Medieval India History Quiz for Competitive Exams
Mastering Medieval Indian History is crucial for excelling in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and various state-level civil service tests. This period, spanning from the 8th to the 18th century, witnessed the rise and fall of powerful empires, significant cultural shifts, and the fusion of diverse traditions. From the Delhi Sultanate to the mighty Mughal Empire, the events and figures of this era form a cornerstone of the general knowledge syllabus. This comprehensive Medieval India History Quiz is designed to test your knowledge, reinforce key facts, and help you identify areas for further study, ensuring you are well-prepared for any history-based question that comes your way.
Medieval India History Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
1. Who was the founder of the Slave Dynasty?
- A. Iltutmish
- B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- C. Razia Sultana
- D. Balban
2. The famous traveller Ibn Battuta came to India during the reign of which ruler?
- A. Alauddin Khilji
- B. Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- D. Ghiyas-ud-din Balban
3. The Delhi Sultanate's 'Diwan-i-Arz' department was related to:
- A. Military administration
- B. Religious affairs
- C. State correspondence
- D. Finance
4. Which of the following monuments was not built by Alauddin Khilji?
- A. Alai Darwaza
- B. Siri Fort
- C. Hauz Khas
- D. Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
5. The Battle of Plassey was fought in which year?
- A. 1757
- B. 1764
- C. 1761
- D. 1789
6. Who was the first Mughal emperor of India?
- A. Akbar
- B. Humayun
- C. Sher Shah Suri
- D. Babur
7. The Chola dynasty was most famous for its:
- A. Land revenue system
- B. Temple architecture
- C. Village administration (local self-government)
