Medieval History MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Medieval History - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Jahangir.

​​Key Points

• ​​Tukaram was born in 1608 and died in 1649, while Jahangir ruled from 1605 to 1627.
• This means that Tukaram was alive and active during the reign of Jahangir.
• Tukaram was a Marathi Bhakti poet and devotee of Lord Krishna.
• He is considered one of the most important figures in the Bhakti movement, which was a Hindu religious reform movement that emphasized the importance of personal devotion to God.
• Tukaram's teachings and poetry were very popular, and they helped to spread the message of the Bhakti movement throughout Maharashtra.
• Jahangir was the fourth Mughal emperor.
• He was known for his interest in art, literature, and music.
• He was also a tolerant ruler, and he allowed Hindus to practice their religion freely.
• This made him a popular figure among the Hindus of Maharashtra, and it is likely that he was aware of Tukaram's teachings.
• It is possible that Tukaram and Jahangir may have met at some point.
• However, there is no historical record of this meeting.

• Nevertheless, the fact that Tukaram was a contemporary of Jahangir is significant, as it shows that the Bhakti movement was flourishing during the Mughal period.

​So the correct answer is Jahangir.

The correct answer is Option 1 (1, 2, and 3 only).

Key Points

• In Mughal India, certain caste groups were assigned menial tasks despite having access to cultivable land, which led to their impoverishment.
• Muslim communities often segregated menial groups like Halalkhoran, forcing them to live outside village boundaries due to social stigma.
• The Mallahzadas (sons of boatmen) were treated in a manner comparable to slaves, highlighting social hierarchies of the era.
• Statement 4 is incorrect, as there was some degree of caste mobility; groups like Ahirs and Gujars occasionally ascended the social hierarchy through political or economic means.

Additional Information

• Caste System: The caste system in Mughal India was rigid but not entirely immutable; economic or political gains occasionally enabled upward mobility.
• Halalkhoran: This group, engaged in menial tasks like scavenging, faced severe social discrimination, often being made to live away from mainstream settlements.
• Mallahzadas: The term refers to boatmen's descendants who faced systemic exploitation and were likened to slaves in societal treatment.
• Ahirs and Gujars: Historically considered lower castes, they sometimes achieved higher status through alliances with ruling powers or military service.
• Social Hierarchies: The caste-based division of labor was deeply entrenched in rural society, influencing economic opportunities and social mobility.

The correct answer is Tevaram.

Key Points

• The Tevaram is a collection of Tamil devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, composed by the Tamil Shaivite saints Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar.
• This anthology is part of the larger Saiva canon called Panniru Tirumurai (Twelve Sacred Books) and is considered one of the foundational texts of Tamil Shaivism.
• The hymns were compiled and classified in the 10th century CE during the Chola dynasty under the guidance of Nambi Andar Nambi.
• The collection emphasizes the musical structure of the songs, known as "Pann," which corresponds to specific Tamil musical modes.
• The Tevaram holds a significant place in Tamil literature and religious tradition, being recited in temples and during festivals to this day.

Additional Information

• Appar (Tirunavukkarasar): One of the composers of the Tevaram, Appar was known for his deep devotion and the philosophy of surrender to Lord Shiva.
• Sambandar: A child prodigy and poet, Sambandar composed hymns that extolled the glory of Shiva and played a pivotal role in the Shaiva revival movement.
• Sundarar: The third saint, Sundarar, composed hymns that reflect his personal relationship with Shiva and his experiences as a devotee.
• Panniru Tirumurai: The "Twelve Sacred Books" of Tamil Shaivism include the Tevaram and other key texts like Tiruvacakam and Tirumandiram, which have shaped Tamil devotional culture.
• Musical Tradition: The hymns of the Tevaram are set to Tamil musical modes called "Pann," which are considered precursors to Carnatic music ragas.

The correct answer is Khalji Dynasty.

Key Points

• The Mongols, led by Qultlug Khwaja, besieged Delhi during the reign of the Khalji dynasty, specifically under Alauddin Khalji in the early 14th century.
• Alauddin Khalji successfully repelled multiple Mongol invasions, showcasing his military prowess and strategic defenses, particularly in 1299 CE and 1303 CE.
• The Mongols inflicted significant damage during their campaigns, targeting cities and settlements in northern India, including Delhi.
• Alauddin Khalji strengthened the fortifications of Delhi and reorganized his army to counter the Mongol threat effectively.
• The Khalji dynasty, under Alauddin’s rule, is noted for its centralized governance and military reforms, which played a key role in resisting Mongol invasions.

