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.
11. In which year, Somnath Temple was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni?
[A] 1021 AD
[B] 1025 AD
[C] 1027 AD
[D] 1030 AD
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1025 AD]
Notes:
The Somnath Temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva, was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 AD. Due to his attack and plunder on Hindu temples, Mahmud was also known as But-Shikan (or the destroyer of idols). The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was rebuilt by the Paramara king Bhoja of Malwa and the Solanki king Bhimdev I of Anhilwara between 1026 and 1042 AD. This temple was later destroyed and repaired many times during the entire history of medieval India.
12. Who was the contemporary poet of Balban ?
[A] Amir Khusrau
[B] Nund Reshi
[C] Bulleh Shah
[D] Baba Farid
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amir Khusrau]
Notes:
Amir Khusrau (1253–1325 AD) was a Sufi musician, poet and scholar during the reign of Balban.
13. 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.
14. Who among the following ambassador was sent by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to China?
[A] Amir Khusro
[B] Firdausi
[C] Barauni
[D] Ibn Battuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ibn Battuta]
Notes:
Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq sent the famous Arab traveller, Ibn Battuta, as an ambassador to the Chinese court of Mongol ruler.
15. In the Sher Shah Suri reign, who was responsible for the controlling of local crimes ?
[A] Haqim
[B] Munsif
[C] Muqaddam
[D] Shiqdar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Muqaddam]
Notes:
In the village, the most important official was the headman known as Muqaddam (or chaudhari), who was responsible for the controlling of local crimes. The principle of local responsibility for local crimes was introduced by Sher Shah Suri.
16. The book “Muntakhab-ul-Lubab” written by whom?
[A] Khafi Khan
[B] Yahaya bin Ahmed Sirhindi
[C] Shams i Siraj Afif
[D] Ziauddin Barni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Khafi Khan]
Notes:
During Aurangzeb’s reign, Muntakhab-ul-Lubab written by Khafi Khan, a historical writer. The book covers the history of Mughal period till the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
17. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, the social gatherings , including parties; marriages between the families of the nobles, etc. could not take place without permission of the Sultan. What was the major objective of such restriction?
[A] To force the nobles to follow Sharia Law
[B] A preventive measure for rebellions
[C] Control the downgrading economy of the sultanate
[D] Check lavish expenses
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A preventive measure for rebellions ]
Notes:
Three successive rebellions- those of Akat Khan of Malik Umar and Mangu Khan, and of Haji or Sidi Maula- within a brief period convinced the Sultan to take strong measures for the prevention of such disturbances in the future. He took radical preventive measures. The first blow was aimed at accumulation of wealth by nobles and officials. All religious endowments and grants of lands (waqf and inam) by the state were revoked. Secondly, and elaborate system of espionage was organized. Thirdly, the sale and use of liquor and intoxicants was completely prohibited in delhi. Fourth restrictions and strong checks were put on social gatherings , including parties; marriages between the families of the nobles, etc. could not take place without the Sultan’s permission. He placed numerous curbs on their social mobility and interrelationships.
18. The ‘Modi script’ was employed in the documents of the which of the following dynasties?
[A] Wodeyars
[B] Zamorins
[C] Hoysalas
[D] Marathas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Marathas]
Notes:
The ‘Modi script’ was employed in the documents of the Marathas. It was mainly used in maintaining the revenue and administrative records.
19. Which of the following was the motive behind Shahjahan’s Balkh campaign?
[A] secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakshan which bordered Kabul
[B] conquer Samarqand and Farghana, the Mughal homelands
[C] fix the Mughal frontier on the ‘scientific line’, the Amu Daria
[D] expand the Mughal Empire beyond the sub-continent
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakshan which bordered Kabul]
Notes:
The motive behind Shah Jahan’s Balkh and Badakshan campaign in central Asia was to secure the defence of North-West India. That’s why the statement ‘a’ is correct.
20. Which of the following Caliphate was in power when Delhi Sultanate was established in India?
[A] Rashidun Caliphate
[B] Umayyad Caliphate
[C] Abbasid Caliphate
[D] Ottoman Caliphate
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Abbasid Caliphate]
Notes:
• Rashidun Caliphate (632–661)
• Umayyad Caliphate (661–750)
• Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258)
• Ottoman Caliphate : They claimed Caliphate authority from 1517
