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 context of Mughal administration, Loans to farmers was called
[A] takavi
[B] Diwan-i-Amir Kohi
[C] Diwan-i-Insha
[D] Mufti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [takavi]
Notes:
In the Mughal administration, the farmers were given loans ( also called takavi) for the purchase of seeds and cattle.
12. Dara Shikoh, the son of Shahjahan met with which of the following Sikh Guru ?
[A] Guru Amar Das
[B] Guru Arjun Dev
[C] Guru Ram Das
[D] Guru Har Rai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Guru Har Rai]
Notes:
When Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s eldest son Dara Shikoh was seriously ill then the 7th Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai dev ji sent a
herbal medicine which cured him. From there onwards, Dara Shikoh had a friendly relationship with the Guru Har Rai and it
was lasted till his death.
13. Which among the following was the most common animal found in the pillars of the architecture of Vijayanagara Kingdom
[A] Elephant
[B] Horse
[C] Cat
[D] Bull
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Horse]
Notes:
In the Vijayanagar Kingdom, rulers created their own architecture style “Provida style” that plays a lot of significance on piers and pillars. They had inscribed the tales from Ramayana and Mahabharata on the various temple that they have established viz. Vithalswami Temple and Hazari temple at Humpi at Karanataka. In all depictions, horse was the most common animal found in the pillars of the architecture of Vijayanagar empire.
14. Kharaj, the most common tax during Delhi Sultanate, was a/an:
[A] Income tax
[B] Agricultural tax
[C] Wealth tax
[D] Religious tax
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Agricultural tax ]
Notes:
Kharaj is a type of individual Islamic tax on agricultural land and its produce.
15. Which of the following is not true about Mughal army? (UPSC Prelims 1987)
[A] Mughal army was mainly standing army
[B] It had large cavalry
[C] When Mughal army used to come out, it seemed as if population of a big city is emerging
[D] It had large infantry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mughal army was mainly standing army]
Notes:
Although its origins, like the Mughals themselves, were in the cavalry-based armies of central Asia, its essential form and structure was established by the empire’s third emperor, Akbar. The army had no regimental structure and the soldiers were not directly recruited by the emperor.
16. Who is the medieval author whose work throws light on the Bahmani Sultans of Gulbarga and Bidar and the Nizamshahi dynasty of Ahmednagar?
[A] Burhan-i-ma’asir
[B] Sayyid Ali Tabataba
[C] Diwan Ali Muhammad Khan
[D] Rafiuddin Shirazi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Burhan-i-ma’asir]
Notes:
Burhan-i-Ma’asir, named after Burhan Nizam Shah II of Nizam Shahi dynasty of the Muslim kingdom of Ahmadnagar, is written by Sayyid Ali Tabataba who came to India in 1580. Burhan-i-Ma’asir describes the events pertaining to the Bahmani kingdom and its subsequent break-up into five Muslim dynasties in South India.
17. Which metal was used to mint the Maratha coin of Peshwas called “Shivrai”?
[A] Gold
[B] Copper
[C] Silver
[D] Gold-Copper Alloy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Copper]
Notes:
Shivrai was a copper coin issued during Peshwas time and was in running until East India Company’s rule in Bombay Presidency.
18. 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.
19. The term Tarf , used during the reign of Qutubuddin Aibak , stands for –
[A] Higher nobility
[B] Department of central administration
[C] Subdivision of territory
[D] Provincial government
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Subdivision of territory]
Notes:
Wilayat was the territory governed by the governor or higher nobility called Wali , Muqti , Amir . Tarf denotes a subdivision of a wilayat . During the reign of Qutubuddin Aibak , Tarf was used to designate provinces.
20. Who among the following ruler was contemporary of great philosopher Madhavacharya?
[A] Balban
[B] Kaiqubad
[C] Alauddin Khalji
[D] Nasiruddin Mahmud
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Balban]
Notes:
The meeting of famous exponent of Dvaita philosophy Madhavacharya and Balban happened when Balban along with his forces camped on North Bank of Ganga river; and had forbidden anyone to cross river without permission. However, Madhavacharya along with disciples crossed the river. The soldiers of Balban wanted to arrest Madhava but he commanded them to be quiet; and told them that he wanted to see Sultan. This was followed by a meet between Madhava and Balban in which Madhava told Balban in chaste Persian about the Dvaita philosophy. Balban was impressed with Madhavacharya and offered him gifts, which Madhava declined.