1. Which of the following battles is subject matter of Alha Khand, a 12th Century epic poetic work in Hindi?

[A] Battle of Mandsaur
[B] Battle of Chittor
[C] Battle of Mahoba
[D] Battles of Tarain

 

Correct Answer: C [Battle of Mahoba]

Notes:
Paradidev (Parmal) who fought Prithviraj Chauhan-III in 1182 AD in the Battle of Mahoba. This battle is the subject matter of the Alha Khand (c. 12th Century) is an early poetic work in Hindi which consists of a number of ballads describing the brave acts

2.  Which of the following rulers of Delhi Sultanate abolished the Iqtas?

[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Muhammad Tughlaq
[C] Firozshah Tughlaq
[D] Balban

 

Correct Answer: A [Alauddin Khilji]

Notes:
Alauddin Khilji suddenly abolished the system of small Iqtas with a stroke of pen and brought them under the central Government, it is regarded as one of the most important agrarian reform of Alauddin Khilji.

3. Which among the following building built by Shah Jahan at Agra is similar in 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]

Notes:
Pearl Mosque also known as Moti Masjid

4.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]

Notes:
Ali Gohar, historically known as Shah Alam II, was the sixteenth Mughal Emperor and the son of Alamgir II. He is also known as Firdaus Manzil. Shah Alam II became the emperor of a crumbling Mughal empire.

5.In which among the following territories, Marco Polo had travels in the last decade of 13th century in India?

[A] Chola
[B] Pandya
[C] Madurai Sultanate
[D] Cheras

 

Correct Answer: B [Pandya]

Notes:
Marco polo an Italian traveler landed in Pandya Empire (at Kayal) in 13th century and impressed by the wealth and magnificence of the King, Prince as well as people, tagged it as the richest kingdom in existence.

6.Who among the following was the first ruler of sen dynasty?

[A] Ballal Sen
[B] Samanta Sen
[C] Vijay sen
[D] Lakshaman Sen

 

Correct Answer: B [Samanta Sen]

Notes:
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 11th century and disappeared in 12th century

7.Sri Harsha was a court poet of which among the following Gahadwala Kings?

[A] Govindchandra
[B] Jayachandra
[C] Chandradev
[D] Virachandra

 

Correct Answer: B [Jayachandra]

Notes:
Sri Harsha was a court poet of Jayachandra. Shri harsha was a 12th century Sanskrit poet and philosopher.

8.Manyakheta (modern Malkhed) on the banks of Kagina River in Gulbarga district, Karnataka state was the capital of ______?

[A] Satvahanas
[B] Rastrakutas
[C] Hoysalas
[D] Kakatiyas

 

Correct Answer: B [Rastrakutas]

Notes:
Rashtrakuta was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the sixth and 10th century. They ruled Karnataka and the capital is Manyakheta (modern Malkhed).

9.Which among the following is NOT correctly matched?

[A] Ali Gurshap – Alauddin Khilji
[B] Nur-ud-din – Jahangir
[C] padshah gazi – Aurangazeb
[D] All are correct

 

Correct Answer: C [padshah gazi – Aurangazeb]

Notes:
padhash gazi was a title assumed by Jahangir ,
Ali Gurshap was the real name of Alauddin Khilji

10.Who among the following founded the principality of Ghazani in AD 962?

[A] Mahmood Ghazani
[B] Subuktgeen
[C] Alptigin
[D] Shah Mahmoud

 

Correct Answer: C [Alptigin]

Notes:
Alp-Tegin, was a Turkic slave commander of the Samanid Empire, who would later become the semi-independent governor of Ghazna from 962 until his death in 963. He founded th principality of Ghazani in AD 962.

11.Which of the following statements are correct about Akbar?

1. He divided the empire into twelve subahs
2. He introduced the dahshala system for revenue collection
3. He is believed to be the first one to introduce “Rupaiya” and “Paisa’ in place of “Tanka”

Select the correct option from codes given below:

[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 2 & 3 Only
[C] 1 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3

 

Correct Answer: A [ 1 & 2 Only]

Notes:
Third statement is incorrect because Sher Shah Suri was the first to introduce Rupaiya and Paisa in place of “Tanka”

12.Famous painter Ustad Mansur was patronized by which Mughal emperor?

[A] Akbar
[B] Jahangir
[C] Shah Jahan
[D] Shah Alam

 

Correct Answer: B [Jahangir]

Notes:
Mughal Emperor Jahangir was a great patron of painting from the days of his Viceroyalty. He patronised many great painters of the time including Ustad Mansur. Mughal painting remained confined to the Mughal court and did not reach the people. Jahangir had a very discriminating eye of Mughal painting.

