SSC Previous Year Medieval History qustion Paper Last 30 Year solved

Medieval History - Prelims PYQs (1995-
2025)

1. EARLY MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Q.1 Consider the following pairs: (20 22)
King Dynasty
1. Nannuka Chandela
2. Jayashakti Paramara
3. Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara
4. Bhoja Rashtrakuta
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Answer: (b)
Prelims PYQs 1995-2025
Pair 4 is incorrectly matched : Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja (c.836−885 AD) was the successor
of
Nagabhatta II, who had a long reign of over 44 -46 years and proved to be the most
successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas. An Arab visitor to western I ndia, the
merchant
Sulaymān, referred to the kingdom of Juzr (which is generally identified as Gurjara) and
its strong and able ruler, who may have been Bhoja.
Q.2 Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ―Hundi' generally referred
to in the
sources of the post-Harsha period? (2020)
(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
(c) A bill of exchange
(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
Answer:(c)
Q.3 With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term 'Araghatta'
refers to:
(2016)
(a) bonded labour
(b) land grant made to military officers
(c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

(d) wasteland converted to cultivated land
Answer:(c)
Q.4 With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the esse ntial element/
elements of the feudal system? (2015)
1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local
political authority
2. The emergence of an administrative structure based on control and possession of
the land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(b)
Q.5 Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times ? (2010)
1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus
became a part of Vaishnavism.
2. Invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of the last Gupta king adopted
Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
3. Kings of the Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
2. THE DELHI SULTANATE
Q.6 With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: (2022)
1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalalud- din Khalji.
2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and
besieged the city.
3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of the north -west of his kingdom
to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b)
Q.7 With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “Kulah -
Daran”?
(2022)
(a) Arab merchants

(b) Qalandars
(c) Persian calligraphists
(d) Sayyids
Answer: (d)
Q.8 Consider the following statements: (2021)
1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of
the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and
crossed the Indus.
3. It was during the reign of D eva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da
Gama reached the coast of Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3
Answer:(a)
1446. Vasco da Gama came to India in 1498.
Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala in 1498, but Deva Raya II ruled the
Vijayanagara Empire earlier, from 1424 to 1446. At the time of his arrival, the ruler of the
Vijayanagara Empire was Krishnadevaraya (reigned 1509–1529).
Q.9 Consider the following statements: (2019)
1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in -charge of revenue collection
was known as ―Amil‖.
2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
3. The office of ―Mir Bakshi‖ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of
Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(a)
Q.10 Assertion (A): Muhammad bin Tughlaq issued a new gold coin which was called
Dinar by
Ibn Batutah. Reason (R): Muhammad bin Tughlaq wanted to issue token c urrency in
gold
coins to promote trade with West Asian and North African countries. (2006)
(a) Both A are R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (c)

Q.11 Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the Afghan rulers
to the
throne of Delhi? (2006)
(a) Sikandar Shah-Ibrahim Lodi-Bahlol Khan Lodi
(b) Sikandar Shah-Bahlol Khan Lodi-Ibrahim Lodi
(c) Bahlol Khan Lodi-Sikandar Shah-Ibrahim Lodi
(d) Bahlol Khan Lodi-Ibrahim Lodi-Sikandar Shah
Answer: (c)
Q.12 Who was the last ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate ? (2004)
(a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(b) Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq Shah II
(c) Nasir-ud-din Mahmud
(d) Nasrat Shah
Answer: (c)
Q.13 How did Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak die? (2003)
(a) He was treacherously stabbed to death by one of his ambitious nobles
(b) He was killed in a battle with Taj -u-din Yildiz, the ruler of Ghazni who entered into a
contest with him over the capture of Punjab
(c) He sustained injuries while besieging the fortress of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand and
succumbed to them later
(d) He died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan
Answer: (d)
Q.14 Direction: The following item consists of two statements, one labeled as "Assertion
A" and
the other as "Reason R". You are to examine these two statements carefully and decide
if
"Assertion A" and "Reason R" are individually true and if so, whether the "Reason R" is
the
correct explanation for the given Assertion A". Select your answers to these items using
the codes given below and mark your Answer Sheet accordingly. (2002)
Codes:
(a) Both A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Assertion (A): Muhammad Bin Tughlaq left Delhi, and for two years lived in a camp
called
Swarga-Dwari.
Reason (R): At that time, Delhi was ravaged by plague and many people died.
Answer: (a)
Q.15 Historian Barani refused to consider the state in India under Delhi Sultans as truly
Islamic
because:(2002)

