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 was the Sultan of Delhi reputed to have built the biggest network of canals in India? (UPSC Prelims 1998)
[A] Iltutmish
[B] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[C] Feroz Shah Tughlaq
[D] Sikandar Lodi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Feroz Shah Tughlaq]
Notes:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq built and repaired a large number of canals. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq was a Turkic Muslim ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty, who reigned over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 to 1388. His father’s name was Rajab who had the title Sipahsalar.
12. 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.
13. Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the Afghan rulers to the throne of Delhi? (UPSC Prelims 2006)
[A] Sikandar Shah – Ibrahim Lodi – Bahlol Khan Lodi
[B] Sikandar Shah – Bahlol Khan Lodi – Ibrahim Lodi
[C] Bahlol Khan Lodi – Sikandar Shah – Ibrahim Lodi
[D] Bahiol Khan Lodi – Ibrahim Lodi – Sikandar Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bahlol Khan Lodi – Sikandar Shah – Ibrahim Lodi]
Notes:
Bahlol (1451–1489); Sikandar (1489–1517); Ibrahim (1517–1526).
14. Which king was not a part of the anti-Arab Rajput confederacy that resisted the attacks of Arab armies under Junaid?
[A] Nagabhata -I
[B] Jaysimha Varman
[C] Bappa Rawal
[D] Vatsraja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vatsraja]
Notes:
During 723-726 A.D., Arab forces under Junaid and Al Hakim launched numerous attacks on India. These invasions were repulsed by the combined might of King Nagabhata-I of Gurjara Pratihara Empire, Jaysimha Varman of Rashtrakuta Empire, and Bappa Rawal of the Rajputs. However, King Vatsraja was not part of this confederacy that successfully resisted the Arab invaders. Notably, both Junaid and Hakim eventually lost their lives in these battles.
15. Which of the following was the Chalukya King in power when Mahmud attacked and plundered Somnath?
[A] Nagaraja
[B] Bhima-I
[C] Durlabhraja
[D] Vallabhraja
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhima-I]
Notes:
Bhima I (reign 1022–1064 AD) was a king of Chalukya of Gujarat dynasty who ruled parts of Gujarat (including Somnath) when Mahmud’s plunder happened. During the invasion, Bhima-I had to flee and take shelter at Kanthkot. After return of Mahmud, he regained his power. He also appeared to have built earliest Dilwara temples and Modhera sun temple. In end of his career, he made an alliance with the Kalachuri king Lakshmi-Karna, and played an important role in the downfall of the Paramara king Bhoja. His queen Udayamati is known to have constructed the Rani ki Vav step-well in Patan in Gujarat, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16. Which of the following was not a regional Hindu Kingdom in power at the time of attacks of Mohammad Ghori on India?
[A] Tomars of Delhi
[B] Gahadavlas of Kannauj
[C] Solankis of Gujarat
[D] Karkota Empire of Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karkota Empire of Kashmir]
Notes:
The principal Hindu powers of Northern India about this time (end of 12th century) included Tomaras of Delhi, Gahadavlas, also known as Rathors of Kanauj, Chauhan of Ajmer, Solankis / Parmaras/ Bagheals of Gujarat and Malwa; and Palas and Senas of Bihar and Bengal. The Karkota dynasty was active between 625 – 885 AD.
17. “Kurja-Patti” or “Tasti-Patti” is referred to as which of the following during the time of the Maratha empire under Peshwas?
[A] Irrigation tax
[B] Agricultural tax
[C] One year income of the tax payers
[D] The fine charged for tax evasion
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [One year income of the tax payers]
Notes:
“Kurja-Patti” or “Tasti-Patti” is referred to as one-year income of the taxpayers. It was levied from all landholders during the time of financial emergency.
18. The Ghurids, rose rapidly to power during which of the following centuries?
[A] 10th century
[B] 11th century
[C] 12th century
[D] 13th century
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [12th century]
Notes:
In the early medieval period, the region between Ghazni and Herat was ruled by the kingdom of Ghurs. They rapidly rose to power during the last half of the twelfth century.
19. The Turkish chiefs of Delhi invited which of the following to ascend the throne in place of Aramshah?
[A] Ruknuddin Firuz Shah
[B] Bahram Shah
[C] Illtutmish
[D] Alauddin Masud Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Illtutmish]
Notes:
Aram Shah proved to be quite incompetent and inefficient. Some of the nobles also rose in rebellion. The Turkish chiefs pf Delhi invited Aibak’s son-in-law Altmash (or I1tutmish) to ascend the throne.
20. Balban was not able to capture which of the following territories during his campaigns?
[A] Mewat
[B] Doab
[C] Awadh
[D] Gwalior
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gwalior]
Notes:
Balban suppressed the disturbances in Mewat, Doab, Awadh, and Katihar. He secured the control over Ajmer and Nagaur in eastern Rajputana but his attempts to capture Ranthambore and Gwalior failed.
