TS 25 03 Medieval India

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PMFIAS

LEARN SMART

TEST SERIES
UPSC CSE PRELIMS 2025
TEST 03
MEDIEVAL INDIA
PMF IAS Test Series for 2025 – Test 03 – Medieval India

Questions and Solutions

1) The period from c.750−1000 CE was marked by the growth of three important po-
litical powers in northern India. These three kingdoms were constantly fighting
with each other with an aim to set up their control on the Gangetic region. This
conflict among these three powers is often described as the ‘tripartite struggle’.
Which among the following is not involved in the ‘tripartite struggle’?
a) The Gurjara−Pratiharas
b) The Pallavas
c) The Palas
d) The Rashtrakutas

Explanation
• The period from c.750−1000 CE was marked by the growth of three important political powers, namely,
the Gurjara−Pratiharas (who dominated the western India and the upper Gangetic valley till the mid-
dle of the 10th century), the Palas (who ruled over eastern India till the middle of the 9th century), and
the Rashtrakutas (who dominated the Deccan and also controlled territories in north and south India).
• This conflict among these three powers is often described as the ‘tripartite struggle’.
• The tripartite struggle was between the Palas, the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas for the control of the
Kannauj region and north India.
• The dynasty was founded by a Brahmana named Harichandra in and around Jodhpur, southwestern
Rajasthan.
Image Source: Wikipedia

The Gurjara−Pratiharas were involved in the ‘tripartite struggle’


 The dynasty was founded by a Brahmana named Harichandra in and around Jodhpur, southwestern
Rajasthan.
 The Gurjara−Pratiharas were instrumental in containing Arab armies moving east of the Indus.
 They came to prominence in the second quarter of the 8th century, during the reign of Nagabhatta
I.
 Pratiharas took on their title which literally means ‘door-keeper’, since the early kings of this dynasty
considered the epic hero Lakshmana as their hero, who he served as the door-keeper to his brother
Rama.
 Mihir Bhoja (c.836−885 CE) was the most successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas. He had his
capital at Kannauj, which was also called Mahodaya.
 In one of his earliest inscriptions, the Barah copper plate inscription, there is mention of a military
camp.
 In 11th century CE, they were wiped off from the political map by the Ghaznavids and their rule was
succeeded by Chahamanas or Chauhans in Rajputana, Chaulukyas or Solankis in Gujarat and the
Paramaras or Pawars in Malwa.

The Palas were involved in the ‘tripartite struggle’


 The Pala Empire was founded by Gopala I in the 8th century, who was elected as the ruler by regional
chieftains to end anarchy in the region.
 The Palas expanded their territory under rulers like Dharmapala and Devapala, who brought large
parts of northern and eastern India under their control.
 The Palas were known for their strong military and administrative systems.
 The Pala kings were followers of Buddhism, especially Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism.
 The term ‘Pala’ means ‘protector’ in the ancient language of Prakrit.
 The empire was considerably weakened by the 11th century, with many areas engulfed in rebellion.
 The Palas power was destroyed by the Sena dynasty. The resurgent Hindu Sena dynasty, under Vi-
jaysena, dethroned the Pala Empire in the 12th century, ending the reign of the last major Buddhist
imperial power in the subcontinent.

The Rashtrakutas were involved in the ‘tripartite struggle’


 In the ‘tripartite struggle’, the Rashtrakutas emerged as the most powerful and their empire lasted
for the most time.
 The Rashrakutas also acted as the bridge between north and south India in economic and cultural
arenas.
 ’Rashtrakuta’ means the chief of a rashtra.
 The Rashtrakuta Empire was founded by Dantidurga (c. 733−756 CE), who was a feudatory of the
Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II.
 Amoghavarsha I (c.814−878 CE) is one of the most famous of the Rashtrakutas, who built a new
capital city, that of Manyakheta (modern Malkhed).
 He wrote the Kavirajamarga – the earliest Kannada work on poetics and the Prashnottara
Ratnamalika in Sanskrit, which is considered as a writing of high merit.
 The Rashtrakuta court patronized scholars like Jinasena, who wrote "Adipurana", and Gunabhadra,
who wrote "Uttarapurana." These works are significant contributions to Jain literature.
 King Krishna I (756-774 CE) commissioned the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora.
 The Rashtrakutas were known for their religious tolerance and patronage. They supported various
religious traditions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

The Pallavas were not involved in the ‘tripartite struggle’


 The Pallava Empire was a significant South Indian dynasty that ruled from the 3rd to the 9th centu-
ries CE, primarily in the region that is now Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
 The Pallavas are renowned for their contributions to architecture, literature, and the spread of Indian
culture.
 The term Pallava means ‘creeper’, which is a Sanskrit version of the word Tamil word tondi.
 The Pallavas pioneered rock-cut architecture in South India. The Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
complex, one of them, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
 It includes Shore Temple (built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II/Rajasimha), Pancha Rathas
(attributed to Narasimhavarman I/Mamalla) and Arjuna's Penance (massive open-air rock relief
depicting scenes from The Mahabharata).
 The Pallavas organised and supported literary conferences. For instance, King Mahendravarman I is
known to have convened a literary assembly at Mattanur.
 Nandivarman III is credited with authoring the Tamil poetic work, Nandikkalambakam, which pro-
vides insights into the socio-political conditions of his time.
 Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) defeated the Chalukya king Pulakesin II in the Battle of Vatapi
(Badami).

Answer: (b) Pallavas | Difficulty Level: Easy

2) Consider the following pairs:

King Dynasty

1. Rajendra I The Rashtrakutas

2. Dharmapala The Palas

3. Nagabhatta I The Pratihara

4. Vatsaraja The Pallavas

Which of the above are correctly matched?


a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 3 and 4
d) 1 and 4

Explanation
Pair 1 is incorrect
• He belonged to the Chola dynasty, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of southern India.
• He was one of the greatest and most powerful rulers of the Chola Empire, reigning from 1014 to 1044
CE.
• Rajendra Chola I was the son of Rajaraja Chola I.
• In 1022 CE, he led an expedition to the north and crossed the Ganga.
• To commemorate this occasion, he assumed the title of Gangaikondachola (meaning ‘the Chola con-
queror of Ganga’) and established a new capital named Gangaikondacholapuram.
• He was a great patron of learning and was known as Pandita-chola.

Pair 2 is correct
• Dharmapala (c.770−810 CE), belonged to the Pala dynasty.
• Believed to have held a durbar at Kannauj.
• Though he initially suffered defeats at the hands of the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas (he was defeated
by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva, who had earlier defeated the Pratihara ruler too), but later he con-
quered large parts of northern India and raised the Pala empire to great heights.
• He founded the Vikramshila monastery near Bhagalpur in Bihar it attracted students from all parts of
India and from Tibet.
• The most celebrated name associated with the Vikramshila University was that of the Buddhist scholar
Dipankara (called Atisa), who was greatly respected in Tibet.
• The renowned 8th-century Buddhist scholar Santarakshita, who is also considered as an abbot of Na-
landa, belonged to his reign.
• Santarakshita founded the philosophical school known as Yogacara- Svatantrika-Madhyamika, which
united the Madhyamaka tradition of Nagarjuna, the Yogacara tradition of Asanga and the logical and
epistemological thought of Dharmakirti.

Pair 3 is correct
• Nagabhatta I (c. 730–760 CE) belonged to the Gurjara Pratiharas.
• One of the most famous and prominent Pratihara kings.
• He is known for checking the invasion of the Arabs and offered the most successful resistance to the
Arabs.
• He defeated the Arab army under Junaid and Tamin during the Caliphate campaigns in India.
• He exercised control over the areas of Malwa, Rajputana, and Gujarat.
• He was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king, Dhruva.

Pair 4 is incorrect
• Vatsaraja (c. 780–800 CE) belonged to the Gurjara Pratiharas.
• He was one of the successors of Nagabhatta I.
• He extended his rule over to a large part of North India and made Kannauj in western U.P his capital.
• Vatsaraja’s policy of expansion brought him into conflict with Dharamapala, the Pala King of Bengal and
Bihar and also the Rashtrakuta king Dhruva, thus began what is known as the ‘tripartite struggle’.
• It continued for about another 350 years under various succeeding kings with ups and downs.
• The Pratiharas, however, could maintain their hold over Kannauj till the last.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 | Difficulty Level: Medium

3) Consider the following statements regarding the Pratiharas:


1) The real founder of the Pratihara empire and the greatest ruler of the dynasty was Bhoja I.
2) Al-Masudi, an Arab traveller, visited the Pratihara empire.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• The real founder of the Pratihara empire and the greatest ruler of the dynasty was Bhoja.
• Grandson of Nagabhatta II, who had a long reign of over 46 years and proved to be the most successful
and popular ruler of Pratiharas.
• He rebuilt the empire, and by about AD 836 he had recovered Kanauj which remained the capital of the
Pratihara empire for almost a century.
• Bhoja was a devotee of Vishnu, and adopted the title of ‘Adivaraha’ which has been found inscribed in
some of his coins.
• He had his capital at Kannauj, which was also called Mahodaya.
• In one of his earliest inscriptions, the Barah copper plate inscription, there is mention of a military camp
i.e., skandhavara at Mahodaya.
• He is sometimes called Mihir Bhoja to distinguish him form Bhoja Paramara of Ujjain who ruled a little
later.
• The Kalachuris, the Chandalas and the Arabs of Sindh acknowledged his supremacy.

Statement 2 is correct
• Al- Masudi, a native of Baghdad, who visited Gujarat in 915–16, testifies to the great power and pres-
tige of the Pratihara rulers and the vastness of their empire.
• He calls the Gurjara-Pratihara kingdom al-Juzr (a corrupt form of Gurjara), and the King Baura, prob-
ably a mispronunciation of Adivaraha the title used by Bhoja, although Bhoja had died by that time.
• Al Masudi says that the empire of Juzr had 1,80,000 villages, cities and rural areas and was about 2000
km in length and 2000 km in breadth.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 | Difficulty Level: Medium

4) Consider the following statements regarding the Rashtrakuta Dynasty:


1. The kingdom was founded by Krishna I, who set up his capital at Manyakhet.
2. Amoghavarsha I of Rashtrakuta authored the Prashnottara Ratnamalika in Kannada language.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• The kingdom was founded by Dantidurga who set up his capital at Manyakhet or Malkhed near modern
Sholapur.
• Dantidurga (c. 733−756 CE) was a feudatory of the Chalukya king, Kirtivarman II.
• His name ‘Dantidurga’ (meaning he whose elephant is his fortress) also signifies his military feats and
accomplishments.
• He also helped his father-in-law, the Pallava King Nandivarmana, to regain Kanchi from the Chalukyas
and also defeated the Gurjaras of Malwa, and the rulers of Kalinga, Kosala and Srisailam.
• Krishna I (c.756−774 CE) succeeded Dantidurga.
• He extended the Rashtrakuta empire and brought major portions of present-day Karnataka and Kon-
kan under his control. Also gave a final blow to Pallavas.
• The magnificent rock-cut Kailashnatha Temple at Ellora (near Aurangabad, Maharashtra) was built dur-
ing his reign.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is monolithic i.e. made of one single piece of rock.
Image Source: Wikipedia

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Amoghavarsha I (c.814−878 CE), one of the most famous of the Rashtrakutas was a patron of litera-
ture and was an accomplished scholar in Kannada and Sanskrit himself.
• He wrote the Kavirajamarga – the earliest Kannada work on poetics and the Prashnottara
Ratnamalika in Sanskrit, which is considered as a writing of high merit and was later translated into the
Tibetan language.
• He defeated the invading Eastern Chalukyas at Vingavalli and assumed the title Viranarayana.
• Because of his religious temperament, his interest in the arts and literature and his peace-loving nature,
he is often compared to emperor Ashoka and called “Ashoka of the South”, and is also compared to
Gupta king Vikramaditya in giving patronage to men of letters.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2 | Difficulty Level: Hard

5) Which of the following is not correct with respect to the Palas of Bengal?
a) The Pala kings were the followers of Jainism.
b) The Pala empire was founded by Gopala.
c) The Pala period is considered one of the golden eras in the history of Bengal.
d) The Palas power was destroyed by the Sena dynasty.
Explanation
• Around 8th century CE, Gopala laid the foundation of Pala dynasty. As the names of all the succeeding
kings ended with ‘Pala’ which meant “protector” in the ancient language of Prakrit, this dynasty came to
be known as the ‘Pala’ dynasty.
• The Pala kingdom included Bengal and Bihar, which included the major cities of Pataliputra, Vikrampura,
Ramvati (Varendra), Monghyr (Munger), Tamralipti and Jaggadala.
• The Pala kings were the followers of Buddhism, especially Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism.
• They greatly promoted this religion by making monasteries (viharas) and temples in eastern India. The
Pala legacy is still reflected in Tibetan Buddhism.
• The Pala period is considered one of the golden eras in the history of Bengal.
• The Palas brought stability and prosperity to Bengal after centuries of civil war between warring divisions.
They advanced the achievements of previous Bengali civilisations and created outstanding works of art
and architecture.
• They built grand temples and monasteries, including the Somapura Mahavihara, and patronised the
great universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila.
• The Palas power was destroyed by the Sena dynasty.
• The resurgent Hindu Sena dynasty, under Vijaysena, dethroned the Pala Empire in the 12th century,
ending the reign of the last major Buddhist imperial power in the subcontinent.

Answer: (a) The Pala kings were the followers of Jainism. | Difficulty Level: Easy

6) Which empire was called “Ruhimi or Ruhma Dharma’’ by the Arab merchant
Sulaiman?
a) The Gurjara−Pratiharas
b) The Pallavas
c) The Palas
d) The Rashtrakutas

Explanation
• Sulayman al-Tajir, the 9th-century Arab traveller and merchant, is known for his detailed accounts of
his journeys, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
• His writings provide valuable insights into the regions he visited, including the Indian subcontinent during
the time of the Pala Empire.
• During the 9th century, the Pala Empire was known for its vibrant trade networks. As a merchant, Sulay-
man would have been keenly interested in the trade activities and goods available in the region.
• The Pala empire was called “Ruhimi or Ruhma Dharma’’ by the Arab merchant Sulaiman, who visited
India in the middle of the 9th century.
• He claims that the Pala emperor was at war with the Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas and had more troops
than his adversaries.
• Sulayman’s writings include observations on the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the regions he
visited.
• His accounts provide glimpses into the flourishing Buddhist culture under the Pala Empire, which was
known for its monasteries and educational institutions like Nalanda.
• During Sulayman’s travels, the Pala Empire was a significant political entity in the region, often engaging
in alliances and conflicts with neighbouring powers.

Answer: (c) Palas | Difficulty Level: Easy

7) With reference to the Chola dynasty (c. 850-1200 CE), consider the following state-
ments:
1. The Chola inscriptions generally refer to the king as Perumal.
2. Chola kings were majorly patrons of the Vaishnava Cult.
3. The Uttaramerur Inscription is related to the Chola dynasty.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statements 1 and 3 are correct
• The Chola dynasty, a formidable power in South India, is celebrated for its profound influence on the
region's history, culture, and governance.
• Rising to prominence in the 9th century CE, the Cholas established a vast empire that encompassed
much of present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
• The Chola inscriptions generally refer to the king as ko, perumal, perumal adigal (the great one), raja-
rajadhiraja and ko-konmai kondan (king of kings).
• The king had all the authority rested in him and had a council of ministers to advise him.
• The Cholas developed an efficient administrative system with a highly organised bureaucracy. They are
particularly noted for their system of local self-governance, as exemplified by the Uttaramerur Inscrip-
tion.
• Two inscriptions from Uttaramerur testify this fact and specify that the resolution of the Sabha was made
in the presence of an official specially deputed by the king.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Cholas were primarily Shaivites, worshippers of the Hindu god Shiva.
• Numerous inscriptions from the Chola period reference donations and endowments made to Shaivite
temples and monasteries.
• The Cholas are renowned for their Dravidian temple architecture. Notable examples include the Bri-
hadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, and the Airavatesvara
Temple at Darasuram.
• They also excelled in bronze sculpture, producing exquisite images of Hindu deities.
• Chola art and bronze sculptures often depict Shiva in various forms, including Nataraja (the cosmic
dancer).

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Easy

8) Arrange the following Chola Kings chronologically:


1) Rajadhiraja
2) Vijayalaya
3) Parantaka I
4) Rajendra I

Select the correct answer using the code given below:


a) 1-2-3-4
b) 2-3-1-4
c) 2-3-4-1
d) 1-2-4-3

Explanation
• The Chola Empire was one of the longest-ruling and most influential dynasties in southern India, known
for its significant contributions to Indian culture, art, and politics.
• The Cholas developed a powerful navy which enabled them to conquer Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Islands. Its impact was felt even by the countries of Southeast Asia.
• The Chola empire may be said to mark a climax in south Indian history.
• Vijayalaya Chola (around c. 850 CE)
 The founder of the Chola empire was Vijayalaya.
 He was at first a feudatory of the Pallavas.
 He captured Tanjore in AD 850.
 He established his power in the area around Eraiyur, captured Tanjore and extended his kingdom
along the lower Kaveri.
• Parantaka I (c. 907−953 CE)
 Won several victories with the help of his allies such as the Western Gangas, the Kodumbalur chiefs
and the ruler of Kerala.
 He captured Madurai and took the title of Madurantaka (destroyer of Madurai) and Maduraikonda
(capturer of Madurai).
 At the famous battle of Vellur, he defeated the combined armies of the Pandyas and the king of
Sri Lanka and thus Pandya territories became a part of the Chola empire.
 However, in c.949 CE, he was defeated by the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III at the battle of Takko-
lam.
 Krishna III assumed the title of ‘Conqueror of Kanchi and Tanjai’, and the Rashtrakuta army overran
the Tondaimandalam.
• Rajendra I (c.1014−1044 CE)
 Son of Rajaraja I, who carried forward his father’s expansionist policy and continued the Chola
territorial expansion.
 He completed the victory over Ceylon by defeating the Sri Lanka king Mahinda V.
 He completely overran the Pandyas and Cheras and included them in his empire.
 Assumed the title of Gangaikondachola.
 In 1025 CE, a successful naval expedition was dispatched against the revived Sri Vijaya empire (which
extended over the Malay peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands and controlled the
overseas trade route to China).
 The Chola navy was strongest in the area for some time and the Bay of Bengal was converted into a
‘Chola Lake’.
• Rajadhiraja (c.1044−1052 CE)
 He was a great warrior who always led from the front standing shoulder to shoulder with his men on
front lines and earned the title of Jayamkonda Chola (the victorious Chola King).
 He ably defeated the Pandyas, Cheras, and the ruler of Sri lanka.
 Was also known as Vijaya Rajendra Chola (i.e. ‘the victorious Rajendra Chola king’).
 He also sacked and plundered Chalukyan cities such as Kalyani and planted a Jaystambha at Yadgir.
 He died in the battlefield while fighting in the battle of Koppam against Someshwar, a western
Chalukyan king and from the manner of his death, Rajadhiraja came to be known as Yanai-mel-
thunjina Devar (the king who died on the back of an elephant).

Answer: (c) 2-3-4-1 | Difficulty Level: Hard

9) Consider the following statements about the trade guilds during the period 800 CE
to 1200 CE:
1. Statement-I: In north India, trade guilds or shrenis and sanghs prospered during this period.
2. Statement-II: The long-distance trade declined in north India during this period.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of above statements?


a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for State-
ment-I.
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
Statement-I.
c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

Explanation
• A shreni was an association of traders, merchants, and artisans.
• Generally, a separate shreni existed for a particular group of persons engaged in the same vocation
or activity and has sometimes been compared with the guilds.
• The guilds had often consisted of people belonging to different castes.
• They had their own rules of conduct, which the members were legally bound to obey and were entitled
to lend or borrow money or receive endowments.
Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct
• The long-distance trade declined in north India during this period.
• It led to the decline of trade guilds or shrenis and sanghs.
• They had lost their former importance and we find very few references in north India during the period
to guilds receiving endowments.
• In the course of time, some of the older shrenis emerged as sub-castes. For example, the Dvadasashreni,
which was a guild, became a subcaste of the Vaishyas.
• Jainism, which was patronized by the mercantile sections, also received a setback in north India.

Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct. | Difficulty Level: Medium

10) The term ‘Canton’ or ‘Kanfu’ in early medieval history refers to:
a) Main seaport for foreign trade in China.
b) Famous guilds in India during that time.
c) A Grass mentioned in Dharmashastras beyond which travel is banned.
d) A wild vegetable of bitter taste ordinary people used

Explanation
Option (a) is correct
• The main seaport for foreign trade in China during this period was Canton, or Kanfu as the Arab travellers
called it.
• Buddhist scholars went from India to China by the sea route.
• The number of Indian monks in the Chinese court towards the close of the tenth and the beginning of
the eleventh century was the highest in Chinese history.
• A Chinese account of a slightly earlier period tells us that the Canton River was full of ships from India,
Persia and Arabia and in Canton itself there were three Hindu temples in which Indians resided.