(a) majority of the population did not follow Islam
(b) muslim theologists were often disregarded
(c) Sultan supplemented the Muslim law by framing his own regulations
(d) religious freedom was accorded to non-muslims
Answer: (c)
Q.16 With reference to medieval Indian rulers, which one of the following statement is
correct?
(2002)
(a) Alauddin Khalji first set up a separate ariz's department.
(b) Balban introduced the branding of horses in his military.
(c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was succeeded by his uncle to the Delhi throne.
(d) Firoz Tughlaq set up a separate department of slaves.
Answer: (d)
Q.17 Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? (2001)
(a) Dewan-i-Bandagani – Tughlaq
(b) Dewan-i-Mustakhraj – Balban
(c) Dewan-i-Kohi – Alauddin Khilji
(d) Dewan-i-Arz – Muhammad Tughlaq
Answer: (a)
Q.18 Direction : (2001)
The following item consists of two statements. One labeled the 'Assertion A' and the oth
er
as 'Reason R' You are to examine these two statements carefully and decide if the
'Assertion A' and the 'Reason R' are individually true and if so, whether the 'Reason R' is
the
correct explanation of the given 'Assertion A'. Mark your Answer-Sheet accordingly.
Codes:
(a) Both A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Assertion (A): Battle of Khanua was certainly more decisive and significant than the
First
Battle of Panipat.
Reason (R): Rana Sanga, the Rajput hero, was certainly a more formidable adversary
than
Ibrahim Lodi.
Answer: (a)
Q.19 Mongols under Chengiz Khan invaded India during the reign of : (2001)
(a) Balban
(b) Firoz Tughlaq
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

Answer: (c)
Q.20 “The king was freed from his people and they from their king.” On whose death did
Badauni comment thus? (1999)
(a) Balban
(b) Ala-ud-din Khalji
(c) Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
(d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: (c)
Q.21 To which Lodi Sultan does the given map relate and what town does the site
marked ―A‖
on the map represent? (1999)
(a) Bahlol Lodi – Jaunpur (b) Sikandar Lodi – Aligarh
(c) Ibrahim Lodi – Jaunpur (d) Ibrahim Lodi – Aligarh
Answer: (a)

1526. It was the fifth and final last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
Option (a) is correct : Bahlol Lodi defeated Hussain Shah Sharqi (1458 to 1505 CE) of
Jaunpur in 1479. Bahlul Khan Lodi was the chief of the Pashtun Lodi tribe and was the
founder of the Lodi dynasty from the Delhi Sultanate upon the abdication of the last
claimant from the previous Sayyid rule.
Q.22 Fawazil in the Sultanate period meant: (1998)
(a) extra payment to the nobles
(b) revenue assigned in lieu of salary
(c) excess amount paid to the exchequer by the Iqtadars
(d) illegal exactions extracted from the peasants
Answer: (c)
Q.23 Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to have built the biggest network of canals in India
was:
(1998)
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(d) Sikandar Lodi
Answer: (c)
Q.24 Assertion (A) : At first, the Turkish administration in India was essentially military.
(1998)
Reason (R) : The country was parcelled out as 'Iqtas' among leading military leaders.
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Answer: (a)
Exp : The Turkish administration during the early years of the Delhi Sultanate was
heavily reliant
on the Iqta system, wherein lands (Iqtas) were distributed among military commanders
(Iqtadars). These Iqtadars were responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining a
contingent of soldie rs for the Sultan, making the administration fundamentally military -
oriented.
Assertion (A) is true : As the administration relied primarily on military power through
Iqtadars as military commanders.
Reason (R) is true : Because the distribution of Iqta s was a mechanism to maintain
military strength and administrative efficiency.
The military nature of the administration was directly tied to the Iqta system, as it was a
mechanism for maintaining military strength and governance. The system placed
emphasis on military leaders managing both revenue and security, which aligns the
reason with the assertion.
Thus, Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).
Assertion is correct: The early Turkish rulers in India relied heavily on their military to
establish and maintain control over the region. The Delhi Sultanate was founded on
military conquest, and the rulers relied on military commanders for administrative control.
During this time, the sultanate's governance was largely militarized, and military le aders
had significant power and influence over the territory.
Reason is true: The concept of Iqta was introduced in India during the rule of Shams -
ud-
Din Iltutmish (r. 1211 –1236). An Iqta was a land grant that was given to military leaders
in
return for t heir service. These military leaders, often called Iqtidars, were in charge of
the
administration of the land within their assigned Iqta and were responsible for maintaining
law and order, collecting revenue, and providing military support to the Sultan. T he
system of Iqta created a decentralized form of administration, where military leaders had
significant autonomy within their assigned territories.
Thus, Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).
Q.25 The medieval Indian writer who refers to the discovery of America is: (1997)
(a) Malik Muhammad Jayasi
(b) Amir Khusrau
(c) Raskhan
(d) Abul Fazl
Answer: (d)
Q.26 After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of : (1997)
(a) Tut-e-Hind
(b) Kaisr-I-Hind
(c) Zil-I-Ilahi
(d) Din-I-Ilahi