- D. Literary achievements
8. The 'Ain-i-Akbari' was written by which court historian?
- A. Abul Fazl
- B. Faizi
- C. Todarmal
- D. Birbal
9. The 'Sufi' saints are often known for promoting which philosophy?
- A. Orthodoxy and strict religious adherence
- B. Love, devotion, and mystic union with God
- C. Political activism
- D. Scholarly debates
10. The system of 'Iqta' was a feature of the Delhi Sultanate. What did it relate to?
- A. A form of taxation
- B. Military recruitment
- C. Religious grants
- D. Land assignment to military officials
Medieval India GK Questions: Delhi Sultanate to Early Mughals
11. The battle of Tarain (1192 CE) was fought between Prithviraj Chauhan and:
- A. Muhammad Ghori
- B. Mahmud of Ghazni
- C. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- D. Iltutmish
12. Who introduced the copper and brass token currency during his reign?
- A. Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- C. Sikandar Lodi
- D. Bahlul Lodi
13. The Vijaynagar Empire was founded by which two brothers?
- A. Bukka Raya and Harihara II
- B. Deva Raya and Krishnadevaraya
- C. Harihara I and Bukka Raya I
- D. Rama Raya and Tirumala Raya
14. The 'Jahangirnama' is the autobiography of which Mughal emperor?
- A. Akbar
- B. Jahangir
- C. Humayun
- D. Shah Jahan
15. What was the name of the capital city of the Tughlaq dynasty under Firuz Shah Tughlaq?
- A. Firozabad
- B. Daulatabad
- C. Agra
- D. Fatehpur Sikri
16. Which of the following rulers was known as 'Zinda Pir' or 'Living Saint'?
- A. Akbar
- B. Jahangir
- C. Shah Jahan
- D. Aurangzeb
17. The 'Qutub Minar' was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by:
- A. Razia Sultana
- B. Balban
- C. Iltutmish
- D. Alauddin Khilji
18. The 'Battle of Khanwa' (1527) was fought between Babur and:
- A. Rana Sanga
- B. Ibrahim Lodi
- C. Medini Rai
- D. Hemu
19. Which city was the capital of the Mughals under Akbar before he shifted to Agra?
- A. Delhi
- B. Fatehpur Sikri
- C. Lahore
- D. Allahabad
20. Who was the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty?
- A. Bahlul Lodi
- B. Sikandar Lodi
- C. Daulat Khan Lodi
- D. Ibrahim Lodi
History MCQ for Competitive Exams: Mughal Era and Beyond
21. The system of 'Dahsala' introduced by Todarmal under Akbar was related to:
- A. Land revenue administration
- B. Military organization
- C. Postal services
- D. Judicial system
22. The 'Din-i Ilahi' was a new religion founded by which Mughal emperor?
- A. Humayun
- B. Jahangir
- C. Akbar
- D. Shah Jahan
23. The 'Red Fort' of Delhi was constructed by:
- A. Akbar
- B. Shah Jahan
- C. Aurangzeb
- D. Jahangir
24. Who was the famous poet in the court of Shah Jahan?
- A. Kalim
- B. Mir Taqi Mir
- C. Amir Khusrau
- D. Faizi
25. The 'Battle of Buxar' took place in which year?
- A. 1757
- B. 1761
- C. 1763
- D. 1764
26. The 'Mansabdari' system under the Mughals was a:
- A. Grading system for military and civil officers
- B. Form of land revenue
- C. Religious tax
- D. Judicial position
27. Shivaji Maharaj's administration was guided by a council of eight ministers known as:
- A. Ashtapradhan
- B. Navaratnas
- C. Ashtadiggas
- D. Ashtabhushana
28. The 'Bhakti Movement' originated in which part of India?
- A. North India
- B. South India
- C. East India
- D. West India
29. Who built the famous 'Gol Gumbaz' at Bijapur?
- A. Muhammad Adil Shah
- B. Yusuf Adil Shah
- C. Ibrahim Adil Shah II
- D. Ali Adil Shah I
30. The 'Padshahnama' is a chronicle detailing the reign of which Mughal emperor?
- A. Akbar
- B. Jahangir
- C. Shah Jahan
- D. Aurangzeb
Indian History Quiz: Later Medieval Period
31. The 'Battle of Panipat' in 1526 was fought between Babur and:
- A. Rana Sanga
- B. Ibrahim Lodi
- C. Hemu
- D. Sher Shah Suri
32. Sher Shah Suri's administrative reforms were a precursor to the policies of:
- A. Akbar
- B. Humayun
- C. Shah Jahan
- D. Aurangzeb
33. The 'Qutb-ud-din Aibak's' reign is marked by the construction of:
- A. Humayun's Tomb
- B. Agra Fort
- C. Fatehpur Sikri
- D. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
34. Who was the first woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
- A. Chand Bibi
- B. Nur Jahan
- C. Razia Sultana
- D. Zeb-un-Nisa
35. The 'Jainism' spread widely in Rajasthan under which ruler?
- A. Kumarapala
- B. Prithviraj Chauhan
- C. Hammir Dev
- D. Rana Kumbha
36. The 'Hawa Mahal' in Jaipur was built by:
- A. Sawai Jai Singh
- B. Raja Man Singh
- C. Raja Bharmal
- D. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
37. Who was the founder of the Sikh Empire in Punjab?
- A. Guru Nanak Dev
- B. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
- C. Guru Gobind Singh
- D. Banda Singh Bahadur
38. The 'Treaty of Seringapatam' (1792) was signed between Tipu Sultan and:
- A. The British East India Company
- B. The Marathas
- C. The Nizam of Hyderabad
- D. The French
39. Which of the following monuments is known as the 'Taj of the Deccan'?
- A. Bibi Ka Maqbara
- B. Humayun's Tomb
- C. Safdarjung's Tomb
- D. Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb
40. The 'Chauhan' dynasty was a major power during which period of Medieval India?
- A. Early Medieval
- B. Sultanate period
- C. Early Medieval (Rajput period)
- D. Mughal period
Medieval India History Quiz: Important Figures and Events
41. The 'Battle of Haldighati' (1576) was fought between Akbar's forces and:
- A. Maharana Pratap
- B. Hemu
- C. Sher Shah Suri
- D. Rana Sanga
42. The 'Jizyah' tax was abolished by which Mughal emperor?
- A. Aurangzeb
- B. Jahangir
- C. Shah Jahan
- D. Akbar
43. The 'First Battle of Panipat' was fought between:
- A. Akbar and Hemu
- B. Muhammad Ghori and Prithviraj Chauhan
- C. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
- D. Humayun and Sher Shah Suri
44. Who was the chief architect of the Taj Mahal?
- A. Mirak Mirza Ghiyas
- B. Ustad Ahmad Lahori
- C. Isa Khan
- D. Shah Jahan
45. The 'Tughlaq' dynasty was founded by:
- A. Firuz Shah Tughlaq
- B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- C. Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
- D. Nasiruddin Mahmud
46. The 'Chhatrapati' title was adopted by which Maratha ruler?
- A. Shivaji Maharaj
- B. Sambhaji
- C. Shahu
- D. Rajaram
47. Which of the following travellers described the city of Vijayanagara in great detail?
- A. Marco Polo
- B. Abdur Razzaq
- C. Niccolò de' Conti
- D. Ibn Battuta
48. The 'Pietra dura' art form became popular during the reign of:
- A. Akbar
- B. Humayun
- C. Jahangir
- D. Shah Jahan
49. The 'Sur' dynasty was founded by:
- A. Sher Shah Suri
- B. Humayun
- C. Islam Shah Suri
- D. Adil Shah Suri
50. The 'Ashtapradhan' council was a key feature of which empire?
- A. Mughal
- B. Vijayanagara
- C. Maratha
- D. Chola
This comprehensive Medieval India History Quiz is an essential tool for competitive exam aspirants. By challenging your knowledge across the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and other regional kingdoms, it provides a crucial self-assessment opportunity. Questions cover key rulers, administrative systems, significant battles, and architectural marvels. Regularly practicing such History MCQ for Competitive Exams helps in reinforcing facts, understanding historical timelines, and improving accuracy under timed conditions. This section serves as both a test of what you know and a guide for what you need to review to master this vital subject for your examination success.