Option (b) is incorrect


• The Indian merchants were organised in guilds, and the most famous of them were the Manigraman
and the Nandesi.
• These guilds displayed a spirit of enterprise, engaging in retail and whoselsale trade in many foreign
countries.
• They also gave handsome grants to temples, which became centres of social and cultural life, and some-
times also advanced money for trade.

Option (c) is incorrect


• In some of the Dharamshastras written during this period, travel beyond the areas where the munja grass
does not grow or where the black gazelle does not roam were banned.
• Travel across the salt seas was also considered polluting.

Option (d) is incorrect


• ‘Rajatarangini’ by Kalhana in twelfth century says that the courtiers ate fried meat and drank cooled
wine perfumed with flowers.
• The ordinary people ate rice and utpala-saka (a wild vegetable of bitter taste).
• There are many stories of the hard lot of poor men and women, some of whom took to a life of robbery
and plunder.

Answer: (a) Main seaport for foreign trade in China. | Difficulty Level: Easy

11) Consider the following pairs:


Medieval Name Modern Name
1. Kataha Bengal
2. Suvarnadvipa Indonesia
3. Jambudvipa India

Which of the pairs given above are correct?


a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation
• Foreign trade has prospered in the later ancient period.
• India had maritime trade relations with Southeast Asia and Western Africa.
Pair 1 is incorrect and Pair 2 is correct
• In most of the stories of the period, merchants start for Suvarnadvipa (modern Indonesia) or to Kataha
(Kedah in Malaya) from Tamralipti.
• The chief Indian port for sailing to Java, Sumatra, etc., was Tamralipti (Tamluk) in Bengal.

Pair 3 is correct
• A fourteenth century writer in Java speaks of people from Jambudvipa (India), Karnataka (south India),
and Gaud (Bengal) coming unceasingly in big numbers in large ships.
• Traders from Gujarat also took part in this trade.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only | Difficulty Level: Medium

12) What is meant by the term ‘bhoga’ or ‘fief ‘in medieval Indian history?
a) Revenue Assignment
b) Hereditary Land Grant
c) Military Service Obligation
d) Tax on Agricultural Produce

Explanation
• ‘Bhoga’ or ‘fief’ was the revenue assignment granted by the state to officials, religious institutions, or
other beneficiaries.
• These assignments were usually in the form of land or other resources that could be used for agricul-
tural or other purposes.
• These were temporary in theory and were liable to be resumed whenever the ruler wanted.
• However, in practice this was rarely done, except in the case of outright rebellion or disloyalty.
• It is considered to be a sin to deprive even a defeated ruler of his lands in those times.
• As a result, the kingdoms of this period included large areas dominated by defeated and subordinate
rulers who were constantly on the lookout for reasserting their independence.
• Within the territories of these rulers, again, various officers looked upon their assignments as hereditary
fiefs.
• In the course of time, even various government offices began to be considered hereditary.
• But it was not ‘feudal’ like European feudalism in the sense that their features like vassalage, serfdom,
and manors did not exist in India.

Answer: (a) Revenue Assignment | Difficulty Level: Medium

13) Consider the following statements about the early medieval society of India:
1. Chandals were required to hit a wooden board on a stick as they walked so that upper-caste people
would not come into contact with them.
2. A female slave bearing a child to his master can get freedom in those times.
3. The marriageable age for girls increased, thus giving them opportunities for higher education.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Chandalas were offspring of mixed castes, like children of a Brahmana mother and a Shudra father, who
were called Chandalas. They were relegated to doing cremation jobs.
• In some parts of the country, the Chandals were required to hit a wooden board on a stick as they walked
so that upper caste people would not come into contact with them.
• In most areas of the country, these sections were not allowed to be owners of cultivated land.

Statement 2 is correct
• Slavery existed in the early medieval period.
• Prisoners of war, debtors unable to pay their stakes could be sold into slavery.
• During famines, many farmers sold themselves or their wife and children for food.
• Women were also purchased for domestic work.
• They were treated better than people from the antyaja or despised castes.
• If a slave fought and saved his master’s life, he became free and was entitled to get a share of his master’s
property.
• A female slave bearing a child to his master also became free.
• There were rules for the emancipation of a slave and was considered a good deed.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• Women continued to be denied the right to study the Vedas in this period.
• The marriageable age for girls was lowered.
• This destroyed their opportunities for higher education.
• The absence of women teachers in the dictionaries written during the period shows the poor state of
higher education among women.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

14) With reference to Indian Science in early medieval India, Consider the following
statements:
1. The growth of science in the country sped up during this period.
2. The surgery declined because the dissection of dead bodies was regarded as fit only for people of
low castes.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• The growth of science in the country slowed down during the period so that in course of time, it was
no longer regarded as a leading country in the field of science.
• There were many reasons for the stagnation of Indian science during the period.
• The growth of science is closely connected with the growth of society and during this period, the society
was becoming increasingly rigid and narrow in character.
• There had been a setback in urban life and communications, with growing religious orthodoxy.
• Al-Biruni, in his ten years life in India during the early part of the eleventh century quotes that Indians
had a tendency to isolate themselves from the main currents of scientific thought outside India.

Statement 2 is correct
• During this period, surgery declined in India because the dissection of dead bodies was regarded as fit
only for people of low castes.
• It became the profession of barbers.
• Likewise, Astronomy was gradually pushed into the background by astrology.
• However, some advance was made in the field of mathematics and medicine.
• The Lilawati of Bhaskar II, which was written during this period, remained a standard text for a long
time.
• Likewise, advance was made in the field of medicine by the use of minerals, especially mercury.
• Many books were written on plant sciences and for the treatment of animals (e.g. horses, elephants, etc.)

Answer: (b) 2 only | Difficulty Level: Easy

15) With reference to Mughal Architecture, consider the following statements:


1. Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar, contains a large artificial lake and Panch Mahal, which contains Buddhist
temple elements.
2. Buland Darwaza, made by Akbar stands as the gateway of the Qutb complex in Delhi.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Fatehpur Sikri palace-cum-fort complex commenced by Akbar in 1572, 36 kilometres from Agra.
• He took eight years to complete this town complex.
• It was built atop a hill, along with a large artificial lake.
• It included many buildings in the style of Gujarat and Bengal including deep eaves, balconies, and fanciful
kiosks.
• It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
• Fatehpur Sikri complex contains:
 Buland Darwaza
 Jama Masjid
 Tomb of Salim Chishti
 Diwan-i-Aam: Diwan-i-Aam or Hall of Public Audience
 Diwan-i-Khas: the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience
 Anup Talao
 Jodha Bai Mahal
 Naubat Khana
 Panch Mahal
 Birbal's House and
 Hiran Minar or Elephant Tower
• The Panch Mahal meaning 'Five level Palace' was commissioned by Akbar.
• This structure stands close to the Zenana quarters (Harem) which supports the supposition that it was
used for entertainment and relaxation.
• This is an extraordinary structure employing the design elements of a Buddhist Temple.
• It is entirely columnar, consisting of four stories of decreasing size arranged asymmetrically on the ground
floor, which contains 84 columns.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• The most magnificent building in it is the Jama Masjid and the gateway to it is called Buland Darwaza
(the Lofty Gate), whose height is 176 ft.
• It was built in c.1572 CE to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
• The gate is in the style of a half-dome portal.
• It is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by white and black marble.
• Gateway to the Qutb complex in Delhi is Called Alai Darwaza. Which was built by Alauddin Khilji in
1311.
• It is a square domed gatehouse with arched entrances and made of red sandstone.

Answer: (b) 2 only | Difficulty Level: Medium

16) Who among the following supervised the translation of Mahabharata during the
reign of Akbar?
a) Abul Fazl
b) Utbi
c) Nazri
d) Abul Faizi

Explanation
Option (d) is correct
• Abul Faizi was a leading poet During the reign of Akbar.
• He was the brother of Abul Fazl, who was a great scholar, stylist and historian.
• Faizi helped in Akbar’s translation department and the translation of the Mahabharata was carried out
under his supervision.
• Translated Lilavati into Persian (a work on mathematics),
• Persian prose and poetry reached a climax under Akbar’s reign.

Option (a) is incorrect


• He wrote Ain-i-Akbari and Akbar Nama
• Lead Mughal imperial army in its wars in Deccan.
• Was murdered by Bir Singh Bundela, on the orders of Prince Salim

Option (c) and (d) are incorrect


• Utbi and Naziri were the two other leading Persian poets.
• They migrated from Iran to India during the period of Akbar and made the Mughal court one of the
cultural centres of the Islamic world.
• Other prominent poets in the court of Akbar were:
❖ Abdul Qadir Badauni
❖ Khwaja Nizamuddin Ahmad Harami
❖ Muntakhab ul-Akbari.
• Hindus also contributed to the growth of Persian literature.

Answer: (d) Abul Faizi | Difficulty Level: Hard


17) The Vijayanagar Empire was founded by the brothers Harihara and Bukka. Which
of the following dynasties do they belong to?
a) Saluva
b) Tuluva
c) Sangama
d) Aravidu

Explanation
• The Vijayanagara Empire was located in the Deccan Plateau of southern India.
• Its territory included parts of present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• The Vijayanagar Empire was founded by the brothers Harihara and Bukka of Sangama Dynasty.
• They were believed to be members of the Kuruba community, a pastoralist group with origins in cow
herding.
• The Kurubas were an influential community in the Deccan region and claimed descent from ancient
Hindu tribes.
• Under Sangama rule, the empire expanded through military conquests and alliances with other Hindu
kingdoms.
• The Sangama dynasty lasted for over a century, with several rulers making significant contributions to
Vijayanagara's art, architecture, and literature.
• After the Sangama dynasty, the Tuluva, Suluva and Aravidu dynasties ruled the Vijayanagara Empire.

Answer: (c) Sangama | Difficulty Level: Easy

18) Consider the following statements about the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire:
1. Proudhadevaraya or Devaraya II was titled Gajabetekara.
2. Krishna Devaraya was called Yavanarjya Prathishtapanacharya.
3. Vira Vijaya Bukka Raya was given the title of Andhra Pitamaha.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Devaraya II, also known as "Proudha Devaraya" or "The haughty king", was a ruler of the Vijayanagara
Empire from 1425 to 1446 CE.
• He was the most powerful and influential king of the Sangama dynasty and played a significant role in
expanding the empire's territory and influence.
• Devaraya II defeated several rival kingdoms and established his authority over most of southern India.
• He also patronized literature, arts, and architecture, and is known for building several temples and pal-
aces, including the famous Hazara Rama Temple at Hampi.
• Gajabetekara literally means, “The elephant hunter”.
• The title refers to a ruler's strength and dominance, suggesting that he was very powerful and able to
defeat even the strongest of foes even if they are as powerful as elephant.

Statement 2 is correct
• Sri Krishnadevaraya is one of the most famous rulers of Vijaynagara empire.
• He consolidated the empire's power and wealth, fostering a golden age of culture and prosperity.
• Krishnadevaraya was a member of the Tuluva Dynasty, which succeeded the Saluva Dynasty as rulers
of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• He reigned as emperor from 1509 to 1529 CE.
• He successfully waged war against the neighbouring Bahmani Sultanate, which had been a thorn in the
side of the Vijayanagara Empire for some time.
• Through a combination of military strategy and diplomacy, he managed to contain the Bahmani threat
and expand Vijayanagara's territory into the Muslim-dominated Deccan region.
• He defeated Adil Shah and managed to capture the ruler Muhammad Shah III and free him from the
clutches of his nobles, who had imprisoned him.
• He then adopted the title Yavanarjya Prathishtapanacharya.
• Krishna Deva Raya was also known as Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana, Andhra Bhoja, Andhra Pitamaha
and Mooru Rayara Ganda.
• He is also remembered as a great patron of the arts, a skilled administrator, and a formidable military
commander.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• Veera Vijaya Bukka Raya was a Sangama ruler who ruled over Vijayanagara samrajya.
• He is not remembered for making any significant contributions or achievements during his reign as em-
peror as he reigned only for a short period of time.
• The title “Andhra Pitamaha” is of Krishna Deva Raya given in respect of his efforts to build the kingdom
to its golden age.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Very Hard

19) Which one of the following literary works was authored by Krishnadevaraya?
a) Jambavati Kalyanam
b) Panduranga Mahamatyam
c) Manucharitam
d) Harikathasaram

Explanation
Option (a) is correct
• He himself authored Amukthamalyadha (Telugu).
• Jambavati Kalyanam and Ushaparinayam (Sanskrit)

Option (b), (c) and (d) are not correct


• Allasani Peddanna was author of Manucharitam and Harikathasaram.
• Tenali Ramakrishna was author of Panduranga Mahamatyam.

Answer: (a) Jambavati Kalyana | Difficulty Level: Easy

20) The Vijayanagara Empire's capital, Hampi, was located near which of the follow-
ing rivers?
a) Tungabhadra
b) Krishna
c) Pravara
d) Kaveri

Explanation
• Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara empire was located near the Tungabhadra River, a major trib-
utary of the Krishna River, which flowed through the modern-day state of Karnataka in southern India.
o The Tungabhadra is formed by the unification of the Tunga and the Bhadra originating from Gan-
gamula in the Central Sahyadri. Its total length is 531 km.
• The city was built on both sides of the Tungabhadra and was an important centre of culture and com-
merce during the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The city was a thriving metropolis and a centre of art, culture, and learning.
• The magnificent ruins of Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple, the Vitthala Temple, and the Royal
Center, bear witness to the empire's splendour and power.
• Today, the ruins of Hampi are a testament to the empire's power and influence.

Answer: (a) Tungabhadra | Difficulty Level: Easy

21) Who among the following was not one of the Ashtadiggajas during Krishnade-
varaya's reign?
a) Allasani Peddana
b) Tenali Ramakrishna
c) Nandi Timmana
d) Chand Bardai

Explanation
• Ashtadiggajas, or the eight elephants of Krishnadevaraya was the name given to the group of eight
prominent scholars in Krishnadevaraya's court.
• They were some of the greatest literary figures of their time, and their works helped shape the cultural
and literary landscape of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• They were:
 Allasani Peddanna: Author of Manucharitram, he was also known as Andhra Kavita Pitamaha.
 Nandi Thimmana: Author of Parijathapaharanam.
 Madayagari Mallana
 Dhurjati
 Ayyalaraju Ramabhadrudu
 Pingali Surana
 Ramaraja Bhushana
 Tenali Ramakrishna
• Chand Bardai is a 12th-century poet who wrote the epic poem "Prithviraj Raso," which tells the story
of the Chahamana king Prithviraj Chauhan.

Answer: (d) Chand Bardai | Difficulty Level: Very Easy

22) Consider the following statements about the Bahmani Kingdom


1. Alauddin Hasan was the founder of the kingdom in 1347.
2. Vijayanagara rulers and the Bahmani sultans clashed for the areas in the Tungabhadra doab, the
Krishna-Godavari delta, and in the Marathwada country.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Alauddin Hasan was the founder the Bahmani kingdom in 1347.
• He had risen in the service of a Brahman, named Gangu, and is, therefore, known as Hasan Gangu.
• After his coronation, he assumed the title of Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah, tracing his descent from a
half-mythical hero of Iran, Bahman Shah.

Statement 2 is correct
• The Vijayanagara rulers and the Bahmani sultans clashed for three separate and distinct areas: the
Tungabhadra doab, the Krishna-Godavari delta, and the Marathwada country.
• The Tungabhadra doab was an area of wealth and economic resources between the rivers Krishna and
Tungabhadra which consisted of 30,000 square miles.
• It had been the bone of contention between the western Chalukyas and the Cholas in the earlier period,
and between the Yadavas and the Hoysalas later on.
• The Krishna—Godavari basin was very fertile and had numerous ports which controlled the foreign
trade of the region.
• In the Maratha country, the main contention was for the control of the Konkan, a narrow strip of land
between the Western Ghats and the sea, and the areas which gave access to it.
• It was extremely fertile, and included within it the port of Goa which was an important outlet for the
products of the region, as well as for the import of horses from Iran and Iraq.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2 | Difficulty Level: Medium

23) Consider the following statements about the Vijayanagara Empire:


1. Harihara II followed the policy of expansion towards the eastern sea coast.
2. Harihara II was able to maintain his position against the Bahmani and Warangal kingdoms.
3. Deva Raya I was defeated by Firuz Shah and paid ten lakhs of huns, pearls, and elephants as an in-
demnity.

How many of the statement(s) above is/are not correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• After eliminating the Sultanate of Madurai, the Vijayanagara empire embarked upon a policy of expan-
sion towards the eastern sea coast under Harihara II (1377–1404).
• There were a series of Hindu principalities in the region, the most notable being the Reddis on the upper
reaches of the delta, and the rulers of Warangal in the lower reaches of the Krishna–Godavari delta.
• The rulers of Orissa to the north, as well as the Bahmani sultans were also interested in this area.

Statement 2 is correct
• Harihara II was able to maintain his position in the face of the Bahmani–Warangal efforts.
• His greatest success was in wresting Belgaum and Goa in the west from the Bahmani kingdom.
• He also sent an expedition to north Sri Lanka.
Statement 3 is correct
• Harihara II was succeeded by Deva Raya I (1404–1422).
• Early in his reign, he was defeated by the Bahmani ruler Firuz Shah in the struggle for the Tungabhadra
doab.
• He had to pay ten lakhs of huns and pearls and elephants as an indemnity.
• He also agreed to marry his daughter to the sultan.

Answer: (d) None | Difficulty Level: Hard

24) The Thanjavur Brihadeshwara Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1987. Which of these is the correct name of the World Heritage Site that
includes the temple?
a) Brihadeeswarar Temple Complex
b) Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
c) Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
d) Great Living Chola Temples

Explanation
• World Heritage Sites are a prestigious designation given by UNESCO to protect the cultural and natural
treasures of our world.
• The maintenance of the World Heritage List is overseen by UNESCO's World Heritage Programme,
which is led by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
• The committee consists of representatives from 21 states that are parties to the 1972 World Heritage
Convention.

Option (d) is correct


• The Great Living Chola Temples are a trio of ancient Hindu temples in South India that showcase the
architectural and artistic achievements of the Chola dynasty.
• The three temples are:
 The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I.
 The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, built by Rajendra Chola I.
 Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, built by Rajaraja II.
• The Great Living Chola Temples were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.

Option (a), (b) and (c) is incorrect


• Brihadisvara Temple Complex is included in Great Living Chola Temples.
• The Group of Monuments at Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the state of
Karnataka.
• It is known for its group of Hindu temples that date back to the 7th and 8th centuries CE in Chalukya
dynasty.
• One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Loka-
mahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.
• The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram were built during the reign of the Pallava kings, who
ruled the region from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE in present day Tamil Nadu.
• The group of monuments there consists of rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculp-
tures, and structural temples as well as the excavated remains of temples.

Answer: (d) Great Living Chola Temples | Difficulty Level: Very Easy

25) Consider the following statements about the Bhakti movement in medieval In-
dia:
1. The Alvars' devotional hymns and poems were collected in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham and were
devoted to Shiva.
2. The Nayanars' hymns and poems were collected in the Thirumurai and it was written in Sanskrit.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
• The Bhakti movement originated in the southern parts of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, during the
period of the 7th to 12th centuries CE.
• Gradually, the movement expanded its reach to the northern regions of the subcontinent, making its
presence felt in the 15th century CE.

