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. What was the Nayankara system, a significant part of the Vijaynagar political organization?
[A] A tax system
[B] A military rank system
[C] A land holding system for warriors
[D] A religious institution
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [A land holding system for warriors]
Notes:
The Nayankara system was a unique political feature of the Vijaynagar Empire, which assigned territorial revenue rights, also known as amaram, to military chiefs or warriors. These warriors held the title of Nayaka or Amaranayaka. It derived its name from “Nayaka”, an ancient Sanskrit term indicating a person of importance, particularly in the military. This system greatly relied on Telugu Nayakas, which significantly bolstered the strength of the empire.
12. Who completed the construction of Qutb Minar at Delhi?
[A] Humayun
[B] Babur
[C] Iltutmish
[D] Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Iltutmish]
Notes:
Qutb-ud-din Aibak started the construction of Qutb Minar. But he died without completing it, and the next ruler, Iltutmish, completed the work.
13. Why did Alauddin Khilji maintained control on price during his reign?
[A] He wanted to keep large army at lower expenses
[B] He had mercy with poor people
[C] He wanted to gain popularity
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [He wanted to keep large army at lower expenses]
Notes:
Ala-ud-din Khalji introduced market control policy. This idea of making goods cheaper was probably introduced because Ala-ud-din wanted to pay his soldiers a low salary. It allowed him to maintain a large army on limited resources.
14. “The king was freed from his people and they from their king”. On whose death did Badauni comment thus?
[A] Balban
[B] Ala-ud-din Khalji
[C] Muhammad-bin-Tughlak
[D] Feroze Shah Tughlak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Muhammad-bin-Tughlak]
Notes:
The statement was given at the death of Muhammad-bin-Tughlak as he made many decisions that disturbed the normal life of people.
15. The practice of military governorship was first introduced in India by which one ruler?
[A] Greeks
[B] Shakas
[C] Parthians
[D] Mughals
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greeks]
Notes:
Greeks first introduced military governorship in India. They appointed their Governors called strategos.
16. Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the Mughal Period?
[A] Calicut
[B] Broach
[C] Cambay
[D] Surat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Surat]
Notes:
Surat was called Gate of Makka because the pilgrimage to Makka started from Surat. Surat is the main city in Gujarat. It is familiar for its textiles and, now, it is one of the main centres of “diamond cutting and polishing”. It is an important seaport in the history of the world, during the medieval period. It is known as gate to mecca as many pilgrims set sail from Surat via sea route. It is also known as the gateway of West Asia as Surat is one of the main hubs of goods and clothing traded via sea routes to other Asian countries.
17. What was function of Khwajas appointed by Balban?
[A] For religious matters
[B] For estimation of income and expenditure
[C] For regulation of army
[D] For judicial purpose
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [For estimation of income and expenditure]
Notes:
In order to examine the actual collection and expenditure of the Iqta lands , Balban appointed a new category of officials called Khwajas to estimate the income of the Iqta holders as well as the expanses they incurred in maintaining their troops .
18. Ravikirti, the Jain author of the Aihole inscription, claims to have received “the highest favour” from which of the following kings?
[A] Vljayaditya
[B] Vikramaditya
[C] Pulakesin II
[D] Pulakesin I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pulakesin II]
Notes:
The Chalukyas were the followers of Brahmanical religion but they also followed a policy of religious toleration. During their ascendancy, Jainism prospered in the Deccan. Ravikirti, the Jain author of the Aihole inscription, claims to have received “the highest favour” from Pulakesin II.
19. Which of the following were the effects of Arab invasion in India?
1. It made way for Islam into India.
2. The Arabs learnt the art of administration, astronomy, music, painting, medicine and architecture from India.
3. The Arabs spread astronomy, Indian Philosophy, and numerals to Europe.
Select the correct option from codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Arab invasion in India made way for Islam into India. The Arabs learnt the art of administration, astronomy, music, painting, medicine and architecture from India. The Arabs spread astronomy, Indian Philosophy, and numerals to Europe.
20. Which of the following founded the Agra city?
[A] Bahlol Lodhi
[B] Sikander Lodhi
[C] Ibrahim Lodhi
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sikander Lodhi]
Notes:
Sikander Lodhi founded Agra in 1504, enhancing it with buildings and establishing it as a cultural and commercial hub. He promoted Persian literature, introduced land revenue assessment, and supported agriculture, boosting prosperity in northern India.
