjar Pratiharas
[B] Chauhans
[C] Solankis
[D] Sisodias
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gurjar Pratiharas]
Notes:
Gurjar Pratiharas established Marwar in Rajasthan and built the Temple city of Osean, near Jodhpur. Their origin is from Mandsaur and notable Kings are Nagabhatta-I, Nagabhatta-II and Mihirbhoja.
3. “Silver Tanka” and “Copper Jital” coins were introduced by:
[A] Iltutmish
[B] Abu Bakr Shah
[C] Firuz Shah Tughlaq
[D] Sikander Lodi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Iltutmish]
Notes:
Iltutmish introduced Silver Tanka and Copper Jital , the two coins of the Delhi Sultanate. The coins prior to Iltutmish were introduced by the invaders which bear the Sanskrit characters and even Bull and Shivalinga. Iltutmish was the first to introduce a “Pure Arabic Coin” in India. The Coins were engraved with “The Mighty Sultan, Sun of the Empire and the Faith, Conquest-laden, Il-tutmish,” after he received an investiture of Sovereign Sultan of Delhi from the Caliph of Baghdad. The Silver Tanka issued by Iltutmish was weighing 175 grains. Gold Tanka of the same weight was later issued by Balban.
4. Who among the following has written “Kitab Ul Hind” ?
[A] Al-Beruni
[B] Hākim Nishapuri
[C] Juwayni
[D] Malik ibn Dinar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Al-Beruni]
Notes:
Al Beruni was the First Muslim Scholar to study India and its Brahmanical tradition. He is called father of Indology and the first anthropologist. He is called one of the earliest and greatest polymath of the Islamic World.
Alberuni in his book Kitab-ul-Hind appreciated a very high degree of proficiency of Indians in construction of Tanks and reservoirs at holy places.
5. Bhakti saint Ramanujacharya was devotee of which god?
[A] Krishna
[B] Rama
[C] Vishnu
[D] Shiva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vishnu]
Notes:
Rāmānuja presented the epistemic and soteriological importance of bhakti, or the devotion to a personal God (Vishnu in Rāmānuja’s case) as a means to spiritual liberation. His theories assert that there exists a plurality and distinction between Ātman (soul) and Brahman (metaphysical, ultimate reality), while he also affirmed that there is unity of all souls and that the individual soul has the potential to realize identity with the Brahman.
6. Surdas was a disciple of which among the following?
[A] Ramanujacharya
[B] Ramananda
[C] Vallabhacharya
[D] Gyaneshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vallabhacharya]
Notes:
Surdas was a 16th-century blind Hindu devotional poet and singer known for his lyrics written in praise of Krishna. He was a disciple of Vallabhacharya.
7. In which among the following battles, Jaichandra was defeated and killed by Mohammad Ghori?
[A] Battle of Kannauj
[B] Battle of Chandawar
[C] Battle of Tarain III
[D] Battle of Talikota
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Battle of Chandawar]
Notes:
The Battle of Chandawar was fought in 1194 between Muhammad Ghori and Jayachandra of the Gahadavala dynasty. It took place at Chandawar near Agra. Jayachandra was killed in this battle.
8. Which among the following was a gold coin issued in vijayanagar empire of south India ?
[A] Tara
[B] Varaha
[C] Kakini
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Varaha]
Notes:
Tara was a silver coin and Kakini was copper coin
9. Who among the following sultan declared himself “Khalifa”?
[A] Jallaluddin Khilji
[B] Allauddin Khilji
[C] Mubarak Khan
[D] Shihabuddin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mubarak Khan ]
Notes:
After the death of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, Mubarak Khiliji ascended the throne and later he declared himself the Khalifa and took the title of ‘Al wasiq Billah’.
10. Who among the following Sultans of Delhi Sultanate use the term ‘Ghazi’ with his name?
[A] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[B] Mohammad-bin Tughlaq
[C] Firoz Shah Tughlaq
[D] Mahmud Tughlaq
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq]
Notes:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty, use the term ‘Ghazi’ with his name. The real name of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was Ghazi Malik or Ghazi Beg Tughlaq.