Statement 1 is incorrect
• Alvars is a group of 12 Vaishnava saints from the Tamil region, who composed devotional songs and
poetry dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• The Alvars were active in the 7th-9th centuries CE, a period known as the Bhakti movement, which focused
on devotional worship of a personal God.
• Their devotional poetry, known as the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, is still widely sung in the temples of
South India and has a profound influence on Tamil literature and culture.
• It was composed in Tamil.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• The Nayanars, or Nayanmars, were another group of 63 saints and poets who were devoted to Lord
Shiva in the Shaivite tradition.
• Their literary works are known as the "Tirumurai," which is a collection of more than 4000 hymns in the
Tamil language.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 | Difficulty Level: Medium

26) With reference to the civilisation in Assam during the 6th century, consider the
following statements:
1. The Kamarupa kings adopted the title Varman, which means armour and symbolises a warrior.
2. The formation of a Varna society and the growth of Buddhism and Brahmanism in the form of
Shaivism and Vaishnavism were witnessed in this area.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Kamarupa, coterminous with the Brahmaputra basin running from east to west, shot into prominence
in the seventh century.
• Excavations, however, show settlements in Ambari near Guwahati from the fourth century of the Christian
era.
• In the same century Samudragupta received tributes from Davaka and Kamarupa.
• Davaka possibly accounted for a portion of Nowgong district, and Kamarupa covered the Brahmaputra
basin.
• The rulers who submitted to Samudragupta may have been chiefs living on the tributes collected from
the tribal peasantry.
• The Ambari excavations near Guwahati show that settlements were fairly developed in the sixth and sev-
enth centuries, and this is supported by inscriptions.
• By the beginning of the sixth century, the use of Sanskrit and the art of writing are clearly in evidence.
• The Kamarupa kings adopted the title varman, which was obtained not only in northern, central, and
western India but also in Bengal, Orissa, Andhra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• This title, which means armour and symbolizes a warrior, was given to the kshatriyas by Manu.
• In the seventh century Bhaskaravarman emerged as the head of a state which controlled a substantial
part of the Brahmaputra basin and some areas beyond it.
• Buddhism also acquired a foothold, and the Chinese traveller Hsuan Tsang (Hieun Tsang) visited this
state.

Statement 2 is correct
• For the first time, the fifth and sixth centuries clearly show large-scale writing, use of Sanskrit, formation
of a varna society, and the growth of Buddhism and Brahmanism in the form of Shaivism and Vaish-
navism in this area.
• Though the remnants of communal authority over land continued, there is evidence of private prop-
erty in land, and the use of gold coins with which it could be purchased.
• All this presupposes an advanced food producing economy. It was apparently based on iron plough-
share agriculture, wet paddy cultivation, and knowledge of a variety of crafts.
• Kalidasa refers to the transplantation of paddy seedlings in Vanga; but we do not know whether the
practice was indigenous or came from Magadha.
• North Bengal produced high quality sugarcane. All this made for sufficient agricultural production to
sustain both people and government, and fostered widespread rural settlements in such areas as were
either sparsely inhabited or unoccupied.
• A connected narrative of the princes and dynasties and their feudatories, all revolving around a central
power cannot be written, but there is no doubt about cultural evolution and the development of civiliza-
tion in the outlying provinces in the eastern zone.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 | Difficulty Level: Hard

27) Which one of the following was the first Turk who invaded India?
a) Mahmud Ghazni
b) Muhammed Ghori
c) Babur
d) None of the above

Explanation
Option (a) is correct
• The first Turkish invader of India was Mahmud of Ghazni.
• He was a prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire and conducted numerous raids into the Indian sub-
continent during his reign from 971 to 1030 AD.
• Mahmud of Ghazni is particularly known for his invasions of northern India, including the sacking of the
wealthy temple city of Somnath in Gujarat in 1025.
• These invasions had a significant impact on the political and cultural landscape of the region.
• His reign was marked by a series of military campaigns that extended his empire's reach from Iran to
northwestern India.
• Between 1000 and 1027 AD, Mahmud conducted 17 major invasions into the Indian subcontinent, tar-
geting wealthy cities and temples.
• His most notable raids included the sacking of Mathura and Kannauj, and the infamous destruction of
the Somnath temple in 1025 AD, which showcased both his pursuit of wealth and religious zeal.
• Beyond his military exploits, Mahmud was a patron of arts and literature, fostering a cultural renais-
sance in his empire and supporting scholars like the Persian poet Ferdowsi.
• His death in 1030 AD marked the beginning of the empire's gradual decline, but his legacy as a powerful
and controversial figure in South and Central Asian history endures.

Answer: (a) Mahmud Ghazni | Difficulty Level: Easy

28) With reference to the Rajput states, consider the following pairs:
Dynasty Location
1. Gahadavals Kannuaj
2. Paramaras Malwa
3. Chandellas Bundelkhand
4. Tomars Delhi

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
Pair 1 is correct
• The Gahadavalas were a prominent Rajput dynasty that ruled parts of northern India, particularly the
region around Kannauj, from the late 11th to the early 13th centuries.
• Origins: Their origin is somewhat obscure, but they likely emerged from the region around modern-day
Uttar Pradesh.
• Rise to Power: The Gahadavalas rose to prominence under the leadership of Chandradeva, who estab-
lished the dynasty's control over Kannauj around the mid-11th century.
• Chandradeva is considered the founder of the Gahadavala dynasty, and his reign marked the begin-
ning of a period of stability and prosperity for the region.
• Major Rulers:
 Chandradeva (around c. 1090 CE): Founding ruler of this dynasty who successfully wrested Delhi
from both the Pratiharas and the Rashtrakutas and annexed it to his state of Kannauj.
 Govindachandra (c. 1114–1155 AD): One of the most significant Gahadavala rulers, Govindachandra,
expanded the kingdom's territory and maintained its prosperity. He is known for his military prowess
and patronage of culture and religion. His reign is considered the zenith of Gahadavala power.
 Jayachandra (c. 1170–1194 AD): The last major ruler of the dynasty, Jayachandra, is often remem-
bered in legends and history. His reign ended with the significant defeat at the hands of Muhammad
of Ghor in the Battle of Chandawar in 1194, which marked the decline of Gahadavala power and
the beginning of Muslim rule in northern India.
• Decline: The defeat of Jayachandra by Muhammad of Ghor in 1194 marked the beginning of the end
for the Gahadavala dynasty.

Pair 2 is correct
• The Paramaras were a prominent Rajput dynasty that ruled the region of Malwa in central India from
the 9th to the 14th centuries.
• They are known for their contributions to Indian culture, literature, and architecture, and for their
resilience in maintaining their sovereignty amidst the political turbulence of medieval India.
• Origins: The Paramaras, also known as Parmars, claimed descent from the legendary Agnikula Rajputs,
who were said to have originated from a fire pit on Mount Abu.
• They were initially vassals of the Rashtrakutas but gradually established their independence.
• Establishment of Rule: The dynasty’s founder, Upendra (also known as Krishnaraja), established the
Paramara kingdom in Malwa around the early 9th century.
• The capital was initially at Ujjain and later shifted to Dhara (modern-day Dhar).
• Major Rulers:
 Siyaka II (c. 949–972 AD): Siyaka II was a significant ruler who asserted the independence of the
Paramaras from the Rashtrakutas by defeating them in battle. He laid the foundation for the dyn-
asty’s future expansion and consolidation.
 Bhoja (c. 1010–1055 AD): Bhoja is the most celebrated ruler of the Paramara dynasty. His reign is
considered a golden age for Malwa.
• Bhoja was not only a formidable warrior but also a great scholar, credited with authoring numerous
works on various subjects including medicine, astronomy, and poetics.
• The Bhojeshwar Temple in Bhojpur, near Bhopal, is a testament to his architectural vision.
• Decline: The decline of the Paramaras began in the late 12th century due to repeated invasions by the
Chalukyas, the Delhi Sultanate, and other regional powers.
• The final blow came in the early 14th century when Malwa was conquered by the Khilji dynasty of the
Delhi Sultanate.

Pair 3 is correct
• The Chandellas were a significant Rajput dynasty that ruled over the region of Bundelkhand in central
India, from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
• The first significant ruler of the Chandella dynasty was Nannuka, who established the kingdom around
the mid-9th century. The capital was initially at Mahoba, and later Khajuraho became an important
cultural and religious center.
• Major Rulers:
 Shri Harsha (c. 905–925 AD): He was one of the early rulers who consolidated the Chandella king-
dom and expanded its territory. He laid the foundation for the future prosperity of the dynasty.
 Yashovarman (c. 925–950 AD): Under Yashovarman, the Chandellas expanded their influence signif-
icantly. He is credited with initiating the construction of the Khajuraho temples, which later rulers
continued.
 Dhanga (c. 950–1002 AD): Dhanga was a powerful and influential ruler whose reign marked the
zenith of Chandella power. He expanded the kingdom, maintained diplomatic relations with other
regional powers, and continued the construction of temples at Khajuraho.
• Decline: The decline of the Chandella dynasty began in the late 12th century due to internal strife, suc-
cession disputes, and external invasions.
• The final blow came with the invasion of the Delhi Sultanate in the early 13th century. The Chandellas
continued to rule as minor chieftains for a while but never regained their former power.

Pair 4 is correct
• The Tomars were a Rajput dynasty that played a significant role in the history of Delhi and the surround-
ing regions during the early medieval period.
• The Tomar dynasty is believed to have established their rule in the Delhi region around the early 9th
century. Anangpal I is often credited as the founder of the Tomar dynasty in Delhi.
• Major Rulers
 Anangpal I (c. 736–792 AD): Anangpal I is considered the first significant ruler of the Tomar dynasty.
He established his rule in the Delhi region and laid the foundations for the future growth and pros-
perity of the city.
 Anangpal II (c. 1051–1081 AD): Anangpal II, also known as Anangpal Tomar, is the most celebrated
ruler of the Tomar dynasty. He is credited with fortifying Delhi and constructing the Lal Kot, which
served as a stronghold and marked the expansion of the city. Anangpal II is also associated with the
legendary Iron Pillar in Delhi, which bears inscriptions that some scholars believe reference him.
• Decline: The decline of the Tomar dynasty began in the late 11th century. The increasing pressure from
neighboring dynasties and internal strife weakened their hold over the region.
• Eventually, the Chauhans (Chauhans) of Ajmer, under the leadership of Prithviraj Chauhan, took con-
trol of Delhi, marking the end of Tomar rule.

Answer: (d) All four | Difficulty Level: Hard

29) With reference to the Rajput dynasty, consider the following statements:
1. Bhimdev I, the Solanki ruler, built the Sun Temple at Modhera.
2. Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Mahmood Ghazni in the first battle of Tarain.
3. Maha Rana Udai Singh of the Sisodia dynasty, founded Udaipur city.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Bhimdev I, also known as Bhima I, was a significant ruler of the Solanki (Chaulukya) dynasty, which
ruled parts of present-day Gujarat and Rajasthan during the medieval period.
• His reign, spanning from approximately 1022 to 1064 AD, is particularly noted for the construction of
the Sun Temple at Modhera, a masterpiece of Indian temple architecture.
• Architectural Features: The Sun Temple at Modhera is renowned for its intricate carvings, architectural
grandeur, and precise alignment with the solar calendar.
• The temple complex consists of three main components: the Gudhamandapa (the shrine hall), the Sa-
bhamandapa (the assembly hall), and the Kunda (the sacred reservoir).
 Gudhamandapa: The main shrine, where the idol of Surya was originally placed, is a marvel of archi-
tectural design, adorned with detailed carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
 Sabhamandapa: This assembly hall features an exquisitely carved interior with 52 intricately carved
pillars representing the 52 weeks of the year.
 Surya Kunda: this stepwell served as a ceremonial tank for devotees to perform ablutions before
entering the temple. The kunda is surrounded by numerous small shrines and intricately carved steps.
Image Source: Gujrat Tourism

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Prithviraj Chauhan, a famous Rajput king, was not defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni. Instead, Prithviraj
Chauhan is known for his battles with Muhammad of Ghor (also known as Muhammad Ghori).
• Prithviraj Chauhan: Prithviraj III, popularly known as Prithviraj Chauhan, was a ruler of the Chauhan
dynasty. He ruled over the regions of Delhi and Ajmer in the late 12th century.
• Muhammad of Ghor: Muhammad of Ghor was a ruler from the Ghurid dynasty who sought to expand
his territory into northern India.
• Battles between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad of Ghor:
 First Battle of Tarain (1191 AD): In this battle, Prithviraj Chauhan successfully defeated Muham-
mad of Ghor. The battle took place near the town of Tarain (modern-day Taraori in Haryana).
Prithviraj's forces, consisting of Rajput warriors, decisively defeated the Ghurid army, and Muhammad
of Ghor was forced to retreat.
 Second Battle of Tarain (1192 AD): This battle occurred the following year, in 1192 AD. Muhammad
of Ghor returned with a larger and better-prepared army. In this battle, Prithviraj Chauhan was de-
feated. The defeat at the Second Battle of Tarain was significant as it marked the beginning of Muslim
rule in northern India. Prithviraj was captured and later executed, and Muhammad of Ghor established
his dominance over the region.
Statement 3 is correct
• Maharana Udai Singh II, a significant ruler of the Sisodiya dynasty, is best known for founding the city
of Udaipur in the mid-16th century.
• Born on August 4, 1522, he was the son of Maharana Sangram Singh, famously known as Rana Sanga, a
revered warrior-king of Mewar.
• Udai Singh's early years were marked by internal family strife and external threats, but he eventually
ascended the throne of Mewar in 1540 after the death of his predecessor and cousin, Rana Ratan Singh
II.
• His reign faced considerable challenges, particularly from the expanding Mughal Empire under Emperor
Akbar. In 1567, Akbar besieged the capital city of Chittorgarh, leading to its fall.
• To preserve his lineage and the Rajput resistance, Udai Singh strategically retreated, a move that later
proved crucial for the survival and resurgence of Mewar. Anticipating further Mughal threats, Udai Singh
founded the city of Udaipur in 1559.
• The city quickly developed into a political, cultural, and commercial hub, renowned for its scenic beauty,
palaces, and lakes, including the iconic Lake Pichola.
• Udai Singh's legacy extended beyond his death on February 28, 1572, as his son, Maharana Pratap,
continued the fierce resistance against Mughal domination, becoming a legendary figure in Rajput his-
tory.
• The foundation of Udaipur marked the beginning of significant architectural and cultural achievements
in the region.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

30) With reference to the Rajput kingdom, consider the following statements:
1. The term Suryavanshi, “House of Sun”, was considered as descended from Lord Ram.
2. The term Chandravanshi, “House of Moon” was considered as descended from Lord Krishna

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Rajputs are classified into different lineages, or vansh, with the Suryavanshi, or "House of the Sun,"
being one of the most prominent.
• The Suryavanshi Rajputs traces their descent from Surya, the Sun God, and specifically from Lord Rama,
a revered deity in Hindu religion.
• The term "Suryavanshi" combines "Surya" (Sun) and "vanshi" (lineage).
• His father, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, was also a Suryavanshi king. The Suryavanshi lineage provided
Rajput rulers with a divine heritage, enhancing their legitimacy and emphasizing their roles as protec-
tors of dharma.
Statement 2 is correct
• Chandravanshi, meaning "House of the Moon," denotes a lineage that traces its descent from the
Moon God, Chandra.
• This prestigious lineage is particularly renowned for its association with Lord Krishna, one of the most
revered deities in Hindu religion and the central figure of the Mahabharata.
• The term "Chandravanshi" combines "Chandra" (Moon) and "vanshi" (lineage). According to Hindu
tradition, the Chandravanshi dynasty originates from Chandra, and many legendary kings and heroes
belong to this lineage.
• The Chandravanshi lineage provided its rulers with a divine heritage, enhancing their prestige and legiti-
mizing their rule.
• The Chandravanshi Rajputs, by claiming descent from Lord Krishna, underscored their connection to his
virtues of righteousness, valour, and devotion.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2 | Difficulty Level: Very Easy

31) Consider the following pairs:


Books Authors
1. Rajatarangini Jayadeva
2. Gita Govindam Kalhana
3. Prithviraj Raso Chand Bardai
4. Katha Saritsagar Somadeva

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
Pair 1 is incorrect
• "Rajatarangini," meaning "The River of Kings," is a historical chronicle written by the Kashmiri histo-
rian Kalhana in the 12th century.
• Composed in Sanskrit, this extensive work provides a detailed account of the history of Kashmir from its
legendary origins to the time of its writing.
• "Rajatarangini" is composed of approximately 7,826 verses, divided into eight books, or tarangas
("waves").
• It traces the lineage and exploits of the rulers of Kashmir, starting from the mythical and semi-mythical
rulers to the contemporary kings of Kalhana’s time.
• The chronicle begins with the legendary reigns, including that of Gonanda I, believed to be a contempo-
rary of the Kurukshetra War (Mahabharata era).

Pair 2 is incorrect
• "Gita Govindam," also known as the "Song of the Cowherd," is a lyrical masterpiece composed by the
12th-century Indian poet Jayadeva in Sanskrit.
• This poetic work consists of 12 chapters, each containing 24 verses known as "Prabandhas." At its heart,
"Gita Govindam" vividly portrays the divine and passionate love between Lord Krishna, depicted as a
cowherd, and Radha, his beloved consort.
• Jayadeva's composition is renowned for its exquisite literary style, characterized by rich poetic imagery,
intricate metaphors, and a rhythmic structure that lends itself to musical rendition.

Pair 3 is correct
• "Prithviraj Raso," composed by Chand Bardai, is a celebrated epic poem in medieval Hindi literature
that chronicles the life and heroic deeds of Prithviraj Chauhan, a legendary Rajput king.
• The poem is a tribute to his bravery, valor, and leadership. It vividly recounts Prithviraj's upbringing, his
ascension to the throne of Delhi, and his military campaigns, notably his rivalry with Muhammad Ghori,
the Afghan ruler.
• The narrative is interspersed with romantic episodes, prominently featuring Prithviraj's love for Princess
Sanyogita of Kannauj, which adds depth to the portrayal of his character.
• "Prithviraj Raso" is renowned for its poetic richness and detailed descriptions of battles, courtly life, and
the cultural milieu of medieval India.

Pair 4 is correct
• The "Kathasaritsagara," composed by Somadeva in the 11th century, is a sprawling Sanskrit epic known
for its vast collection of stories and legends.
• Translating to "Ocean of the Streams of Stories," this work is a retelling and compilation of ancient
Indian folklore, fables, and narratives. It spans eighteen books (or Lambakas) and over 22,000 verses,
making it one of the most extensive compilations of its kind in Indian literature.
• The tales within "Kathasaritsagara" cover a wide range of themes, including love, adventure, magic, mo-
rality, and satire.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium


32) Consider the following statements:
1. Mughal painting reached its climax under Akbar.
2. Under Jahangir, European painting was introduced at the court by the Portuguese priests.
3. Mosque-building reached its climax under Shah Jahan.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Under the reign of Jahangir (1605-1627), Mughal painting reached its zenith as a refined and expres-
sive art form.
• Jahangir, known for his keen interest in the arts and culture, continued and expanded upon the artistic
traditions established by his father, Akbar.
• Mughal painting during Jahangir's era further refined the techniques of realism and naturalism, while
also incorporating elements of romance, mysticism, and the beauty of the natural world.
• The use of ‘Halo’ or ‘Divine lights’ behind the king’s head started under him.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Under Akbar's reign in the late 16th century, European painting made its first significant appearance at
the Mughal court, facilitated by the presence of Portuguese Jesuit priests in India.
• These priests, known for their missionary activities and interactions with local rulers, introduced European
artistic techniques and themes to the Mughal artists.
• European paintings, often religious in nature, depicted scenes from Christian theology and biblical
narratives, reflecting the cultural exchange and artistic curiosity prevalent during Akbar's era of syncre-
tism and openness to diverse influences.
• This introduction marked an early phase of cross-cultural artistic exchange that would influence Mughal
painting, contributing to its evolution and eventual synthesis with indigenous Indian and Persian artistic
traditions.

Statement 3 is correct
• During the reign of Shah Jahan (1628-1658), mosque-building reached its pinnacle as a significant
architectural and religious endeavour within the Mughal Empire.
• Shah Jahan, known for his patronage of grand architectural projects, commissioned the construction of
several iconic mosques across the empire.
• The most famous among them is the Jama Masjid in Delhi, completed in 1656, which stands as one of
the largest and most impressive mosques in India.
• Designed by architect Ustad Khalil, the Jama Masjid exemplifies Shah Jahan's architectural vision with its
imposing red sandstone structure, marble domes, and intricate carvings that blend Persian, Islamic,
and Indian architectural styles seamlessly.
• Other notable mosques built during Shah Jahan's reign include the Moti Masjid in Agra and the Shah
Jahan Mosque in Thatta, showcasing his commitment to religious architecture as a symbol of imperial
power and piety.
• Shah Jahan's patronage of mosque-building not only enriched the architectural landscape of the Mughal
Empire but also reinforced the significance of mosques as centres of worship, education, and community
life during the 17th century in India.

