Medieval Indian History
Medieval Indian History represents one of the most transformative eras in the subcontinent, spanning roughly from the 8th century to the 18th century CE. This period witnessed the rise and fall of powerful dynasties, the blending of diverse cultures, and the formation of political, social, and economic systems that shaped the future of India. During this time, major kingdoms and empires such as the Chola, Rashtrakuta, Rajput, Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara, Mughal Empire, and Maratha Confederacy left indelible marks on administration, architecture, trade, and culture.
Art and architecture flourished with remarkable innovations such as Indo-Islamic styles, intricate temple designs, fortifications, palaces, and the construction of monumental mosques and tombs. This era also saw significant developments in literature, science, mathematics, and philosophy, with contributions from scholars, poets, and saints across regions. The Bhakti and Sufi movements emerged as powerful spiritual and social forces, emphasizing devotion, equality, and harmony between communities.
Economically, medieval India was known for its vibrant trade networks connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, exporting textiles, spices, and handicrafts. Agricultural expansion, urban growth, and the evolution of revenue systems played key roles in shaping society. Despite conflicts and invasions, this period fostered remarkable cultural synthesis, producing a rich legacy of art, music, language, and cuisine.
Studying Medieval Indian History helps students, researchers, and enthusiasts understand how India’s diverse traditions and institutions evolved. It provides insights into the roots of modern India’s multicultural identity, governance models, and socio-economic structures, making it an essential area of study for competitive exams and historical research alike.
1. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(A) Baz Bahadur- Malwa
(B) Sultan Muzaffar Shah-Gujarat
(C) Yusuf Adil Shah-Ahmednagar
(D) Qutub Shah -Golkunda
Correct Answer: (C) Yusuf Adil Shah-Ahmednagar
Answer Explanation:
Yusuf Adil Shah was the founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty that ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur.
2. Which among the following office was held by the superintendent of the port under the Mughals?
(A) Mutsaddi
(B) Mir-i-Bahar
(C) Tahvildar
(D) Mushrif
Correct Answer: (B) Mir-i-Bahar
Answer Explanation:
Administration under Akbar: The Mir-i-Bahar was in charge of customs and boats and ferry taxes, and port duties in coastal towns.
3. The lowest in rank in the Maratha infantry was of__?
(A) Nayak
(B) Hawaldar
(C) Zumladar
(D) Hazari
Correct Answer: (B) Hawaldar
Answer Explanation:
Hawaldar was the lowest in rank in the Maratha Infantry.
4. Which among the following Mughal Emperor was also known as Roshan Akhtar?
(A) Ahmed Shah
(B) Muhammad Shah
(C) Jahandar Shah
(D) Shah Alam
Correct Answer: (B) Muhammad Shah
Answer Explanation:
Muhammad Shah Rangile also is known as Roshan Akhtar, was the Mughal emperor between 1719 and 1748. During his time, Nadir Shah attacked and looted Delhi and took the Peacock Throne with himself.
5. The irrigation tax was charged on the farmers for the first time by which among the following Sultans?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(C) Mohammad Tughlaq
(D) Firoz Tughlaq
Correct Answer: (D) Firoz Tughlaq
Answer Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq was the cousin brother of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, and became the ruler of Delhi on 23rd march 1351 A.D. He imposed only four taxes sanctioned by Islamic viz., kharaj (land tax), khams (1/5 of the looted property during wars), Jizya (religious tax on the Hindus), and Zakat (2½per cent of the income of the Muslims which was spent for the welfare of Muslim subjects and their religion). He imposed irrigation tax after getting it sanctioned from the Ulema.
6. Which among the following was the work of Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq?
(A) Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi
(B) Fatawa-i-Jahandari
(C) Tarikh-i-Ferozshahi
(D) Tughlaqnama
Correct Answer: (A) Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi
Answer Explanation:
Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi was authored by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq himself. He was a Turkic Muslim ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty, who reigned over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 to 1388 A.D.
7. The Sayyid dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate is called so because__?
(A) Its founder and his successors adopted the title Sayyid
(B) Its founder and his successors belonged to the Sayyid tribe of eastern Turkistan
(C) Its founder and his successors were descendant of the prophet Muhammad
(D) Its founder was a scholar of Islamic theology
Correct Answer: (C) Its founder and his successors were descendant of the prophet Muhammad
Answer Explanation:
Khizr Khan was the descendant of the prophet Muhammad. The Sayyid dynasty was the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate from 1414 to 1451 A.D. Khizr Khan was the founder ruler of Sayyid dynasty and he is said to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad.
8. Which of the following ladies wrote an historical account during the Mughal period?
(A) Gulbadan Begum
(B) Noorjahan Begum
(C) Jahanara Begum
(D) Zebun-nissah Begum
Correct Answer: (A) Gulbadan Begum
Answer Explanation:
Gulbadan Begum (1523-1603) was a Perso-Turkic Princess, the daughter of Emperor Babur. She is most known as the author of Humayun Nama, the account of the life of her brother, Humayun.
9. Chachnama is the oldest chronicle of which of the following regions?
(A) Kashmir
(B) Gandhar
(C) Sindh
(D) Punjab
Correct Answer: (C) Sindh
Answer Explanation:
At the time of Arab Invasions, Sindh was under Raja Dahir who reigned till 712 AD from his capital Brahamanabad. He was the last Hindu Ruler of Sindh and parts of Modern Punjab (Pakistan). The Arab conquest of Sindh is mentioned in the oldest Chronicle of Sindh called “Chach Nama”. He was attacked, defeated and killed by Mohammad Bin Qasim, a general of the Umayyad Caliphate.
10. The temple city of Osean in Rajasthan was established by which of the following Rajputs?
(A) Gurjar Pratiharas
(B) Chauhans
(C) Solankis
(D) Sisodias
Correct Answer: (A) Gurjar Pratiharas
Answer Explanation:
Gurjar Pratiharas established Marwar in Rajasthan and built the Temple city of Osean, near Jodhpur. Their origin is from Mandsaur and notable Kings are Nagabhatta-I, Nagabhatta-II and Mihirbhoja.
11. Which among the following was the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire?
(A) Precious stones
(B) Horses
(C) Luxury goods
(D) Raw Silk
Correct Answer: (B) Horses
Answer Explanation:
Kings of Vijayanagar, imported Arabian horses on a large scale, in order to improve the breed of cavalry horses in their own districts. Thus, the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire was Horses.
12. Who was the first Indian ruler to organize the Haj pilgrimage at the expense of the state?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Feroz Tughlaq
(C) Akbar
(D) Aurangzeb
Correct Answer: (C) Akbar
Answer Explanation:
Akbar was the first Indian ruler to organize the Haj pilgrimage at the expense of the state.
13. Which of the following ladies wrote a historical account during the Mughal period?
(A) Gulbadan Begum
(B) Noorjahan Begum
(C) Jahanara Begum
(D) Zebun-nissah Begum
Correct Answer: (A) Gulbadan Begum
Answer Explanation:
Gulbadan Begum (1523-1603) was a Perso-Turkic Princess, the daughter of Emperor Babur. She is most known as the author of Humayun Nama, the account of the life of her brother, Humayun.
14. The Mansabdari system was borrowed from?
(A) Afghanistan
(B) Turkey
(C) Mongolia
(D) Persia
Correct Answer: (C) Mongolia
Answer Explanation:
Mansabdar implies the generic term for the military-kind grading of all royal functionaries of the Mughal Empire. The Mansabdari system introduced by Akbar was borrowed from the system followed in Mongolia.
15. Chachnama is the oldest chronicle of which of the following regions?
(A) Kashmir
(B) Gandhar
(C) Sindh
(D) Punjab
Correct Answer: (C) Sindh
Answer Explanation:
At the time of Arab Invasions, Sindh was under Raja Dahir who reigned till 712 AD from his capital Brahamanabad. He was the last Hindu Ruler of Sindh and parts of Modern Punjab (Pakistan). The Arab conquest of Sindh is mentioned in the oldest Chronicle of Sindh called “Chach Nama”. He was attacked, defeated and killed by Mohammad Bin Qasim, a general of the Umayyad Caliphate.