Additional Information

• Khalji Dynasty:
  • The Khalji dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1290 to 1320 CE and marked a significant phase in Indian medieval history.
  • Alauddin Khalji, one of the most prominent rulers, is known for his ambitious military campaigns, administrative reforms, and economic policies.
  • He implemented strict price controls and market regulations to prevent inflation and ensure the welfare of his subjects.
• Mongol Invasions:
  • The Mongols were a nomadic group originating from Central Asia, known for their expansion under leaders like Genghis Khan.
  • They invaded northern India multiple times during the 13th and 14th centuries, driven by territorial ambition and strategic interests.
  • The invasions caused widespread destruction, but Indian rulers like Alauddin Khalji successfully resisted their advances.
• Military Reforms of Alauddin Khalji:
  • Alauddin Khalji established a standing army, known as the "Diwan-i-Arz," and introduced rigorous training and discipline.
  • He built defensive structures like fortresses and ensured the loyalty of his commanders by providing regular salaries and rewards.
  • These measures helped him repel external threats, including the Mongols, and maintain internal stability.
• Impact of Mongol Invasions:
  • The invasions disrupted trade, agriculture, and the overall economy in northern India during the period.
  • The Mongol raids also exposed vulnerabilities in Indian defense systems, prompting rulers to enhance military preparedness.
  • Despite their destructive nature, the Mongols failed to establish a lasting presence in India due to effective resistance from rulers like Alauddin Khalji.

The correct answer is Babur.

Key Points

• Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, died in 1530, leaving behind a vast empire.
• The empire stretched across northern India—from the Indus River in the west to Bihar in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to Gwalior in the south.
• Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), which marked the establishment of the Mughal Empire.
• He was a descendant of Timur on his father's side and Genghis Khan on his mother's side, which gave legitimacy to his rule.
• Babur's autobiography, "Baburnama," provides detailed accounts of his life, campaigns, and the socio-political conditions of his time.

Additional Information

• Mughal Empire:
  • The Mughal Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan from the early 16th to the mid-18th century.
  • It is known for its significant contributions to art, architecture, culture, and centralized governance.
  • Notable Mughal rulers include Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
• Babur's military tactics:
  • Babur introduced modern artillery and gunpowder to Indian warfare during his campaigns.
  • He employed the "Tulughma" strategy, dividing his army into flanking, center, and reserve units for better maneuverability.
• Baburnama:
  • Babur wrote his autobiography, "Baburnama," in Chagatai Turkish, which was later translated into Persian.
  • The book provides insights into Babur's thoughts, personal life, and the cultural landscape of his era.
• First Battle of Panipat:
  • Fought in 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi.
  • This battle marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

The correct answer is Akbar.

Key Points

• Fatehpur Sikri town was built by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar.
• He had planned this city as his capital but the shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city.
• After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore.
• Fatehpur Sikri was built between 1571 and 1585. 

Additional Information

• The Mughal Dynasty was founded by Babur in 1526.
• The First Battle of Panipat was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi in 1526.
• Battle of Khanwa between Babur and Rana Sanga in 1527.
• Battle of Chanderi between Babur and Medni Rai in 1528.
• Battle of Ghaggara between Babur and Mehmood Lodhi in 1529.

The correct answer is Iltutmish​.

Key Points

• Iltutmish (1211-1236):
  • He succeeded to the throne after Qutub-ud-din-Aibak.
  • He was the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, belonging to the Mamluk dynasty.
  • He constituted corp of forty loyal slave Amirs known as Turkan-i-Chihalgani also called Chalisa.
  • He introduced the silver coin (tanka) and cooper coin (jittal).
  • He made Delhi the capital in place of Lahore.​

Additional Information

• Firoz Shah Tughlaq:
  • He was the third ruler of Tughlaq dynasty that ruled over Delhi from 1351 to 1388 AD.
  • He established the Diwan-i-Khairat - office for charity
  • He established the Diwan-i-Bundagan -- department of slave
  • He is known to establish four new towns, Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur and Hissar.
  • He appointed Khan-i-Jahan Maqbal, a Telugu Brahmin convert as wazir (prime minister). 
    • The wazir helped the Sultan in his administration and maintained the prestige of the Sultanate during this period.
• Mohammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351):
  • He shifted his capital from Delhi to Deogir and renamed it as Daulatabad.
  • Daulatabad is situated in Maharashtra. 
  • He built a road from Delhi to Deogir and also set up rest houses for the people.
  • He introduced bronze coins of the same value as Silver coins.
  • He established a new department of agriculture known as “Diwan-i-Kohi".
  • He also provided agricultural loan “Takavi” to the farmers.
• Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah (1580-1612):
  • He was the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Golkonda
  • He founded the city of Hyderabad, in South-central India and built its architectural centrepiece, the Charminar. 
  • He founded the city of Hyderabad and named it as Bhagyanagar after his Hindu mistress Bhagamati.​

The correct answer is Khilji.

Important Points

•  Hence the Khilji Dynasty ruled for the shortest.

Additional Information

• Lodhi dynasty from 1451 to 1526 AD (75 Year).
• Longest duration-Tughlaq Dynasty.
• Shortest duration-Khilji Dynasty.

The correct option is Humayun and Sher Shah Suri.

Key Points:

• The Battle of Chausa was fought between Humayun and Sher Shah Suri.
• Sher Shah defeated Humayun in the battle of Chausa in 1539.
• The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is located in Sasaram, Bihar.

Important battles in history:

The correct answer is Francois Bernier.