Answer: (c)
Exp : After consolidating his power, Balban, the Sultan of Delhi from 1266 to 1287,
adopted the
grand title Zil -I-Ilahi (Shadow of God). This reflected his claim of divinely sanctioned
authority and reinforced his efforts to centralize power, maintain royal dignity, and
establish an aura of majesty around the throne.
Balban (reigned 1266 –1287) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Delhi
Sultanate,
particularly known for his strong and centralized rule. He was part of th e Slave dynasty
which began with Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the
grand title of "Zil-i-Ilahi", which means "The Shadow of God" or "The Shadow of the
Divine."
This title was a reflection of his absolute authority and div ine right to rule. By adopting
this
title, Balban sought to emphasize the sacred nature of his rule and his unquestionable
authority, essentially equating his position with the will of God.
Q.27 The route indicated in the map was followed, during the course of his military
exploits, by:
(1995)
(a) Chandragupta II
(b) Harshavardhana
(c) Rajendra Chola
(d) Malik Kafur
Answer: (d)
3. REGIONAL KINGDOMS
Q28. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the
Portuguese?
(2023)
(a) Ahmad Shah
(b) Mahmud Begarha
(c) Bahadur Shah
(d) Muhammad Shah
Answer: (c)
1. Hoysala
2. ahadavala
3. Kakatiya
4. Yadava
How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in the early eighth century
AD?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three

(d) None
Answer: (d)
Q.30 With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(2021)
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged from Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged from the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah
Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer:(b)
Q.31 Consider the following events in the history of India: (2020)
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting fro m the earliest
time?
(a) 2-1-4-3 (b) 3-1-4-2
(c) 2-4-1-3 (d) 3-4-1-2
Answer:(c)
Q.32 Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?
(2017)
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
Answer:(b)
Q.33 Consider the following pairs : (2015)
Medieval Indian State : Present Region
1. Champaka : Central India
2. Durgara : Jammu
3. Kuluta : Malabar
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer: (b)
Q.34 How did the dynasty of Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar come to an end? (2004)

(a) Ahmadnagar was annexed into the Mughal Empire and Hussain Shah was given life
imprisonment
(b) Mughal troops destroyed Daulatabad fort and killed Nizam-ul-Mulk of Ahmadnagar.
(c) Fateh Khan usurped the throne from Nizam-ul-Mulk.
(d) Malik Ambar was defeated in a battle with Mughals in 1631 and the entire royal
family
was killed by Mughal troops.
Answer: (a)
Q.35 Assertion (A): The Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after
the
decline of the Mughal Empire.
Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have a clear concept of a united Indian nation.
(2003)
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (c)
Q.36 Which one of the following Muslim rulers was hailed as the 'Jagadguru' by his
Muslim
subjects because of his belief in secularism? (2000)
(a) Hussain Shah
(b) Zain-ul-Abidin
(c) Ibrahim Adil Shah
(d) Mahmud II
Answer: (c)
Q.37 Who among the following streamlined the Maratha administration after Sambhaji?
(2000)
(a) Raja Ram
(b) Balaji Vishwanath
(c) Ganga Bai
(d) Nanaji Deshmukh
Answer: (b)
Q.38 The striking feature of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir completed by Zain -ul-Abidin
include(s): (1999)
1. Turret
2. Similarity with Buddhist pagodas
3. Persian style
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 alone (b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3
Answer: (b)

Q.39 One consistent feature found in the history of southern India was the growth of
small
regional kingdoms rather than large empires because of: (1999)
(a) Absence of minerals like iron
(b) Too many divisions in the social structure
(c) Absence of vast areas of fertile land
(d) Scarcity of manpower
Answer: (c)
Q.40 The member of Shivaji's Ashtapradhan who looked after foreign affairs was: (1998)
(a) Sumant
(b) Peshwa
(c) Sachiv
(d) Pandit Rao
Answer: (a)
1. Peshwa - Head of the administration, overseeing governance.
2. Sumant - In charge of foreign affairs and diplomacy. Hence, Option (a) is correct.
3. Sachiv - Managed records and communications.
4. Amatya - Responsible for finances and revenue.
5. Dabir - Handled correspondence.
6. Senapati - Military commander-in-chief.
7. Nyayadhish - Chief justice, overseeing law and order.
8. Pandit Rao - Managed religious affairs and advised on spiritual matters.
Option (a) is correct : The Sumant was responsible for managing foreign affairs,
including
diplomatic relations, treaties, and negotiations with neighboring states and powers.
Q.41 Ashtapradhan was a council of ministers: (1995)
(a) In the Gupta administration
(b) In the Chola administration
(c) In the Vijayanagar administration
(d) In the Maratha administration
Answer: (d)
4. VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE
Q.42 Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam
across
Tungabhadra River and a canal -cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to
the capital city? [2023]
(a) Devaraya I
(b) Mallikarjuna
(c) Vira Vijaya
(d) Virupaksha
Answer: (a)
Q.43 Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to
build a