16. Which of the following Rajput clan does not belong to the Agnikula?
(A) Parmara
(B) Pratihara
(C) Chalukya
(D) Kachwaha
Correct Answer: (D) Kachwaha
Answer Explanation:
The four Rajput clans from Agnikunda are Chauhans, Chalukyas, Parmaras and Pratiharas.
17. The Rajput confederacy had checked invasion of which of the following Arab invaders in Battle of Rajasthan?
(A) Mahmud Ghaznavi
(B) Al Junayd
(C) Muhammad bin Qasim
(D) Al-Hakam
Correct Answer: (B) Al Junayd
Answer Explanation:
A Rajput confederacy of Gurjara Pratihara King Nagabhatta-I and his feudatories such as Chauhans and Guhilots was able to check and revert back Arab Invader Al Junayd, in the Battle of Rajasthan.
18. Who rebuilt the Somnath temple in 815 AD after it was destroyed by Arab Invaders in 725 AD?
(A) Vikramaditya II
(B) Nagabhatta-I
(C) Nagabhatta-II
(D) Mihirbhoja
Correct Answer: (C) Nagabhatta-II
Answer Explanation:
Nagabhatta II is best known for rebuilding the Somnath Temple in 815 AD, which was destroyed by Arab invaders in 725AD. This was a large structure of Red Sandstone; again destroyed in 1024AD by Mahamud of Ghazni.
19. Which of the following Pala Kings established Vikramshila university?
(A) Gopala
(B) Dharmapala
(C) Devapala
(D) Devapala 2
Correct Answer: (B) Dharmapala
Answer Explanation:
Dharmapala, the second ruler of the Pala dynasty was a pious Buddhist King and is best known for establishing the Vikramshila University. The Vikramshila University is located at Kahalgaon near Bhagalpur in Bihar. Dharmapala had also built a Vihara at Somapuri, another at Paharpur and yet another Vihara at Odantapuri. The five places viz. Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapuri, Paharpur and Odantapuri are called Five Mahaviharas. Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the Vikramshila University in 1200 AD. Somapura Mahavihara is now located in Bangladesh. It is one of the best known Mahaviharas of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
20. Which of the following Sena rulers introduced Kulinism in Bengal?
(A) Hemant Sen
(B) Ballala Sen
(C) Vijay Sen
(D) Lakshman Sen
Correct Answer: (B) Ballala Sen
Answer Explanation:
One of the vassals of Pala called Hemant Sen founded the Sena Dynasty. The third king of this dynasty Ballala Sena (1160-1178) introduced the social reforms in Bengal known as Kulinism.
21. Who among the following was the founder of Bijapur state?
(A) Yusuf Adil Shah
(B) Murad II
(C) Mehmood II
(D) Ibrahim Zubayri
Correct Answer: (A) Yusuf Adil Shah
Answer Explanation:
Yusuf Adil Shah was the founder of Bijapur state.
22. Which among the following terms was used for the Royal cavalry of the Maratha Army System?
(A) The Shiledars
(B) The Bargirs
(C) The Hazari
(D) The Subedars
Correct Answer: (B) The Bargirs
Answer Explanation:
Bargir was the Royal cavalry of the Maratha army system. There were two kinds of cavalry viz. Bargirs and the Shiledars. Bargirs were provided horses from the state and thus, the horses were the property of the royal household and were looked after by state officers. Shiledars used to keep their own horses.
23. Which among the following was the real name of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah?
(A) Khujasta Akhtar
(B) Shahriyar Shah Bahadur
(C) Nadir Shah
(D) Raushan Akhtar
Correct Answer: (D) Raushan Akhtar
Answer Explanation:
Raushan Akhtar was the real name of Muhammad Shah.
24. The real name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II was__:
(A) Alamgir II
(B) Ahmed Shah Durrani
(C) Mirza Najaf Khan
(D) Ali Gauhar
Correct Answer: (D) Ali Gauhar
Answer Explanation:
The real name of the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II (1759-1806) was Ali Gauhar.
25. The ambassador of Emperor James I, who reached in the court of Jahangir in 1615 was __:
(A) Sir James Hay
(B) Sir Thomas Roe
(C) Sir Thomas Howard
(D) Sir John Digby
Correct Answer: (B) Sir Thomas Roe
Answer Explanation:
As an ambassador of Emperor James l, Sir Thomas Roe reached in the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir at Agra in 1615. Jahangir presented him with the Mansab of 400.
26. Which of the following rulers of India issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands?
(A) Jahangir
(B) Akbar
(C) Aurangzeb
(D) Shah Alam
Correct Answer: (B) Akbar
Answer Explanation:
Akbar declared or issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands. This made him supreme in religious matters. He issued Mahzarnama to curb the dominance of Ulema. It was written by Faizi in 1579.
27. Who was the Sultan of Delhi Sultanate when Timur invaded India in 1398?
(A) Mahmud Shah Tughluq
(B) Jalal ud din Firuz Khilji
(C) Aram Shah
(D) Ghiyas-ud-din Balban
Correct Answer: (A) Mahmud Shah Tughluq
Answer Explanation:
Mahmud Shah Tughlaq was the last sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty to rule the Islamic Delhi Sultanate. During his reign in 1398, Amir Timur the Chagatai ruler invaded India. He carried away with him a large booty from Delhi and the surrounding area. Soon after the invasion, the Tughlaq dynasty came to an end.
28. In 1293 A.D., Marco Polo, an Italian traveler, visited in which of the Indian Kingdom?
(A) Kakatiya
(B) Satavahana
(C) Pandyan
(D) Chera
Correct Answer: (A) Kakatiya
Answer Explanation:
In 1293 A.D., Marco Polo, an Italian traveler visited Motupalli, a famous seaport during the Kakatiya Dynasty. He wrote about the prosperity and power of the kingdom under Rudramadevi.
29. Which ruler sent two of his brothers Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan to invade Gujarat?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Sikandar Lodi
(C) Muhammad Shah
(D) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
Correct Answer: (A) Alauddin Khilji
Answer Explanation:
Alauddin Khilji sent two of his general brothers Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan to invade Gujarat. Gujarat was invaded and the temples of Somnath and Rudra Mahalaya were sacked.
30. Who among the following is associated with the translation of Rajatarangini in Persian?
(A) Dara Shikoh
(B) Zain-ul-Abidin
(C) Abdul Razzaq Jilani
(D) Bande Nawaz
Correct Answer: (B) Zain-ul-Abidin
Answer Explanation:
Rajatarangini is a metrical legendary and historical chronicle of the north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir. It was written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri historian Kalhana in the 12th century CE. It was translated into Persian by the orders of the later Muslim ruler Zain-ul-Abidin.
31. Kamal-ud-Din Abd-ur-Razzaq ibn Ishaq Samarqandi, a Persian Islamic Scholar, visited which Indian city during the early 1440s?
(A) Surat
(B) Calicut
(C) Chennai
(D) Chinsurah
Correct Answer: (B) Calicut
Answer Explanation:
Calicut is a metropolitan city in the state of Kerala in southern India on the Malabar Coast. Kamal-ud-Din Abd-ur-Razzaq ibn Ishaq Samarqandi visited Calicut in the early 1440s. He wrote a narrative of what he saw in Calicut which is valuable as information on Calicut’s society and culture.
32. Which of the following rulers earned the title of Purvapaschima Samudradhishavara?
(A) Samudragupta
(B) Karikala Chola
(C) Harihara I
(D) Parantaka-I
Correct Answer: (C) Harihara I
Answer Explanation:
Harihara-I of Vijayanagara Kingdom gained control over most of the area south of the Tungabhadra River and earned the title of Purvapaschima Samudradhishavara (“master of the eastern and western seas”).
33. Areas of which of the following current states did not come under the control of Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadeva Raya?
(A) Kerala
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Odisha
(D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: (D) Maharashtra
Answer Explanation:
Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1529) was a statesman, administrator and patron of arts. He united almost south India by bringing areas of modern Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, parts of Kerala and Odisha under his control.
34. Which among the following two cities were joined by “Sadak-i-Azam” or the precursor of the Grand Trunk Road built by Shershah Suri?
(A) Agra & Calcutta
(B) Delhi & Patna
(C) Delhi & Sasaram
(D) Agra & Sasaram
Correct Answer: (D) Agra & Sasaram
35. Which among the following building built by Shah Jahan at Agra is similar in the pattern of the Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow?