Answer: (c) 3 only | Difficulty Level: Medium

33) Consider the following pairs:


Book Author
1. Tuzuk-i-Baburi Babur
2. Humayun Nama Gulbadan Begum
3. Akbar Nama Abul Fazl
4. Muntakhab-ul-Tawarikh Badauni

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
Pair 1 is correct
• The "Tuzuk-i-Baburi," or Babur Nama, is an autobiographical memoir written by Zahir-ud-din Mu-
hammad Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India.
• Composed originally in Chagatai Turkic, Babur's native language, it chronicles his life from his early up-
bringing in Central Asia to his conquests and establishment of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcon-
tinent.
• The Babur Nama provides vivid descriptions of Babur's military campaigns, political strategies, cul-
tural encounters, and personal reflections.
• It stands as a valuable primary source for understanding the 16th-century political landscape of Cen-
tral Asia and India, offering insights into Babur's ambitions, challenges, and the cultural milieu of the time.
Pair 2 is correct
• The "Humayun-Nama" is a work written by the Gulbadan Begum.
• Written in Persian, the Humayun-Nama recounts Humayun's early life, his accession to the throne, and
the tumultuous events that marked his reign, including his exile and eventual return to power.
• The text provides valuable insights into the political intrigues, military campaigns, and cultural develop-
ments of the Mughal Empire during the mid-16th century.

Pair 3 is correct
• The Akbar-Nama is official chronicle of the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, written by his court
historian and biographer, Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak.
• Completed in Persian between 1590 and 1596, the Akbar-Nama spans the first 40 years of Akbar's rule,
providing a comprehensive narrative of his conquests, administrative reforms, religious policies, and cul-
tural achievements.
• As a primary source, the Akbar-Nama remains essential for understanding the political, social, and cultural
dynamics of the Mughal Empire during its zenith in the late 16th century.

Pair 4 is correct
• "Muntakhab-ul-Tawarikh," meaning "Selected Chronicles," is a historical work compiled by the Persian
historian and scholar, Al-Badaoni, during the 16th century.
• Completed in 1595, it covers the history of India from ancient times up to the reign of the Mughal Em-
peror Akbar.
• Al-Badaoni drew upon various historical sources and his own observations to provide a detailed account
of political events, socio-cultural developments, and the lives of rulers and notable figures in India.
• It serves as an important source for understanding the political landscape and cultural exchanges in India
during the Mughal era.

Answer: (d) All four | Difficulty Level: Hard

34) In the context of Mughal India, for what are Daswant, Baswan, and Mansur re-
nowned?
a) Philosophers
b) Painters
c) Military commander's
d) Accountants

Explanation
• During the reign of Akbar (1556-1605), Mughal painting underwent a significant transformation, mark-
ing a golden age in Indian art history.
• Akbar was a patron of the arts and actively promoted a cultural renaissance at his court in Fatehpur Sikri
and later in Agra.
• Mughal painting during this period was characterized by its synthesis of Persian, Indian, and European
artistic influences, resulting in a distinctive style that blended realism with rich symbolism and vibrant
colours.
• Under Akbar's patronage, the Mughal atelier attracted talented artists from across the subcontinent, Per-
sia, and Central Asia.
• These artists, including notable figures like Basawan, Daswant, and Mansur, brought diverse techniques
and themes to Mughal painting.
• The atelier flourished with the development of illustrated manuscripts, historical chronicles such as
the "Akbar-Nama," and single-sheet miniatures depicting court scenes, hunting expeditions, portraits,
and religious themes.
• These works reflected Akbar's cosmopolitan outlook and his efforts to create a visual narrative of his
reign and the diversity of his empire.
• One of the notable features of Mughal painting under Akbar was its naturalistic depiction of human
figures and landscapes, influenced by European Renaissance art.
• Artists paid meticulous attention to detail, portraying emotions and personalities through facial expres-
sions and gestures.
• The use of perspective, shading, and the depiction of architectural and natural elements also evolved,
contributing to the realism and depth of Mughal miniature paintings.

Answer: (b) Painters | Difficulty Level: Easy

35) With reference to Chola Empire, consider the following statements:


1. The Arabian Sea came to be known as the ‘Chola Lake.’
2. Kamban, who wrote Ramayana in Tamil, was in the court of Cholas.
3. The Uttaramerur inscription gives information about the Local Self Government.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• The Bay of Bengal came to be known as the ‘Chola Lake.’
• The Chola Empire, under the reign of Rajaraja Chola I and his successors, achieved significant maritime
success. They extended their influence over the Indian Ocean, including parts of Southeast Asia and
even launched naval expeditions against the Srivijaya Empire.
• Despite their naval prowess, there is no historical documentation or widespread reference to the Arabian
Sea being called the ‘Chola Lake.’
• This term is not found in the literature, inscriptions, or historical accounts from that period or later.

Statement 2 is correct
• Kamban, who wrote Ramayana in Tamil, was in the court of Cholas.
• He was a renowned Tamil poet who composed the Kambaramayanam, a Tamil rendition of the Rama-
yana.
• While there is some ambiguity regarding the exact Chola king who patronized him, it is widely accepted
that Kamban lived during the Chola period. Various sources suggest that he was a part of the cultural
milieu supported by the Chola kings.
• Some sources attribute Kamban’s patronage to Kulottunga Chola I. However, there is no definitive evi-
dence that directly links him to any specific Chola monarch, though he was undoubtedly influenced by
the Chola era's cultural richness.

Statement 3 is correct
• Uttaramerur inscription gives information about Local Self Government.
• It is located in the village of Uttaramerur in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.
• Dating back to around the 10th century CE during the reign of Parantaka Chola I, the inscription is a
remarkable record of the administrative and electoral practices of the Chola period.
• The inscription provides detailed guidelines for the functioning of the village assembly (sabha).
• It outlines:
 Electoral Process: The system called kudavolai (drawing lots from a pot) for electing members to
the assembly.
 Qualifications for Candidates: Specific criteria including property ownership, age, knowledge of Ve-
das, and moral character.
 Committee Structure: Detailed descriptions of various committees, their functions, and responsibil-
ities.
 Governance: It highlights the democratic nature of local governance in Chola villages, emphasizing
transparency, accountability, and systematic administration.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

36) Consider the following pairs:

King Title/Known for


1. Vijayalaya Founder of the Imperial Cholas

2. Rajendra I Maduraikonda Chola

3. Parantaka I Gangaikondachola

How many of the above pair(s) is/are not correctly matched?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Pair 1 is correct
• Vijayalaya
 He is the founder of the Chola empire in 850 CE.
 He was earlier a feudatory of the Pallavas.
 He established his power in the area around Eraiyur, captured Tanjore and extended his kingdom
along the lower Kaveri.

Pair 2 is incorrect
• Rajendra I
 Son of Rajaraja I, who carried forward his father’s expansionist policy and continued the Chola ter-
ritorial expansion.
 He completed the victory over Ceylon by defeating the Sri Lanka king Mahinda V. The royal insignia
of the king and the queen of Sri Lanka were captured and established Chola control for another 50
years.
 He completely overran Pandyas and Cheras and included them in his empire.
 In 1022 CE, he led an expedition to the north, crossed the Ganga following the same route which
was taken by the great conqueror Samudragupta and defeated the Pala ruler, Mahipal I and the
Western Chalukyas.
 To commemorate this occasion, he assumed the title of Gangaikondachola (meaning ‘the Chola con-
queror of Ganga’) and established a new capital named Gangaikondacholapuram (meaning ‘the
city of the Chola conqueror of the Ganga’) near the mouth of the river Kaveri.
 He built a Shiva temple here and excavated a tank called Chodagarg.

Pair 3 is incorrect
• Parantaka I
 Won several victories with the help of his allies such as the Western Gangas, the Kodumbalur chiefs
and the ruler of Kerala.
 He captured Madurai and took the title of Madurantaka (destroyer of Madurai) and Maduraikonda
(capturer of Madurai).
 At the famous battle of Vellur, he defeated the combined armies of the Pandyas and the king of Sri
Lanka and thus Pandya territories became a part of the Chola empire.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Easy

37) Consider the following Heritage Sites:


1. Shore Temple
2. Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur
3. Kailashnath Temple at Kanchi

How many of the above is/are built by the Imperial Cholas?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Shore Temple is incorrect
• Shore Temple is located at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• It was built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, around 700-728 AD.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS): Part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram since 1984.
• The Shore Temple is one of the earliest and finest examples of Dravidian temple architecture.
• King Narasimhavarman II: Constructed under the patronage of this Pallava king, also known as Ra-
jasimha.
• Mahabalipuram was an important port city during ancient times.
• Dravidian architecture, characterized by pyramidal towers and intricate carvings.
• Granite is the material used, which has weathered the sea air for centuries.
• Two Main Shrines: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur is correct


• Ruler: Raja Raja Chola I
• Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjore constructed in dravidian style with a prominent vimana.
• UNESCO WHS: Part of the Great Living Chola Temples
• Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
• Deity of the temple is Shiva as a lingam.
• Granite is the material used for construction.
• Vimana (Tower): One of the tallest in the world at about 66 meters (216 feet).
• Shikhara: Monolithic dome weighing approximately 80 tons.
• Nandi: Gigantic monolithic statue of Nandi (sacred bull) at the entrance.
• Gopuram: Large and ornate gateway towers.

Kailashnath Temple at Kanchi is incorrect


• Kailashnath Temple is in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• Built By Pallava King Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
• Dravidian style is evident in the architecture.
• Material used is Sandstone.
• Vimana (Tower): Pyramid-shaped tower over the sanctum
• Main Deity of the temple is Shiva.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Medium

38) Imperial Cholas were the feudatories of which among the following dynasties?
a) The Chera
b) The Chalukya
c) The Pallava
d) The Rashtrakuta

Explanation
• The Cholas, famous in Indian history for their local self-government, founded a mighty empire in south-
ern India during c. 850−1200 CE by Vijayalaya.
• The Cholas came to power after over throwing the authority of the Pallavas in South India.
• The relationship between these Cholas, called the ‘Imperial Cholas of Tanjore’, with the earlier Cholas
mentioned in Sangam literature is not very clear.
• This empire brought under its control a large part of the peninsula.
• They developed a strong navy, which further aided them to develop sea trade in the Indian Ocean and
to conquer Sri Lanka and the Maldives Islands.
• They also defeated the kings of Malaya, Java, and Sumatra.

Answer: (c) Pallava | Difficulty Level: Easy

39) ‘Idangai’ and ‘Valangai’ in Chola empire is related to which among the follow-
ing?
a) Land types
b) Caste groupings
c) Bonded labour
d) Different types of tax

Explanation
• The Chola society was divided on caste lines and the status of the Paraiyar (untouchables) continued
to be pathetic.
• A crucial and unique development was the emergence of a supra caste dichotomy known as
 Idangai (left hand caste groupings): Consisted mainly artisanal and trading groups.
 Valangai (right hand caste groupings): Consisted mainly of agricultural groups.
• Initially, these were not antagonistic to each other but gradually an element of conflict emerged between
the two caste groupings.

Answer: (b) Caste groupings | Difficulty Level: Hard

40) Consider the following dynasties:


1. The Pandyas
2. The Cheras
3. The Chalukyas
4. The Lambakannas

How many of the above was/were contemporary(s) of Imperial Cholas?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
• Imperial Cholas: A powerful South Indian dynasty that ruled from the 9th to the 13th century AD, reaching
their zenith under Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I.

Option 1 is correct
• Pandyas (6th to 14th century):
 Region: Southern Tamil Nadu.
 Relations with Cholas: Frequent conflicts and alliances; Pandyas were often subdued but later re-
emerged as significant rivals.
 Cultural Contributions: Known for the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Option 2 is correct
• Cheras (3rd to 12th century):
 Region: Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
 Relations with Cholas: Periodic warfare and competition over control of trade routes and territory.
 Cultural Contributions: Significant contributions to Tamil literature and architecture.

Option 3 is correct
• Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas):
• Region: Western Deccan (modern-day Karnataka), from 543 to 757CE and then again from 975 to
1189 CE.
• Relations with Cholas: Frequent conflicts and rivalry over dominance in the Deccan.
• Cultural Contributions: Prominent in temple architecture, such as the temples at Badami and Ai-
hole.
• Eastern Chalukyas:
 Region: Vengi (Andhra Pradesh) from 7th to 12th Century.
 Relations with Cholas: Initially independent, later allied and integrated into the Chola empire through
marriage alliances.
 Cultural Contributions: Played a significant role in the cultural and administrative framework of the
Chola empire.

Option 4 is correct
• Lambakannas (Lambakanna Dynasty):
 A dynasty that ruled parts of Sri Lanka, primarily during the medieval period.
 Region: Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka.
 Period: They were prominent in Sri Lankan history, especially from the 7th to the 11th century AD.

Answer: (d) All four | Difficulty Level: Easy

41) Which among the following correctly represents the Chola administrative units
in ascending order?
a) Nadu- Valanadu- Mandalam
b) Mandalam- Nadu- Valanadu
c) Valanadu- Nadu- Mandalam
d) Mandalam- Valanadu- Nadu

Explanation
• The Chola empire known as Rajyam or Rastrayam was divided into eight/nine mandalams (provinces)
each governed by a governor/ Viceroys, who were generally princes of the royal blood or of noble fami-
lies.
• Officials were generally paid by giving them assignments of revenue-bearing lands.
• Some of the provinces were formed of principalities which had been annexed by the Cholas and some
were the territories of the vassal princes, who paid tribute and rendered service to the king in emergent
situations.
• The provinces were further divided into Kottams or Valanadus which were again divided into Nadus
(districts), each of which again consisted of a number of autonomous villages that played a key role in
the Chola administration system.
• The administration was also greatly facilitated by the shrenis or pugas (guilds), which were like some
autonomous corporate organisations having persons belonging to the same craft.

Answer: (a) Nadu- Valanadu- Mandalam | Difficulty Level: Easy

42) Consider the following statements about the Rajendra Chola I naval expedition:
1. Statement-I: Rajendra Chola I led successful naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, including the
Srivijaya Empire.
2. Statement-II: These expeditions were primarily aimed at establishing trade dominance and expanding
maritime influence.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?


a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for State-
ment-I.
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
Statement-I.
c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

Explanation
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement
I.
• Rajendra Chola I (reigned c. 1014–1044 CE) was a powerful ruler of the Chola dynasty in southern India.
• He is known for his military conquests and expansionist policies.
• One of the most significant aspects of his reign was his naval expeditions, particularly his campaign
against the Srivijaya Empire in Southeast Asia around 1025 CE.
• The Srivijaya Empire, centered in present-day Indonesia and Malaysia, was a dominant maritime and
commercial power in the region.
• The primary motivations behind Rajendra Chola I’s naval expeditions were to control and secure lucra-
tive maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
• By challenging and subduing the Srivijaya Empire, Rajendra Chola I aimed to disrupt their monopoly
over these trade routes, thereby boosting the Chola Empire's economic prospects.
• Apart from economic benefits, these expeditions also aimed at projecting Chola power and influence
across the seas. Establishing Chola dominance in maritime trade and military prowess helped in solidify-
ing their reputation as a formidable empire.
• Through these expeditions, the Chola Empire not only enhanced its economic stature but also extended
its cultural and diplomatic influence in the region, creating a network of alliances and tributary states.
• Historical records, including inscriptions like the Thiruvalangadu plates and the larger Leyden grant,
document these expeditions.
• The inscriptions describe Rajendra Chola I’s successful naval raids on the Srivijaya kingdom and other
parts of Southeast Asia, highlighting the extent and effectiveness of his naval campaigns.

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation
for Statement-I. | Difficulty Level: Easy

43) With reference to medieval Indian history, the term ‘Munhiyans’ refers to:
a) Irrigation system
b) Land measurement
c) Secret spies
d) Coins issued by the Delhi Sultanate

Explanation
• The Munhiyans in medieval India were local spies or informers employed by the state to gather intelli-
gence on various aspects of society, particularly regarding the activities of local officials and other influ-
ential people.
• They played a crucial role in maintaining the administrative and military apparatus of the state by provid-
ing essential information.
• Intelligence officer was called as barids during Delhi Sultanate period.
• Administrative officers of the Sultanate period
 Wazir: The prime minister heading the Diwan-i- Wizarat.
 Mustaufi-i-Mamalik: He was the auditor general responsible for state expenditure.
 Mushrif-i- Mamalik: He was the incharge of accounts and receipts.
 Majumdar: Preserved the record of loans advanced by the government.
 Qazi-ul-Qazat: Lord Chief Justice
 Barids: Spies

Answer: (c) Secret spies | Difficulty Level: Medium

44) With reference to Delhi Sultanate, which of the following statement is not cor-
rect:
a) Alauddin Khilji gave Amir Khusru the title “Tuti-i-Hind" (Parrot of India).
b) Alauddin was the first Sultan to establish a large permanent standing army, which he paid for with
cash from the royal treasury.
c) Jalaluddin Khilji gives Alauddin Khilji the title of Sikander-i-Azam for his victory over Deccan.
d) To control the prices, Alauddin set up three different markets for different commodities in Delhi.

Explanation
Statement (c) is not correct regarding Delhi Sultanate
• Alauddin Khilji himself adopted the title of Sikander-i-Azam, it is not given by Jalaluddin Khilji.
• Alauddin Khilji was appointed as Amir-i-Tuzuk (Master of Ceremonies) and Ariz-i-Mumalik (Minister
of War) by Jalaluddin Khilji.
• Ala-ud-din, was nephew and son-in-law of Jalaluddin Khilji, who was appointed governor of Kara, in-
vaded Malwa and launched a campaign to raid Devagiri, the capital city of the Yadava kingdom in
Deccan.
• On his return, he arranged to get Jalaluddin Khilji murdered and captured the throne.

Statement (a) is correct regarding Delhi Sultanate


• Alauddin Khilji gave Amir Khusrau the title of Tuti-i-Hind (Parrot of India).
• Amir Khusrau wrote Khazain Ul Futuh (in Persian) records the victories of Alauddin Khilji.

Statement (b) is correct regarding Delhi Sultanate


• Military Reforms of Alauddin Khilji:
 Alauddin was the first Sultan to establish a large permanent standing army, which he paid for
with cash from the royal treasury.
 He established an innovative Chehra and Dagh System, in which the Chehra (full description of each
soldier) and Dagh (Horse branding) were preserved.

Statement (d) is correct regarding Delhi Sultanate


• Market Reforms:
 Alauddin wanted to maintain a large army; he, therefore, lowered and fixed the price of the commod-
ities of daily use.
 To control the prices, Alauddin set up three different markets for different commodities in Delhi:
grain market (Mandi), cloth market (Sarai Adl) and the market for horses, slaves, cattle, etc.
 To ensure implementation, Alauddin appointed a superintendent (Shahna-i-Mandi) who was as-
sisted by an intelligence officer.
 Alauddin received daily reports of the market from Barid (intelligence officer) and munhiyans (se-
cret spies).
 Diwan-i-Riyasat, a separate department, was established under the command of Naib-i-Riyasat.
Every merchant was registered with the Market Department.

Answer: (c) Jalaluddin Khilji gives Alauddin Khilji the title of Sikander-i-Azam for his victory over
Deccan. | Difficulty Level: Medium

45) With reference to the Delhi Sultanate, consider the following statements:
Division Head
1. Shiqs Wali
2. Pargana Muqtis
3. Iqtas Amil

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
All pairs are incorrect
• Under the Delhi Sultanate, the administration was highly organized, with the Sultan serving as the head
of the empire, accompanied by the Wazir, who served as the finance minister. Five additional ministers
were appointed to ensure efficient administration.
• Iqtas, the provinces under the Delhi Sultanate were initially under the dominion of the nobles.
• Muqtis or Walis was the name given to the governors of the provinces and were responsible for main-
taining law and order and collecting the land revenue.

• The provinces were further divided into Shiqs, which was under the control of the Shiqdar.
• The Shiqs were further divided into Pargana, comprising a number of villages and was headed by the
Amil.
• The village remained the basic unit of administration and its headman was called Chaudhri or
Muqaddam.

Answer: (d) None | Difficulty Level: Hard

46) With reference to the medieval Indian history ‘Grahi’ and ‘Chari’ were related to:
a) Type of taxes
b) Detailed description about soldiers and branding of horses
c) Village and group of villages
d) Medieval period women poets

Explanation
• Grahi was house tax imposed by Alauddin Khilji.
• He also imposed tax on pasture land called Chari.
• He was the first Sultan of Delhi who ordered for the measurement of land.
• Land revenue was collected in cash in order to enable the Sultan to pay the soldiers in cash.
• The state officials measured the cultivated land and fixed land revenue accordingly.
• Biswa was the standard unit of measurement.
• State demand was one fifth of the produce and along with it house tax (Grahi) and pasture tax (Chari)
were imposed, but Kismat-i-Khuti (Headman’s cess) was abolished.
• Even the big landlords could not escape from paying land tax.
• His land revenue reforms provided a basis for the future reforms of Sher Shah and Akbar.
• He centralised administration and even confiscated religious endowments and free lands (Inam and
Wakt).