fort at Bhatkal? (2024)
(a) Krishnadevaraya
(b) Narasimha Saluva
(c) Muhammad Shah III
(d) Yusuf Adil Shah
Answer: (a)
Q.44 In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to: (2022)
(a) Clothing
(b) Coins
(c) Ornaments
(d) Weapons
Answer: (b)
Q.45 According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in the Vijayanagara Empire
were experts
in which of the following areas? (2021)
1. Wrestling
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d)
Q.46 Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider
the
following statements: (2016)
1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax.
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
Answer:(c)
Q.47 Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river
Krishna
and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south
of the river Krishna was supposed to belong? (2015)
(a) Amoghavarsha I (b) Ballala II
(c) Harihara I (d) Prataparudra II
Answer:(c)
Q.48 The initial design and construction of which massive temple took place during the
reign of
Suryavarman II? (2006)

(a) Sri Mariamman Temple
(b) Angkor Vat Temple
(c) Batu Caves Temple
(d) Kamakhya Temple
Answer: (b)
Q.49 When Raja Wodeyar founded the kingdom of Mysore, who was the ruler of the
Vijayanagar Empire? (2006)
(a) Sadasiva
(b) Tirumala
(c) Ranga II
(d) Venkata II
Answer: (d)
Exp : Raja Wodeyar established the Wodeyar dynasty in Mysore, around the late 14th
century.
During this period, Venkata II (1586 to 1614) was one of the rulers of the Vijayanagar
Empire
(1336 A.D to 1646 A.D.), which despite being in decline, continued to wield influence
over
southern India.
Q.50 Consider the following statements: (2004)
1. Narasimha Saluva ended the Sangama dynasty and seized the throne for himself,
starting the Saluva dynasty.
2. Vira Narasimha deposed the last Saluva ruler and seized the throne for himself.
3. Vira Narasimha was succeeded by his younger brother, Krishnadeva Raya.
4. Krishnadeva Raya was succeeded by his half-brother, Achyuta Raya.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d)
Q.51 Directions : (2003)
The following item consists of two statements: one labeled as the Assertion (A) and the
other as Reason (R). You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the
answers to these items using the codes given below:
(a) Both A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Assertion (A): Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dy nasty and assumed the royal
title.
Reason (R): He wanted to save the kingdom from further degeneration and
disintegration.

Answer: (a)
Q.52 Which one of the following monuments has a dome which is said to be one of the
largest
in the world? (1995)
(a) Tomb of Sher Shah, Sasaram
(b) Jama Masjid, Delhi
(c) Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, Delhi
(d) Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur
Answer: (d)
5. BHAKTI AND SUFI MOVEMENT
Q.53 The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by
the
Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements
correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja? (2022)
(a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Answer:(a)
Q.54 Consider the following statements: (2019)
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
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
Answer:(d)
Q.55 With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following
statements:
(2016)
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the
caste-hierarchy.
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
Answer:(c)
Q.56 Consider the following statements : (2014)
1. 'Bijak' is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.
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
Answer:(d)
Q.57 Consider the following Bhakti Saints: (2013)
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took
over?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2
Answer: (b)
Q.58 With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were
known to
pursue which of the following practices? (2012)
1. Meditation and control of breath.
2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place.
3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(d)
Q.59 Among the following, who was not a proponent of the Bhakti cult ? (2010)
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Tukaram
(c) Tyagaraja
(d) Vallabhacharya
Answer: (a)
Q.60 Bhakta Tukaram was a contemporary of which Mughal emperor? (2006)
(a) Babar (b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir (d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (c)
Q.61 Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order ?
(2004)
(a) Shankaracharya–Ramanuja–Chaitanya
(b) Ramanuja–Shankaracharya–Chaitanya
(c) Ramanuja–Chaitanya–Shankaracharya
(d) Shankaracharya–Chaitanya–Ramanuja
Answer: (a)
Q.62 With reference to Sufism in Indian history, consider the following statements:
(2002)
1. Sheikh Ahmad Sarhandi was a contemporary of Ibrahim Lodi

