Medieval History of India MCQs

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

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

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Sulaiman al-Tajir, a merchant and traveler from Siraf, visited India in the 9th century during the reign of Rashtrakuta ruler Amoghavarsha I and praised the Rashtrakuta Empire as one of the four great empires of the world.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #2 Report Error
The dynamic tripartite struggle for supremacy over Kanauj in the early medieval period involved which of the following three dynasties?
A. Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Cholas
B. Palas, Pratiharas, and Cholas
C. Palas, Chandelas, and Rashtrakutas
D. Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Tripartite struggle was fought between the Palas of Bengal, the Gurjara-Pratiharas of Malwa, and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan for control over the strategic and affluent city of Kanauj.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #3 Report Error
Which of the following Chola rulers assumed the title of 'Gangaikonda' after successfully leading a military expedition to the Ganga valley?
A. Rajendra I
B. Rajaraja I
C. Kulottunga I
D. Rajadhiraja I

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Rajendra I conducted a successful military expedition to Northern India and reached the Ganga river. To commemorate this victory, he assumed the title 'Gangaikonda' and founded the new capital Gangaikondacholapuram.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #4 Report Error
The famous local self-government system, characterized by autonomous village assemblies (Ur and Sabha), was a distinguishing hallmark of which medieval South Indian dynasty?
A. The Chalukyas
B. The Cholas
C. The Hoysalas
D. The Cheras

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The Chola administration is highly celebrated for its advanced system of local self-government at the village level, meticulously detailed in the Uttaramerur inscriptions.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #5 Report Error
Who was the author of 'Kitab-ul-Hind', a detailed and monumental scholarly work on 11th-century Indian society, religion, and sciences?
A. Ibn Battuta
B. Firdausi
C. Al-Biruni
D. Utbi

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Al-Biruni accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to India and authored 'Kitab-ul-Hind' (or Tahqiq-i-Hind), providing an objective and comprehensive account of Indian culture, philosophy, and social structure.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #6 Report Error
In the administration of the Delhi Sultanate, the department of 'Diwan-i-Arz', which looked after the military affairs, was created by which Sultan?
A. Iltutmish
B. Ghiyasuddin Balban
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Balban established the 'Diwan-i-Arz' (military department) to structurally upgrade the army, enhance its operational efficiency, and counter the internal and external threats to the Sultanate.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #7 Report Error
Which Sultan of Delhi introduced the controversial token currency system made of brass and copper coins in the 14th century?
A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Alauddin Khalji

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced a token currency system in 1329-30 using copper and brass coins, but it failed catastrophically due to widespread illegal minting by citizens.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #8 Report Error
The practice of 'Sijda' (prostration) and 'Paibos' (kissing the feet of the monarch) at the royal court was introduced by which Delhi Sultan to project absolute authority?
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Iltutmish
C. Ghiyasuddin Balban
D. Qutb-ud-din Aibak

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Balban introduced Iranian court customs like Sijda and Paibos to elevate the prestige and divine right theory of the Sultan's throne above the Turkish nobility.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #9 Report Error
The famous traveler Ibn Battuta, who authored the travelogue 'Rihla', arrived in India from Morocco during the reign of which Delhi Sultan?
A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Ibn Battuta reached Delhi in 1334 during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who appointed him as the Qazi (judge) of Delhi due to his scholarly background.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India
Question #10 Report Error
Which Sultan of Delhi founded the city of Agra in 1504 and later shifted his capital there from Delhi?
A. Ibrahim Lodi
B. Bahlul Lodi
C. Sikandar Lodi
D. Khizr Khan

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Sikandar Lodi founded Agra in 1504 to maintain better administrative control over the strategic trade routes and turbulent regions of Central India.

This question belongs to: History GK Medieval History of India

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