13.Which of the following was a contemporary of the Saiyid Sultans of Delhi?

[A] Ibn-e-Batuta
[B] Tavernier
[C] Khwaja Abd Malik Isami
[D] Yahya Bin Ahmed Bin Abdullah Sarhindi

 

Correct Answer: D [Yahya Bin Ahmed Bin Abdullah Sarhindi]

Notes:
Yahya Bin Ahmed Bin Abdullah Sarhindi had collected historical information from various other sources for his book Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi after the death of Saiyid Sultan Mubarak Shah about the middle of the fifteenth century.

14.Ilahi coins were issued by which Mughal King?

[A] Humayun
[B] Akbar
[C] Jahangir
[D] Shah Jahan

 

Correct Answer: B [Akbar]

Notes:
In 1579, Akbar issued gold coins called Ilahi coins to propagate his new religious idea of ‘Din-i-Illahi’. On this coin, it was written ‘God is great, may his glory be glorified’. The value of an ilahi coin was equal to 10 rupees. Sahansah was the largest gold coin. These coins bore the names of the Persian solar months.

15.The Battle of Bahraich (1033) that resulted into 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]

Notes:
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 a 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).

16.Who got the title of Amir – e – Akhur ?

[A] Balban
[B] Raihan
[C] Iltutmish
[D] Qubacha

 

Correct Answer: A [Balban ]

Notes:
Balban was brought to delhi in 1232 AD where Iltutmish bought him in 1233 AD after Gwalior victory. Impressed by his abilities , Iltutmish gave him a title of Khasdaar . During the reign of Razia , he earned the rank of Amir – e – Shikar . In the conspiracy against raziya , he was with Turkish warlords , consequently Bahramshah became the sultan , and Balban got the title of Amir – e – Akhur.

17.Which of the following are the two main historiographical traditions that developed during Medieval period?
1) Arabs
2) Persians
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 & 2

 

Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]

Notes:
The two main historiographical traditions that developed during the medieval period were those of the Arabs and the Persians. The Arabs laid emphasis on the entirety of human society, while the Persians highlighted the feats of kings and courtiers.

18.Tarikh-i-Guzidah is written by which of the following authors?

[A] Ata Malik Juwaini
[B] Hamdullah Mastauti Qazwini
[C] Ziyauddin Barani
[D] Ibn-ul-Asir

 

Correct Answer: B [Hamdullah Mastauti Qazwini]

Notes:
Studies on medieval India reflect various trends and methods of history writing. In the early fourteenth century, Hamdullah Mastauti Qazwini wrote the book Tarikh-i-Guzidah. This book is known for its impressive account of the general history of the East.

19.Tarikh-i-Guzidah written by Hamdullah Mastauti Qazwini gave a fairly accurate account of which of the following?
1) Ghaznavids
2) Shansabanis
3) Ghurids
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2, & 3

 

Correct Answer: D [1, 2, & 3]

Notes:
Tarikh-i-Guzidah written by Hamdullah Mastauti Qazwini in the early fourteenth century and is known for its impressive account of the general history of the East. It also gives a brief but fairly accurate account of the Ghaznavids, Shansabanis, Ghurids, and the sultans of Delhi.

20.Jawami-ul-Hikayat is written by which of the following authors?

[A] Ibn-ul-Asir
[B] Nuruddin Muhammad Aufi
[C] Ziyauddin Barani
[D] Hamdullah Mastauti Qazwini

 

Correct Answer: B [Nuruddin Muhammad Aufi]

Notes:
Many historians have contributed immensely to the writing of contemporary medieval Indian history. Jawami-ul-Hikayat was written by the author Nuruddin Muhammad Aufi. It presents an eyewitness account of the military operations conducted by Iltutmish against Nasiruddin Qabacha in 1227 CE.

21.Mahmud regarded which of the following pala ruler as his vassal?

[A] Dharmapala
[B] Mahendrapala
[C] Rajyapala
[D] Anandapala

 

Correct Answer: C [Rajyapala]

Notes:
Rajyapala was the seventh emperor of the Pala dynasty. When Mahmud reached Kannauj after attacking and plundering Mathura, Rajyapala was taken by surprise and surrendered without resistance. Mahmud regarded Rajyapala as his vassal since he had surrendered to him.

22.Which of the following started the construction of the Qutub Minar?

