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. Which of these Deccan Sultanates did not participate in the Battle of Talikota (Rakkasagi–Tangadagi) against the Vijaya Nagar empire?
[A] Ahmadnagar
[B] Bijapur
[C] Bidar
[D] Berar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Berar]
Notes:
The Battle of Talikota (Rakkasagi–Tangadagi) on 23 January 1565 pitted the Vijayanagara Empire against an alliance of Deccan sultanates: Ahmadnagar (Hussain Nizam Shah I), Bijapur (Ali Adil Shah I), Bidar (Ali Barid Shah I), and Golconda (Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah). Berar did not join this coalition; its forces separately attacked Krishna Ford earlier but were repelled. This led to Vijayanagara’s defeat.
12. The silver coin introduced during the reign of Sultan Mohammad-bin Tughlaq was called
[A] Adl
[B] dinar
[C] Adha
[D] Bikh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adl]
Notes:
The silver coin introduced during the reign of Sultan Mohammad-bin Tughlaq was called Adl.
13. Who was the reigning ruler in Delhi when Tulsidas completed his epic text, Ramcharitmanas?
[A] Akbar
[B] Humayun
[C] Jahangir
[D] Sher Shah Suri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Akbar]
Notes:
Tulsidas completed the writing of his epic text, Ramcharitmanas, during the reign of Akbar. Akbar was known for his policy of religious tolerance and interest in literature, having many religious books translated into Persian under his rule. Tulsidas was a revered poet and remains an important figure in Indian literature, with Ramcharitmanas considered one of the greatest works of Indian literature.
14. Who among the following founded Qadiriya order in India?
[A] Shah Nayamatullah Qadari
[B] Shah Abdullah Shuttari
[C] Bahauddin Naqshband
[D] Baqi Billah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shah Nayamatullah Qadari]
Notes:
Shah Nayamatullah Qadari was the founder of the Qadiriya order in India. Dara Sikhoh, the eldest of Shah Jahan, was a follower of this order. Its areas of influence were Uttar Pradesh and Deccan. Miyan Mir was the most famous Sufi saint of Qadiriya order.
15. 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.
16. During the reign of Alauddin Khilji, the social gatherings , including parties; marriages between the families of the nobles, etc. could not take place without permission of the Sultan. What was the major objective of such restriction?
[A] To force the nobles to follow Sharia Law
[B] A preventive measure for rebellions
[C] Control the downgrading economy of the sultanate
[D] Check lavish expenses
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A preventive measure for rebellions ]
Notes:
Three successive rebellions- those of Akat Khan of Malik Umar and Mangu Khan, and of Haji or Sidi Maula- within a brief period convinced the Sultan to take strong measures for the prevention of such disturbances in the future. He took radical preventive measures. The first blow was aimed at accumulation of wealth by nobles and officials. All religious endowments and grants of lands (waqf and inam) by the state were revoked. Secondly, and elaborate system of espionage was organized. Thirdly, the sale and use of liquor and intoxicants was completely prohibited in delhi. Fourth restrictions and strong checks were put on social gatherings , including parties; marriages between the families of the nobles, etc. could not take place without the Sultan’s permission. He placed numerous curbs on their social mobility and interrelationships.
17. For the first time, a Famine-code was formulated in the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of __?
[A] Slaves
[B] Tughlaqs
[C] Khaljis
[D] Lodhis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Tughlaqs ]
Notes:
Muhammad Bin Tughlaq had for the first time formulated ‘famine-code’ to provide relief to famine-affected people.
18. Which of the following is the famous battle that Rana Pratap fought against Akbar’s forces?
[A] Panipat
[B] Plassey
[C] Haldighati
[D] Kalinga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haldighati]
Notes:
The Battle of Haldighati was a battle fought on 18 June 1576 between cavalry and archers supporting the Rana of Mewar, Maharana Pratap; and the Mughal emperor Akbar’s forces, led by Man Singh I of Amber.
19. What was not the most important feature of land revenue system of Akbar?
[A] Collection of land revenue in kind or cash
[B] Collection of land revenue based on accurate measurement of land
[C] Collection of land revenue directly at the central treasury
[D] Fixation of rates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Fixation of rates]
Notes:
A proper land revenue system was founded by Akbar He followed the policy of Shershah with greater precision and correctness and then extended it to various subah or provinces of his empire. But this correction or precision did not come overnight.
Raja Todar Mal was the finance minister of Akbar. He introduced a new system of revenue known as zabt and a system of taxation called dahshala. He took a careful survey of crop yields and prices cultivated for a 10-year period 1570-1580. On this basis, tax was fixed on each crop in cash.
20. On which of the following ‘Bhakti Cult’ laid emphasis? (UPSC Prelims 1984)
[A] Idol worship
[B] Universal brotherhood
[C] Devotion to God
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Devotion to God]
Notes:
Bhakti movement in Hinduism refers to ideas and engagement that emerged in the medieval era on love and devotion to religious concepts built around one or more gods and goddesses. Bhakti movement preached against the caste system using the local languages so that the message reached the masses.