Answer: (a) Type of taxes | Difficulty Level: Easy

47) With reference to the medieval Indian history, consider the following state-
ments:
1. Mahmud Ghazni defeated Anandpal in the first Battle of Waihind.
2. Mahmud Ghazni patronised Al Biruni and Firdausi.
3. Mahmud Gazni appointed Muhammad Ghori as the governor of India while leaving India.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Mahmud of Ghazni (c.998–1030 CE) was the founder of the Ghaznavid Empire and one of the most
prominent and powerful rulers in the history of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.
• Between 1000 and 1027, he conducted seventeen campaigns into the Indian subcontinent, targeting
wealthy temples and cities, including the famous raid on the Somnath temple in 1025.
• In 1000 CE, Mahmud Ghazni invaded modern Afghanistan and Pakistan and defeated the Hindu Shahi
ruler Jayapala in the Battle of Waihind.
• In 1008 CE, the Second Battle of Waihind was between Mahmud of Ghazni and Anandapala (son of
Jayapala) that fought near Peshawar.

Statement 2 is correct
• Al-Biruni and Ferdowsi were two prominent scholars associated with Mahmud of Ghazni’s court.
• Al-Biruni spent several years in India, learning Sanskrit and studying Indian culture and sciences.
• His most famous work from this period is “Kitab al-Hind” (The Book of India), which provides a com-
prehensive account of Indian life, religion, philosophy, and science.
• Firdausi best known for his epic poem, the "Shahnameh" (The Book of Kings).

Statement 3 is incorrect
• Mahmud of Ghazni ruled during the period of AD 998-1030 whereas Muhammad of Ghori ruled during
1173-1206 AD.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Hard

48) Consider the following statements:


1. Qutub-ud-din Aibak shifted his capital from Lahore to Delhi
2. Mongols under Genghis Khan attacked India during Iltutmish period.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Qutub-ud-din Aibak (c. 1206-1210 CE): Founder of the Slave dynasty; considered by many scholars as
the real founder of Muslim rule in India.
• He was a Turkish slave of Muhammad Ghori, after the battle of Tarain, Ghori appointed him as the
governor of Indian possession.
• After Ghori’s death Aibak assumed the title of Sultan and made Lahore his capital.
• It was Iltutmish who shifted his capital from Lahore to Delhi.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Iltutmish (c. 1210-1236 CE) is the real consolidator of Turkish rule in India.
• He belonged to the Ilbari tribe and hence his dynasty also known as the Ilbari dynasty.
• In c. 1220 CE. Temujin, popularly known as Chengiz Khan, the leader of the Mongols, started invading
Central Asia and destroyed the Khwarizm empire, Jalaluddin Mangbarani, the son of the Shah of
Khwarizm.
• While escaping from the Mongols, he sought shelter at Iltutmish’s court, but Iltutmish refused to grant
asylum to him.
• So, with his diplomatic skills, he prevented Mongol attack and saved India from the wrath of Chengiz
Khan.

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2 | Difficulty Level: Medium

49) Consider the following:


1. Paibos
2. Sijada
3. Lakh Baksh
4. Turkan-i-chahalgani

Which of the above terms are related to Balban?


a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) All of the above

Explanation:
• Balban (c. 1266-1286 CE) was one of the main architects of the Delhi Sultanate.
• According to Balban, the Sultan was God’s shadow on earth (Zil-i-llahi) and the recipient of divine
grace (Nibyabat-i-Khudai).
• He ruled in an autocratic manner and worked hard to elevate the position of the Sultan.

Option 1 and 2 are correct


• Balban introduced rigorous court discipline and new customs such as sijada (prostration) and paibos
(kissing the Sultan’s feet) to prove his superiority over the nobles.
• In order to impress the people with the strength and awe of his government, Balban maintained a mag-
nificent court and also introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz.

Option 3 is incorrect
• Qutub-ud-din Aibak (c. 1206-1210 CE) founder of the Slave dynasty known as “Lakh Baksh’ or giver of
lakhs for his magnanimity, as he gave a lot of liberal donations.

Option 4 is incorrect
• Iltutmish organised Turkan-i-chahalgani, a new class of ruling elite of forty powerful military leaders,
the Forty.
• These were Turkish amirs (nobles) who advised and helped the Sultan in administering the Sultanate.
• After the death of Iltutmish, this group assumed great power in its hands.
• For a few years they decided on the selection of Sultans one after the other.
• The group was finally eliminated by Balban.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only | Difficulty Level: Easy

50) With reference to medieval Indian history, consider the following statements:

Author Book

1. Giyasuddin Tughlaq Khazain-ul-Futuh

2. Al Biruni Kitab-al Hind

3. Amir Khusro Tabaqat-i-Nasari

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Pair 1 is incorrect
• Amir Khusrau wrote Khazain-ul-Futuh” (The Treasures of Victory).
• Amir Khusro (1253–1325), often referred to as the “Parrot of India,” was a prolific Persian poet, musi-
cian, scholar, and historian.
• He lived through a period that saw a succession of 11 Sultans in Delhi, from Ghiyasuddin Balban to Mu-
hamamd Bin Tughlaq, and he was the poet laureate in the court of five of them.
• Some of his famous works include “Diwan” (collections of poems), “Tughlaq Nama,” and “Nuh Sipihr”
(Nine Skies).
• He is credited with the invention of several new poetic forms, including the “tarana” and “qawwali.”
• He is often credited with the invention of the sitar and tabla, though historical evidence for this is de-
bated.
• He played a key role in the development of the Hindavi language, an early form of Hindi-Urdu.

Pair 2 is correct
• “Kitab al-Hind” (The Book of India) is one of the most important works by Al-Biruni.
• It gives a detailed account of the subcontinent's culture, religion, philosophy, science, and social practices.
• Al-Biruni (973–1048) was a Persian polymath who made significant contributions to various fields in-
cluding astronomy, mathematics, anthropology, history, and geography.
• Al-Biruni visited India around 1017 AD during the period when Mahmud of Ghazni invaded the Indian
subcontinent.

Pair 3 is incorrect
• Minhaj-us-Siraj wrote Tabaqat-i-Nasari, a general history of Muslim dynasties up to c. 1260 СЕ.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Hard

51) The Medieval India Book ‘Tughlaq Nama’, was written by:
a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
b) Amir Khusrau
c) Al biruni
d) Mohammed Bin Tughlaq

Explanation
Option (b) is correct
• The "Tughlaq Nama," also known as the "Tughlaq Nama-i-Ala'i," is a historical Persian text written by
Amir Khusrau, a prominent 14th-century poet, historian, and scholar in the Delhi Sultanate.
• Amir Khusrau’s Tughlaq Nama celebrates victories of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
• From Tughlaq Nama we could get details of the early career of the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty.

Option (a) is incorrect


• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (c.1320–25 CE) was the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty and the first Sultan to
take the title of Ghazi/ Slayer of Infidels.
• Built a strong fort called Tughlaqabad near Delhi.
• Dispatched his son, Jauna Khan /Mohammad Bin Tughlaq, to re-establish authority in Warangal (Kakati-
yas) and Madurai (Pandayas).
• Had a troublesome relationship with the Sufi saint, Sheikh Nizamuddin Aulia.

Option (c) is incorrect


• Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, born in 973 CE in Khwarezm (present-day Uzbekistan), was a polymath scholar
whose contributions spanned astronomy, mathematics, geography, and the natural sciences during the
Islamic Golden Age.
• Al-Biruni made significant advancements in the fields of astronomy and mathematics, developing accu-
rate astronomical tables and refining the calculation of the Earth's circumference.
• He also conducted extensive studies in geography, producing detailed maps and writings on various
regions, including India.
• Al-Biruni's comprehensive work, "Kitab al-Qanun al-Masudi" (The Canon Masudicus), compiled and
systematized knowledge from Greek, Indian, Persian, and Arabic sources, becoming a seminal text in
medieval science.

Option (d) is incorrect


• Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351, is a figure often remem-
bered for his ambitious yet controversial reign.
• Ascending to power after his father Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's death, Muhammad bin Tughlaq inherited
an empire extending from present-day Afghanistan to southern India.
• He implemented several innovative policies, such as introducing token currency and shifting the
capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, aiming to centralize administration and defend against Mongol in-
vasions.
• However, these reforms often backfired, leading to economic instability and public discontent.
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq's military campaigns and administrative experiments strained the empire's re-
sources and led to widespread revolts.
• Despite his intellectual pursuits in literature, science, and theology, his reign is marked by its turbulent
nature and the challenges he faced in balancing governance with his ambitious vision for the Delhi Sul-
tanate.

Answer: (b) Amir Khusrau | Difficulty Level: Easy

52) Consider the following statements regarding the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq:
1. He Strengthened defence of North-West frontier to check Mongol invasion.
2. He defeated Qutubdin Mubarak shah in the Battle of Lahrawat.
3. He improved postal system for communication.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?


a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320, prioritized the defence of the
north-western frontier of the Delhi Sultanate to deter Mongol invasions.
• Recognizing the strategic vulnerability posed by frequent Mongol incursions, he fortified key border
regions and established garrisons to bolster military readiness.
• His proactive measures included enhancing the infrastructure of fortresses and deploying troops along
strategic points to repel potential threats.
• By strengthening the defence of the north-western frontier, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq aimed to safeguard his
realm from external aggressions, thereby securing stability and sovereignty for the Delhi Sultanate during
his reign.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq decisively defeated Khusrau Shah, last ruler of the Khilji dynasty in the Battle
of Lahrawat in 1320, solidifying his authority as the Sultan of Delhi.
• The battle marked a significant turning point in Delhi Sultanate's history, leading to the end of the Khilji
dynasty's rule and the establishment of the Tughlaq dynasty.
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq's victory not only secured his position as the new ruler but also demonstrated his
military prowess and determination to consolidate power in the region.
• This event laid the foundation for the Tughlaq dynasty's subsequent expansion and governance over
northern India during the medieval period.

Statement 3 is correct
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq implemented a sophisticated postal system during his reign as Sultan of Delhi,
aimed at enhancing communication and administrative efficiency across his vast empire.
• Recognizing the need for reliable communication networks to govern effectively, he improved the net-
work of postal stations equipped with horses and messengers stationed at regular intervals.

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only | Difficulty Level: Hard

53) Medieval Indian city, Tughlaqabad was built by:


a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
b) Mohammed bin Tughlaq
c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
d) Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud shah

Explanation
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, during his short reign (ad1320–24), built Tughlaqabad, the fortified city, spanning
across nearly 6.5 km.
• Designed as a strategic stronghold and a symbol of his authority, Tughlaqabad featured massive fortifi-
cations with high walls and bastions, making it an imposing structure.

Answer: (a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq | Difficulty Level: Easy

54) Consider the following:


1. Jaunpur
2. Fatehabad
3. Hisar
4. Jahanpanah
5. Dinpanah

How many of the following cities were built during reign of Firoz shah Tughlaq?
a) Only two
b) Only three
c) Only four
d) All five

Explanation
Option 1 is correct
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi from 1351 to 1388, commissioned the city of Jaunpur on the banks
of the Gomti River in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
• Founded around 1360, Jaunpur was strategically located to enhance trade and political influence in the
region.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq envisioned Jaunpur as a tribute to his cousin and predecessor, Mohammad bin Tu-
ghlaq, aiming to establish it as a flourishing urban centre.
• The city thrived under subsequent rulers of the Sharqi dynasty, becoming renowned for its architectural
achievements, including grand mosques, tombs, and palaces.
• Jaunpur also served as a hub of Islamic learning and cultural exchange, fostering a rich cultural and
intellectual environment during the medieval period in India.

Option 2 and 3 are correct


• Firoz Shah initiated the construction of cities like Hisar and Fatehabad in present-day Haryana, India.
• These cities were strategically located to enhance defence and administrative control over the northwest
frontier of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Hisar, situated on important trade routes, became a key military and administrative centre with fortified
structures and urban amenities.
• Fatehabad, founded nearby, served as another significant urban settlement under his reign.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq's construction of these cities aimed to bolster territorial stability and facilitate
governance, reflecting his efforts to fortify the northern frontiers and expand the Sultanate's influence
in the region during the 14th century.

Option 4 is incorrect
• The city of Jahanpanah was established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate
from 1325 to 1351.
• It was envisioned as a fortified city and a refuge for the populace of Delhi during turbulent times.
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq initiated the construction of Jahanpanah after shifting his capital from Delhi
to Daulatabad (Deogiri) in present-day Maharashtra and subsequently returning to Delhi.
• Although originally intended as a haven, the city faced challenges due to its vast size and inadequate
resources, leading to its eventual decline.
• Jahanpanah remains significant in Delhi's history as a testament to the ambitious urban planning efforts
of the Tughlaq dynasty during the medieval period in India.

Option 5 is incorrect
• The city of Dinpanah, meaning "Refuge of the Faithful," was founded by the Mughal Emperor Humayun
in 1533-34.
• Located near Delhi's Purana Qila (Old Fort), Dinpanah was intended to serve as a new capital city and a
refuge for Humayun and his followers after their return from exile.
• The construction of Dinpanah included impressive structures such as forts, palaces, and mosques, de-
signed to accommodate the Mughal court and administration.
• However, Humayun's reign was marked by instability, and he could not fully establish Dinpanah as his
capital before his untimely death in 1556.
• Subsequently, his son Akbar abandoned Dinpanah in favour of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri as Mughal
capitals.

Answer: (b) Only three | Difficulty Level: Hard

55) How many of the following reforms were made during the reign of Mohammed
bin Tughlaq?
1. Capital transfer from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad) for better administration.
2. Introduction of Token Currency.
3. The use of liquor and intoxicants was prohibited.
4. Chehra and Dagh System was introduced.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1325 to 1351, is remembered for his
ambitious administrative reforms, although many of them were met with mixed results and controversy.
• One of his notable initiatives was the introduction of token currency, an attempt to streamline the
economy by replacing copper coins with leather tokens.
• However, this move was poorly received and led to economic chaos, with widespread counterfeiting
and a loss of confidence in the currency system.
• Another significant reform was Muhammad bin Tughlaq's decision to shift the capital from Delhi to
Daulatabad in the Deccan, aimed at centralizing administration and defending against Mongol invasions
from the north-west.
• The arduous relocation process imposed heavy burdens on the populace, resulting in substantial human
and economic costs.
• Despite these challenges, Muhammad bin Tughlaq also implemented measures to improve governance
and welfare.
• He expanded the network of canals for irrigation, promoted agricultural development, and invested
in infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy.
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign, marked by ambitious yet controversial reforms, underscores his vision
for a centralized and efficient state but also highlights the complexities and difficulties of implementing
sweeping changes in a diverse and sprawling empire like the Delhi Sultanate.

Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect


• Alauddin Khilji, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296 to 1316, is renowned for his extensive admin-
istrative reforms that aimed to strengthen central authority and enhance governance efficiency.
• The use of liquor and intoxicants was prohibited by Alauddin Khilji.
• One of his most significant reforms was the introduction of the market reform system.
 Alauddin wanted to maintain a large army; he, therefore, lowered and fixed the price of the commod-
ities of daily use.
 To control the prices, Alauddin set up three different markets for different commodities in Delhi:
grain market (Mandi), cloth market (Sarai Adl) and the market for horses, slaves, cattle, etc.
 To ensure implementation, Alauddin appointed a superintendent (Shahna-i-Mandi) who was as-
sisted by an intelligence officer.
 Alauddin received daily reports of the market from Barid (intelligence officer) and munhiyans (se-
cret spies).
 Diwan-i-Riyasat, a separate department, was established under the command of Naib-i-Riyasat.
Every merchant was registered with the Market Department.
• Military Reforms of Alauddin Khilji:
 Alauddin was the first Sultan to establish a large permanent standing army, which he paid for
with cash from the royal treasury.
 He established an innovative Chehra and Dagh System, in which the Chehra (full description of each
soldier) and Dagh (Horse branding) were preserved.
Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

56) Consider the following pairs regarding medieval Indian terms:


Terms Meaning
1. Diwan i Bandagan Department of slaves
2. Dar-ul-Shafa Department of charity
3. Diwan-i-Khairat Free hospitals
4. Karkhanas Royal factories

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
Pair 1 is correct
• During the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388), the "Diwan-i-Bandagan" was an institution es-
tablished to oversee and manage the royal slaves and household servants within the Delhi Sultanate.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq, known for his administrative reforms and benevolent policies, organized the slaves
and servants into different categories based on their skills and duties.
• The Diwan-i-Bandagan played a crucial role in supervising their welfare, the distribution of duties, and
ensuring their loyalty to the Sultanate.

Pair 2 is incorrect
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq, known for his patronage of public works and welfare initiatives, founded Dar-ul-
Shafa to offer healthcare services to the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.
• It served as a hospital where medical treatment and care were provided free of charge to the sick and
needy.

Pair 3 is incorrect
• Diwan-i-Khairat was an important charitable institution established to provide relief to the poor and
needy in the Delhi Sultanate.
• It operated as a department responsible for distributing stipends, food grains, and other provisions to
widows, orphans, disabled individuals, and impoverished residents across the empire.

Pair 4 is correct
• Karkhanas or royal factories were established as industrial centre's aimed at promoting manufacturing
and craftsmanship within the Delhi Sultanate.
• These factories were equipped with skilled artisans and craftsmen who were employed in producing var-
ious goods and commodities for royal use and trade.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq encouraged the development of these karkhanas to stimulate the economy, create
employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of goods produced under royal patronage.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Hard

57) Consider the following statements regarding Firoz Shah Tughlaq:


1. He wrote the Futuhat-e-firozshahi.
2. The British called him as the father of the irrigation department because of the gardens and canals
that he built.
3. Planned the new city of Jaunpur at the bank of the Gomati River in memory of Mohammad bin Tu-
ghlaq.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi from 1351 to 1388, authored the " Futuhat-e-firozshahi" a
significant historical and administrative document.
• This work, composed in Persian, chronicles his achievements, policies, and the state of the Delhi Sultanate
during his reign.
• It serves as both a memoir and a detailed account of his governance, including his public works projects,
religious endowments, and administrative reforms aimed at improving the welfare of his subjects.

Statement 2 is correct
• The British bestowed upon Firoz Shah Tughlaq the title "Father of the Irrigation Department" due to
his significant contributions in developing gardens and canals during his reign as Sultan of Delhi.
• He was the first Sultan to impose Sharb (irrigation tax).
• But at the same time, he built number of canals and also set up a separate department of public
works.
 Sirsa to Hansi
 Sutlej to Hansi: Longest canal (about 200 kilometres)
 Yamuna to Hissar

Statement 3 is correct
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq planned and founded the city of Jaunpur on the banks of the Gomati River in
present-day Uttar Pradesh, as a memorial to his cousin and predecessor, Mohammad bin Tughlaq.
• Established around 1360, Jaunpur became a significant urban centre known for its strategic location and
architectural splendour during the Delhi Sultanate period.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq's decision to establish Jaunpur was both a political and commemorative gesture,
aiming to honour Mohammad bin Tughlaq's legacy while expanding the Sultanate's influence in the re-
gion.

Answer: (c) All three | Difficulty Level: Hard

58) Consider the following statements regarding the Delhi Sultanate:


1. Chenghis khan appointed Khizr Khan as Governor of Multan, and Khizr Khan captured Delhi and
founded the Sayyid dynasty in 1414.
2. Lodhis were the last ruling family of Sultanate period and first to be headed by Afghans.
3. Bahlul Lodhi Introduced Gaz-i-Sikandari for measuring agricultural land.

Which of the following statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Timur, the Central Asian conqueror, appointed Khizr Khan as the governor of Multan in the early 15th
century.
• Khizr Khan, seizing an opportunity amidst the declining authority of the Tughlaq dynasty in Delhi, led an
expedition that culminated in the capture of Delhi in 1414.
• This marked the establishment of the Sayyid dynasty, named after Khizr Khan's lineage as a descendant
of Prophet Muhammad (hence Sayyid).
• The Sayyid dynasty ruled over Delhi Sultanate for nearly four decades, navigating challenges such as
regional conflicts and the aftermath of Timur's invasion, while contributing to the cultural and adminis-
trative continuity of the Delhi Sultanate during this period.

Statement 2 is correct
• The Lodhi dynasty marked the culmination of the Sultanate period in India, led by Afghan rulers.
• Bahlul Khan Lodhi, a prominent Afghan noble, established the Lodhi dynasty after overthrowing the
weakened Sayyid dynasty in 1451.
• The Lodhis were the first ruling family of the Delhi Sultanate to be predominantly Afghan, marking a
shift from the earlier Turkic and Persian ruling elites.
• Under rulers like Sikandar Lodhi and Ibrahim Lodhi, the dynasty stabilized and expanded its territories,
but faced internal challenges and external threats, eventually succumbing to the Mughal Empire under
Babur in 1526 at the Battle of Panipat.
• The Lodhi period is noted for its administrative reforms, military prowess, and the establishment of a
distinct Afghan influence in the history of medieval India.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• Sikandar Lodhi, the Sultan of Delhi from 1489 to 1517, introduced the Gaz-i-Sikandari, a standardized
unit of measurement used specifically for agricultural land.
• This measurement was defined as approximately 32 inches in length.
• The Gaz-i-Sikandari facilitated uniformity and accuracy in determining land area, which was crucial for
taxation, administration, and land tenure systems during his reign.