2. Sheikh Nasiruddin Chirag-I-Dehlavi was a disciple of Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya
3. Aurangzeb was a contemporary of Sheikh Salim Chisti
4. Qadiri order of Sufis was first introduced in India by Sheikh Niamutullah and
Makhdum Muhammad Jilani.
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4
Answer: (d)
Q.63 Who among the following was the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for the propa gation
of his
message? (2002)
(a) Dadu
(b) Kabir
(c) Ramananda
(d) Tulsidas
Answer: (c)
Q.64 Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the lists:
(2001)
List-I (Bhakti Saint) List-II (Profession)
A. Namdev 1. Barber
B. Kabir 2. Weaver
C. Ravidas 3. Tailor
D. Sena 4. Cobbler
Codes:
(a) A – 2; B – 3; C – 1; D – 4 (b) A – 3; B – 2; C – 4; D – 1
(c) A – 3; B – 2; C – 1; D – 4 (d) A – 2; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1
Answer: (b)

Q.65 Assertion (A): The sponsor and the most prominent figure of the Chisti order of
Sufis in
India is Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. (1997)
Reason (R): The Chisti order takes its name from a village Chisti in Ajmer.
In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (c)
Q.66 Nastaliq was: (1996)
(a) a persian script used in medieval India
(b) a raga composed by Tansen
(c) a cess levied by the Mughal rulers

(d) a manual of code of conduct for the Ulemas
Answer: (a)
Q.67 The sufi saint who maintained that devotional music was one way of coming close
to God
was: (1996)
(a) Muin-ud-din Chisti
(b) Baba Farid
(c) Sayyid Muhammad Gesudaraz
(d) Shah Alam Bukhari
Answer: (a)
6. MUGHAL PERIOD
Q.68 With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct
sequence in
ascending order in terms of size? (2021)
(a) Paragana—Sarkar—Suba
(b) Sarkar—Paragana—Suba
(c) Suba—Sarkar—Paragana
(d) Paragana—Suba—Sarkar

Answer:(a)
Q.69 With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between
Jagirdar
and Zamindar? (2019)
1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties,
whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any
duty other than revenue collection.
2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights or Zamindars
were not hereditary.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(d)
Exp : Both the statements are incorrect: During the Mughal period the holder of land
was
termed Zamindar. They have hereditary rights over the land. The primary responsibility
of
zamindars was to collect revenue and deposit it in the royal treasury. The Jagirdars
were
the King‖s appointed officials who were given land b y the King. The jagir system
allocated

a certain amount of land to each person, without any inheritance rights.
● Zamindars were also expected to maintain law and order in their jurisdictions. The
judicial and police functions were performed locally by zamindars.
● Jagirdar only has the right to claim and enjoy the revenue collected from the land.
Jagirs were transferable and could be seized too.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Jagirdars were granted land assignments (known as jagir) in
return for military, administrative, or service -related duties. Zamindars, on the other
hand
have the primary role of revenue collection . But in many cases, especially during the
Mughal period, Zamindars were also responsible for maintaining law and order in their
regions, depending on the specific region and the emperor's policies.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Jagirdars did not necessarily hold hereditary land assignments.
The jagir was often granted for services rendered. The emperor could change or revoke
these assignments as needed, which means the jagir was not hereditary in the strict
sense. Zamindars, however, typically held hereditary rights over the lands they
controlled.
The right to collect revenue from their land passed down through generations, making
their position mostly hereditary in nature.
Q.70 With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not corre
ct?
(2019)
(a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
(b) Tansen composed Dhrupada on Hindu gods and goddesses.
(c) Tansen composed songs for his patrons.
(d) Tansen invented many Ragas.
Answer: (a)
Q.71 Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated
manuscripts to albums and individual portraits? (2019)
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
Answer:(c)
Q.72 Consider the following: (2015)
The arrival of Babur into India led to the:
1. Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
2. Introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture
3. Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(b)
Q.73 With whose permission did the English set up their first factory in Surat? (2009)
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shahjahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (b)
Q.74 During the time of which Mughal Emperor did the English East India Company
establish its
first factory in India? (2008)
(a) Akbar
(b) Jahangir
(c) Shahjahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (b)
Q.75 In Indian history, who was Abdul Hamid Lahori ? (2006)
(a) An important military commander during Akbar's reign.
(b) An official historian of the reign of Shahjahan.
(c) An important noble and confidant of Aurangzeb.
(d) A chronicler and poet during the reign of Muhammad Shah.
Answer: (b)

Q.76 In the year 1613, where was the English East India Company given permission to
set up a
factory (trading post)? (2006)
(a) Bangalore
(b) Madras
(c) Masulipattam
(d) Surat
Answer: (d)
Q.77 Consider the following statements about Sikh Gurus: (2004)
1. Banda Bahadur was appointed as the military leader of the Sikhs by Guru Tegh
Bahadur.
2. Guru Arjun Dev became the Sikh Guru after Guru Ram Das.
3. Guru Arjun Dev gave to Sikhs their own script Guru Mukhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Answer: (2 only )