Key Points

• Francois Bernier (1656-1668)
  • He was a French physician and traveller.
  • He was in India from 1656-1668
  • He visited India during the reign of Shah Jahan.
  • He was physician to Prince Dara Shikoh and later was attached to the court of Aurangzeb
  • ‘Travels in the Mughal Empire’ was written by Francois Bernier.
  • The book mainly talks about the rules of Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb.

Additional Information

• Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605 – 1689) was a 17th-century French gem merchant and traveller. He visited India during the reign of Shahjahan. Travels in India by Jean Baptiste Tavernier, clearly states that Tavernier identified the diamond mining sites in India very clearly.
• Nicolo Conti was an Italian merchant. He visited India during the reign of Deva Raya I of Vijayanagar.
• Marco Polo was a European traveller. He visited Southern India during the reign of Rudramma Devi of the Kakatiyas.

The correct answer is Rupiya.

Important Points

• Sher Shah Suri was the founder of the Suri dynasty.
• The silver coin introduced by Sher Shah Suri was called Rupiya.
• Sher Shah Suri issued the Rupiya coin and fixed standard weights and measures all over the empire.
• This coin introduced by Sher Shah Suri weighed 178 grains and was the precursor of the modern rupee.
• Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in the battle of Chausa and assumed the title of Farid al-Din Sher Shah as emperor in 1539.
• He again defeated the Humayun in the battle of Kannauj and annexed Kannauj in 1540.
• The grand trunk road that turns from Calcutta to Peshawar was built by Sher Shah Suri.

Additional Information

• The silver Tankah coin was introduced by Iltutmish.
• The mohur coin was introduced by Sher Shah Suri.
• Gold coins called Dinar was introduced by Muhammad bin Tughluq.

The correct answer is Guru Gobind Singh.Key Points

• Khalsa tradition was initiated in 1699 by the Tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh.
• Its formation was a key event in the history of Sikhism.
• The founding of Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs during the festival of Vaisakhi.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Humayun.

About Humayun:

• There is a Small Mosque built by him known as the Humayun mosque in the city of Fatehabad. The reason behind the Mosque was built by the 2nd Mughal Emperor Humayun, who in his fight after his defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri happened to pass through the city of Fatehabad.
• Humayun was born on 6th March 1508 in Kabul (Afghanistan). His real name was Nasir-ud-Din Muḥammad popularly known as Humayun.
• He was the second (2) Emperor of the Mughal Empire, who ruled over territory in what is now Pakistan, Northern India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh from 1530–1540, and again he ruled in the 2nd term from 1555–1556.
• In the year 1530, He succeeded his father Babur founder of the Mughal Empire to the throne of Delhi as second (2nd) ruler of the Mughal territories in the Indian subcontinent.
• Humayun lost the Mughal territories to Sher Shah Suri but regained them after 15 years 1555-56 with the help of the Safavid dynasty of Persia.
• On 24 January 1556, Humayun, who died in the Library with his arms full of books, was descending the staircase from his library and he lost the balance fallen down from the staircase, and died.
• In his memoir, his (sister Gulbadan begum) wrote his autobiography named "Humayunama" which was written in the Persian language.

Notes:

• The founder of the Mughal Empire was Babur, who defeated the Lodhi dynasty's last ruler Ibrahim Lodhi at the Batlle of Panipat in 1526 to establish the Mughal rule.

​

Mughals:

• The Mughals were descendants of two great lineages of rulers.
• From their mother’s side, they were descendants of Genghis Khan (died 1227), the Mongol ruler who ruled over parts of China and Central Asia.
• From their father’s side, they were the successors of Timur (died 1404), the ruler of Iran, Iraq and modern-day Turkey.
• However, the Mughals did not like to be called Mughal or Mongol. This was because Genghis Khan’s memory was associated with the massacre of innumerable people.
• It was also linked with the Uzbeks, their Mongol competitors.
• On the other hand, the Mughals were proud of their Timurid ancestry, not least of all because their great ancestor had captured Delhi in 1398. 

The correct answer is Babur.

• The First Battle of Panipat was fought in the year 1526 between the forces of Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi in which Lodhi was defeated and Mughal rule was established in India.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 1526.

Key Points

• Babur(1526-1530):
  • He declared himself as Badshah.
  • He was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India in 1526.
  • He defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in 1526 at the first battle of Panipat, and thereby established the Mughal empire.
  • Baburnama, also known as Tuzk-e Babri is the autobiography of Babur.
  • Babur assumed the title of Ghazi after the victory in the battle of Khanwa.

Additional Information

• Babur was the first mughal emeror in India.
• Babur was born in 1483 in Fargana (Uzbekistan).
• The first battle of Panipat was fought between the forces of Babur and Ibrahim Lodhi.
• The Battle was fought on April 21, 1526.
• He wrote Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Autobiography of Babur) in the Turkish language.
• According to Tuzuki-i-Baburi, Babur Died in 1530 and was buried at Aram Bagh (Agra). Later his body was taken to Afghanistan (Kabul).