(A) Taj Mahal
(B) Agra fort
(C) Pearl Mosque
(D) Shah Jahani Mahal
Correct Answer: (C) Pearl Mosque
Answer Explanation:
Pearl Mosque is also known as Moti Masjid.
36. Which among the following Muslim Scholar came to India during the time of Mahmud of Ghazni?
(A) Al-beruni
(B) Amir Khusrau
(C) Abu Zayd Balkhi
(D) Muhammad al-Idrisi
Correct Answer: (A) Al-beruni
Answer Explanation:
Abu Rayhan Beruni or Alberonius (Latin) was a Persian Scholar and polymath of the 11th century. He accompanied Mahmud Ghazani in his conquests to South Asia.
Al Beruni was the First Muslim Scholar to study India and its Brahmanical tradition. He is called the father of Indology and the first anthropologist. He is called one of the earliest and greatest polymaths of the Islamic World.
37. Akbarnama was written originally in which among the following languages?
(A) Chagtai Turkic
(B) Persian
(C) Arabic
(D) Urdu
Correct Answer: (B) Persian
Answer Explanation:
Abul Fazal was the author of Akbarnama which is written in Persian. It is the official history of Akbar’s reign in 3 volumes. This book gives the history of Akbar’s forefathers from Timur to Humayun and Akbar’s reign till 1602.
38. Kabir was a disciple of which among the following saints?
(A) Ravidas
(B) Ramananda
(C) Jaydeva
(D) Sukhanada
Correct Answer: (B) Ramananda
Answer Explanation:
Ramananda was the first Bhakti saint and founder of the Bhakti Movement of northern India. He preached in Hindi, the language of the masses. Kabir was a disciple of Ramananda.
Ramananda 12 disciples included Anantananda, Sursurananda, Sukhanand, Naraharidāsa, Bhavanand, Bhagat Pipa, Kabir, Sen, Dhanna, Ravidas and two women disciples viz. Sursuri and Padyawati. Among them, Kabir was the most radical and adopted non-conformist stand later on.
39. Which of the following Mughal Emperors was known as Firdaus Manzil?
(A) Mohammad Shah Rangila
(B) Shah Alam II
(C) Farrukhsiyar
(D) Rafi ul Darjat
Correct Answer: (B) Shah Alam II
40. Which Mughal king sat on the throne with the title of ” Padshah Gazi”?
(A) Jahangir
(B) Shah Jahan
(C) Aurangzeb
(D) Mohammad Shah
Correct Answer: (A) Jahangir
41. Who among the following laid the foundation of Shalimar & Nishaat Garden in Kashmir?
(A) Akbar
(B) Jahangir
(C) Shahjahan
(D) Nur Jahan
Correct Answer: (B) Jahangir
42. Who among the following is considered to be the teacher of Amir Khusro?
(A) Moinuddin Chishti
(B) Baba Farid
(C) Nizamuddin Auliya
(D) Bakhtiyar Kaki
Correct Answer: (C) Nizamuddin Auliya
Answer Explanation:
Nizamuddin Auliya was a famous Sufi saint. During the rule of Akbar, he had settled down in Delhi. He was highly respected by the people. Beside his grave in Delhi, a big mosque has been built.
43. Who among the following composed Ananga?
(A) Kabir
(B) Gyaneshwar
(C) Tukaram
(D) Raidasa
Correct Answer: (B) Gyaneshwar
44. which among the following Muslim writers has written the famous Hindi work “Padmavat”?
(A) Malik Muhammad Jayasi
(B) Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana
(C) Amir Khusro
(D) Bulleh Shah
Correct Answer: (A) Malik Muhammad Jayasi
Answer Explanation:
Padmavat of Malik Muhammad Jayasi is a poem about the beauty and Jauhar of Padmani.
45. Which among the following travelers has recorded his experiences in “Kitab-i-Rehla”?
(A) Amir Khusro
(B) Ibn Battuta
(C) Malik Murtaza
(D) Al-Bayhaqi
Correct Answer: (B) Ibn Battuta
Answer Explanation:
Ibn battuta was an Arab traveler and adventure from Morocco. His book is a primary source of history of the region of Muhammad bin Tughluq it throws light on the socio-political condition of his times.
46. Who among the following was the founder of the Rastrakuta dynasty?
(A) Dantidurga
(B) Krishna -I
(C) Indra – II
(D) Govinda -I
Correct Answer: (A) Dantidurga
Answer Explanation:
In the mid of the 8th century, Dantidurga, who was one of the chieftains of ancient Rastrakuta family fought his way to the front and overthrew Kirtivarman II, thus bringing an end to the main branch of Chalukyas. This was the beginning of the Rastrakuta Empire in Deccan.
47. In which of the following years, Akbar had centralized the control and functioning of various mints?
(A) 1570
(B) 1572
(C) 1576
(D) 1578
Correct Answer: (A) 1570
48. Who among the following was the first ruler of the sen dynasty?
(A) Ballal Sen
(B) Samanta Sen
(C) Vijay sen
(D) Lakshaman Sen
Correct Answer: (B) Samanta Sen
Answer Explanation:
Around the time of Mahipala’s death in around 1043 AD, a vassal of the Palas named Hemanta Sen founded the Sena Dynasty. This Dynasty appeared in the 11th century and disappeared in the 12th century
49. Vikrampura and Vijaypuri were two capitals of which among the following Sen kings?
(A) Ballal Sen
(B) Vijay Sen
(C) Samnta Sen
(D) Hemanta Sen
Correct Answer: (B) Vijay Sen
50. Who among the following was the founder of the Gahadvala Dynasty?
(A) Chandradev
(B) Govindchandra
(C) Madanpala
(D) Jayachandra
Correct Answer: (A) Chandradev
Answer Explanation:
The Gahadvala, or Gaharwar, was a Hindu and Buddhist Indian dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Kannauj for approximately a hundred years, beginning in the late eleventh century. The founder of the Kannauj Gahadvala dynasty was Chandradeva, who took control of Kannauj at the end of the 11th century (1090A.D.). During the rule of his successor, Govindachandra, from 1114–1154, the state of Gahadvala reached the pinnacle of its power. His minister, Lakshmidhara, was the author of several legal works, including Kalpadruma.
51. At which among the following places, Gokul Jat revolted against Mughals in the 17th century?
(A) Hisar
(B) Mathura
(C) Ujjain
(D) Bundelkhand
Correct Answer: (B) Mathura
Answer Explanation:
In 1669-70, the Jats of Mathura region rose under the leadership of a local Zamindar Gokul. Religion was the main factor behind this revolt because Abdul Nabi, a local officer of imperial Mughal government, had destroyed the temples of Hindus and disrespected their women.We note here that Jat uprising occurred at a time Mughal government was by no means weak or imbecile. The Mughal army pursued the Jats and the leader Gokul was captured and executed. However, the rebel did not subdue completely. Taking advantage of the civil war amongst the sons of Shahjahan, the Jats again rose in arms and this rebellion finally culminated in the establishment of sovereign Jat Kingdom under Raja Surajmal with Bharatpur it's capital.
52. The silver coins of which among the following kings carried portraits and bilingual legends, which were inspired by the Kshatrapa types?
(A) Satavahanas
(B) Kushanas
(C) Guptas
(D) Mauryas
Correct Answer: (A) Satavahanas
Answer Explanation:
Satavahana kings are noted for issuing bilingual coins featuring Middle Indo-Aryan language on one side, and Tamil language on the other side.
53. Who among the following are considered to be the first owners of Koh-i-Noor diamond?
(A) Kakatiyas
(B) Khiljis
(C) Tughlaqs
(D) Mughals
Correct Answer: (A) Kakatiyas
Answer Explanation:
There are two versions of the origin of this diamond. The first version is that it was mined in the 13th century in Kakatiya Territories {near Guntur in modern Andhra Pradesh}. It was under the possessions of Kakatiya Rulers until Malik Kafur, the general of Alauddin Khilji raided Warangal and possibly acquired this gem. It remained with Khiljis and then passed on to several Delhi Sultanate dynasties until it came into possession of Babur and successive Mughals.
Another version says that it was discovered in the 1650s in the diamond mines of Golkonda and was presented by Mir Jumla to Shah Jahan, who got it embedded into the peacock throne.