[A] Qutub-ud-din Aibak
[B] Illtutmish
[C] Balban
[D] Aramshah

 

Correct Answer: A [Qutub-ud-din Aibak]

Notes:
Qutub-ud-din Aibak started construction of the Qutub Minar (only the first storey). The inscriptions on the first story of Qutub Minar are primarily Quranic. The minar underscored Islam’s ascendancy in  India.

23.The reign of Iltutmish is associated with which of the following periods?

[A] c.1211–1116 CE
[B] c.1211–1226 CE
[C] c.1211–1236 CE
[D] c.1211–1246 CE

 

Correct Answer: C [c.1211–1236 CE]

Notes:
Illtutmish ruled from 1211 to 36 CE. He ascended the throne at a time when there was a lot of confusion. The weak administration of earlier ruler Aram Shah had encouraged local governors to assert their independence.

24.Which of the following was the only Delhi Sultan who had received a comprehensive literary, religious, and philosophical education?

[A] Mohammad Bin Tughlaq
[B] Firoz Shah Tughlaq
[C] Abu Bakr Shah
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: A [Mohammad Bin Tughlaq]

Notes:
Mohammad Bin Tughlaq was the only Delhi Sultan who had received a comprehensive literary, religious, and philosophical education. He knew different languages such as Arabic and Persian and was an expert in philosophy, astronomy, logic, and mathematics.

25.Who wrote ‘Futah-Us-Sulatin’?

[A] Firoz Shah Tughlaq
[B] Khwajja Abdul Malik Islami
[C] Barani
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: B [Khwajja Abdul Malik Islami]

Notes:
Khwajja Abdul Malik Islami who wrote Futah-Us-Sulatin. He was patronized by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Firoz Shah Tughlaq died in c.1388 CE. After his death the struggle for power between the Sultan and the nobles started once again.

26.Who invited Babur to invade India?

[A] Daulat Khan Lodhi
[B] Sikander Lodhi
[C] Ibrahim Lodhi
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: A [Daulat Khan Lodhi]

Notes:
Daulat Khan Lodhi was the governor of the Punjab. He was greatly displeased by the arrogance and insult of Ibrahim Lodhi by Rana Sanga of Mewar therefore he invited Babur to invade India.

27.Who was the first member of the Sharqi dynasty to assume the royal title?

[A] Malik Sarwar
[B] Mubarak Shah
[C] Ibrahim Shah
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: B [Mubarak Shah]

Notes:
Feroz Shah Tughlaq appointed Malik Sarwar the governor of the Jaunpur region in 1388. To put an end to the unrest in the Sultanate, Malik Sarwar and his adopted son, Mubarak Shah, founded the Sharqi dynasty. After the death of Malik Sarwar in 1399, his adopted son Malik Qaranphul succeeded him and assumed the title of Mubarak Shah. He was the first member of the Sharqi dynasty to assume royal title, to strike coins and read khutba in his name.

28.Which of the following rulers founded the city of Ahmedabad?

[A] Husang Shah
[B] Muhammad Shah II
[C] Muhammad Shah
[D] Ahmad Shah

 

Correct Answer: D [Ahmad Shah]

Notes:
Ahmad Shah was a very ambitious ruler. With energy and power of organization, he first reorganized the administrative system of the kingdom, then he built the modern city of Ahmedabad on the site of the old town of Aswal and made it his capital.

29.Narmadapur was founded by which of the following kings?

[A] Mahmud Khalji
[B] Hoshang Shah
[C] Ghiyas-ud-Din
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: B [Hoshang Shah]

Notes:
Hoshang Shah is remembered for his wonderful taste in architecture. Mandu fort was constructed during his reign. Narmadapur also called as Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh was founded by Hoshang Shah.

30.The provinces were further divided into which of the following during the Sultanate period?

[A] Iqtas
[B] Shiqs
[C] Pargana
[D] Village

 

Correct Answer: B [Shiqs]

Notes:
During the Sultanate period the provinces were further divided into shiqs. The shiqs were under the control of the shiqdar. Shiqdar was the executive head and maintained law and order.

31.The provinces were further divided into which of the following during the Sultanate period?

[A] Iqtas
[B] Shiqs
[C] Pargana
[D] Village

 

Correct Answer: B [Shiqs]

Notes:
During the Sultanate period the provinces were further divided into shiqs. The shiqs were under the control of the shiqdar. Shiqdar was the executive head and maintained law and order.

32.The term ‘hundis’ during Sultanate era refers to which of the following?

