Medieval History of India

101. Which one of the following dynasties ruled under the suzerainty of Kin

Which one of the following dynasties ruled under the suzerainty of Kingdom of Vijayanagar ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Sangamas, Saluvas, Tuluvas and Aravidus” option2=”Sangamas, Hoysalas, Aravidus and Tuluvas” option3=”Hoysalas, Saluvas, Poligars and Sangamas” option4=”Yadavas of Devagiri, Hoysalas, Saluvas and Aravidus” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Vijayanagar Empire was ruled by four main dynasties in succession: the Sangama Dynasty, the Saluva Dynasty, the Tuluva Dynasty, and the Aravidu Dynasty. Option A correctly lists these four dynasties. The question is likely phrased poorly and means “Which one of the following lists comprises the dynasties that ruled the Kingdom of Vijayanagar?”.
The Vijayanagar Empire (1336–1646 CE) was a powerful South Indian empire. Its history is marked by the rule of these four distinct dynasties, each contributing to the empire’s rise, maintenance, or eventual decline.
The Hoysalas and Yadavas of Devagiri were contemporary kingdoms that were either conquered or declined before the main period of Vijayanagar’s dominance. Poligars were feudal lords or military chieftains who existed within the Vijayanagar administrative system, not ruling dynasties of the empire itself.

102. The ruling dynasties Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva were associated with :

The ruling dynasties Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva were associated with :

[amp_mcq option1=”Warangal” option2=”Kashmir” option3=”Bengal” option4=”Vijayanagara” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Sangama, Saluva, and Tuluva dynasties were successive ruling dynasties of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India. The empire was founded in the 14th century and these dynasties ruled from its establishment until the rise of the Aravidu dynasty.
The question tests knowledge about the major ruling dynasties associated with the Vijayanagara Empire.
The four dynasties that ruled the Vijayanagara Empire were Sangama (c. 1336–1485), Saluva (c. 1485–1505), Tuluva (c. 1505–1567), and Aravidu (c. 1567–1646). The empire was a significant power in South India, particularly known for its resistance to the Deccan Sultanates and its contributions to art and architecture.

103. Which one among the following was/were the motive/motives behind Muham

Which one among the following was/were the motive/motives behind Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad ?

  • 1. The shift to Daulatabad would give him a chance to establish control over Deccan and Gujarat
  • 2. It would provide access to the Western and Southern ports
  • 3. It would protect him from direct Mongol invasion from the North-Western frontier

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
All three statements represent plausible and commonly cited reasons behind Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s decision to transfer his capital from Delhi to Devagiri (renamed Daulatabad) in 1327. Daulatabad’s central location provided a strategic advantage for controlling the vast and expanding Tughlaq empire, especially the Deccan and southern regions, aligning with statement 1. Proximity to the Western and Southern ports (like Cambay) would facilitate trade and access to resources, supporting statement 2. Moving the capital away from Delhi also offered increased security from the frequent Mongol invasions that threatened the northwestern frontiers of the Sultanate, supporting statement 3. While the move ultimately proved difficult and unpopular, leading to the capital’s return to Delhi, these three motives are widely accepted by historians as factors influencing the decision.
Daulatabad was centrally located for controlling the expanded Tughlaq Empire.
Its location provided better access to southern regions and coastal trade.
Moving the capital away from Delhi offered protection from Mongol invasions.
Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s reign is known for several ambitious but often poorly executed administrative experiments, including the transfer of capital and the introduction of token currency. While the strategic logic behind the move to Daulatabad was sound in theory, practical difficulties, the vast distance, and the forced migration of the population led to immense suffering and the eventual abandonment of the project.

104. Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Humayun inven

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  • 1. Humayun invented Taj-i-izzat
  • 2. Taj-i-izzat was a head gear, composed of a cap and a wrapping cloth

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
Both statements are correct. Historical sources indicate that the Mughal Emperor Humayun, known for his eclectic interests including astrology and organizing his courtly life, introduced a specific form of headgear called ‘Taj-i-izzat’ (crown of honour). This headgear was indeed composed of a cap (kulah) around which a piece of cloth (dastar) was wrapped. This was part of his efforts to structure and symbolize the hierarchy and dignity of his court.
Humayun was known for introducing specific courtly practices and attire.
‘Taj-i-izzat’ was a type of headgear introduced by Humayun.
It consisted of a cap and a wrapping cloth.
Humayun’s reign was marked by significant challenges, including exile, but he was also a patron of arts and culture, and interested in various sciences and rituals. The introduction of specific attire like the ‘Taj-i-izzat’ was part of his attempts to create a distinct identity and order within his court.

105. Which one among the following cannot be attributed to Shahjahan’s reig

Which one among the following cannot be attributed to Shahjahan’s reign ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Moti Masjid” option2=”Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid” option3=”Jama Masjid” option4=”Rang Mahal” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid is located within the complex of Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi. This mosque was built by Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire, around 1541 AD. Shah Jahan reigned much later, from 1628 to 1658 AD. Therefore, the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid cannot be attributed to Shah Jahan’s reign.
Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid in Purana Qila was built by Sher Shah Suri (16th century), predating Shah Jahan (17th century).
Moti Masjid (Agra Fort) and Jama Masjid (Delhi) are prominent architectural contributions of Shah Jahan. The Rang Mahal is a part of the Red Fort complex in Delhi, which was constructed by Shah Jahan as his new capital, Shahjahanabad.

106. Which one among the following regarding the *Ahadis* of the Mughal per

Which one among the following regarding the *Ahadis* of the Mughal period is *not* true ?

[amp_mcq option1=”They were individual troopers” option2=”They were placed under a separate Diwan and Bakhshi” option3=”They were ordinarily not placed under the Mansabdars” option4=”Their salary was at par with the Mansabdars” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
The statement that is *not* true regarding the Ahadis of the Mughal period is that their salary was at par with the Mansabdars. Ahadis were a special corps of soldiers, individually recruited by the Mughal emperor and directly loyal to him. They were considered elite troopers and were generally paid higher salaries than the ordinary soldiers in the contingents of the Mansabdars (nobles holding military ranks). While Ahadis were not Mansabdars themselves, their individual pay was often superior to that of soldiers under Mansabdari service and could even compare favourably to the allowances of lower-ranked Mansabdars, but not ‘at par’ with Mansabdars in general, whose ranks and salaries varied greatly. Statements A, B, and C accurately describe the Ahadis as individual troopers, placed under separate administration (Diwan and Bakhshi specific to Ahadis), and usually not attached to Mansabdar contingents.
Ahadis were elite, individually recruited Mughal soldiers directly serving the emperor. They were highly paid compared to regular cavalrymen under Mansabdars.
The Ahadis formed a significant part of the emperor’s personal retinue and household troops. They were often used for special assignments and as a counter-balance to the power of the Mansabdars. They had their own recruitment, administrative system, and officers (like an Ahadi Diwan and Bakhshi) distinct from the main Mansabdari system.

107. Ritual kinship was the hallmark of Vijayanagar rule. Vijayanagar ruler

Ritual kinship was the hallmark of Vijayanagar rule. Vijayanagar rulers claimed to have ruled on behalf of which one among the following shrines?

[amp_mcq option1=”Vithala” option2=”Tirupati” option3=”Virupaksha” option4=”Mallikarjuna” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2013
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct answer is (C) Virupaksha.
– The Vijayanagar rulers adopted a concept known as “ritual kinship” or “ritual sovereignty”.
– Under this concept, they claimed to rule on behalf of the deity Virupaksha, whose main temple was located at Hampi, the capital city.
– The kings often used the title “Virupaksha” in their inscriptions and acted as representatives of the god, managing the kingdom’s affairs and wealth seemingly as devotees or agents rather than absolute sovereigns in their own right.
– The Virupaksha temple is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Hampi, predating the Vijayanagar Empire but later expanded and patronized extensively by its rulers.
– Vithala, Tirupati, and Mallikarjuna were also important shrines within the Vijayanagar Empire’s sphere of influence, and received royal patronage, but the primary deity associated with the ritual sovereignty of the Vijayanagar rulers themselves was Virupaksha. The Vijayanagara coin currency also bore the image of Virupaksha.