---A Deep Dive into Medieval India History for Competitive Exams
Medieval Indian history is a dynamic and fascinating period, marked by monumental changes that laid the foundation for modern India. For anyone preparing for competitive exams, a thorough understanding of this era is non-negotiable. It’s not just about memorizing dates; it's about comprehending the socio-political structures, cultural syncretism, and economic policies that defined the age. This guide provides a detailed overview to complement your quiz practice and help you build a robust knowledge base.
The Delhi Sultanate: Foundations of a New Era
The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE) established the first major Muslim rule in North India. This period is a goldmine for questions on competitive exams. The Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties each left a unique legacy. The administrative reforms of Alauddin Khilji, the experimental policies of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and the public works of Firuz Shah Tughlaq are especially important topics. The introduction of the 'Iqta' system (land grants to military officials) and the establishment of new departments like 'Diwan-i-Arz' (military department) are frequently tested concepts in any Indian History Quiz.
Key Dynasties
- Slave (1206-1290)
- Khilji (1290-1320)
- Tughlaq (1320-1414)
- Sayyid (1414-1451)
- Lodi (1451-1526)
Notable Rulers
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak (founder)
- Iltutmish (real consolidator)
- Razia Sultana (first female ruler)
- Alauddin Khilji (market reforms)
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq (token currency)
Major Battles
- First Battle of Tarain (1191)
- Second Battle of Tarain (1192)
- First Battle of Panipat (1526)
The Mighty Mughals: Apex of Medieval Indian History
The Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE) is arguably the most significant period of Medieval India. Founded by Babur, it reached its zenith under Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Questions on the Mughal era often focus on their administrative innovations, art and architecture, and religious policies. The 'Mansabdari' system, the 'Jizyah' tax, and the 'Din-i Ilahi' are critical topics for any competitive exam aspirant. The architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb are also popular subjects for Indian History Quiz questions.
"The Mughal Empire, through its patronage of arts and a syncretic cultural ethos, left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent, shaping its modern identity."
Beyond the great empires, the regional kingdoms of the Deccan and South India, such as the Bahmani and Vijayanagara empires, also hold immense importance. Their trade routes, unique administrative systems, and cultural achievements, particularly in art and literature, are a fertile ground for Medieval India GK Questions. The Maratha Empire under Shivaji, with its unique 'Ashtapradhan' council, signifies a powerful indigenous resistance and a sophisticated administrative model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Medieval Indian History
- What is the significance of the First Battle of Panipat?
The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. Babur's victory over Ibrahim Lodi fundamentally changed the political landscape of the subcontinent. - Who were the prominent figures of the Bhakti and Sufi movements?
The Bhakti movement saw figures like Ramananda, Kabir, Guru Nanak, and Chaitanya. The Sufi movement was led by saints like Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, Nizamuddin Auliya, and Shaikh Salim Chishti. Both movements emphasized devotion and mystic love over ritualism. - What was the 'Jagirdari' system?
The Jagirdari system was a land revenue assignment system of the Mughals. Under this, the right to collect revenue from a piece of land (a jagir) was given to a specific officer (a jagirdar), who was also expected to maintain a certain number of troops for the state.
Conclusion: Your Path to Success
Mastering Medieval Indian History requires a systematic approach. Start with the major dynasties and their rulers, then move on to administrative policies, cultural developments, and key events. Regular practice of a Medieval India History Quiz is an excellent way to track your progress and identify weak points. Remember, this period is a rich tapestry of political rivalries, architectural brilliance, and cultural evolution. Understanding its nuances will not only help you ace your competitive exams but also provide a deeper appreciation for India's rich heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Systematic Study: Divide the era into manageable parts like the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, and regional kingdoms.
- Focus on Key Concepts: Pay close attention to administrative systems (Iqta, Mansabdari), key battles, and architectural landmarks.
- Practice with MCQs: Regularly solve Medieval India History Quiz and History MCQ for Competitive Exams to test your recall and application skills.
- Timeline is Crucial: Create mental timelines to place events and rulers in chronological order, which is vital for exam questions.
- Cultural Context: Don't just focus on politics. Understand the impact of the Bhakti-Sufi movements and the development of Indo-Islamic art and architecture.
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