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.
21. In context of administration of Vijayanagar kingdom, Nadus were divided into
[A] Niyoga
[B] Sthalas
[C] Kottam
[D] Mandalam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sthalas]
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).
22. The Nathpanthis, Siddhacharas and Yogi advocated salvation through _?
[A] Meditation
[B] Knowledge
[C] Sacrifices
[D] Self-effort
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Meditation]
Notes:
Nathpanthis, Siddhacharas, and Yogis believed that the path to salvation was through meditation. They advocated renunciation of the world and intensive training of the mind and body through practices like yogasanas, breathing exercises, and meditation. They believed that meditation on the formless Ultimate Reality and the realization of oneness with it was the path to salvation.
The Nathpanthis, Siddhacharas, and Yogis criticized the ritualistic practices of conventional religion. They believed that the external rituals and elaborate ceremonies had become detached from their original purpose of spiritual growth and self-realization. Their criticism of conventional religion created the ground for devotional religion to become a popular force in Northern India.
23. Which of the following monuments was built by Emperor Babur to mark his victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi at the first battle of Panipat?
[A] Buland Darwaza
[B] Kabuli Bagh Mosque
[C] Alai Darwaza
[D] Juma Mosque
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kabuli Bagh Mosque]
Notes:
Kabuli Bagh Mosque was built by Emperor Babur to mark his victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi at the first Battle of Panipat in 1526. The mosque is located in Panipat and is named after Kabuli Begum, Babur's wife.
24. How did Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor of India die?
[A] Killed in battle
[B] Died of a heart attack
[C] Assassinated by his son
[D] Broke his neck after falling down the stairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Broke his neck after falling down the stairs]
Notes:
Humayun has it that the monarch was on top of his library, in the observatory looking out at the sky, when he is supposed to have spotted the transit of Venus across the Sun, and in his excitement to share his discovery with others, he tripped, fell down the stairs and broke his neck. Humayun was succeeded by his son, Akbar, easily one of India’s greatest rulers.
25. Who among the following Bhakti leaders used the medium of dance and songs (Kirtans) to make one feel the personal presence of god near him?
[A] Shankaradeva
[B] Chandidasa
[C] Jnanadeva
[D] Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]
Notes:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a Bengali Hindu mystic, saint, and the chief proponent of the Achintya Bheda Abheda and Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism. He also expounded the Vaishnava school of Bhakti yoga, based on Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita.
26. Mahmud Gawan was the Prime Minister in which of the following kingdoms?
[A] Gujarat kingdom
[B] Kingdom of Kashmir
[C] Bahmani kingdom
[D] Kingdom of Mysore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bahmani kingdom]
Notes:
Mahmud Gawan (1411, Iran – 1481) was a Prime Minister in the Bahamani Sultanate of Deccan.
27. From which original text did J. Briggs translate “Rise of the Mohammedan Power in India”?
[A] Baburnama
[B] Tarikh-i-Subuktikin
[C] Akbarnama
[D] Tarikh-i-Firishta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tarikh-i-Firishta]
Notes:
Tarikh-i-Firishta (16th century) by Firishta, or Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah, was translated by J.Briggs, titled Rise of the Mohammedan Power in India. It is a general history of India, largely based upon earlier Persian historical works. It is generally regarded as one of the best of the later compilations based on earlier works, and it was relied upon heavily by early European historians of India such as Elphinstone.
28. Which of the following is the work of a contemporary who himself took part in the battle of Samugarh?
[A] Muhammad Saki Mustaid Khan
[B] Mirza Muhammad Qazim
[C] Muhammad Hashim Khafi Khan
[D] Isar Das Nagar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Muhammad Hashim Khafi Khan]
Notes:
Muntakhab-ul-Lubab of Tarikh-i-Khafi Khan, by Muhammad Hashim Khafi Khan, is a voluminous history from the Muhammad conquest of India to the fourteenth year of the reign of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah (1719-18). The first of its three-volume is from the Muhammadan conquest to the end of the Lodi dynasty, the second provides a full account of the Mughals in India from the conquest of Babur to the reign of Muhammad Shah and the third contains an entire account of the reign of Aurangzeb. Khafi Khan’s history is more valuable for the reign of Shah Jahan as it is the work of a contemporary who was waqia-nawis at Agra and himself took part in the battle of Samugarh.
29. Motif of which goddess was inscribed on Rajput kings’ coins?
[A] Laxmi
[B] Durga
[C] Kali
[D] Chamunda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Laxmi]
Notes:
Coins issued by most of the Rajput kings of medieval India were same in pattern i.e. included the name of the Ruler on one side and the picture of Goddess Laxmi on the other side. The text of the coins was written in Devnagiri script.
30. Who was the first Turk to invade India?
[A] Alpitigin
[B] Subuktigin
[C] Mahmud of Ghanzni
[D] Ismail Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Subuktigin]
Notes:
Subuktagin was the first Turk to invade India in 98oAD. He was slave and commander of Alptigin while father of Mahmud.