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. Under Delhi Sultanate which officer was appointed for the maintenance of public morals ?
[A] Mustaufi
[B] Muhatasib
[C] Mushrif
[D] Mutsarif
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Muhatasib]
Notes:
Muhatasib was an officer appointed to maintain law and order in a muncipality which is directly responsible for the public morals.
13. Which Mughal emperor died due to fall from the stairs of his library ?
[A] Shahjahan
[B] Jahangir
[C] Humayun
[D] Aurangzeb
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Humayun]
Notes:
The Mughal Emperor Humayun died after a sudden fall from the stairs of his library in his fort at Delhi in 1556 AD. The tomb of Humayun was situated at Delhi on the bank of river Yamuna near the shrine of the Nizamuddin Auliya Chisti, a sufi saint.
14. Which city was the first capital of the Bahamani Dynasty?
[A] Gulbarga
[B] Bidar
[C] Golconda
[D] Mysore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gulbarga]
Notes:
The Bahamani Dynasty initially established their capital in Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi) before shifting it to Bidar in 1425 AD. Despite its historic importance, Gulbarga’s capital description is often overlooked with Bidar commonly mistaken as the dynasty’s original capital. Gulbarga, was originally known as Ahsanabad, and Bidar was known as Muhammadabad.
15. Who among the following rulers was the founder of Nizam Shahi dynasty?
[A] Burhan Nizam Shah I
[B] Malik Ahmad Bahri
[C] Ibrahim Nizam Shah
[D] Murtaza Nizam Shah I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Malik Ahmad Bahri]
Notes:
The Nizam Shahi dynasty was founded by Malik Ahmad Bahri in 1490 AD with its capital at Ahmadnagar on the bank of the river Sina. The dynasty ruled over the sultanate of Ahmadnagar till Mughal emperor Shahjahan annexed it in 1633 AD.
16. Who among the following rulers of Qutub Shahi dynasty built Golconda fort?
[A] Quli Qutub Shah
[B] Abul Hasan Qutb Shah
[C] Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah
[D] Muhammad Qutb Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Quli Qutub Shah]
Notes:
The famous Golconda fort was built by Sultan Quli Qutub Shah.
17. In the administration of Vijayanagar empire, the king was advised by a council of ministers who met in a hall called
[A] Venkatavilas
[B] Balakrishna vila
[C] Garuda Vila
[D] Mandapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Venkatavilas]
Notes:
In the Vijayanagar kingdom, there was a council of ministers, headed by a Prime-minister to assist and advise the king in administration. For it, the council of ministers met in a hall known as Venkat Vilas Mandapa.
18. In context of administration of Vijayanagar kingdom, Rajyas were divided into
[A] Niyoga
[B] Sthalas
[C] Kottam
[D] Mandalam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kottam]
Notes:
The structure of tax collection in Vijayanagar empire: The empire was divided into five main rajyas or mandalam (provinces) which were divided into regions (Kottams). These were further divided into counties (Nadus) which were again sub-divided into municipalities (Sthales). To facilitate tax administration at the lowest level, a separate department Niyoga) was assigned with the function of tax collection duly supervised by feudal landlords (Goudas) and Karanikam (accountants).
19. With reference to the Chola administration, which among the following was found in centres of trade and commerce, since it was devoted entirely to serving the interests of the mercantile community?
[A] Ur
[B] Perunguri
[C] Nagaram
[D] Sabha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagaram]
Notes:Under Cholas, the general assemblies were of three types:
- the ur, comprising of the tax-paying residents of an ordinary village.
- the sabha, whose membership was open only to the Brahmans of the village or else was found exclusively in villages gifted to brahmans;
- the nagaram, found in centres of trade and commerce, since it was devoted entirely to serving the interests of the mercantile community.
The Chola economy was based on a three- tiered system. At the local level, agricultural settlements formed the foundation. Groups of these communities were, in turn, linked to commercial towns called “nagaram,” which acted as redistribution.
20. During the Mughal period, under the Zabti system, land revenue was assessed and was required to be paid?
[A] In cash or kind.
[B] Only in cash.
[C] Only in kind.
[D] By the zamindar on behalf of the peasants.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [In cash or kind.]
Notes:
During the Mughal period, under the Zabti system, land revenue was assessed and was required to be paid by the peasants were given option to pay either in cash or kind, whichever was convenient to them.