Exp : Statement (1) is incorrect : Banda Bahadur was appointed as the military leader of
the
Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh, not Guru Tegh Bahadur. Guru Gobind Singh entrusted
Banda
Bahadur with the mission of punishing the oppressive Mughal officials in Punjab.
Statement (2) is correct : Guru Arjun Dev became the fifth Sikh Guru after Guru Ram
Das,
who was his father. Guru Arjun Dev led the Sikh community from 1581 to 1606 and
made
significant contributions, including compiling the Adi Granth (the predecessor of the Guru
Granth Sahib) and overseeing the construction of the Harmandir Sah ib (Golden
Temple)
in Amritsar.
Statement (3) is incorrect : Guru Arjun Dev contributed significantly to Sikhism, including
compiling the Adi Granth (the precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib), but he did not give
the
Sikhs their script.
The script that is used for writing Punjabi (the language of the Sikhs) is Gurmukhi. The
script was standardized and popularized by Guru Angad Dev, the second Sikh Guru, not
by
Guru Arjan Dev. Guru Arjan Dev contributed to the religious and cultural development of
the Sikhs.
Q.78 Alam Khan, one of those who invited Babur to invade India was: (2003)
(a) an uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi
(b) a cousin of Ibrahim Lodi who was ill-treated and expelled from the country
(c) the father of Dilawar Khan to whom cruel treatment was meted out by Ibrahim Lodi
(d) a high official in Punjab province who was discontented with Ibrahim Lodi's
treatment to his tribe
Answer: (a)
Q.79 Battle of Dharmat was fought between: (2003)
(a) Muhammad Ghori and Jai Chand
(b) Babur and Afghans
(c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh
(d) Ahmad Shah Durrani and the Marathas
Answer: (c)
Q.80 How did the Mughal Emperor Jahandarshah's reign come to an early end? (2003)
(a) He was deposed by his Wazir
(b) He died due to a slip while climbing down the steps
(c) He was defeated by his nephew in a battle
(d) He died of sickness due to drinking
Answer: (c)
Q.81 Directions: (2003)

The following item consists of two statements: one labelled as the Assertion (A) and the
other as Reason (R). You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the
answers to these items using the codes given below:
(a) Both A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Assertion (A): Emperor Akbar marched towards Afghanistan in 1581 with a huge army.
Reason (R): He was on his way to reclaim his ancestral country of Ferghana in Central
Asia.
Answer: (c)
Q.82 Directions : (2003)
The following item consists of two statements: one labeled as the Asserti on (A) and the
other as Reason (R). You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the
answers to these items using the codes given below:
(a) Both A and R are individually true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Assertion (A): Shah Alam II spent the initial years as an emperor far away from his
capital.
Reason (R): There was always a lurking danger of foreign invasion from the north -west
frontier.
Answer: (b)
Exp : Shah Alam II (1728 –1806) was the Mughal Emperor, ruling from 1759 to 1806.
His reign
marked a period of decline for the Mughal Empire, as it faced significant challenges,
including invasions and internal rebellions.
Assertion (A) is Correct : Shah Alam II spent his early years away from Delhi, primarily
in
Bihar and Allahabad, due to political instability, including internal rivalries and exte rnal
threats, such as Ahmed Shah Durrani's invasions.
Reason(R) is correct : During Shah Alam II's reign, invasions from the northwest,
especially
by Ahmed Shah Durrani, posed significant threats to the Mughal Empire.
The primary reason for Shah Alam II's absence was internal threats and the dominance
of
nobles like Najib -ud-Daula in Delhi, rather than solely the danger of foreign invasions.
Hence Reason(R) does not explain Assertion(A).
Hence, Option(b) is the correct answer.
Q.83 The motive behind Shah Jahan's Balkh campaign was to : (2002)
(a) secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakhshan which bordered Kabul
(b) conquer Samarqand and Farghana, the Mughal homelands

(c) fix the Mughal frontier on the 'scientific line', the Amu Daria
(d) expand the Mughal Empire beyond the sub-continent
Answer: (a)
Exp : Balkh , in modern day Northern Afghanistan, was a gateway to Central Asia and a
significant center of trade and culture. The region was also critical for securing the
northwestern frontier of the Mughal Empire from Uzbek threats.
Option (a) is correct : Shah Jahan‖s Balkh Campaign (1646 to 1647) was a military
expedition to consolidate and expand the Mughal Empire's influence in Central Asia. The
campaign was aimed at asserting Mughal cont rol and securing a friendly ruler in Balkh
and Badakshan which bordered Kabul. During this period Balkh was controlled by
Uzbeks,
under Nazr Muhammad Khan. The Mughal forces successfully captured Balkh and
Badakhshan with minimal resistance, as Nazr Muhammad fled to Iran. In 1647, Shah
Jahan
decided to withdraw Mughal forces from Balk and the region reverted to Uzbek control.
Q.84 The shaded area in the above map shows the empire of :(2001)
(a) Alauddin Khalji
(b) Mohammad Tughlaq
(c) Shahjahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (c)
Q.85 Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during
the
Mughal period? (2001)
(a) Calicut (b) Broach
(c) Cambay (d) Surat
Answer: (d)