[A] Paper money
[B] Bills of exchange
[C] Barter exchange
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: B [Bills of exchange]

Notes:
During the Sultanate period paper production rose which gave increased record keeping in government offices, and to the widespread use of bills of exchange called hundis.

33.The palace complex called Tughlaqabad with its beautiful lake was built during the period of which of the following Sultans?

[A] Ghyasuddin Tughlaq
[B] Firozshah Tughlaq
[C] Alauddin Khilji
[D] Ibrahim Lodhi

 

Correct Answer: A [Ghyasuddin Tughlaq]

Notes:
The palace complex known as the Tughlaqabad with its beautiful lake was built during the period of Ghyasuddin Tughlaq. Muhammad bin Tughlaq also built the tomb of Ghyasuddin on a high platform.

34.The chief items of exports during the rule of the Vijayanagar empire consisted of which of the following?
1) Cotton
2) Copper
3) Iron
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3

 

Correct Answer: C [Only 1 & 3]

Notes:
Agriculture continued to be the chief occupation of the people of the Vijayanagar empire. It was also a great centre of trade. The chief items of exports were cotton and silk clothes, spices, rice, iron, saltpetre, and sugar

35.Which of the following tried to promote education of his Muslim subjects by establishing schools where students were given free lodging facilities?

[A] Muhammad Shah I
[B] Muhammad Shah II
[C] Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah
[D] Ahmah Shah Wali

 

Correct Answer: B [Muhammad Shah II]

Notes:
Muhammad Shah II tried to promote education of his Muslim subjects. He established schools where students were given free lodging facilities. He regarded himself as the trustee of the resources of his kingdom and discouraged all useless expenditure.

36.Which of the following kings defeated the Gond Raja Narsing Rai?

[A] Hasan Gangu
[B] Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah
[C] Ahmah Shah Wali
[D] Humayun Shah

 

Correct Answer: B [Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah]

Notes:
During 1397–1422 CE, Bahamani kingdom was ruled by Taj-ud-din Firoz Shah who started the Bahmani expansion towards Berar by defeating the Gond Raja Narsing Rai of Kherla. A huge amount of money, gold, and silver was paid to Firuz and a daughter of Rai was married to him.

37.The present fort of Golconda was constructed during the reign of which of the following rulers?

[A] Ibrahim Qutb Shah
[B] Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah
[C] Abul Hasan
[D] Abdullah Qutb Shah

 

Correct Answer: A [Ibrahim Qutb Shah]

Notes:
The present fort of Golconda was constructed during the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah who ordered it to be constructed in stone and lime. The original fort was built in mud and brick by the Kakatiya Rajas of Warangal in the thirteenth century

38.Which of the following was the leading disciple of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti?

[A] Iltutmish
[B] Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
[C] Fariduddin Ganj-i- Shakar
[D] Nizamuddin Auliya

 

Correct Answer: B [Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki]

Notes:
Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki who was born in Aush in Farghana was a Muslim Sufi mystic, saint, and scholar of the Chishti Order from Delhi. He was the leading disciple of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti.

39.Which of the following was the most prominent king of the Sabiri branch of Chisti order?

[A] Miranji Shams al Ushshaq
[B] Abdul Quddus Gangohi
[C] Shaikh Piyara
[D] Sayyid Yadullah

 

Correct Answer: B [Abdul Quddus Gangohi]

Notes:
One of the most well-known saints of Sabiri branch of Chisti order was Abdul Quddus Gangohi, who along with other Sufis revived the old glory of the Chishtis in the North.

40.Who built Humayun’s tomb?

[A] Haji Begum
[B] Babur
[C] Gubadan Begum
[D] Humayun

 

Correct Answer: A [Haji Begum]

Notes:
Humayun’s tomb which is called the prototype of the Taj Mahal, was built by the  widow of Humayun named Haji Begum. Humayun’s half-sister named Gulbadan Begum, wrote the Humayun-nama.

41.Mughal commander Abul Fazl invaded Ahmednagar in which of the following years?

[A] 1600 CE
[B] 1610 CE
[C] 1620 CE
[D] 1630 CE

 

Correct Answer: A [1600 CE]

Notes:
Abul Fazl, a Mughal commander, invaded Ahmednagar in 1600 CE. The task of organizing resistance devolved on Chand Bibi bit in spite of her heroic efforts to overcome Mughal aggression, she was forced to purchase peace by ceding Berar to the Mughals.

42.Which of the following became the governor of Poona during the rule of Muhammad Adil Shah?