Answer: (b) 2 only | Difficulty Level: Hard

59) Consider the following statements:


1. Muhmmed bin Tughlaq started the department of slaves.
2. Alauddin Khilji conducted the Quarachil Expedition.
3. Firoz Shah Tughlaq made the Iqta system hereditary.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1351 to 1388, is credited with numerous ad-
ministrative reforms and public works.
• One of his notable initiatives was the establishment of the "Diwan-i-Bandagan," or the Department of
Slaves.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq's establishment of this department was part of his broader effort to improve the
administration and welfare of the state.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Muhammad bin Tughlaq, during his reign as the Sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351, was known for his
ambitious military campaigns and administrative reforms.
• He conducted a military campaign known as the Quarachil Expedition. This expedition was apparently
aimed at the Kulu-Kangra region of Himachal
• This expedition was part of his efforts to assert control over the Himalayan territories and secure strategic
positions in the northern parts of his empire.
• The failure of such expeditions reflected the complexities of governing a diverse and expansive empire,
where geographic and cultural differences posed significant challenges to central authority.

Statement 3 is correct
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq, during his reign from 1351 to 1388, introduced reforms to the Iqta system, allowing
certain Iqtas to become hereditary.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Hard

60) With reference to the Delhi Sultanate, Consider the following statements:
1. The Ghulam Dynasty had the greatest number of sultans in Delhi Sultanate.
2. Tughlaq Dynasty ruled maximum period in Delhi Sultanate.
3. Khilji Dynasty ruled in least territory.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• The Ghulam Dynasty, also known as the Slave Dynasty, had the greatest number of sultans in the
history of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206, the dynasty is notable for its succession of rulers who were
originally slaves, reflecting the unique socio-political structure of the period.
• The Slave Dynasty saw a total of ten sultans ruling Delhi, more than any other dynasty in the Sultanate's
history.
• These sultans, including prominent figures like Iltutmish, Raziya Sultana and Balban, played crucial roles
in consolidating and expanding the Sultanate's territories, as well as in establishing administrative and
military frameworks that influenced subsequent rulers.

Statement 2 is correct
• The Tughlaq Dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for the longest period compared to other dynasties.
• Established by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq in 1320, the dynasty marked a significant era in the history of the
Sultanate, lasting until 1414.
• During its nearly century-long reign, the Tughlaq Dynasty saw a series of ambitious and, at times, con-
troversial rulers, who were known for their attempts to expand and consolidate their empire, as well as
for various administrative and economic reforms.
• One of the most notable rulers was Muhammad bin Tughlaq, whose reign (1325-1351) was marked
by ambitious projects such as the transfer of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and the introduction
of token currency.
• However, many of his policies, although innovative, led to economic turmoil and discontent among the
populace. Another significant ruler was Firuz Shah Tughlaq, who ruled from 1351 to 1388.
• He is remembered for his administrative reforms, public works, and efforts to improve the agrarian
economy. Firuz Shah's reign saw the construction of numerous canals, rest houses, and hospitals, as
well as the establishment of new towns.
• The last ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty, Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq, faced significant challenges in
maintaining control, leading to the eventual decline and replacement of the dynasty by the Sayyid Dyn-
asty in 1414.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• The Sayyid Dynasty ruled over the smallest territory compared to other dynasties of the Delhi Sultan-
ate.
• Established in 1414 by Khizr Khan, a former governor under the Tughlaq Dynasty, the Sayyid rulers con-
trolled a significantly diminished realm due to the declining power of the Sultanate and increasing re-
gional fragmentation.
• The Sayyids faced continuous challenges from regional powers and internal rebellions, which restricted
their authority largely to the region around Delhi.
• The dynasty lasted until 1451, when it was replaced by the Lodhi Dynasty.
• The Sayyid Dynasty's limited territorial control reflected the broader decline of centralized authority in
the late Delhi Sultanate period.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

61) With reference to medieval India, the term ‘Banjaras’ refers to:
a) Traders
b) Slaves
c) Secret agents
d) Executers of Sahriyah law

Explanation
Option (a) is correct
• The Banjaras were traders who played a crucial role in transporting grains and other goods from villages
to Delhi during the period of the Delhi Sultanate.
• They were a nomadic community known for their expertise in long-distance trade and transportation.
• Utilizing large caravans of bullock carts, the Banjaras ensured a steady supply of essential commodities
like grains to urban canters, facilitating economic stability and the sustenance of large populations in
cities like Delhi.

Option (b) is incorrect


• The term "Bandagan" refers to slaves or servants in the Delhi Sultanate.
• These individuals often played significant roles in the administration and military.
• Many slaves, or "bandagan," were brought from Central Asia and other regions, and over time, they could
rise to prominent positions due to their loyalty and abilities.
• In the Delhi Sultanate, some of these slaves became powerful military commanders, governors, and even
sultans, as seen in the case of the Slave Dynasty (Ghulam Dynasty).

Option (c) is incorrect


• The term "Munhiyan" refers to secret agents or informants in the Delhi Sultanate. These individuals were
employed by the rulers to gather intelligence, monitor the activities of nobles and other officials, and
report on various matters of state security and administration.
• The Munhiyan played a crucial role in maintaining internal stability and ensuring the ruler was well-in-
formed about potential threats, conspiracies, and the general state of the realm.

Option (d) is incorrect


• Qazis were the judicial officials responsible for interpreting and implementing Sharia (Islamic law) in
the courts of Delhi Sultanate.
• They played a crucial role in the administration of justice, overseeing civil and criminal cases according
to Islamic legal principles.

Answer: (a) Traders | Difficulty Level: Very Easy

62) With reference to the administration of the Delhi Sultanate, consider the follow-
ing pairs:
Heads Portfolios
1. Diwan-i-Kohi Military department
2. Diwan-i-Insha Department of Correspondence
3. Diwan-i- Bandagan Department of slaves
4. Diwan-i-Ariz Department of Agriculture

How many of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
Pair 1 is incorrect
• The "Diwan-i-Kohi" referred to the Department of Agriculture in the administrative setup of Delhi
Sultanate in India.
• It was responsible for overseeing and managing agricultural affairs within the realm.
• The term "Diwan" denotes an office or department, while "Kohi" specifically relates to agriculture or
land cultivation.
• Under the Diwan-i-Kohi, various tasks related to agriculture were handled, including land surveys, assess-
ment of agricultural productivity, collection of land revenue (often based on agricultural output), and the
implementation of irrigation projects to enhance agricultural productivity.

Pair 2 is correct
• The "Diwan-i-Insha" was the Department of Correspondence in the administrative structure of Delhi
Sultanate in India.
• "Insha" refers to correspondence or writing. The Diwan-i-Insha was responsible for managing official cor-
respondence within the administration. This included drafting and sending letters, reports, and official
communications on behalf of the ruler or government officials.
• In addition to handling routine correspondence, the Diwan-i-Insha played a crucial role in diplomatic
relations with neighbouring states, trading partners, and allies.
• Diplomatic letters, treaties, and agreements were drafted and managed by this department, contributing
to the maintenance of political alliances and international relations.

Pair 3 is correct
• The "Diwan-i-Bandagan" was the department responsible for managing slaves in the administrative
system of medieval Islamic states, including during the Delhi Sultanate in India.
• The term "Bandagan" specifically denotes slaves or servants.
• In the context of the Delhi Sultanate, the Diwan-i-Bandagan oversaw various aspects related to slaves
within the state. This included the acquisition, management, and deployment of slaves for various pur-
poses such as domestic service, agricultural labor, military service, and administrative roles.

Pair 4 is incorrect
• The "Diwan-i-Ariz" was the military department in the administrative structure of medieval Islamic
states, including during the Delhi Sultanate in India.
• The term "Ariz" refers to the military or war. The Diwan-i-Ariz was responsible for overseeing and man-
aging all military affairs within the state.
• This included recruitment, training, equipping, and deployment of soldiers for defence and expansion of
the Sultanate's territories.
• The department played a crucial role in maintaining military readiness, strategic planning for campaigns,
and ensuring effective coordination between the central government and provincial military command-
ers.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

63) Consider the following statements:


1. In the first Battle of Tarain, Mahmood Ghazni defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.
2. In the second battle of Terrain, Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• In the First Battle of Tarain in 1191, Muhammad Ghori, the ruler of the Ghurid Empire, faced off
against the Chahamana (Chauhan) Rajput ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan.
• The battle took place near Tarain (modern-day Taraori in Haryana).
• Despite initial successes by Muhammad Ghori's forces, Prithviraj Chauhan's army managed to repel
the invaders and secure a significant victory.
• This battle is notable for Prithviraj Chauhan's strategic prowess and leadership, as well as the resilience
of the Chahamana forces.

Statement 2 is correct
• Following his defeat, Muhammad Ghori retreated, but he returned the next year for a rematch in the
Second Battle of Tarain (1192), which he won decisively.
• This second battle led to the establishment of Muslim rule in North India and marked a turning point
in Indian history.
• Muhammad Ghori's victory in the Second Battle of Tarain allowed him to consolidate his control over the
region.

Answer: (b) 2 only | Difficulty Level: Easy

64) With reference to the literature of the Delhi sultanate, consider the following
pairs:
Books Written by
1. Safarnama Rehla Ibn Battuta
2. Taj-ul-Massir Hasan Nizami
3. Tarik e Firoz shahi Ziaudhin Barani

How many of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Pair 1 is correct
• During Mohammad Bin Tughlaq reign, the famous traveller Ibn Batuta (author of Safarnama Rehla)
came to India in c.1334 CE and acted as a Qazi at Delhi for eight years.
• Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan scholar and explorer who embarked on his journey in 1325 at the age of 21
and traveled for approximately 30 years, covering around 75,000 miles across North Africa, the Middle
East, Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.
• The "Rihla" (meaning "Journey" or "Travelogue" in Arabic) provides vivid descriptions of the places
he visited, the people he encountered, the customs, cultures, and political landscapes of the regions he
explored.
• Ibn Battuta's travels took him to cities like Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, Constantinople (Istanbul), Delhi,
and the Maldives, among many others.
• His observations offer valuable insights into the societies and civilizations of the medieval Islamic world
and beyond.

Pair 2 is correct
• "Taj-ul-Massir" is a historical chronicle written by Hasan Nizami, a Persian historian who lived during
the 13th century.
• This book is the first official history of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Hasan Nizami's chronicle covers the period from the reign of Mahmud of Ghazni to Sultan Iltutmish's rule
in Delhi, providing valuable insights into the political history, military campaigns, and cultural achieve-
ments of the Ghaznavid and early Delhi Sultanate periods.

Pair 3 is correct
• "Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi" is a historical chronicle written by Ziauddin Barani, a prominent Persian historian
and chronicler who lived during the 14th century in India.
• Barani served as a court historian in the Delhi Sultanate, particularly during the reign of Sultan Muham-
mad bin Tughlaq and his successor, Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
• The "Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi" chronicles the reign of Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388), providing a
detailed account of his policies, administrative reforms, military campaigns, and cultural patronage.
• Firuz Shah Tughlaq is known for his efforts in building public infrastructure, including canals, mosques,
and rest houses, as well as his attempts to improve the welfare system and administrative efficiency.

Answer: (c) All three | Difficulty Level: Hard

65) With reference to the Delhi Sultanate, consider the following pairs:
Terms Denotes to
1. Haq-i-shrib- Water cess
2. Karkhanas Rest house
3. Sarais Royal factories
4. Dar-ul-shafa- Hospitals

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
Pair 1 is correct
• The Haq-i-Sharab, or water cess, was a taxation policy implemented during the reign of Firoz Shah
Tughlaq (1351-1388) in the Delhi Sultanate.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known for his various administrative reforms and policies aimed at enhancing rev-
enue collection and governance.
• The imposition of the Haq-i-Sharab was part of his broader efforts to regulate and tax agricultural ac-
tivities, particularly those dependent on irrigation.
• Under Firoz Shah Tughlaq's rule, the Haq-i-Sharab was levied on the use of water for irrigation purposes.

Pair 2 is incorrect
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq also developed royal factories called karkhanas in which thousands of slaves were
employed, organised under the Diwan-i-Bandagan (department of slaves).
• The officer in-charge was the Wakil-i-dar. He increased the number of slaves by capturing the defeated
soldiers and young people.

Pair 3 is incorrect
• Sarais were essential rest houses or shelters scattered throughout medieval India, serving as vital
waystations for travellers, traders, pilgrims, and officials.
• These facilities offered accommodations, food, and basic amenities for both travelers and their animals,
providing a place to rest during long journeys. Sarais varied in size and amenities, ranging from simple
structures with basic facilities to larger complexes equipped with courtyards, water sources, stables, kitch-
ens, and lodging rooms.

Pair 4 is correct
• Dar-ul-Shafa, or "House of Healing," was a vital institution in medieval Islamic societies, including dur-
ing the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods in India.
• These hospitals provided medical care and treatment to patients of all backgrounds, offering services
ranging from basic medical assistance to surgical procedures and specialized treatments.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Hard

66) With reference to the Delhi Sultanate, Consider the following statements:
1. Balban, ruler of the slave dynasty, died while playing polo.
2. Balban organised the ‘Turkan-i-Chahalgani’ system to impress the nobles.
3. Iltutmish introduced the Iqtadari system without hereditary rights.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty in India, met a tragic end while play-
ing Chaugan (polo).
• Aibak was originally a slave who rose through the ranks to become a trusted general of Muhammad
Ghori. After Ghori's death in 1206, Aibak declared himself the Sultan of Delhi and established the Slave
Dynasty, which was the first of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Aibak was an able administrator and a patron of architecture, known for initiating the construction of
the Qutb Minar in Delhi. However, his reign was relatively short, lasting only from 1206 until his death
in 1210.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Iltutmish is credited with organizing the "Chahalgani" or "Turkan-i-Chahalgani" system, also known as
the "Council of Forty."
• This system was established to consolidate his power and secure the loyalty of the nobles, who were
influential in the governance and stability of the Sultanate.
• The Chahalgani was a group of forty elite Turkish nobles and military commanders who served as
key advisors and administrators in Iltutmish's court.
• By creating this council, Iltutmish aimed to create a centralized and cohesive administrative structure,
ensuring that the most capable and loyal nobles were involved in the decision-making processes.

Statement 3 is correct
• Iltutmish introduced the Iqtadari system, which was crucial for the administration and governance of
his empire.
• Under this system, territorial grants called "iqtas" were given to military commanders or nobles in lieu
of salaries.
• These grants were not hereditary, ensuring that the iqta holders, or iqtadars, remained loyal to the
Sultan. Iqtadars were responsible for local administration, defense, and revenue collection, sending a
portion of the collected taxes to the central treasury.
• They also provided military support to the Sultan when needed. By keeping iqta grants non-hereditary
and under central control, Iltutmish centralized power and prevented the rise of autonomous regional
powers.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Medium

67) Consider the following statements:


1. Dilawar Khan Lodhi invited Babur to invade the Indian subcontinent.
2. Sayyid Mubarak Shah crushed the Khokhar Rebellion from Punjab.
3. Timur appointed Khizr Khan as governor of Multan.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Daulat Khan Lodhi, the father of Dilawar Khan Lodhi, invited Babur, the Timurid ruler of Kabul, to
invade India.
• This invitation occurred during a period of political intrigue and power struggles within the Lodhi dynasty
of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Daulat Khan sought Babur's assistance in challenging the ruling Sultan, Ibrahim Lodhi, and potentially
gaining more influence or power within the region.
• This invitation eventually played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Battle of Panipat in 1526,
where Babur decisively defeated Ibrahim Lodhi and established the Mughal Empire in India.

Statement 2 is correct
• Sayyid Mubarak Shah, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1421 to 1434, successfully crushed the
Khokhar Rebellion, which was led by a tribe from Punjab.
• This rebellion posed a significant challenge to the Sultanate's authority in the region.
• Mubarak Shah's decisive action not only restored order but also reinforced the Sultanate's control over
Punjab, demonstrating his firm grip on the administration and his ability to suppress internal dissent
during his reign.

Statement 3 is correct
• Khizr Khan (c.1414–21 CE):
o Before his departure from India, Timur appointed Khizr Khan as the governor of Multan.
o He captured Delhi and founded the Sayyid dynasty in c.1414 CE.
o However, he did not assume the title of Sultan but was comfortable with Rayat- i-Ala.
o Coins were struck and khutba was read in name of Timur, and after his death, in the name of his
successor Shahrukh.
o Khizr Khan was the most competent Sayyid ruler. He tried to consolidate the Delhi Sultanate but could
not do much and died in c.1421 CE.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Hard

68) Consider the following statements:


1. Daulat Khan Lodhi, the governor of the Punjab, greatly displeased by the arrogance and insult of
Ibrahim Lodhi, invited Babur to invade India.
2. Babur marched against Delhi and defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodhi in the second Battle of Panipat.
3. The title of ‘Sultan’ was started by Turkish rulers, and Babur was the first to assume the title of Sultan.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Ibrahim Lodi openly insulted and humiliated his nobles in court and put to death those nobles who
revolted against him.
• Disaffection between the king and courtiers became very common during his reign.
• Daulat Khan Lodhi, the governor of the Punjab, greatly displeased by the arrogance and insult of Ibra-
him, invited Babur to invade India.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Babur marched against Delhi and defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodhi in the first Battle of Panipat
(c.1526 CE).
• With him, the Sultanate period ended, and as a scholar states, “The Sultanate of Delhi, which had its birth
on the battlefield of Tarain in c. 1192 breathed its last in c. 1526 CE, a few miles away on the battlefield
of Panipat.”

Statement 3 is incorrect
• The title of ‘Sultan’ was started by Turkish rulers and Mahmud of Ghazni was the first to assume the
title of Sultan.
• The office of the Sultan was the most important in the Sultanate, and he was the ultimate authority in
military, legal, and political matters.
• The Sultans considered themselves as representatives of the Caliph.
• They included the name of the Caliph in the khutba or prayer and inscribed it on their coins.
• This practice was even continued by Balban, who called himself the shadow of God.
• Iltutmish, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and Firoz Tughlaq obtained Mansur (letter of investiture) from
the Caliph.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Medium

69) During the reign of which Mughal king, did Kabul and Qandhar become integral
parts of an empire comprising north India for the first time since the downfall of
the Kushan empire?
a) Babur
b) Akbar
c) Jahangir
d) Aurangzeb

Explanation
• Babur’s advent into India was significant from many points of view.
• For the first time since the downfall of the Kushan empire, Kabul and Qandhar became integral parts
of an empire comprising north India.
• Since these areas had always acted as staging places for an invasion of India, by dominating them Babur
and his successors were able to give to India security from external invasions for almost 200 years.
• Economically also, the control of Kabul and Qandhar strengthened India’s foreign trade since these
two towns were the starting points for caravans meant for China in the east, and the Mediterranean
seaports in the west. Thus, India to take a greater share in the great trans-Asian trade.
• In north India, Babur smashed the power of the Lodhis, and the Rajput confederacy led by Rana
Sanga.
• Babur introduced a new mode of warfare in India. Although gunpowder was known in India earlier,
Babur showed what a skilled combination of artillery and cavalry could achieve.
• His victories led to rapid popularisation of gunpowder and artillery in India.
• Babur had the prestige of being a descendant of two of the most famous warriors of Asia, Changez and
Timur.
• He was deeply learned in Persian and Arabic and is regarded as one of the two most famous writers in
the Turkish language which was his mother tongue.
• His famous memoirs, the Tuzuk-i-Baburi, is considered one of the classics of world literature.
• His other works include masnavi, a turkish translation of a well-known Sufi work.

Answer: (a) Babur | Difficulty Level: Easy

70) With reference to the ‘Battle of Khanwa’, consider the following statements:
1. The battle of Khanwa was fought between Rana Sanga of Mewar and Mughal Emperor Babur.
2. The battle of Khanwa secured Babur’s position in the Delhi-Agra region.
3. It was one of the early battles in Northern India featuring use of gunpowder for the first time in Indian
history, resulting in substantial casualties for both Timurids and Rajput.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• The battle of Khanwa was fought between the Timurid forces of Babur and the Rajput confederacy
led by Rana Sanga in march 1527, for supremacy in Northern India.
• Despite the Timurids’ previous victory at Panipat, the Delhi sultanate was in decline, while Rana Sanga
had turned the Mewar kingdom into a formidable power.
• Consequently, the battle emerged as a decisive conflict in the Mughal conquest of Northern India.