54. Mahzarnama was declared by ____?
(A) Babur
(B) Humayun
(C) Akbar
(D) Shahjahan
Correct Answer: (C) Akbar
Answer Explanation:
In 1579, Mahzar Nama was declared by which the emperor declared that if there were conflicts in the views of the debaters, he was entitled to choose any of the interpretations.
With the Mahzar Nama, Akbar pounced upon the dominance of the intolerant orthodox and allowed free development of a genuinely religious spirit. Mahzar Nama was actually an idea of the father of Abul Fazal and Faizi, set that the authority of the King was higher than that of a Mujtahid (doctor of the faith) and if there is a variance, the emperor’s decision should be binding on the Muslims of India. With this edict, Akbar’s judgment was set above every legal and religious authority, so it was the promulgation of the doctrine of Imperial infallibility.
55. Which among the following rulers of Delhi Sultanate declared himself as Sikandar-I-Sani?
(A) Balban
(B) Kaiqubad
(C) Alauddin Khilji
(D) Firoz Tughlaq
Correct Answer: (C) Alauddin Khilji
Answer Explanation:
Alauddin Khilji was a militarist and imperialist to the core. He was very ambitious. Alauddin, whose original name was Ali Gurshap, assumed the title Sikandar-i-Sani (Alexander the Second) and proclaimed Delhi as Dar-ul-Khilafa (Seat of the Caliphate).
56. Which among the following dynasty is known to have constructed the temples at Khajuraho?
(A) Chandelas
(B) Chauhans
(C) Pratiharas
(D) Rastrakutas
Correct Answer: (A) Chandelas
Answer Explanation:
Chandela dynasty was well established and there were peace and prosperity in 10th and 11th century. Art and culture flourished there as the kings were great patrons of poetry and theatre. The culmination of their cultural achievements was at their capital city of Khajuraho (in present-day Madhya Pradesh), where, between the 10th and 12th centuries, one of the most splendid temple cities in the history of the world was created. There were originally 85 temples at Khajuraho, of which 25 remain today.
The first king who started construction in Khajuraho was Harsha who built the 64 Yogini Temples. The most notable prince of this dynasty was King Dhangawhose time is known for building the most beautiful Khajuraho Temples of Parsvanath and Vishwavanath. His grandson Vidyadhara built the Kandariya Mahadev Temple.
57. ‘Padshah-Nama’ (Chronicle of the Emperor) written by Abdul Hamid Lahori, is the official visual history giving a detailed account of the reign of which of the following Mughal Emperor?
(A) Babur
(B) Jahangir
(C) Shah Jahan
(D) Aurangzeb
Correct Answer: (C) Shah Jahan
58. Jujhar Singh, who was a Bundela Chief had revolted against:
(A) Jahangir
(B) Shahjahan
(C) Aurangzeb
(D) Akbar
Correct Answer: (B) Shahjahan
59. Ustad Isa is related to the design and architecture of which of the following Buildings in Mughal Era?
(A) Taj Mahal
(B) Buland Darwaza
(C) Red Fort
(D) Itimad-ud-daula’s tomb
Correct Answer: (A) Taj Mahal
Answer Explanation:
Ustad Isa was the chief architect of the Taj Mahal.
60. “Sur Sagar “, a treatise on music was written during the reign of which of the following Mughal emperors?
(A) Humayun
(B) Akbar
(C) Jahangir
(D) Shahjahan
Correct Answer: (B) Akbar
Answer Explanation:
Surdas wrote Sursagar, Tulsidas who wrote Ramcharitmanas was also a contemporary of Akbar.
61. Babur, the founder of the mighty Mughal Empire traced his lineage from :
(A) Timur from the paternal line and Chengiz Khan from Maternal Line
(B) Chengiz Khan from Paternal Line and Timur from Maternal line
(C) Chagatai Turks from the paternal and maternal side.
(D) Mongoloids from paternal and Maternal side
Correct Answer: (A) Timur from the paternal line and Chengiz Khan from Maternal Line
62. Jujhar Singh, who was a Bundela Chief had revolted against:
(A) Jahangir
(B) Shahjahan
(C) Aurangzeb
(D) Akbar
Correct Answer: (B) Shahjahan
63. Faujdar and Amalguzar were the chief officials of the ‘Sarkars’ (administrative divisions) in the Mughal Period. Amalguzar was related to which of the following operations?
(A) Law & Order
(B) Revenue
(C) Defense
(D) Audit and Accounts
Correct Answer: (B) Revenue
64. Which among the following Mughal emperor had prohibited smoking use of tobacco in 1617 AD?
(A) Akbar
(B) Jahangir
(C) Shahjahan
(D) Aurangzeb
Correct Answer: (B) Jahangir
65. During the reign of which among the following rulers, Malik Muhammad Jayasi completed his epic work Padmavat?
(A) Shershah
(B) Akbar
(C) Jahangir
(D) Shahjahan
Correct Answer: (A) Shershah
Answer Explanation:
Malik Muhammad Jayasi completed his work Padmavat during Sher Shah’s reign.
66. Who among the following forbade the inscription of kalma on Coins?
(A) Akbar
(B) Shahjahan
(C) Aurangzeb
(D) Jahangir
Correct Answer: (C) Aurangzeb
67. Which of the following battles helped Shershah to establish the Suri Dynasty?
(A) Battle of Kanauj 1540
(B) Battle of Chausa 1539
(C) Battle of Duhariya 1532
(D) Battle of Chandewar
Correct Answer: (B) Battle of Chausa 1539
68. Who was the first Indian Ruler who could bring Kabul and Kandhar under Indian Empire only after Kushanas?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Ibrahim Lodi
(C) Babur
(D) Akbar
Correct Answer: (C) Babur
69. During which of the following events Indians got the earliest contact with Islam?
(A) Arab invasion of Sindh in the 7th Century
(B) Turkish Invasion in 11th century
(C) Arab merchants at the Malabar Coast
(D) None of the above
Correct Answer: (C) Arab merchants at the Malabar Coast
70. In which year Akbar built the Buland Darwaza?
(A) 1590
(B) 1600
(C) 1601
(D) 1605
Correct Answer: (C) 1601
Answer Explanation:
Buland Darwaja is located in Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar in 1602 A.D to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat.
71. Who among the following is called Zinda Peer?
(A) Babur
(B) Akbar
(C) Aurangzeb
(D) Humayun
Correct Answer: (C) Aurangzeb
Answer Explanation:
Aurangzeb was called “Zinda Pir” or “Living Saint ” in Mughal India.
72. The following Chalukya king performed an Ashwamedha yajna?
(A) Pulkesin I
(B) Pulkesin II
(C) Pulkesin III
(D) Vikramaditya I
Correct Answer: (A) Pulkesin I
73. Hindi poet Jagannath Pandit Raj was the most favorite poet of which of the following Emperors?
(A) Jahangir
(B) Shahjahan
(C) Akbar
(D) Humayun
Correct Answer: (B) Shahjahan
74. The city of Azimabad, which was abandoned since 7th century AD was revived by Shershah Suri and thus he founded the modern ________?
(A) Shergarh (Pakistan )
(B) Patna
(C) Sasaram
(D) Lothal
Correct Answer: (B) Patna
75. For which of the following Sher Shah Suri is not known?
(A) Organization of the system of Civil Administration
(B) Issuing first Rupiya which was in use till 20th century
(C) Introducing the system of irrigation by canals
(D) All are initiatives of Sher Shah Suri
Correct Answer: (C) Introducing the system of irrigation by canals
76. Who among the following conspired against Ibrahim Lodi and invited Babur to invade Delhi?
(A) Bahlol Lodi
(B) Daulat Khan Lodi
(C) Sikandar Lodi
(D) None of the above
Correct Answer: (B) Daulat Khan Lodi
Answer Explanation:
Daulat Khan Lodi was the governor of Lahore during the reign of Ibrahim Lodi. He got information that Ibrahim may remove his Governorship, so he sent a letter to Babur offering him help and allegiance in exchange for assistance against Ibrahim Lodi.
77. ”Loom ” was a central technological innovation in which of the following era?