[A] Tarabai
[B] Shivaji
[C] Sambhaji II
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: B [Shivaji]

Notes:
Muhammad Adil Shah occupied Vellore and Ginjee after opposing the Nayakas of Thanjavur and added territories to his kingdom on the southern side, Shivaji who had become the governor of Poona occupied Torna in 1646 CE, and Purandhar and Rairi in 1650 CE.

43.Which of the following founded the sultanate of the Barid Shahis?

[A] Qasim Barid
[B] Amir Barid
[C] Shihab-ud-din Mahmud
[D] Ali Barid

 

Correct Answer: A [Qasim Barid]

Notes:
The Barid Shahi dynasty was the smallest of the Deccan sultanates. Qasim Barid was the founder of the Barid Shahi dynasty. Qasim Badir joined the Bahmani king, Mahmud Shah Bahmani.

44.The Chisti Order was established in India by which of the following saint?

[A] Nizamuddin Auliya
[B] Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
[C] Ibrahim Qanduzi
[D] None of the above

 

Correct Answer: B [Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti]

Notes:
In terms of the popularity and spiritual influence of Sufi orders, the Chishtis were unparalleled in India. Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti who was was a Persian Muslim preacher, ascetic, religious scholar, philosopher, and mystic from Sistan who probably moved to India after the invasion of Muizzuddin Muhammad Ghori, and settled in Ajmer around 1206 CE. He established the Chishti order in India.

45.Which of the following was the village headman?

[A] Patwari
[B] Muqaddam
[C] Qiladar
[D] Mutasaddi

 

Correct Answer: B [Muqaddam]

Notes:
The village headman was called Muqaddam whereas the Patwari looked after the village revenue records. Zamindars also helped in the maintenance of law and order in their areas as well as in the collection of revenue.

46.Mahabharata was translated into the Persian language under the supervision of which of the following?

[A] Abul Faizi
[B] Fakir Aziao Din
[C] Abul Fazal
[D] Birbal

 

Correct Answer: A [Abul Faizi]

Notes:
Shaikh Abu al-Faiz ibn Mubarak also popularly known as Faizi was one of the courtiers who were collectively known as Akbar’s Navratnas (or nine jewels). Under his supervision, the Mahabharata was translated into the Persian language.

47.Who captured the island of Sondip and Chittagong?

[A] Shaista Khan
[B] Sharza Khan
[C] Mir Jumla
[D] Dara Shikoh

 

Correct Answer: A [Shaista Khan]

Notes:
Mirza Abu Talib better known as Shaista Khan was a subahdar and a general in the Mughal army. In 1664 CE Shaista Khan, who also chastised the Arakanese pirates captured the island of Sondip and Chittagong.

48.Which of the following was the first puppet ruler in Mughal India?

[A] Bahadur Shah I
[B] Farrukh Siyar
[C] Jahandar Shah
[D] Rafi-us-Darajat

 

Correct Answer: C [Jahandar Shah]

Notes:
The Mughal emperor Jahandar Shah was the first puppet ruler in Mughal India. He ascended the throne because of the support of a powerful Iranian Noble and his Wazir, Zulfiqar Khan.

49.What can be said regarding the position of merchants during the first phase of early medieval period?

(i.) When trade collapsed and markets disappeared, merchants had to seek refuge and protection from temples and other large emerging landowners.
(ii.) It deprived them of their independent business activity and forced them to attend to the needs and requirements of their protectors.
(iii.)Trade did not completely disappear, as few traders were active and dealing with luxuries required by kings, chiefs, and temples.

[A] All i, ii and iii
[B] Only ii
[C] Only i and iii
[D] Only i and ii

 

Correct Answer: A [All i, ii and iii ]

Notes:
Given the relative decline of trade during these centuries, the role of merchants in society was significantly undermined. When trade collapsed and markets disappeared, merchants had to seek refuge and protection from temples and other large emerging landowners. It deprived them of their independent business activity and forced them to attend to the needs and requirements of their protectors. However, the trade did not completely disappear, with some traders still active, particularly along the coast. But they were few in number and their activity was largely limited to the luxuries required by kings, chiefs, and temples.

50.Which of the following was department of charity under Delhi Sultanate?

[A] Barid-i-Mumalik
[B] Majlis-i-am
[C] Dahir-i-mumalik
[D] Diwan-i-Khairat

 

Correct Answer: D [Diwan-i-Khairat]

Notes:
Diwan-i-Khairat, under the Delhi Sultanate administration, was the department of charity.