Statement 2 is correct
• The battle of Khanwa secured Babur’s position in the Delhi-Agra region.
• Babur strengthened his position further by conquering the chain of forts— Gwaliyar, Dholpur, etc. on the
east of Agra.
• He also annexed large parts of Alwar from Hasan Khan Mewati.
• He then led a campaign against Medini Rai of Chanderi in Malwa.
• Chanderi was captured after the Rajput defenders had died fighting to the last man and their women
performed jauhar.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• Notably, it was one of the early battles in Northern India featuring extensive use of gunpowder (not
first time), resulting in substantial casualties for both Timurids and Rajputs.
• But it is believed that the Mongols used Chinese gunpowder weapons during their invasions of India.
• Mongols conquered both China and some borderlands of India, perhaps around the mid-13th century.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

71) Consider the following statements about the reign of Sher Shah of Sur empire:
1. Sher Shah restored the old imperial road called the Grand Trunk Road, from the river Indus in the west
to Sonargaon in Bengal.
2. For the convenience of travellers, he built sarai on roads.
3. He built a new city at Delhi, which he named Dinpanah.

How many of the above statement(s) is/are not correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Sher Shah paid great attention to the fostering of trade and commerce and the improvement of com-
munications in his kingdom.
• Sher Shah restored the old imperial road called the Grand Trunk Road, from the river Indus in the west
to Sonargaon in Bengal.
• He also built a road from Agra to Jodhpur and Chittor, evidently linking up with the road to the Gujarat
seaports.
• He built a third road from Lahore to Multan. Multan was at that time the staging point for caravans going
to West and Central Asia.

Statement 2 is correct
• For the convenience of travellers, Sher Shah built a sarai at a distance of every two kos (about eight km)
on these roads.
• The sarai was a fortified lodging or inn where travellers could pass the night and also keep their goods
in safe custody.
• Brahmans were appointed for providing bed and food to the Hindu travellers, and grain for their horses.
• Efforts were made to settle villages around the sarais, and land was set apart in these villages for the
expenses of the sarais.
• Every sarai had several watchmen under the control of a shahna (custodian).

Statement 3 is incorrect
• Humayun built a new city at Delhi which he named Dinapanah, and constructed the Jamali mosque
and mosque of Isa Khan at Delhi.

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Easy

72) Consider the following events:


1. Battle of Ghagra
2. Battle of Chanderi
3. Battle of Kannauj
4. Battle of Chausa

Arrange the above events in a chronological order?


a) 1-2-3-4
b) 1-2-4-3
c) 2-1-4-3
d) 2-3-4-1

Explanation
Battle of Chanderi (c.1528 CE):
 This battle was fought between Babur and Medini Rai, the Rajput ruler of Malwa.
 In spite of the great valour with which the Rajputs fought, Babur faced little difficulty in overcoming
Medini Rai. With his defeat, resistance across Rajputana was completely shattered.
• Battle of Ghagra (near Bihar, c.1529 CE):
❖ This battle was fought between Babur and Mahmud Lodhi (brother of Ibrahim Lodhi, head of the
Afghan chiefs, with the support of Nusrat Shah of Bengal).
❖ The Afghans had surrendered Delhi, but they were still powerful in the east (Bihar and parts of Jaun-
pur).
❖ Although Babur compelled the Bengal and the Afghan armies to retreat, he could not win a decisive
victory. Shortly afterwards, Babur died in c.1530 CE in Agra, while on his way to Kabul.
❖ He was buried in Arambagh in Agra, and later his body was taken to Kabul.
• Battle of Chausa (near Buxar, c.1539 CE):
❖ Humayun was defeated and Sher Khan adopted the title of Sher Shah.
❖ Humayun barely escaped with his life from the battle field, swimming across the river with the help
of a water carrier.
• Battle of Bilgrama/Battle of Kannauj (c.1540 CE):
❖ After the defeat at Chausa, only the fullest unity among the Timurid princes and the nobles could
have saved the Mughals.
❖ Humayun reached Agra to negotiate with his brothers. But they were not cooperative, and Humayun
could not get support of Kamran who moved out of Agra towards Lahore, leaving Humayun with
small force.
❖ He thus was not able to prepare properly against Sher Khan. The battle of Kannauj was bitterly con-
tested.
❖ Both the younger brothers of Humayun, Askari and Hindal, fought valiantly, but Humayun was still
thoroughly defeated by Sher Shah.
❖ This battle decided the issue between Sher Shah and the Mughals.
❖ Humayun now became a prince without a kingdom and he had to flee from Delhi, becoming an exile
for the next fifteen years (c.1540–1555 CE).

Answer (c) 2-1-4-3 | Difficulty Level: Very Hard

73) Consider the following statements:


1. Mughal emperor Humayun invited Persian artists Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad to his court.
2. Humayun Nama was written by his wife Haji Begum.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Humayun invited two Persian painters, Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad, and made them his court
painters.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Humanyun half-sister, Gulbadan Begum, wrote Humayun-nama.
• In c.1555 CE, following the break-up of the Sur empire, Humayun defeated the Afghans and recovered
the Mughal throne.
• But before he could consolidate his position, only after six months, he died from a fall from the staircase
of his library at Sher Mandal at Delhi in c.1556 CE.
• For him, it is said that “he jumbled throughout life and was tumbled out of life”.
• Humayun’s tomb is called the prototype of the Taj Mahal, and was built by his widow Haji Begum.

Answer: (a) 1 only | Difficulty Level: Medium

74) With reference to the reign of Sher Shah Suri, consider the following statements:
1. Sher Shah for the first time introduced a schedule of crop rates known as ray.
2. Dam is the copper coin that was first introduced by Sher Shah Suri.
3. Sher Shah introduced military reforms like Chehra and Dagh.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• She Shah for the first time introduced a schedule of crop rates (ray).
• He improved land revenue system by adopting Zabti-i-har-sal (land assessment every year) and clas-
sified all cultivable lands into three heads (good, middle, bad)

Statement 2 is correct
• Sher Shah also introduced new copper coins called Dam and it is interesting to note that they were in
circulation till c.1835 CE.
• He was also the first ruler to introduce silver Rupayia (1 Rupayia = 64 dams) and gold coin (Ash-
rafi/Mohur).
• It is pertinent to note that while the term Rupayia had previously been used as a generic term for any
silver coin, during his rule the term ‘Rupayia’ came to be used as the name for a silver coin of a standard
weight of 178 grains, which was the precursor of the modern rupee.
• Similarly, gold coins weighed 169 grains.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• The Dagh and Chehra system were the 2 reforms in the army introduced by Alauddin Khilji (1296–
1316).
• Ala-ud-din introduced a system of chehra, an identity card system for every soldier.
• Dagh was used to brand horses to be used specifically for wars.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

75) Consider the following statements:


1. Sher Shah was not a bigot in the religious sphere, as is evident from his social and economic policy.
2. Sher Shah did not initiate any new liberal policies, and Jizyah continued to be collected from the
Hindus.
3. Padmavat of Malik Muhammad Jaisi was completed during the reign of Sher Shah.

How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Sher Shah was not a bigot in the religious sphere, as is evident from his social and economic policy.
• The Hindus were treated with justice and toleration.
• To encourage education among his Hindu subjects he granted them Waqfs and allowed them a free hand
in their management.
• For his liberal and beneficent policy he was liked by his subjects of all castes and creeds.

Statement 2 is correct
• Sher Shah did not, however, initiate any new liberal policies.
• Jizyah continued to be collected from the Hindus.
• His nobility was drawn almost exclusively from the Afghans.

Statement 3 is correct
• Sher Shah also patronised learned men.
• Malik Mohammad Jaysi completed his Padmavat during his reign.
• Famous historian, Abbas Khan Sarwani, wrote the Tarikh-i-Shershahi during his reign

Answer: (c) All three | Difficulty Level: Medium

76) With reference to medieval India, the term ‘Khasa kail’ is refers to:
a) Provincial land assessment unit
b) Personal royal force
c) Market town
d) News services
Explanation
• The military administration was also efficiently reorganised and Sher Shah revived Alauddin’s Chehra
and Dagh system.
• He personally supervised recruitment of soldiers and paid them directly.
• He divided the army into sawars (serving as linchpin of entire organisation), elephants and frontmen.
• He maintained his personal royal force called Khasa Kail.

Answer: (b) Personal royal force | Difficulty Level: Hard

77) With reference to the Mughal period, the Zabti system refers to:
(a) An assembly of nobles
(b) Land Revenue System
(c) Market controlling method
(d) Ranking of officers

Explanation
• The land revenue system adopted by Akbar was largely based on Sher Shah’s system but with slight
modifications and was called Zabti or Bandobast system, which was further improved by Raja Todar
Mal.
• Under this system, Todar Mal introduced a uniform system of land measurement, classification of
land, and fixation of rates.
• The revenue was one third of the average produce and was paid mostly in cash.
• In c.1580 CE, Akbar introduced the Dahsala System under which revenue was fixed on the average
yield of land assessed on the basis of past ten years (dah years).
• Later, a further improvement was made as not only local prices were taken into account, but parganas
having the same type of productivity were grouped into separate assessment circles.
• A number of other assessment systems were also followed under Akbar. The most common, and perhaps,
the oldest was called batai or ghallabakhshi wherein the produce was divided between the peasants
and the state in fixed proportion.
• Another system was nasaq or kankut under which a rough appraisement on the basis of the inspection
of the crops and past payments made by the village as a whole

Answer: (b) Land Revenue System | Difficulty Level: Easy

78) With reference to the Mughal period of India, consider the following pairs:

Officer Duty

1. Faujdar Assessment and collection of the land revenue


2. Amalguzar Charge of law and order

3. Mir bakhshi Head of the revenue department

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None

Explanation
All pairs are incorrect
• The Mughal empire was divided into twelve subas or provinces by Akbar.
• The empire was divided as:

• Each suba was placed under a Subedar (provincial governor) who was directly appointed by the Em-
peror.
• The subedar was the head of the province and responsible for maintenance of general law and order.
• He was to encourage agriculture, trade and commerce, and take steps to enhance the revenue of the
state.
• In many cases, taccavi (advance loans) were given to peasants through his office.
• The Bakshi in the province performed the same functions as were performed by Mir Bakshi at the centre.
• He was appointed by the imperial court at the recommendation of the Mir Bakshi.
o The head of the military department was called the Mir Bakhshi.
• He was responsible for checking and inspecting the horses and soldiers maintained by the
mansabdars in the suba.
• He issued the pay bills of both the mansabdars and the soldiers.
• Often, his office was combined with Waqia-navis as his duty was also to inform the centre about the
happenings in his province.
• At the level of Sarkar, there were two important functionaries, the Faujdar and the Amalguzar.
• It should be noted that the Faujdari was an administrative division whereas Sarkar was a territorial
and revenue division.
• The primary duty of the Faujdar was to maintain law and order and safeguard the life and property of
the residents of the areas under his jurisdiction.
• He also assisted in the timely collection of revenue whenever force was required.
• The Amalguzar or Amil was the revenue collector.
• His duty was to assess and supervise the revenue collection.
• He was expected to increase the land under cultivation and induce the peasants to pay revenue willingly.

Answer: (d) None | Difficulty Level: Hard

79) Consider the following Navratnas in Akbar’s court:

Navaratna Work

1. Abul Fazl Ain-i-Akbari

2. Faizi Translated Lilavati to Persian

3. Amir Khusro Composed Dhrupada raga

How many of the pair(s) given above is/are correctly matched?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
Pair 1 is correct
• Abul Fazl was one of the most prominent figures in Akbar's court.
• He authored the Ain-i-Akbari, which is a detailed account of Akbar's administration, the functioning
of the empire, and the socio-cultural aspects of the time.
• The Ain-i-Akbari is part of a larger work called the Akbar Nama, which is a comprehensive history of
Akbar's reign.

Pair 2 is correct
• Faizi, the elder brother of Abul Fazl, was a renowned poet, scholar, and translator in Akbar's court.
• He translated several Sanskrit works into Persian, including the Lilavati, a mathematical treatise by the
Indian mathematician Bhaskara II.
Pair 3 is incorrect
• Amir Khusro was indeed a celebrated poet, musician, and scholar, but he lived during the Delhi Sul-
tanate period, not during Akbar’s reign.
• He is often associated with the court of Alauddin Khilji.
• Moreover, while Khusro contributed significantly to Indian music, particularly in developing new musical
styles and instruments, he is not specifically known for composing Dhrupada.
• Dhrupada is a later classical music form that evolved during the mediaeval period, with no direct attrib-
ution to Khusro but to Tansen (one of the Navratnas of Akbar).
• Other Navratnas of Akbar are:
 Birbal (Mahesh Das): Known for his wit and wisdom, Birbal was a trusted advisor and close confidant
of Akbar. His stories and anecdotes are famous in Indian folklore.
 Tansen: A legendary musician, Tansen is considered one of the greatest composers and singers in
Indian classical music. He is credited with creating several ragas, and his contributions to the Hindu-
stani classical tradition are immense.
 Raja Todar Mal: Todar Mal was Akbar’s finance minister and is renowned for his reforms in revenue
administration. He introduced the bandobast system, a systematic revenue collection method that
became a model for future administrations.
 Raja Man Singh: A trusted general and relative of Akbar, Man Singh played a crucial role in many of
Akbar's military campaigns and was a key figure in consolidating Mughal power in India.
 Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana: A poet and scholar, Rahim is known for his dohas (couplets) and con-
tributions to Hindi literature. Although a Muslim by birth, a devotee of Lord Krishna.
 Fakir Aziao-Din: A Sufi mystic and one of Akbar's spiritual advisors, Fakir Aziao-Din played a role in
influencing Akbar's interest in various religious philosophies, contributing to the emperor's policy of
religious tolerance.
 Mulla Do-Piyaza: Another witty and wise figure, often mentioned alongside Birbal in folklore, though
his historical existence is debated.
 Mirza Aziz Koka: He was also known as Khan-i-Azam or Kotaltash and was one of the leading nobles,
and also the foster brother of Akbar. He also served as the Subedar of Gujarat.

Answer: (b) Only two | Difficulty Level: Medium

80) Consider the following statements about Akbar:


1. Akbar abolished the jizyah.
2. Akbar’s day started with the emperor’s appearance at the Jharoka of the palace.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Policy of Religious Tolerance: Akbar’s policy of religious tolerance, known as Sulh-i-Kul (universal
peace), was aimed at creating harmony among the diverse religious groups in his empire.
• He took several steps to reduce religious discrimination and promote inclusivity.
• Abolition of Jizyah: In 1564, Akbar officially abolished the jizyah tax.
• This was a significant step towards integrating non-Muslim subjects into the empire and reducing their
financial burden.
• By doing so, Akbar aimed to foster loyalty among his non-Muslim subjects and create a more cohesive
and unified state.

Statement 2 is correct
• The practice of Jharoka darshan involved the emperor presenting himself to his subjects from a balcony
in the palace.
• This daily public appearance allowed the emperor to be seen by the people, symbolising his role as the
protector and ruler of his subjects.
• This practice reinforced the idea of the emperor's accessibility and willingness to hear the grievances
and concerns of his people.
• It also served to legitimise the emperor’s authority by demonstrating his presence and involvement in
the daily lives of his subjects.
• The Jharoka darshan became a significant aspect of Mughal court rituals and was continued by Akbar’s
successors, emphasising the importance of the ruler’s visibility and direct connection with the populace.
• Aurangzeb (c.1658–1707 CE) discontinued the practice of Jharokha darshan (as he considered it a
superstitious practice and against Islam).

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 | Difficulty Level: Easy

81) Which one of the following is a type of land where cultivation is carried out
every year?
a) Polaj
b) Chachar
c) Parati
d) Banjar

Explanation
Option (a) is correct
• Polaj lands were fertile lands that were irrigated either by canals or wells, ensuring a regular water supply
for cultivation.
• These lands were cultivated annually without fallowing (resting the land) in between. The availability
of irrigation allowed for consistent agricultural production year after year.
• Polaj lands were highly productive and contributed significantly to the agricultural output of the Mughal
Empire.

Option (b) is incorrect


• Chachar lands were fallow or uncultivated lands that were left without cultivation for several years
(once every 3 or 4 years), allowing them to regain fertility naturally.

Option (c) is incorrect


• Parati lands were temporarily fallow (once every 2 years).
• Parati land paid at the full polaj rate when it was cultivated.
• The categorisation of Parati lands helped in determining their potential for cultivation or alternative uses.

Option (d) is incorrect


• Banjar lands were wastelands or uncultivable lands that were not suitable for cultivation due to various
reasons such as rocky terrain, excessive salinity, or lack of water (once every 5 or more years).
• These lands were often used for grazing purposes or left untouched due to their unsuitability for agricul-
ture.

Answer: (a) Polaj | Difficulty Level: Easy

82) ‘Sadr-us Sudur’ is associated with which among the following?


a) Royal household
b) Ecclesiastical department
c) Military administration
d) Spy system

Explanation
Option (b) is correct
• The judicial department was headed by the chief Qazi. This post was sometimes combined with that of
the Sadr-us Sudur (Chief Sadar) was head of the ecclesiastical department.
• His chief duty was to protect the laws of the Shariat and he was also responsible for all charitable
and religious endowments.
• Interestingly, the chief Qazi during Akbar’s reign Abdun Nabi was accused of corruption. However, the
promulgation of Mahzar in 1580 C.E severely restricted his authority as according to Mahzar, Akbar’s view
was to prevail in case of conflicting views among religious scholars.
• Later several restrictions were placed on the authority of the Sadr for award of revenue free grants also.
Answer: (b) Ecclesiastical department | Difficulty Level: Medium

83) Consider the following statements about Akbar:


1. Statement-I: Akbar introduced the policy of Sulh-i-Kul, promoting religious tolerance across his em-
pire.
2. Statement-II: Akbar's court at Fatehpur Sikri was known for its architectural grandeur and served as
his capital city.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?


a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for State-
ment-I.
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
Statement-I.
c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

Explanation
Statement-I is correct
• Akbar's policy of Sulh-i-Kul, which translates to "universal peace," was a pivotal aspect of his reign.
• It aimed at fostering religious tolerance and harmony among the diverse religious communities
within his empire, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Sikhs, and others.

Statement-II is correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
• Fatehpur Sikri, established by Akbar in 1569, served as the Mughal capital from 1571 to 1585.
• The city is renowned for its splendid architecture, which blends elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic
styles.
• Notable structures include the Buland Darwaza (a grand gateway commemorating Akbar's conquest of
Gujarat), Jama Masjid (a large congregational mosque), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and
various palace complexes.
• Akbar's court at Fatehpur Sikri was a hub of cultural and intellectual activity, attracting scholars, artists,
and poets from various parts of the world.
• The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri reflects Akbar's vision of cultural synthesis and imperial grandeur.
• However, Statement-II does not directly explain Statement-I as they pertain to different aspects of Akbar's
reign.

Answer: (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explana-
tion for Statement-I | Difficulty Level: Easy

84) Who among the following was the first Englishman to visit Akbar’s court?
a) William Hawkins
b) Thomas Roe
c) Ralph Fitch
d) Rodolfo Acquaviva

Explanation
Option (c) is correct
• Ralph Fitch was the first Englishman to visit Akbar's court.
• He visited Akbar's court in 1585 AD.
• He provided valuable accounts of his travels, including detailed descriptions of the Mughal court and its
administration, which were crucial in providing early insights into Mughal India for Europeans.

Option (a) is incorrect


• In c.1609 CE, Captain William Hawkins arrived at the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir to seek per-
mission to establish English trading centre at Surat.
• But, it was refused by the Mughal Emperor due to Portuguese pressure.
• Later in c.1612 CE, Jahangir issued a farman (permission letter) to the English and they established a
trading factory at Surat in c.1613 CE

Option (b) is incorrect


• In c.1615 CE, Thomas Roe came to Mughal court as ambassador of James I, the King of England and
obtained permission from Jahangir to establish English trading factories in different parts of India.
• Thus, by c.1619 CE, English established their factories at Agra, Ahmedabad, Baroda and Broach.

Option (d) is incorrect


• Aquaviva and Monserrate were Jesuit priest (sent by the Portuguese on Akbar’s request).
• Aquaviva's presence at Akbar’s court marked an important phase in the Jesuit mission in India.