Q.86 The given map refers to the kingdom of : (2000)
(a) Akbar at the time of capture of Khandesh in 1601
(b) Akbar at the time of his death in 1605
(c) Aurangzeb at the time of capture of Hyderabad
(d) Aurangzeb at the time of his death in 1707
Answer: (a)
Q.87 Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (1999)
(a) Jahangir : William Hawkins
(b) Akbar : Sir Thomas Roe
(c) Shahjahan : Travernier
(d) Aurangzeb : Manucci
Answer: (b)

Q.88 Assertion (A): During the time of Akbar, for every ten cavalrymen, the mansabdars
had to
maintain twenty horses. (1999)
Reason(R): Horses had to be rested while on march and replacements were necessary
in
times of war.
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (d) (a)
Q.89 In the given map, the shaded part represents Akbar's empire at a certain juncture,
'A'
stands for an independent country and 'B' marks the site of the city. Which one of the
following alternatives gives all the correct information? (1998)
(a) Akbar in 1557 : (A) Golkunda, (B) Lahore
(b) Akbar in 1557 : (A) Khandesh(B) Multan
(c) Akbar in 1605 : (A) Gondwana, (B) Multan
(d) Akbar in 1605 : (A) Gondwana, (B) Lahore
Answer: (d)
Q.90 Assertion (A): During the reign of Shahjahan, Dara Sikoh was sent on expedition to
Balkha,
Badakhshan and Qandahar. (1998)
Reason (R): The expedition sent by Shahjahan to the Middle -East was a marvelous
success.
(a) Both A and R are true but R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (c)
Q.91 The loss of Qandhar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the viewpoint of :
(1998)
(a) natural resources
(b) buffer territory
(c) communication
(d) strategic stronghold
Answer: (d)
Q.92 Head of the military department under the recognised central m achinery of
administration during Akbar's reign was: (1997)
(a) Diwan
(b) Mir Bakshi
(c) Mir Saman
(d) Bakshi

Answer: (b)
Q.93 Mughal painting reached its zenith under: (1996)
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shahjahan
Answer:(c)
Q.94 In medieval India, Mansabdari system was introduced for: (1996)
(a) making recruitment to the army
(b) facilitating revenue collection
(c) ensuring religious harmony
(d) effecting clean administration
Answer: (d)
Q.95 The Mughal school of painting formed the spinal column of different schools of
Indian
miniature art. Which one of the following painting styles was not affected by Mughal
painting? (1995)
(a) Pahari
(b) Rajasthani
(c) Kangra
(d) Kalighata
Answer:(d)
7. MISCELLANEOUS
Q.96 Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed diamonds and
diamond mines of India? (2018)
(a) Francois Bernier
(b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
(c) Jean de Thevenot
(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre
Answer:(b)
Q.97 Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally (2016)
(a) agriculturists
(b) warriors
(c) weavers
(d) traders
Answer:(d)
Q.98 In Medieval India, the designations 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for (2014)
(a) military officers
(b) village officers
(c) specialists in Vedic rituals
(d) chiefs of craft guilds
Answer:(b)
Q.99 Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located? (2009)
(a) Bhadrachalam

(b) Chidambaram
(c) Hampi
(d) Srikalahasti
Answer: (c)
Q.100 Match List -I with List -II and select the correct answer using the code given below
the
lists:(2009)
List-I (Famous temple) List-II (State)
A. Vidyashankara temple 1. Andhra Pradesh
B. Rajarani temple 2. Karnataka
C. Kandariya Mahadeo temple 3. Madhya Pradesh
D. Bhimesvara temple 4. Orissa
Codes:
(a) A – 2; B – 4; C – 3; D – 1 (b) A – 2; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1
(c) A – 1; B – 4; C – 3; D – 2 (d) A – 1; B – 3; C – 4; D – 2
Answer: (a)
Q.101 Where is the famous Vijaya Vittala temple having its 56 carved pillars emitting
musical
notes located? (2007)
(a) Belur (b) Bhadrachalam
(c) Hampi (d) Srirangam
Answer:(c)
Q.102 Consider the following statements: (2003)
1. Kitab-i-Nauras, a collection of songs in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints,
was written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II
2. Amir Khusrau was the originator in India of the early form of the musical style known
as Qawali.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Q.103 In which one of the following cities is the Lingaraja Temple located? (2001)
(a) Bhubaneswar
(b) Bijapur
(c) Kolkata
(d) Shravanabelagola
Answer:(a)
Q.104 Match List -I with List -II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the
lists: (2000)
List-I List-II
A. Iqta 1. Marathas