(A) Sultanate Era
(B) Rajput Era
(C) Mughal Era
(D) None of the above
Correct Answer: (A) Sultanate Era
78. Which among the following was not a Landmark of Iltutmish’s rule?
(A) Introduction of silver tanka & Copper Jital
(B) introduction of iqtadari System
(C) Organization of Chalisa
(D) Putting forward the’ Divine Right Theory”
Correct Answer: (D) Putting forward the’ Divine Right Theory”
79. Which among the following was NOT a landmark of Alauddin Khilji’s Reign?
(A) Introduction of Rationing system
(B) Introduction of New Market regulation to provide essential commodities at reasonable rates
(C) Introduction of Fixed price market by the appointment of Diwan–I-Riyasat & Shahan-i-mandi
(D) Creation of Agricultural department called Diwan-i-kohi
Correct Answer: (D) Creation of Agricultural department called Diwan-i-kohi
80. What was the term used in medieval India for the land directly ruled by the Central Government?
(A) Muqtis
(B) Khalisa
(C) Inam
(D) Inam
Correct Answer: (B) Khalisa
81. Which among the following is not a work of Amir Khusrau?
(A) Khazain-ul-Futuh
(B) Tughluq Nama
(C) Tarik-i-Alai
(D) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Correct Answer: (D) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Answer Explanation:
Tabaqat-i Nasiri (named after Sultan Nasir-ud-Din) is a mega history of the Islamic world written in Persian by Minhaj-i-Siraj. It gives details of early Islamic empires in 23 volumes.
82. In the reign of Firuz Shah Tughalq which of the following tax was 1/6 of the booty captured during the war?
(A) Kharaz
(B) Khams
(C) Zakat
(D) Jizya
Correct Answer: (B) Khams
83. Who among the following assumed the title of Islam Shah Suri?
(A) Shershah Suri
(B) Jalal Khan
(C) Firuz Shah Suri
(D) Ibrahim Khan Suri
Correct Answer: (B) Jalal Khan
Answer Explanation:
Jalal Khan assumed this title. He was the son of Shershah and was his successor.
84. Sakambhari near Ajmer is a place related to the emergence of which of the following dynasties?
(A) Gahadwals
(B) Parmaras
(C) Pratiharas
(D) Chauhanas
Correct Answer: (D) Chauhanas
85. Karkota Dynasty was confined to which of the following areas?
(A) Kannuj
(B) Kashmir
(C) Deccan
(D) Gujarat
Correct Answer: (B) Kashmir
86. Which among the following is the modern location of ” Battle of Gogunda”?
(A) Gujarat
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Harayana
Correct Answer: (C) Rajasthan
Answer Explanation:
It was the battle of Haldighati fought between the Mughal Empire and the forces of Mewar on June 21, 1576, at Haldighati near Gogunda town of Rajasthan.
87. The eighth-century tripartite power struggle was among which of the following?
(A) Cholas, Rastrakutas and Yadavas,
(B) Chalukyas, Pallavas and Pandyas
(C) Cholas, Pandyas and Chalukyas
(D) Cholas, Pandyas and Chalukyas
Correct Answer: (B) Chalukyas, Pallavas and Pandyas
88. Which of the following Mughal emperors was famous as Shah-i-Bekhabar?
(A) Shah Alam
(B) Jahangir
(C) Shahjahan
(D) Bahadur Shah I
Correct Answer: (D) Bahadur Shah I
89. Mirza Ghalib was a contemporary of which among the following Mughal Emperors?
(A) Alamgir II
(B) Muhammad Shah
(C) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(D) Farrukhsiyar
Correct Answer: (C) Bahadur Shah Zafar
90. Who among the following is the Persian mathematician and poet composer of the world-famous Rubbayat?
(A) Omar Khayyám
(B) Muhammad Iqbal
(C) Sultan Bahu
(D) Mirza Ghalib
Correct Answer: (A) Omar Khayyám
91. Babar died on 26th December 1530 and was laid to rest at Arambagh in Agra. Afterward, his body was taken to and buried at which among the following places (During the times of Sher Shah)?
(A) Delhi
(B) Farghana
(C) Kabul
(D) Samarkand
Correct Answer: (C) Kabul
92. Which among the following was not the Independent Kingdom?
(A) Bahamani Kingdom
(B) Vijayanagar Empire
(C) Madurai Sultanate
(D) Qutub Shahi of Golconda
Correct Answer: (D) Qutub Shahi of Golconda
93. As recorded by Abulfazl, Akbar, the great used to play which among the following music instruments?
(A) Dholak
(B) Tabla
(C) Nakkara
(D) Mridang
Correct Answer: (C) Nakkara
94. Who among the following rulers of Bengal had issued a coin named Zurbe Murshidabad?
(A) Mir Jafar
(B) Mir Qasim
(C) Murshid Quli Khan
(D) Shuja-ud-Din Muhammad Khan
Correct Answer: (C) Murshid Quli Khan
Answer Explanation:
Murshid Quli Khan was the first Nawab of Bengal whose reign in this capacity was from 1717 to 1727. He changed the name of Makhsusabad to Murshidabad and as soon as Farrukhsiyar acknowledged his changing the name of Makhsusabad to Murshidabad he released Zurbe Murshedabad coin, in his own new mint.
95. The octagonal shape of mausoleums is the distinctive feature of which of the following dynasties of Medieval India?
(A) Khalji
(B) Tughlaq
(C) Sayyid
(D) Lodi
Correct Answer: (D) Lodi
96. Who among the following was the religious guru of Shivaji?
(A) Tukaram
(B) Eknath
(C) Jnaneshwar
(D) Ram Das
Correct Answer: (D) Ram Das
97. Which type of coins were issued by the king of the Vijayanagar empire, Tirumala Raya?
(A) Varaha
(B) Garuda
(C) Balakrishna
(D) Hanuman
Correct Answer: (A) Varaha
Answer Explanation:
Inscriptions tell that “Varaha”, a gold coin with an approximate weight of 3.4 grams ( 52 grains), was made the basic monetary unit in the Vijayanagar empire. These coins were issued by Tirumala Raya, the first Crowned King from the Aravidu Dynasty.
98. The king of the Vijayanagar empire, Krishnadevaraya issued which type of coins?
(A) Balakrishna
(B) Venkatesha
(C) Hanuman
(D) Both A & B
Correct Answer: (D) Both A & B
Answer Explanation:
The coins of the Tuluva Dynasty ruler Krishnadevaraya had the images of Venkatesha and Balakrishna. He was the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, who reigned from 1509–1529 AD.
99. Who among the following changed the name of Tanna Mishra to Tansen?
(A) Akbar
(B) Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior
(C) Raja Mansingh Tomar
(D) Swami Haridas
Correct Answer: (B) Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior
100. The eighth-century tripartite power struggle was among which of the following?
(A) Cholas, Rastrakutas and Yadavas,
(B) Chalukyas, Pallavas and Pandyas
(C) Cholas, Pandyas and Chalukyas
(D) Cholas, Pandyas and Chalukyas
Correct Answer: (B) Chalukyas, Pallavas and Pandyas
101. Which of the following Sultans is known to have laid the foundation of Agra City?
(A) Bahlol Lodi
(B) Sikandar Lodi
(C) Ibrahim Lodi
(D) Shershah Suri
Correct Answer: (B) Sikandar Lodi
Answer Explanation:
Sikandar Lodi had laid the foundation of the Agra City in 1503. he was the son of Bahlol Lodi.
102. Which among the following was prevalent in the Indian Society before the Muslim conquest?
(A) Purdah System
(B) Child Marriage
(C) Sati System
(D) Slavery
Correct Answer: (D) Slavery
Answer Explanation:
Comparing to the other options, some sort of slavery was prevalent before Muslim conquests. The Purdah was a gift of Muslim invasions, and same applies to Child marries which came into practice to avoid the new danger of lifting Hindu girls by Muslims as a holy act of Jihad, Sati & Jauhar also got established as the wives of the invaded used to kill themselves before their husbands went on the last battle.
Slavery became more prevalent because it was a fashion and a status symbol among the Muslims at that time. As we read Aladdin had 84000 slaves and Firuz Tughlaq had 2 lakhs, all of them were maintained at the state cost.
103. In context with the Ashta Pradhan, which helped with the administration of the Maratha empire of Shivaji, who among the following was in charge of General Administration?