Answer: (c) Ralph Fitch | Difficulty Level: Easy

85) Which of the following Kings had a ‘Chain of Justice’ hung in his palace?
a) Akbar
b) Alauddin Khilji
c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
d) Jahangir

Explanation
Option (d) is the correct
• Jahangir was the fourth Mughal Emperor who ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627.
• He is famous for his ‘Golden Chain of Justice’.
• 120 kilos of gold strung with 60 golden bells, hanging 25 metres from a tower in the Agra fort to the
banks of the Yamuna below. Anyone with a grievance could pull the chain to attract the emperor’s atten-
tion.

Answer: (d) Jahangir | Difficulty Level: Easy

86) Which of the following statements about the reign of Mughal king Jahangir is
correct?
a) The Mughal paintings reached their zenith during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, who patronized
many great painters like Abul Hasan and Ustad Mansur.
b) Farhang-i-Jahangiri is the autobiography of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
c) Nur Jahan built the tomb of her father, Itimad-Ud-Daulah, in Delhi.
d) Thomas Roe got the farman for setting up an English factory only at Bengal.

Explanation
Statement (a) is correct
• Mughal painting reached its zenith under Jahangir.
• He employed a number of painters like Abul Hasan, Bishan Das (regarded as master of portraits),
Madhu, Anant, Manohar, Govardhan and Ustad Mansur (specialist in animal painting).
• The use of ‘Halo’ or ‘Divine lights’ behind king’s head started under him.

Statement (b) is incorrect


• He wrote the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (autobiography) in Persian, in which he described his drinking habit.
• He also patronised valuable dictionary Farhang-i-Jahangiri.
• During his reign, Abdul Hamid Lahori wrote Padshah Namah and Khafi Khan wrote Muntakhab-i-
Lubab.
• He also patronised many scholars like Ghiyas Beg, Naqib Khan, and Niamatullah.

Statement c is incorrect
• In c.1611 CE, he married Mehrunnisa (widow of Sher Afghani).
• He gave her the title of Nur Jahan (Light of the World), and her father, Gyas Beg, was given the title of
Itimad Ud Daulah.
• Nur Jahan built the tomb of her father, Itmad-ud-dulah at Agra

Statement (d) is incorrect


• In c.1609 CE, Captain William Hawkins arrived at the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir to seek permis-
sion to establish English trading centre at Surat. But, it was refused by the Mughal Emperor due to Por-
tuguese pressure.
• Later in c.1612 CE, Jahangir issued a farman (permission letter) to the English and they established a
trading factory at Surat in c.1613 CE.
• Later in c.1615 CE, Thomas Roe came to Mughal court as ambassador of James I, the King of England
and obtained permission from Jahangir to establish English trading factories in different parts of In-
dia.
• Thus, by c.1619 CE, English established their factories at Agra, Ahmedabad, Baroda and Broach.

Answer: (a) The Mughal paintings reached their zenith during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, who
patronized many great painters like Abul Hasan and Ustad Mansur | Difficulty Level: Medium

87) Which one of the following Mughal kings is also known as Salim?
a) Akbar
b) Jahangir
c) Shahjahan
d) Aurangzeb

Explanation
Option (b) is the correct
• Salim was the eldest son of Jodha Bai and Akbar, who succeeded to the throne in c.1605 CE, after the
death of Akbar.
• He assumed the title of Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir (conqueror of the world).
• He married Mehr-un-nisa in c.1611 CE (widow of Sher Afghan) who was also known as Nur Jahan (light
of the world).
• Her father Itimad Ud Daulah was a respectable man and was made chief Diwan by Jahangir.

Answer: (b) Jahangir | Difficulty Level: Very Easy

88) With reference to Mughal Emperor Jahangir, consider the following statements:
1. Jahangir shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to the album and individual portraits.
2. Deswant and Basawan were two of the most famous painters under Jahangir's patronage.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• Jahangir shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to the album and individual portraits.
• He employed a number of painters like Abul Hasan, Bishan Das (regarded as the master of portraits),
Madhu, Anant, Manohar, Govardhan and Ustad Mansur (specialist in animal painting).
Statement 2 is incorrect
• Emperor Akbar organised painting in imperial karkhanas and also introduced European style.
• Indian colours such as peacock blue, Indian red began to be used.
• He invited a large number of painters from different parts of the country to his court.
• Both Hindus and Muslims joined in this work.
• Mir Sayyid Ali, Abdal Samad, Farukh Beg, Bhusrau Kuli, Miskina, Jamshed Basawan, and Daswant (painted
Razim Namah, the Persian Mahabharata) were the prominent painters.

Answer: (a) 1 only | Difficulty Level: Hard

89) With reference to the Mughal empire, Consider the following statements:
1. The Shah Jahan Nama, a historical account of Shah Jahan's reign, was authored by Abdul Hamid
Lahori.
2. Abdul Hamid Lahori authored all three volumes of the official history of Shah Jahan’s reign.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• The “Shah Jahan Nama” is a historical chronicle written by Inayat Khan during the reign of Emperor
Shah Jahan.
• The text chronicles the reign of Shah Jahan, covering his military campaigns, administrative measures,
and architectural achievements.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Shahjahan commissioned the writing of a court chronicle Padshahnama (1638) to Muhammad Amin
Qazwini who covered the first ten years of Shahjahan’s reign (1627-1637).
• This genre of history writing is known as Tawarikh (histories).
• Shahjahan entrusted the work of rewriting the narrative of first ten years to Abdul Hamid Lahori because
he wanted to change the solar calendar dates to lunar calendar dates ascribing to a more Islamic way of
recording history.
• Lahori composed a detailed account of Shahjahan’s twenty years of reign by the name of Padshahnama.
• The description of construction of Shahjahanabad, its architecture, the fort and bazars of Delhi is beauti-
fully captured by Lahori.
• The account of third decade of Shahjahan’s reign was written by Lahori’s disciple Muhammad Waris.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 | Difficulty Level: Hard

90) Consider the following statements about the Mansabdari system:


1. It is the administrative machinery and revenue system developed by Sher Shah.
2. During Shah Jahan’s reign, it was aimed at drastically reducing the number of Sawars, a noble was
required to maintain.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are not correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None of the above

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Mansabdari system was developed by Akbar and was maintained under Jahangir and Shah Jahan with
minor modifications.
• The term “Mansab” means rank or position.
• The system categorized officials and military personnel into a hierarchical structure, with each mansab
(rank) denoting the status and salary of the individual.
• Mansabdars were classified into different ranks, primarily defined by their Zat and Sawar numbers.
• Zat indicated the personal rank and status, while Sawar denoted the number of cavalrymen an officer
was expected to maintain.
• Even if the sawar rank was higher, the mansabdar’s position in the official hierarchy would not be affected.
It would be decided by the zat rank. For example, a mansabdar with 4000 zat and 2000 sawar was higher
in rank than a mansabdar of 3000 zat and 3000 sawar. Also, different terminologies were used for persons
holding different ranks.

Statement 2 is correct
• During the time of Shah Jahan another reform took place in Mansabdari system.
• The number of Mansabdars increased but there was shortage of land because of Jagirdari crisis.
• During Shah Jahan’s reign an order was passed to reduce the number of sawar under a particular
Mnasabdar.
• Now mansabdar were to be paid on a monthly scale.
• If a mansabdar did not get the total salary of 12 months the he could reduce the number of sawars under
them.
• If a mansabdar was not able to get the salary of six months then he was allowed to bring a huge reduction
in the number of sawars but their rank was not reduced and classification remains the same.
Answer: (a) 1 only | Difficulty Level: Medium

91) Consider the following travellers:


1. Bernier
2. Tavernier
3. Manucci
4. Peter Mundy

Which of the above-mentioned travellers described the reign of Shahjahan?


a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation
All options are correct
• Shahjahan’s reign is described by:
 French travellers – Bernier and Tavernier
 Italian traveller – Manucci
 Peter Mundy described famine during Shah Jahan’s time.
• François Bernier:
 He was a French physician, traveler, political philosopher and historian.
 He was in India for twelve years, from 1656 to 1668.
 He was closely associated with the Mughal court, as a physician to Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest
son of Emperor Shah Jahan, after Dara Shikoh's demise, was attached to the court of the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb.
• Tavernier:
 Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605-1689) was a French traveller and jeweller who travelled to Persia and
India several times between 1630 and 1668.
 In his work, “Les Six Voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier,” he provides detailed descriptions of his
experiences and observations in Mughal India, including the reign of Shah Jahan.
• Manucci:
 Niccolo Manucci (1639-1717) was an Italian writer, traveller, and adventurer who spent several dec-
ades in India. He arrived in India as a young man and became involved in various aspects of Mughal
and later regional politics.
 Manucci’s writings vividly describe the Mughal court, including the reign of Shah Jahan and his suc-
cessor, Aurangzeb.
• Peter Mundy
 Peter Mundy (1597-1667) was an English traveller and merchant associated with the East India Com-
pany. He travelled extensively across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
 Mundy documented a severe famine that occurred in India during Shah Jahan’s reign, particularly in
the early 1630s. He described the devastating impact of the famine on the population, with wide-
spread starvation, death, and economic distress.

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 | Difficulty Level: Hard

92) Which of the following rulers translated Bhagavat Gita and Upanishads into the
Persian language:
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Dara Shikoh
d) Jahangir

Explanation
• Dara Shikoh translated the Bhagavat Gita and Upanishads into the Persian language.
• Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was known for his interest in and patron-
age of Hindu philosophy and literature.
• Dara Shikoh undertook the translation of several Hindu texts into Persian during the 17th century.
• These translations were part of his broader efforts to promote understanding and dialogue between
Hinduism and Islam.
• He sought to find commonalities between Hinduism and Islam, believing in a universal truth underlying
all religions.

Answer: (c) Dara Shikoh | Difficulty Level: Easy

93) With reference to the Mughal Architecture, Consider the following statements:
1. Mughal architectural traditions are based on a combination of Hindu and Turko-Iranian forms.
2. Influence of Gujarat style can be seen in the work of construction of Fatehpur Sikri built by Akbar.
3. The Pietra dura technique was first introduced by Shahjahan in the Taj Mahal.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• There was an outburst of many-sided cultural activity in India under the Mughal rule.
• The traditions in the field of architecture, painting, literature and music created during this period set a
norm and deeply influenced the succeeding generations.
• In this sense, the Mughal period can be called a Second classical age following the Gupta age in north-
ern India.
• In this cultural development, Indian traditions were amalgamated with the Turko-Iranian culture
brought to the country by the Mughals.
• The Mughal architectural traditions based on a combination of Hindu and Turko-Iranian forms and
decorative designs, continued without a break into the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
• Thus, Mughal traditions influenced the palaces and forts of many provincial and local kingdoms. Even the
Harmandir of the Sikhs, called the Golden Temple at Amritsar which was rebuilt several times during
the period was built on the arch and dome principle and incorporated many features of the Mughal
traditions of architecture.

Statement 2 is correct
• Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri (city of victory) near Agra, and a palace-cum-fort complex in it.
• Many buildings in Gujarati and Bengali styles are found in this complex.
• The most magnificent building in it is the Jama Masjid and the gateway to it called Buland Darwaza
(the Lofty Gate), the height of which is 176 ft.
• It was built in c.1572 CE to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
• Other important buildings at Fatehpur Sikri are Jodha Bai’s palace, the Panch Mahal with five storeys
built in the plan of a Buddhist Vihara, the Diwani-Khas, the Diwan-i-Aam, and Sheikh Salim Chisti’s
tomb.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• With the consolidation of the empire, the Mughal architecture reached its climax. Towards the end of
Jahangir’s reign began the practice of putting up buildings entirely of marble and decorating the
walls with floral designs made of semi-precious stones. This method of decoration, called pietra dura.
• The technique became even more popular under Shah Jahan (not introduced) who used it on a large
scale in the Taj Mahal, justly regarded as a jewel of the builder’s art.
Image Source: Qubeart

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only | Difficulty Level: Medium

94) Consider the following statements about Revenue system of Shivaji:


1. Land was measured by using the measuring rod called lathi and was classified into two categories,
cultivable and non-cultivable land.
2. Shivaji largely promoted revenue farming.
3. Chauth and sardeshmukhi were two taxes collected from neighbouring territories of the Mughal em-
pire.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3 only

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• The revenue system of Shivaji was also largely based on that of the Mughals and Deccani states such
as that of Malik Amber of Ahmednagar.
• Land was measured by using the measuring rod called lathi and was classified into three categories –
paddy fields, garden lands, and hilly tracts.

Statement 2 is incorrect
• Shivaji strongly discouraged revenue farming.
• Shivaji drastically reduced the powers of the existing Deshmukhs and Kulkarnis and appointed his own
revenue officials called karkuns.

Statement 3 is correct
• Chauth and sardeshmukhi were two major sources of revenue and it is interesting to note that these
taxes were collected not in the Maratha kingdom but in the neighbouring territories of the Mughal
empire or Deccan sultanates.
• Chauth: One fourth (1/4th of the land revenue) paid to the Marathas in order to avoid the Maratha
raids.
• Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of ten percent, that is, 1/10 of standard land revenue on those
lands on which the Marathas claimed hereditary rights.

Answer: (c) 3 only | Difficulty Level: Hard

95) With reference to Medieval Indian history the term ‘Waqenavis’ refers to:
a) Military commander
b) Tax collector
c) Traders
d) Intelligence and police

Explanation
• Under the administrative system of Shivaji, the king was the pivot of the government, who was assisted
by a council of ministers called the Ashtapradhan. Each one was directly responsible to Shivaji and
headed a department.
• Ashtapradhan includes:
 Peshwa – Pant Pradhan, who looked after finance and general administration. Later, the office of
Peshwa became more powerful and functioned more as the prime minister. There was great focus
on Intelligence and a centralised intelligence department was created.
 Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military commander, an honorary post.
 Amatya/Majumdar – Accountant General.
 Waqenavis – Intelligence and police, posts, historical archives, and household affairs.
 Surnavis or Chitnis or Sachiv – General Secretary who also overlooked official correspondence.
 Sumant/Dabir – Master of ceremonies and Foreign Affairs.
 Nyayadish – Justice.
 Pandit Rao – Charities and ecclesiastical affairs.
• Under Shivaji, these offices were neither hereditary nor permanent and were also frequently trans-
ferred.

Answer: (d) Intelligence and police | Difficulty Level: Hard

96) With reference to the medieval Indian history, consider the following pairs:

Term Meaning

1. Mushriff Revenue secretary

2. Khan-i-Saman Head of imperial household

3. Mir Arz In-charge of petitions

How many of the above Pair(s) is/are not correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Explanation
All three are correct
• Under the Mughal administration, there are several posts, such as:
 Mir Bakshi: Head of military, pay, and accounts office.
 Khan-i-Saman: Head of imperial household.
 Chief Qazi: Head of judiciary department.
 Mir Maal: Lord privy seal
 Mustaufi: Auditor general
 Mushriff: Revenue secretary
 Waqa-i-Navis: News reporter
 Mir Arz: In-charge of petitions
 Mir Tozak: Master of ceremonies
 Amul Guzar: Head of revenue administration in parganas
 Bitakchi: Writer/record keeper
 Shiqdar/Shikdar: In-charge of law and order

Answer: (d) None | Difficulty Level: Hard


97) With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct se-
quence in ascending order in terms of size?
a) Prants-Tarfs-Parganas-Mauzas
b) Mauzas-Tarfs- Parganas-Prants
c) Prants-Parganas-Tarfs-Mauzas
d) Mauzas-Parganas-Tarfs-Prants

Explanation
• The provincial administration of Marathas was also patterned largely on the Deccani and Mughal system.
• Shivaji reorganised and renamed certain provinces.
• The provinces were known as Prants, which were under the charge of the Subedar. The Sarsubedar used
to control and supervise the work of the subedar.
• After Prants came the Tarfs (districts), which were headed by a havaldar.
• After Tarfs came Parganas or Sub districts which were headed by Deshpande, the account and record
keeper and Deshmukh who maintains law and order.
• Mauzas or villages were the lowest unit of administration.
• The police officer in rural area was called Faujdar and in urban area was called Kotwal.
• So, the correct sequence is Mauzas-Parganas-Tarfs-Prants.

Image Source: Ancient and Medieval India Poonam Dalal Dahiya

Answer: (d) Mauzas-Parganas-Tarfs-Prants | Difficulty Level: Hard

98) With reference to ‘Mughal paintings’, consider the following statements:


1. Akbar introduced European painting at his court.
2. Portrait painting and paintings of animals became popular during Jahangir reign.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
• The Mughals made distinctive contribution in the field of painting.
• They introduced new themes depicting the court, battle scenes and the chase, and added new colours
and new forms.
• Under Akbar, European painting was introduced at the court by the Portuguese priests.
• Under their influence, the principles of foreshortening, whereby near and distant people and things could
be placed in perspective was quietly adopted.
• Under their leadership, during the reign of Akbar, a painting workshop was set up in one of the imperial
establishments (karkhanas).
• From the beginning, both Hindus and Muslims joined in the work. Thus, Daswant and Basawan were
two of the famous painters of Akbar’s court.
• The school developed rapidly, and soon became a celebrated centre of production.
• Apart from illustrating Persian books of fables, the painters were soon assigned the task of illustrating
the Persian text of the Mahabharata, the historical work Akbar Nama, and others.

Statement 2 is correct
• Mughal painting reached a climax under Jahangir.
• It was a fashion in the Mughal school for the faces, bodies and feet of the people in a single picture to
be painted by different artists. Jahangir claims that he could distinguish the work of each artist in a picture.
• Apart from painting hunting, battle, and court scenes, exceptional progress was made in portrait paint-
ing and animal painting under Jahangir.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 | Difficulty Level: Medium

99) With reference to the Marathas, consider the following statements:


1. Maratha cavalry included bargirs, which were maintained by the nobles, and silhars, which were main-
tained by the state.
2. Marathas were famous for guerilla warfare, and peasants were also part of the army.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?


a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect
• Shivaji was a military genius and his army was very well organised. The Marathas were pioneers of com-
mando actions.
• The regular standing army known as Paga consisted of about 30,000 to 40,000 cavalries supervised by
the havaldar, who were given fixed salaries.
• The lowest head of the cavalry was called Naik. In fact, all the war horses belonged to the state.
• There were two divisions in the Maratha cavalry:
❖ Bargirs: Equipped and paid by the state
❖ Silahdars: Maintained by the nobles

Statement 2 is correct
• The Marathas were famous for guerrilla warfare, along with the use of an innovative weapon, the Bagh
naka, meaning tiger claw.
• The infantry was highly mobile and light, and the Mavli foot soldiers played an important role in the
infantry. I
• nterestingly, at the time of exigencies, peasants also functioned as part time soldiers as they used to
work for eight months in the field and performed war duty in four months.
• Shivaji also built a powerful navy.

Answer: (b) 2 only | Difficulty Level: Medium

100) With reference to Aurangzeb, Consider the following statements:


1. Aurangzeb banished singing and playing musical instruments from his court.
2. A large number of books on classical Indian music in Persian were written during Aurangzeb’s reign.
3. Aurangzeb began practicing Jharoka darshan, or showing himself to the public from the balcony.
4. The number of Hindus in the nobility during the second half of Aurangzeb’s reign steadily declined.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?


a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four

Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect and Statement 2 is correct
• Aurangzeb banished singing from his court, but not playing of musical instruments.
• Aurangzeb took a number of measures designed to show that the emperor was opposed to all practices
which were not in accordance with the sharia.
• Thus, he forbade singing in the court and the official musicians were pensioned off Instrumental music
and naubat (the royal band) were, however, continued.
• Singing also continued to be patronized by the ladies in the haram, and by princes, and individual nobles.
• It is of some interest to note, as has been mentioned before, that the largest number of Persian works
on classical Indian music were written during his period.
• The most famous of these was Tuhfat-ul-Hind written for Aurangzeb's grandson, Jahandar Shah.
• Aurangzeb himself was proficient in playing the veena.

Statement 3 is incorrect
• Aurangzeb discontinued the practice of jharoka darshan or showing himself to the public from the bal-
cony since he considered it a superstitious practice and against Islam.
• Similarly, he forbade the ceremony of weighing the emperor against gold and silver and other articles on
his birthdays.

Statement 4 is incorrect
• Aurangzeb considered it legitimate to encourage conversion to Islam, evidence of systematic or large-
scale attempts at forced conversion is lacking. Nor were Hindu nobles discriminated against.
• Aurangzeb upheld the Mughal tradition of including Hindus in the nobility.
• For a century, Hindus had constituted roughly 20 per cent of all Mughal nobles.
• In the second half of his reign, Aurangzeb enlarged by 50 per cent the proportion of Hindus in the
Mughal nobility,

Answer: (a) Only one | Difficulty Level: Medium


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