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. Which among these Indian Sultans is known for not sitting on a throne, but on a carpet along with his nobles?
[A] Muhammad bin Tughlaq
[B] Sher Shah Suri
[C] Akbar
[D] Bahlol Lodi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bahlol Lodi]
Notes:
Bahlol Lodi, an Afghan noble before becoming Sultan of Delhi, was known for his humble lifestyle. He used to sit on a carpet along with his nobles instead of a lavish throne, projecting equality among them. This was quite contrary to the contemporary norms where sultans highlighted their high status by sitting on extravagant thrones, causing a considerable distance from their subordinates.
12. Which among the following Sikh Guru was executed by Aurangzeb ?
[A] Guru Angad
[B] Guru Arjun Dev
[C] Guru Ram Das
[D] Guru Tegh Bahadur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Guru Tegh Bahadur]
Notes:
In 1675 AD, the 9th Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur was captured and executed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb because he objected to
Aurangzeb’s forced conversions. This led to the creation of Khalsa and the growth of Sikh military under the last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (who was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur).
13. The loss of Qandhar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the view point of? (UPSC Prelims 1998)
[A] natural resources
[B] buffer territory
[C] communication
[D] strategic stronghold
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [strategic stronghold]
Notes:
Shah Jahan recovered Kandhar in 1638 from the Iranians but lost it again in 1649 despite three campaigns. The loss of Kandhar was a big blow as it was a strategic stronghold
14. In Indian history, who was Abdul Hamid Lahori? (UPSC Prelims 2006)
[A] An important military commander during Akbar’s reign
[B] An official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan
[C] An important noble and confidant of Aurangzeb
[D] A chronicler and poet during the reign of Muhammad Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [An official historian of the reign of Shah Jahan]
Notes:
Abdul Hamid Lahori was a traveller and historian during the period of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who later became a court historian of Shah Jahan. He wrote the book Padshahnama also called Badshahnama, about the reign of Shah Jahan.
15. From which original text did J. Briggs translate “Rise of the Mohammedan Power in India”?
[A] Baburnama
[B] Tarikh-i-Subuktikin
[C] Akbarnama
[D] Tarikh-i-Firishta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tarikh-i-Firishta]
Notes:
Tarikh-i-Firishta (16th century) by Firishta, or Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah, was translated by J.Briggs, titled Rise of the Mohammedan Power in India. It is a general history of India, largely based upon earlier Persian historical works. It is generally regarded as one of the best of the later compilations based on earlier works, and it was relied upon heavily by early European historians of India such as Elphinstone.
16. Which Mughal King’s coin depicted Swastika?
[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shah Jahan
[D] Muhammad Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Akbar]
Notes:
Like his ideology, coins of Akbar also reflect secularism. The Hindu symbol of Swastika appears on many of his coins along with the “Kalima” (Islamic affirmation of faith). He also issued gold half mohurs with depictions of Rama and Sita on them. Some silver coins also had the words “Rama” and “Gobind” on them.
17. Which of the following scripts was used in initial Maratha coins?
[A] Persian
[B] nastaliq
[C] Pali
[D] Nagari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nagari]
Notes:
Shivaji and his successors issued coins in Gold and Copper. The script used on the coins was Nagari. The coins bore the name Chhatrapati Shivaji on one side and Sri Raja Siva on the other. It is believed that the first lot of minting with 7 lakh coins were showered on Shivaji, which later were melted under Aurangzeb’s Government as a response of animosity. Some of the mints where the coins were issued at the time were Bagalkot, Mulher, Chandor, Kolaba, Sangli, Miraj, Panhala, Balwantnagar (Jhansi), Jalaun, Kalpi, Kunch, Balanagar Gadha (Gadha Mandla), Ravishnagar (Sagar).
18. Most of the soldiers called “Pilwan” in Mahmud’s army were Hindus. The work of Pilwan was to __?
[A] Assist the infantry in war-fields
[B] Maintain supplies during War
[C] Elephant Drivers
[D] Cavalry Soldiers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Elephant Drivers]
Notes:
Pilwans were the elephants troops and most of them were Hindus. Their commanders were called Muqaddam-i-Pilbanan. The reason for Hindu elephant troops was that most of the elephants in his army were actually looted from Indian Kings as ransom or booty.
19. Which of the following clearly defines ‘Batai’ which was reintroduced during the time of Ranit Singh?
[A] The land where cultivation occurred throughout the whole year
[B] The land where cultivation occurred at least half of a year
[C] The proportion of the crop which was divided between Peasant and the Government
[D] The charge levied on the basis of land holdings
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The proportion of the crop which was divided between Peasant and the Government]
Notes:
The Batai system was first started during the time of the Mughal era. During the time of Ranjit Singh, it was reintroduced. This system helped to distribute crops between the cultivators and the Government in a fixed proportion. It lasted till 1823.
20. Who of the following was the founder of the Wahabi movement in Bangladesh?
[A] Shah Waliullah
[B] Syed Ahmad
[C] Titumir
[D] Abd al-Wahhab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Titumir]
Notes:
Syed Mir Nisar Ali Titumir was the founder of the Wahabi movement in Bangladesh. He met Syed Ahmad in Mecca.
