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. Who among the following introduced the Mansabdari system? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] Akbar
[B] Jehangir
[C] Sher Shah
[D] Balban
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Akbar]
Notes:
The Mansabdari system was the administrative system of the Mughal Empire introduced by Akbar. The word mansab is of Arabic origin meaning rank or position. The system, hence, determined the rank of a government official.
12. Which of the following was the motive behind Shahjahan’s Balkh campaign? (UPSC Prelims 2002)
[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.
13. When Raja Wodeyar founded the Kingdom of Mysore, who was the ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire? (UPSC Prelims 2006)
[A] Sadasiva
[B] Tirumala
[C] Ranga II
[D] Venkata II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Venkata II]
Notes:
Indigenous chieftains from Karnataka rose to become the founders of a dynasty after a series of internal bickerings with other local chieftains. Vijaya and Krishna, two brothers were responsible for the establishment of this small feudatory state of Vijayanagara Empire. Vijaya ascended the throne under the assumed name of Yaduraja in 1399 A.D. To begin with, this was a very small state containing only parts of Mysore district. Mysore was the capital city.
14. Identify the author and the book written on the lines of the Shahnama of Firdausi?
[A] Khwaja Abd Malik Isami and his Futuh-i-Salatin
[B] Sikander Bin Muhammad Manzu and his Mirat-i-Sikanderi
[C] Diwan Ali Muhammad Khan and his Mirat-i-Ahmadi
[D] Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq and his Futuhat-i-Firozshahi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Khwaja Abd Malik Isami and his Futuh-i-Salatin]
Notes:
Futuh-i-Salatin is a poetical history of the Sultans of India from the rise of the Ghazanvi dynasty up to the reign of Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughluq. Translated as “Gifts of the Sultans”, it is a history of Muslim rule in India until 1349-50. Isami also called it Shahnama-i Hind (“the Shahnameh of India”). According to Isami, his sources included anecdotes, legends, and reports by his friends and acquaintances.
15. What was the name of the silver coin of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq?
[A] Dinar
[B] Jital
[C] Adlis
[D] Tanka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Adlis]
Notes:
Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s rule is significant for the introduction of token currency. He understood the importance of currency as a medium of commercial exchange and that is why he took keen interest to circulate gold and silver coins. He enlarged the gold dinar from 172 grains to 202 grains. He introduced a silver coin, the adlis, which was discontinued after seven years due to lack of popularity and acceptance among his subjects.
16. Who among the following was the founder of the Ghaznavid dynasty?
[A] Alp Tigin
[B] Bilgetegin
[C] Subukitgin
[D] Mahmud of Ghazni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Subukitgin]
Notes:
Ghaznavid dynasty was a dynasty founded by Sabuktigin, after death of his father in law Alp Tigin. This dynasty had Persian and Turkic Mamluk origin and had ruled from 977 AD to 1186 AD on Iran, Afghanistan and much of north-western Indian subcontinent. Sabuktigin or Subuktigin was father of Mahmud of Ghazni. Mamluk was an Arabic term for slaves and generally used to non-Muslim slave soldiers and Muslim rulers of slave origin.
17. 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.
18. Tazkireh-i Humayun va Akbar was written by which of the following?
[A] Bayazid Bayat
[B] Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat
[C] Nizamuddin Ahmad
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bayazid Bayat]
Notes:
Tazkireh-i Humayun va Akbar was written in 1590-91 CE by Bayazid Bayat. It is a history of the reigns of Humayun and Akbar starting from 1542 CE to 1591 CE. Babur was the father of Humanyun.
19. Tabaqat-i Akbari was written by which of the following?
[A] Abul Fazl
[B] Mirza Muhammad Kazim
[C] Nizamuddin Ahmad
[D] Ishwardas Nagaur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nizamuddin Ahmad]
Notes:
Nizamuddin Ahmad Akbar’s courtier wrote Tabaqat-i Akbari. It offers an objective account of Akbar’s reign. It is considered to be one of the most reliable source of information about Akbar’s reign.
20. Which of the following statements are correct regarding trade during the pre-sultanate period?
1. Large number of trading centres emerged across the subcontinent.
2. Emerging cities and towns acted as nodal points for the exchange of agrarian produce.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:
During the pre-sultanate period large number of trading centres emerged across the subcontinent. The emerging cities and towns of that time acted as nodal points for the exchange of agrarian produce.
