Medieval History of India MCQs

History GK

Medieval History of India MCQs

Practice Medieval History of India MCQs with answers and detailed explanations covering the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahmani Kingdom, Rajput Kingdoms, administration, art and architecture, religious movements, important rulers, battles and historical developments frequently asked in SSC, Railway, Banking, UPSC, JKSSB, Police, Defence, Teaching and other competitive examinations.

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Practice Questions

Page 1 of 62
Question #1
Who among the following Arab travelers visited India during the reign of the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha I and wrote about the greatness of the empire?
A. Ibn Hauqal
B. Al-Biruni
C. Al-Masudi
D. Sulaiman al-Tajir
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Sulaiman al-Tajir, a merchant and traveler from Siraf, visited India in the 9th century during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha I and praised the Rashtrakuta Empire as one of the four great empires of the world.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #2
The dynamic tripartite struggle for supremacy over Kanauj in the early medieval period involved which of the following three dynasties?
A. Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas
B. Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Cholas
C. Palas, Chandelas, and Rashtrakutas
D. Palas, Pratiharas, and Cholas
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
The Tripartite struggle was fought between the Palas of Bengal, the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Malwa, and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan for control over the strategic and affluent city of Kanauj.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #3
Which of the following Chola rulers assumed the title of 'Gangaikonda' after successfully leading a military expedition to the Ganga valley?
A. Rajadhiraja I
B. Rajendra I
C. Rajaraja I
D. Kulottunga I
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Rajendra I conducted a successful military expedition to Northern India and reached the Ganga river. To commemorate this victory, he assumed the title 'Gangaikonda' and founded the new capital Gangaikondacholapuram.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #4
The famous local self-government system, characterized by autonomous village assemblies (Ur and Sabha), was a distinguishing hallmark of which medieval South Indian dynasty?
A. The Chalukyas
B. The Cholas
C. The Cheras
D. The Hoysalas
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
The Chola administration is highly celebrated for its advanced system of local self-government at the village level, meticulously detailed in the Uttaramerur inscriptions.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #5
Who was the author of 'Kitab-ul-Hind', a detailed and monumental scholarly work on 11th-century Indian society, religion, and sciences?
A. Al-Biruni
B. Firdausi
C. Ibn Battuta
D. Utbi
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Al-Biruni accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to India and authored 'Kitab-ul-Hind' (or Tahqiq-i-Hind), providing an objective and comprehensive account of Indian culture, philosophy, and social structure.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #6
In the administration of the Delhi Sultanate, the department of 'Diwan-i-Arz', which looked after the military affairs, was created by which Sultan?
A. Iltutmish
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Ghiyasuddin Balban
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Balban established the 'Diwan-i-Arz' (military department) to structurally upgrade the army, enhance its operational efficiency, and counter the internal and external threats to the Sultanate.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #7
Which Sultan of Delhi introduced the controversial token currency system made of brass and copper coins in the 14th century?
A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced a token currency system in 1329-30 using copper and brass coins, but it failed catastrophically due to widespread illegal minting by citizens.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #8
The practice of 'Sijda' (prostration) and 'Paibos' (kissing the feet of the monarch) at the royal court was introduced by which Delhi Sultan to project absolute authority?
A. Iltutmish
B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Ghiyasuddin Balban
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Balban introduced Iranian court customs like Sijda and Paibos to elevate the prestige and divine right theory of the Sultan's throne above the Turkish nobility.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #9
The famous traveler Ibn Battuta, who authored the travelogue 'Rihla', arrived in India from Morocco during the reign of which Delhi Sultan?
A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Ibn Battuta reached Delhi in 1334 during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who appointed him as the Qazi (judge) of Delhi due to his scholarly background.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #10
Which Sultan of Delhi founded the city of Agra in 1504 and later shifted his capital there from Delhi?
A. Bahlul Lodi
B. Sikandar Lodi
C. Khizr Khan
D. Ibrahim Lodi
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1504 to maintain better administrative control over the strategic trade routes and turbulent regions of Central India.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #11
The famous battle of Talikota (1565), which led to the decisive downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire, was fought against the joint forces of which confederacy?
A. The Zamorins
B. The Gajapatis
C. The Mughals
D. Deccan Sultanates
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
The Battle of Talikota (also known as Rakshasi-Tangadi) was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire (under Rama Raya) and the combined alliance of the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bidar).
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #12
Which Telugu and Sanskrit scholar-king of the Tuluva dynasty authored the Telugu epic poem 'Amuktamalyada'?
A. Harihara I
B. Achyuta Deva Raya
C. Deva Raya II
D. Krishnadeva Raya
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Krishnadeva Raya, the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, was an accomplished writer who composed 'Amuktamalyada' in Telugu and 'Jambavati Kalyanam' in Sanskrit.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #13
Who was the founder of the independent Bahmani Kingdom in the Deccan region in the year 1347?
A. Mahmud Gawan
B. Firoz Shah Bahmani
C. Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
D. Yusuf Adil Shah
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation:
The Bahmani Kingdom was established in 1347 by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (originally known as Zafar Khan), breaking away from the Delhi Sultanate.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #14
The unique administrative system called the 'Mansabdari System' was introduced in Mughal India by which Emperor?
A. Humayun
B. Babur
C. Shah Jahan
D. Akbar
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
Akbar institutionalized the Mansabdari system to organize the civil and military administration of the Mughal empire, dividing officers into numerical ranks called Zat and Sawar.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #15
Which Mughal Emperor shifted the imperial capital from Agra back to Delhi and constructed the Red Fort (Lal Qila)?
A. Shah Jahan
B. Akbar
C. Jahangir
D. Aurangzeb
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Shah Jahan constructed the fortified city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi, featuring the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, and officially shifted his court from Agra to Delhi in 1648.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #16
The administrative land-revenue assessment mechanism known as 'Zabt' or 'Dahsala System' was developed during Akbar's reign by his brilliant revenue minister named:
A. Raja Todar Mal
B. Birbal
C. Abul Fazl
D. Raja Man Singh
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
Raja Todar Mal developed the Dahsala system, a sophisticated revenue gathering method based on the calculation of average crop yield and prices over the preceding ten years.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #17
Which Sikh Guru compiled the holy scripture 'Adi Granth' and initiated the construction of the famous Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) at Amritsar?
A. Guru Hargobind
B. Guru Tegh Bahadur
C. Guru Nanak Dev
D. Guru Arjan Dev
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation:
The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, compiled the 'Adi Granth' in 1604 and laid the foundation of the Harmandir Sahib temple in Amritsar.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #18
The Marathi system of collection known as 'Chauth' collected by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from neighbouring territories amounted to what fraction of land revenue?
A. One-fifth
B. One-fourth
C. One-third
D. One-tenth
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Chauth was a tax equal to one-fourth (25%) of the standard land revenue assessed, paid to Marathas as protection money against external raids.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #19
The council of eight ministers that assisted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his administrative affairs was popularly known by what name?
A. Ashta Pradhan
B. Ashta Diggajas
C. Paanch Pyare
D. Navaratnas
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation:
The 'Ashta Pradhan' was Shivaji's council of eight ministers, including titles such as Peshwa, Amatya, and Senapati, to look after specific state departments.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #20
Who was the profound philosopher of the Bhakti Movement who propagated the doctrine of 'Vishishtadvaita' (Qualified Monism) in the 11th-12th century?
A. Nimbarkacharya
B. Ramanujacharya
C. Adi Shankaracharya
D. Madhvacharya
Discuss
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Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation:
Ramanujacharya was the chief proponent of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, preaching that the supreme reality is personal and can be attained through intense devotion.
This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India

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