(A) Moro Trimbak Pingale
(B) Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar
(C) Annaji Datto
(D) Dattaji Trimbak Waknis
Correct Answer: (A) Moro Trimbak Pingale
Answer Explanation:
Ashta Pradhan of Shivaji:
1. Pantpradhan(Moro Trimbak Pingale) – General administration of the kingdom.
2. Amatya(Ramchandra Neelkanth Mujumdar) – Accounts of the kingdom.
3. Sachiv(Annaji Datto) – To prepare royal edicts.
4. Mantri(Dattaji Trimbak Waknis) – state correspondence.
5. Senapati(Hambirrao Mohite) – Managing the army and protection of the kingdom.
6. Sumant(Ramchandra Trimbak Dabir) – Foreign relations.
7. Nyayadhish(Niraji Raoji) – to dispense justice.
8. Panditrao(Moreswar Panditrao) – Religious matters.
104. Which of the following rulers built the Gujri Mahal in Hissar, Haryana?
(A) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
(B) Feroz Shah Tughlaq
(C) Ala ud din Khilji
(D) Qutub ud din Mubarak Shah
Correct Answer: (B) Feroz Shah Tughlaq
105. Who among the following is the Persian mathematician and poet composer of the world-famous Rubbayat?
(A) Omar Khayyám
(B) Muhammad Iqbal
(C) Sultan Bahu
(D) Mirza Ghalib
Correct Answer: (A) Omar Khayyám
106. The area around which among the following modern cities of India, a Hindu Silhara dynasty ruled from 9th to 13th century AD?
(A) Mumbai
(B) Chennai
(C) Kolkata
(D) Hyderabad
Correct Answer: (A) Mumbai
Answer Explanation:
Silhara dynasty ruled the region around present-day Mumbai between 9th and 13th century. They were vassals of Rastrakutas. Kapardin is considered to be the founder of this dynasty and the princes of this dynasty held the title Tagara-puradhishvara. Tagara was an ancient place near Osmanabad.
107. The silver coin which was introduced by Sher Shah and continued by the Mughals was :
(A) Rupaya
(B) Dinar
(C) Asharfi
(D) Muhar
Correct Answer: (A) Rupaya
Answer Explanation:
Sher Shah issued a coin of silver which was termed ‘Rupaya’. This weighed 178 grains and was the precursor of the modern rupee. It remained largely unchanged till the early 20th Century. Together with the silver Rupaya were issued gold coins called the Mohur weighing 169 grains and copper coins called Dam.
108. In which year, Somnath Temple was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni?
(A) 1021 AD
(B) 1025 AD
(C) 1027 AD
(D) 1030 AD
Correct Answer: (B) 1025 AD
Answer Explanation:
The Somnath Temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva, was plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 AD. Due to his attack and plunder on Hindu temples, Mahmud was also known as But-Shikan (or the destroyer of idols). The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was rebuilt by the Paramara king Bhoja of Malwa and the Solanki king Bhimdev I of Anhilwara between 1026 and 1042 AD. This temple was later destroyed and repaired many times during the entire history of medieval India.
109. Which of the following is a category in which coins issued by Iltutmish can be correctly placed?
(A) Persian Silver
(B) Arabic Silver
(C) Afghani Gold
(D) Ethiopian style
Correct Answer: (B) Arabic Silver
Answer Explanation:
Iltumish was the first Turkish Sultan who introduced pure Arabic coins in India.
110. Who among the following Sultans of Delhi Sultanate introduced new coins “Adha and Bikh”?
(A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq II
(B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(C) Mohammad-bin Tughlaq
(D) Mahmud Tughlaq
Correct Answer: (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq introduced new coins Adha (50% Jital) and Bikh (25% Jital). The other coins prevalent during that period were Shashgani (6 jitals) and Hastgani (48 jitals).
111. The silver coin introduced during the reign of Sultan Mohammad-bin Tughlaq was called
(A) Adl
(B) dinar
(C) Adha
(D) Bikh
Correct Answer: (A) Adl
Answer Explanation:
The silver coin introduced during the reign of Sultan Mohammad-bin Tughlaq was called Adl.
112. Who inscribed the name of Khalifa of Baghdad on his coins?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Iltutmish
(C) Qutub-ud-din
(D) Balban
Correct Answer: (B) Iltutmish
Answer Explanation:
Iltutmish inscribed the name of Khalifa of Baghdad on his coins.
113. 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
Correct Answer: (D) Tarikh-i-Firishta
Answer Explanation:
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.
114. Kalhana’s Rajatrangini is written in which language?
(A) Persian
(B) Sanskrit
(C) Farsi
(D) Devnagri
Correct Answer: (B) Sanskrit
Answer Explanation:
Kalhana composed a chronicle of the kings of Kashmir in Sanskrit, which is known as Rajatrangini. The work consists of 7826 verses, which are divided into eight books called Tarangas.
115. Which of the following books has been written as an account of India during Mahmud’s destruction of Somnath temple?
(A) Rajatrangini
(B) Fatwa-i-Jahandari
(C) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
(D) Tahqiq-i-Hind
Correct Answer: (D) Tahqiq-i-Hind
Answer Explanation:
Muhammad Ibn Ahmed Alberuni’s Book Tahqiq-i-Hind (the reality of Hindustan or Hindus) gives a graphic description of India as he had seen it. In this work, he describes the religious, literary, and scientific traditions of India. Alberuni was one of the great Muslim scholars and experts of the medieval period. He came to India with Mohammad Ghaznavi in 1017 and wrote about the conditions and society of India in his account namely Tahqiq-i-Hind.
116. Which of the following are collections of biographical notes and historical events arranged dynasty-wise it is a history of Muslim kings, their military chiefs and officials?
(A) Fatwa-i-Jahandari
(B) Tahqiq-i-Hind
(C) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
(D) Insha-e-Mahru
Correct Answer: (C) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Answer Explanation:
Minhaj Siraj had written a political history called Tabaqat-i-Nasiri. It was written a few years before and after the Khalji period. It is an elaborate history of the Islamic world written in Persian by Minhaj-i-Siraj Juzjani and completed in 1260. The purpose of the Tabaqat-i Nasiri was to account for the Muslim dynasties that originated in Iran and Central Asia. The Tabaqat-i Nasiri is the only source for the Khaljis rebellion in Bengal against the sultan of Delhi from 1229-1230.
117. Which of the following is an extremely valuable source for the history of the reign of Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughluq and Sultan Firuz Shah, in the form of letters and official documents?
(A) Tughluknama
(B) Qiran-us-Sadin
(C) Insha-I-Mahru
(D) Tarikh-i-Firozshahi
Correct Answer: (C) Insha-I-Mahru
Answer Explanation:
Insha-I-Mahru or Munshat-i-Mahru contains 133 letters on different subjects addressed to the leading and significant personalities of the age of Tuhlaqs. It is a collection of several official documents, petitions, letters, etc. as these letters are written to officials and distinguished persons, they discuss solutions for most of the economic, social, religious and administrative problems of the period.
118. Identify the author and the book written on the lines of the Shahnama of Firdausi?
(A) Khwaja Abd Malik Isami and his Futuh-i-Salatin
(B) Sikander Bin Muhammad Manzu and his Mirat-i-Sikanderi
(C) Diwan Ali Muhammad Khan and his Mirat-i-Ahmadi
(D) Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq and his Futuhat-i-Firozshahi
Correct Answer: (A) Khwaja Abd Malik Isami and his Futuh-i-Salatin
Answer Explanation:
Futuh-i-Salatin is a poetical history of the Sultans of India from the rise of the Ghazanvi dynasty up to the reign of Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughluq. Translated as “Gifts of the Sultans”, it is a history of Muslim rule in India until 1349-50. Isami also called it Shahnama-i Hind (“the Shahnameh of India”). According to Isami, his sources included anecdotes, legends, and reports by his friends and acquaintances.
119. Which book, written in 1611, is an account of the social and cultural life of Gujarat?
(A) Mirat-i-Sikanderi
(B) Tazkirat-ul-Muluk
(C) Mirat-i-Ahmadi
(D) Burhan-i-ma’asir
Correct Answer: (A) Mirat-i-Sikanderi
Answer Explanation:
Mirat-i-Sikanderi, written by Sikander Bin Muhammad Manzu in 1611, gives the history of Gujarat from its Muslim conquest by Jafar Khan (Muzaffar Shah I) to the death of Muzaffar Shah III (1591) and subsequent events in Gujarat.
