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 the Maratha Land revenue system, what was the unit of measurement of land?
[A] Jarib
[B] Kathi
[C] Bigha
[D] Acre
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kathi]
Notes:
In the Maratha Land revenue system, assessment of land revenue was based on measurement. The Kathi of Malik Ambar was adopted as the unit of measurement. The length of this kathi was five cubits and five closed fists and was later called Shivkathi. (Malik Ambar was the regent of the Nizamshahi dynasty of Ahmednagar from 1607 to 1626 and pioneer in guerilla warfare). Other common land measurement units in West India states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa include Bigha, Biswa, and Biswansi.
12. Who among the following was a Turk of a Aibak tribe?
[A] Qutub-ud-din Aibak
[B] Iltutmish
[C] Balban
[D] Ruknuddin Firoj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Qutub-ud-din Aibak]
Notes:
Qutub-ud-din Aibak was a Turk of an Aibak tribe, which in Turkish language means Lord of the Moon. He was known in Indian history as the founder of Mamluk dynasty (or Slave dynasty), which ruled India from 1206-90 AD.
13. In context of Mughal administration, Akbar divided the entire kingdom into how many Subas?
[A] 12
[B] 14
[C] 16
[D] 18
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [12]
Notes:
In 1580 AD, Akbar divided the entire kingdom into 12 Parganas. The administration in each Suba or Pargana was almost duplicated. Each Suba had a Subedar (Governor),a Diwan, a Bakshi, a Sadar, a Qazi and also a waqia navis. The job of the waqia navis was to document the events. The peace and security was the job of Kotwal.
14. Who was the reigning ruler in Delhi when Tulsidas completed his epic text, Ramcharitmanas?
[A] Akbar
[B] Humayun
[C] Jahangir
[D] Sher Shah Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Akbar]
Notes:
Tulsidas completed the writing of his epic text, Ramcharitmanas, during the reign of Akbar. Akbar was known for his policy of religious tolerance and interest in literature, having many religious books translated into Persian under his rule. Tulsidas was a revered poet and remains an important figure in Indian literature, with Ramcharitmanas considered one of the greatest works of Indian literature.
15. Which of the following Bhakti saints / poets was monotheist?
[A] Surdas
[B] Tulsidas
[C] Raskhan
[D] Kabir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kabir ]
Notes:
Historians classify the Bhakti traditions into Saguna and Nirguna, the two broad categories. Saguna Bhakti includes the traditions which focussed on the worship of deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Devi or Goddess and their various forms, avatars etc. Tulsidas was devotee of Rama and Surdas / Raskhan were devotees of Krishna. Nirguna Bhakti indicates the worship of an abstract form of God, who is one for all (monotheist). The prominent Nirguni saints include Kabir, Raidas, Guru Nanak etc.
16. Which of the following are Silsilas of Sufism?
- Chishti
- Kadri
- Soharvardi
- Nakshbandi
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] 1, 2 & 3 Only
[B] 2 & 3 Only
[C] 2, 3 & 4 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
Sufism started in Persia, modern Iran. In India, it was at its peak during the Delhi Sultanate. Four Important Silsilas are: Chishti Silsila, Kadri Silsila, and Soharvardi Silsila and Nakshbandi Silsila.
17. MatchList I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given belowthem :
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List I
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List II
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(Works)
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(Authors)
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A. Dayabhaga
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1. Harsha
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B. Mitakshara
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2. Jimutavahana
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C. Nagananda
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3. Krittivasa
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D. Ramayana
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4. Vijnanesvara
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A B C D (UPSC Prelims 1990)
[A] 2 3 1 4
[B] 2 4 1 3
[C] 4 2 3 1
[D] 4 1 2 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 4 1 3]
Notes:
• The Dayabhaga is a Hindu law treatise written by Jimutavahana which primarily focuses on inheritance procedure.
• Vijnaneshwara was a prominent jurist of twelfth century India. His treatise, the Mitakshara, dealt with inheritance, and is one of the most influential legal treatises in Hindu law. Mitakshara is the treatise on Rishi Yajnavalkya’s Smriti called Yajnavalkya Smriti .
• Nagananda is a Sanskrit play attributed to king Harsha. Nagananda is among the most acclaimed Sanskrit dramas.
• Krittivasi Ramayan, or Krittibasi Ramayan or Sri Ram Panchali, composed by 15th century Bengali poet Krittivasa Ojha, is rendition of the Ramayana into Bengali.
18. Which of the following is important source material for the history of Gujarat from the beginning of the Muslim rule?
[A] Mirat-i-Sikanderi
[B] Tazkirat-ul-Muluk
[C] Mirat-i-Ahmadi
[D] Burhan-i-ma’asir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mirat-i-Ahmadi]
Notes:
The Mirat-i-Ahmadi was written by Diwan Ali Muhammad Khan. Sometimes referred to as “a Persian History of Gujarat”, it is described as a very extensive and rare history of Gujarat because of the statistical information it supplies.
19. Which dynasty started ‘Bull Hoarsemen’ type of coins?
[A] Ghurid dynasty
[B] Slave Dynasty
[C] Mughal Dynasty
[D] Khilji Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ghurid dynasty]
Notes:
When Ghoris established their reign in Lahore, they started the ‘Bull Hoarsemen’ type of coins. The ruler got the picture of Goddess Laxmi inscribed on one side and the other side imprinted his name. Some coins were patterned in a way that they bore horseman and some coins had the bull on the one side and an Arabic inscription on the other side.
20. In which battle, the confederacy led by Hindu Shahi army of Anandapala was defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni?
[A] Battle of Janjua
[B] Battle of Peshawar
[C] Battle of Chach
[D] Battle of Takeshar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Battle of Chach]
Notes:
Battle of Chach was fought in 1008 AD between Mahmud of Ghazni and a confederacy of Hindu Kingdoms led by Hindu Shahi army of Anandapala. Forces of Anandpala were joined by Ajmer, Kalingar, Kanauj etc. Anandpala lost the battle mainly because the army was not well organized and his elephant took flight in battle.