B. Jagir 2. Delhi Sultans
C. Amaram 3. Mughals
D. Mokasa 4. Vijayanagara
Codes:
(a) A – 3; B – 2; C – 1; D – 4
(b) A – 2; B – 3; C – 4; D – 1
(c) A – 2; B – 3; C – 1; D – 4
(d) A – 3; B – 2; C – 4; D – 1
Answer: (b)
Exp : Option(b) is correct :
● Iqta is associated with the Delhi Sultans, this system involves land grants assigned to
officials (Iqtadars) for revenue collection and administrative responsibilities.
● Jagir term was pertinent to the Mughals, this was a system where land revenue
rights were assigned to officials as compensation for their services.
● Amaram is associated with the Vijayanagara Empire, this term referred to land
assignments granted to military officers (Amaranayakas) wh o were responsible for
providing troops to the central authority.
● Mokasa - Relevant to the Marathas, it referred to revenue assignments given to local
officials or chiefs.
Q.105 Consider the following events: (2000)
1. Reign of Krishna Deva of Vijayanagara
2. Construction of Qutab Minar
3. Arrival of Portuguese in India
4. Death of Firoz Tughlaq

Correct chronological sequence of these events is :
(a) 2, 4, 3, 1 (b) 2, 4, 1, 3
(c) 4, 2, 1, 3 (d) 4, 2, 3, 1
Answer: (a)
Q.106 Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the list:
(2000)
List-I
A. Land allotted to big feudal landlords
B. Land allotted to revenue farmers of rent collectors
C. Land allotted to each peasant with the right to sublet, mortgage transfer, gift or sell
D. Revenue settlements made at village level
List-II
1. Jagirdari System
2. Ryotwari System
3. Mahalwari System
4. Zamindari System

Codes:
(a) A – 1; B – 3; C – 2; D – 4 (b) A – 1; B – 4; C – 2; D – 3
(c) A – 3; B – 4; C – 1; D – 2 (d) A – 2; B – 1; C – 3; D – 4
Answer: (b)
Q.107 The first writer to use Urdu as the medium of poetic expression was: (1999)
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Mirza Ghalib
(c) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(d) Faiz
Answer: (a)
Q.108 Consider the following statements: (1998)
Ahadis were those troopers who:
1. offered their services singly
2. did not attach themselves to any chief
3. had the emperor as their immediate colonel
4. attached themselves to Mirzas
Of these statements:
(a) 1, 3 and 4 are correct
(b) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
(c) 2 and 3 are correct
(d) 1 and 4 are correct
Answer: (b)
Q.109 Consider the following: (1998)
1. Tughlaqabad fort
2. Lodi Garden
3. Qutab Minar
4. Fatehpur Sikri
The correct chronological order in which they were built is :
(a) 3, 1, 4, 2
(b) 3, 1, 2, 4
(c) 1, 3, 2, 4
(d) 1, 3, 4, 2
Answer: (b)
Q.110 Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below
the lists:
(1998)
List-I List-II
A. 1556 1. Battle of HaldiGhati
B. 1600 2. Nadir Shah's capture of Delhi
C. 1686 3. Death of Shivaji
D. 1739 4. Grant of Charter to East India Company
5. Accession of Akbar

Codes:
(a) A – 3; B – 4; C – 2; D – 1
(b) A – 5; B – 4; C – 3; D – 2
(c) A – 5; B – 2; C – 1; D – 4
(d) A – 1; B – 5; C – 3; D – 2
Answer: (b)
Q.111 Which one of the following pairs of composers in different languages and their
works on
the Mahabharata theme is correctly matched? (1997)
(a) Sarladasa–Bengali
(b) Kasirama–Oriya
(c) Tikkana–Marathi
(d) Pampa–Kannada
Answer: (d)
Q.112 The term 'Apabhramsa' was used in medieval Sanskrit texts to denote: (1996)
(a) outcastes among the Rajputs
(b) deviations from Vedic rituals
(c) early forms of some of the modern Indian language
(d) non-Sanskrit verse metres
Answer: (c)
Q.113 Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? (1996)
(a) Guru Amar Das–Miri and Piri
(b) Guru Arjun Dev–Adi Granth
(c) Guru Ram Das–Dal Khalsa
(d) Guru Gobind Singh– Manji
Answer: (b)
Q.114 Prem Vatika, poems on the life of Krishna, were composed by : (1996)
(a) Bihari
(b) Surdas
(c) Raskhan
(d) Kabir
Answer: (c)
Q.115 Who among the following were famous jurists of medieval India? (1995)
(a) Vijnanesvara
(b) Hemadri
(c) Rajasekhara
(d) Jimutavahana
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Answer: (c)

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