120. Tazkirat-ul-Muluk is about which dynasty?
(A) The Nizams
(B) Sultans of Golconda
(C) The Khaljis
(D) Adilshahi Sultans of Bijapur
Correct Answer: (D) Adilshahi Sultans of Bijapur
Answer Explanation:
Adilshahi Sultans of Bijapur have their rule documented in Tazkirat-ul-Muluk, written by Rafiuddin Shirazi. It is also considered a history of the contemporary dynasties in the Deccan, Hindustan, and Persia.
121. Baburnama is written in Babur’s mother tongue, which is?
(A) Persian
(B) Farsi
(C) Turkic
(D) Arabic
Correct Answer: (C) Turkic
Answer Explanation:
Chaghatai Turkic was Babur’s mother tongue. He wrote the autobiographical Baburnama or Tuzuk-i-Babri. His recollections are broadly divided into three parts. The last part gives a detailed account of India.
122. Abul Fazl, the author of Akbarnama, started his time in the Mughal empire as?
(A) A Subedar
(B) A Mansabdar
(C) A Courtier
(D) A Foot Soldier
Correct Answer: (B) A Mansabdar
Answer Explanation:
Abul fazl was introduced to Akbar towards the close of 1574 and was enlisted as a Mansabdar. In 1589, at the instance of Akbar, Abul Fazal started the writing of Akbarnama which is the most detailed history of the reign of Akbar. Akbarnama was initially completed in 1596, but its account was later continued up to 1601.
123. Which of the following is not another name for Jahangir’s autobiographical account Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri?
(A) Tarikh-i-Salim Shahi
(B) Kmatama-i-Jahangiri
(C) Waqiat-i-Jahangiri
(D) Ibadat-i-Jahangiri
Correct Answer: (D) Ibadat-i-Jahangiri
Answer Explanation:
Ibadat-i-Jahangiri is not a name for Jahangir’s autobiographical work. However, it is known by many names such as Tarikh-i-Salim Shahi, Kmatama-i-Jahangiri, Waqiat-i-Jahangiri, Dayaz-i-Jahangiri, Iqbalnama, Jahhangirinama, and Maqalat-i-Jahangiri. The version of the memoirs which has been accepted as authentic was written by Jahangir himself and it covers his reign.
124. Gulshan-i-Ibrahimi was written by?
(A) Nizam Shah
(B) Amir Khusrau
(C) Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah Astarbadi
(D) Gulbadan Begum
Correct Answer: (C) Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah Astarbadi
Answer Explanation:
Muhammad Qasim Hindu Shah Astarbadi wrote Gulshan-i-Ibrahimi, known as Tarikh-i-Firishta, and presented into Ibrahim Adil Shah in 1609-10 under the name of Tarikh-i-Naurasnama. Tarikh-i-Farishta is a general history of India from the earliest lines to 1607. His book is most authentic for the history of the Sultans of the Deccan.
125. Who among the following was the most reputed historian of the reign of Shah Jahan?
(A) Amir Khusrao
(B) Muhammad Sadiq Khan
(C) Abul Hamid Lahori
(D) Firishta
Correct Answer: (C) Abul Hamid Lahori
Answer Explanation:
Abul Hamid Lahori, the most reputed historian of the reign of Shah Jahan, wrote the detailed account of Shah Jahan from his childhood to November 1649. Abdul Hamid Lahori’s Padshahnama is a first-rate authority on the reign of Shah Jahan.
126. Shahjahan-Nama by Inayat Khan covers up to which year of Shah Jahan’s reign?
(A) 10 years
(B) 13 years
(C) 20 years
(D) 33 years
Correct Answer: (B) 13 years
Answer Explanation:
Inayat Khan alias Muhammad Tahir Ashna was a high official of Shah Jahan, who compiled a biography of the emperor up to the thirteenth year of his reign. Inayat Khan was a close friend of Shah Jahan. After retirement, he settled in Kashmir, where he died in 1666.
127. Who wrote the Shahjan-Nama that covers Shah Jahan’s entire reign?
(A) Inayat Khan
(B) Muhammad Sadiq Khan
(C) Abul Hamid Lahori
(D) Muhammad Waris
Correct Answer: (B) Muhammad Sadiq Khan
Answer Explanation:
Other than Inayat Khan, another Shahjahan-Nama was written by Muhammad Sadiq Khan, who was a waqia-navis at the Mughal court. Sadiq was a selfless freelance writer who undertook the work just for the love of it and recorded the events of Shah Jahan’s reign from the death of Jahangir to the accession of Aurangzeb in an intelligent and impartial manner.
128. Which of the following works on Aurangazeb’s reign is based on state papers and was compiled after his death?
(A) Ma’asir-i-Alamgiri
(B) Alamgirnama
(C) Futuhat-i-Almgiri
(D) Muntakhab-ul-Lubab
Correct Answer: (A) Ma’asir-i-Alamgiri
Answer Explanation:
Muhammad Saki Mustaid Khan was in the service of Aurangzeb for forty years. He was an eyewitness to many of the events recorded by him. Ma’ asir-i-Alamgiri was written after Aurangzeb’s death but is based on state papers. It is comparatively very brief as it deals with the history of fifty-one years in only 541 pages.
129. Which metal was used to mint the Maratha coin of Peshwas called “Shivrai”?
(A) Gold
(B) Copper
(C) Silver
(D) Gold-Copper Alloy
Correct Answer: (B) Copper
Answer Explanation:
Shivrai was a copper coin issued during Peshwas time and was in running until East India Company’s rule in Bombay Presidency.
130. What was the standard gold coin of the Mughals?
(A) Mohur
(B) Jital
(C) Rupee
(D) Tanka
Correct Answer: (A) Mohur
Answer Explanation:
The standard gold coin of the Mughals was the Mohur of about 170 to 175 grains. Abul Fazl in his ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ indicated that a Mohur was equivalent to nine rupees. Half and quarter mohurs are also known.
131. In which year, the Battle of Rasil was fought between the Rashidun Caliphate and the Rai kingdom of Sindh?
(A) 638 AD
(B) 644 AD
(C) 648 AD
(D) 660 AD
Correct Answer: (B) 644 AD
Answer Explanation:
The Battle of Rasil was the first battle between an Arab Caliphate and a Hindu Kingdom. The Arab caliphate was Rashidun Caliphate Suhail ibn Adi was given command of this expedition by Caliph Umar. In this battle, the Raja Rasil of Rai Kingdom was defeated and the area around Makran coast was annexed into Caliph’s territories.
132. The credit of establishing the Muslim rule in India goes to__?
(A) Arabs
(B) Turks
(C) Mongols
(D) Perseans
Correct Answer: (B) Turks
Answer Explanation:
The credit of establishing the Muslim rule in India goes to the Turks. The reason for their conquest of India lies in following
• They were assuming the leadership of Islam through conversion with more fanatical in their religious zeal
• Their sense of superiority of their race
• They had the determination to propagate Islam
• They had believed in the strength of their arms The Turks conquered a large part of western Asia and moving towards the east penetrated into India with Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni was the first to penetrate deep into India.
133. Which of the following kings was not a part of the anti-Arab Rajput confederacy that repelled attacks of Arab armies under Junaid in
(A) Nagabhata -I
(B) Jaysimha Varman
(C) Bappa Rawal
(D) Vatsraja
Correct Answer: (D) Vatsraja
Answer Explanation:
The swarm of Arabs had attacked several places in India around 723-726 A.D under Junaid and other commanders such as Al Hakim. These forces were confronted in India by forces of Gurjara Pratihara king Nagabhata-I who combined his army with Jaysimha Varman of the Rashtrakuta Empire and Rajput forces under Bappa Rawal, at the border of Rajasthan. Junaid as well as Hakim were killed by Indian forces.
134. The queen Rani Bai is associated with which of these kingdoms during early medieval India?
(A) Kabulshahi
(B) Zabul
(C) Sindh
(D) Gujarat
Correct Answer: (C) Sindh
Answer Explanation:
In the battle of Aror, Raja Dahir’s Wife Rani Bai fled to the fort of Rawar with 15,000 troops from where she challenged Muhammad Bin Qasim for the battle. Muhammad bin Qasim chased her to Rawar and ordered his miners to dig and demolish the walls of the fort until the bastions were thrown down. Rani Bai, however, finding herself encircled, surrendered and burnt herself along with other ladies.