108. Akbar’s Ibadat Khana was the place where

Akbar’s Ibadat Khana was the place where

[amp_mcq option1=”military strategy was decided” option2=”inter-faith debates and discussions were held” option3=”Akbar preached his principles of Sulh-i-kul” option4=”fine arts were practised” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2013
Download PDFAttempt Online
Akbar’s Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri was initially built in 1575 for religious discussions among Muslims. However, by 1578, Akbar opened it to scholars and theologians of various religions including Hindus, Jains, Zoroastrians, Christians, and others. The purpose was to facilitate inter-faith debates and discussions with the aim of understanding different religious doctrines and finding common ground. These discussions contributed to Akbar’s evolving religious views and the development of his policy of Sulh-i-kul (universal peace).
– Ibadat Khana was established by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri.
– Its purpose was to host religious discussions.
– It was opened to scholars of various religions for inter-faith debates.
Akbar’s engagement with diverse religious viewpoints through the Ibadat Khana was a unique feature of his reign, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and pursuit of religious harmony.

109. The establishment of Mughal rule in India strengthened urbanization

The establishment of Mughal rule in India

  • strengthened urbanization
  • strengthened inter-urban contact in riparian North India
  • increased India’s sea trade
  • decreased the risk of carrying long-distance trade

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”3 and 4″ option4=”1 only” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2013
Download PDFAttempt Online
The establishment of Mughal rule in India had several significant economic impacts. Urbanization received a boost with the growth of major administrative and commercial centers like Delhi, Agra, Lahore, Surat, Dhaka, etc. Riverine trade, particularly in the fertile Gangetic plain (riparian North India), was crucial for transporting goods between these urban centres, and Mughal control and infrastructure facilitated this. India’s sea trade also increased significantly during the Mughal period, with major ports like Surat, Hooghly, and Masulipatnam flourishing and trade with Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia expanding. While statement 4 about decreasing the risk of long-distance trade might be partially true compared to periods of fragmentation, statements 1, 2, and 3 are more widely accepted and directly attributable positive economic impacts of the stable and centralized Mughal state on trade and urban development.
– Mughal rule led to significant urban growth.
– Inter-urban trade, especially via rivers in North India, was strengthened.
– Sea trade from Indian ports saw a substantial increase during the Mughal era.
The Mughal state’s relative stability, administrative structure, and focus on collecting land revenue stimulated economic activity. Infrastructure like sarais (inns) and roads also supported trade. The influx of precious metals from trade, particularly with Europe, impacted the economy.

110. Vidyapati Thakur, a contemporary of Chandidas (end of 14th century to

Vidyapati Thakur, a contemporary of Chandidas (end of 14th century to early 15th century), was a native of

[amp_mcq option1=”Bengal” option2=”Mithila” option3=”Malwa” option4=”Kashmir” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2012
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct answer is B) Mithila. Vidyapati Thakur (c. 1352–1448) was a prominent poet and scholar of Maithili and Sanskrit. He was born in the village of Bisfi in the Mithila region, which spans parts of northern Bihar in India and the Terai region of Nepal. He is considered the greatest figure of Maithili literature. Chandidas, his contemporary, was a Bengali poet.
– Vidyapati was primarily a poet of the Maithili language, which is spoken in the Mithila region.
– He is a pivotal figure in the development of Maithili literature and is also known for his Sanskrit works.
Vidyapati is celebrated for his lyrical poetry, particularly his love songs dedicated to Radha and Krishna, which influenced Vaishnava traditions in Bengal and other regions. Despite being a Maithili poet, his influence extended significantly into Bengali, Assamese, and Odia literature.
Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5