135. Mahmud of Ghazni had maintained an ideological link to the suzerainty of which caliphate?
(A) Fatimid Caliphate
(B) Abbasid Caliphate
(C) Ummayid Caliphate
(D) None of them
Correct Answer: (B) Abbasid Caliphate
Answer Explanation:
Despite being an independent ruler, Maḥmud preserving an ideological link to the suzerainty of the Abbasid Caliphate. The caliph, in return, recognized him as the legitimate ruler of the lands he occupied and encouraged him in his conquests.
136. In which battle, the confederacy led by the Hindu Shahi army of Anandapala was defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni?
(A) Battle of Janjua
(B) Battle of Peshawar
(C) Battle of Chach
(D) Battle of Takeshar
Correct Answer: (C) Battle of Chach
Answer Explanation:
Battle of Chach was fought in 1008 AD between Mahmud of Ghazni and a confederacy of Hindu Kingdoms led by the Hindu Shahi army of Anandapala. Forces of Anandpala were joined by Ajmer, Kalingar, Kanauj, etc. Anandpala lost the battle mainly because the army was not well organized and his elephant took flight in battle.
137. Which of the following scholars accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his invasions on India?
(A) Firdausi
(B) Firistha
(C) Al Biruni
(D) Omar Khayyam
Correct Answer: (C) Al Biruni
Answer Explanation:
Al Biruni was made court astrologer in Ghazni and he accompanied Mahmud on his invasions on India. He lived for several years here and is considered to be the first Indologist.
138. The Battle of Bahraich (1033) that resulted in the complete annihilation of the Ghaznavid army thus leading a pause in the Muslim conquests in India was won by which of the following kings?
(A) Gangeyadeva
(B) Suhaldev
(C) Naravarman
(D) Bhoja
Correct Answer: (B) Suhaldev
Answer Explanation:
Battle of Bahraich (1033) was a decisive battle between Raja Suheldev and Saiyyad Salar Masud of Ghazni in 1033 AD. This battle was fought near Bahraich city, Uttar Pradesh. In this battle, the invading Ghaznavid army of 100,000 people was completely annihilated leading the pause on Muslim conquests for more than a century thereafter. The Ghaznavides were completely routed from all areas except Multan and Lahore. (This was in June 1033 AD at Behraich when Salar Masood Ghazni was killed with his entire Army with not a single person left alive. Raja Bhoj who ruled for around 50 years from 1000 to 1050 AD played a big role in this defeat of Masood. The tomb of Salar Masood Ghazni is still there in Behraich, Uttar Pradesh).
139. Which of the following conquest of Mahmud occurred chronologically later than the other three?
(A) Invasion on Kalinjar
(B) Invasion on Kannauj
(C) Invasion on Somnath
(D) Invasion on Thaneshwar
Correct Answer: (C) Invasion on Somnath
Answer Explanation:
The attack on Somnath temple was carried out in 1024. The other three were done prior to that.
140. Who was the first person to introduce the Jizya tax on non-Muslims in India?
(A) Mohammed Bin Qasim
(B) Mahmud of Ghaznavi
(C) Subuktigin
(D) Mohammad Ghori
Correct Answer: (A) Mohammed Bin Qasim
Answer Explanation:
Umayyad general Muhammad-bin-Qasim, introduced the jizya in India in 712 A.D. when he conquered Sind.
141. Which of the following places were attacked and plundered by Mahmud Ghaznavi during his 17 raids on India?
1. Thanesar
2. Mathura
3. Gwalior
4. Patna
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
(A) Only 1 & 2
(B) Only 1, 2 & 3
(C) Only 1 & 3
(D) 1, 2, 3 & 4
Correct Answer: (B) Only 1, 2 & 3
Answer Explanation:
Major attacks of Mahmud were as follows:
- 1000 – Peshawar
- 1008 – Bhimnagar (Nagarkot / Kot Kangra)
- 1009 – Narayanpur Alwar
- 1011 – Thanesar
- 1013 – Nandana
- 1014 – Kashmir
- 1015 – Lokhot in Kashmir
- 1017-18 – Mathura, Kannauj, Mung (Near Kanpur)
- 1019 – Sharva (near Saharanpur)
- 1020 – Kannauj, Bari (Pratihara Capital)
- 1021 – Kannauj, Gwalior
- 1023 – Kalinjar
- 1024 – Somnath
142. Apart from Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, Mahmud of Ghazni persecuted one group of Muslims also during his political and military career. Which of the following was that group?
(A) Khawarij
(B) Ismailis
(C) Wahabis
(D) Salafis
Correct Answer: (B) Ismailis
Answer Explanation:
Ismailis seem to have been a particular target of his wrath since Mahmud (and his nominal overlord, the Abbasid caliph) considered them heretics.
143. Which of the following was the first target of Mohammad Ghori in the Indian Subcontinent?
(A) Kashmir
(B) Punjab
(C) Multan
(D) Gujarat
Correct Answer: (C) Multan
Answer Explanation:
Muhammad Ghori’s first invasion in the Indian subcontinent was on the Shia ruler of Multan in 1175 A.D. He invaded and defeated the Karmathian Muslim ruler and annexed Multan to his territories. Next, he conquered the fortress of Uch in Sindh.
144. Who was the Ghaznavid ruler in Punjab when it was attacked by Muhammad Ghori?
(A) Khusrau Shah
(B) Khusrau Malik
(C) Bahram Shah
(D) Shirzad
Correct Answer: (B) Khusrau Malik
Answer Explanation:
The last Ghaznavid Sultan was Khusrau Malik, who at the time of Ghori’s attack, was ruling around the Punjab and Lahore region. Ghori captured Lahore in 1186 and Khusrau Malik and his son were taken to Ghur where they were imprisoned, and possibly executed.
145. Which of the following was the key objective of the invasion of Mohammad Ghori in India?
(A) Loot and Plunder wealth of India
(B) To expand the Ghurid Empire
(C) To spread Islam by Sword
(D) To punish Rajputs who attacked his dominions
Correct Answer: (B) To expand the Ghurid Empire
Answer Explanation:
The major objective of Ghori to attack India was to expand his empire and satisfy his imperialistic ambitions. The expansion of Islam and his ambition to glorify his name through his military exploits could be said to be his secondary aims. Similarly, loot and plunder may also be secondary aims because that was the norm in those days to acquire Gold and wealth from defeated rulers.
146. In his initial attacks on India from northern frontiers, Mohammad Ghori chose which of the following passes?
(A) Khyber Pass
(B) Gomal Pass
(C) Hajigak Pass
(D) Bolan Pass
Correct Answer: (B) Gomal Pass
Answer Explanation:
One difference between the invasions of Mohammad Ghori and Mahmud Ghazni was that while the former used Khyber Pass as the route for making an entrance into India; the later chose Gomal Pass. This pass is located between Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass and connects Ghazni in Afghanistan with Tank and Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan. Ghori chose it because according to him it was a safer and shorter route. The primary reason to avoid the Khyber Pass region was that it was still defended by Ghaznavi rulers and Ghori did not want a direct class with Ghaznavids at that time. The selection of this pass meant that the Multan and Uchh were the first to fall on his way and thus were won first. He entered through Khyber pass only after the crushing defeat from Mulraj-II / Bhima-II of Gujarat.
147. In the first battle of Tarain, which of the following fort was captured by Mohammed Ghori’s forces, that triggered the battle between Ghurids and Chauhans?
(A) Kesgarh
(B) Phillaur
(C) Tabarhind
(D) Manuli
Correct Answer: (C) Tabarhind
Answer Explanation:
After the annexation of Punjab, Muhammad Ghori made Lahore the base of his operations against the Rajputs. He made thorough preparations for three years before challenging Prithvi Raj Chauhan of Delhi and Ajmer. In 1189, he captured Tabarhind (Bhatinda). This led to the first battle of Tarain in which the Ghurid army was crushed and Mohd. Ghori himself was wounded (but saved by a Khalji soldier in the litter) by Gobind Rai (Brother of Prithviraj Chauhan).
