Medieval History of India

111. Who among the following was described as Jagadguru by his subjects for

Who among the following was described as Jagadguru by his subjects for his patronage of the Hindus in his State?

[amp_mcq option1=”Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur” option2=”Mahmud II of Malwa” option3=”Husain Shah of Bengal” option4=”Mahmud Begara of Gujarat” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur. Ibrahim Adil Shah II (ruled 1580–1627) of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur was famous for his cultural interests, tolerance towards other religions, and patronage of Hindus. He was popularly known as “Jagadguru” (Teacher of the World) and “Abla Baba” (Friend of the Poor) by his subjects, reflecting his syncretic approach and popularity across religious communities.
– Ibrahim Adil Shah II was a ruler of the Sultanate of Bijapur.
– He is known for his religious tolerance and patronage of Hindu culture and individuals, earning him the title “Jagadguru”.
– He authored the ‘Kitab-i-Navras’, a book primarily on Indian classical music, with verses often invoking Hindu deities alongside Muslim saints.
The Deccan Sultanates, including Bijapur, were known for a degree of cultural synthesis and tolerance, although this varied among rulers. Ibrahim Adil Shah II stands out for his explicit embrace of elements from different traditions, making him a notable figure in medieval Indian history for promoting communal harmony.

112. The Bandagan-i-Khas during the rule of Delhi Sultans referred to the

The Bandagan-i-Khas during the rule of Delhi Sultans referred to the

[amp_mcq option1=”innkeepers” option2=”royal slaves” option3=”Dak-carriers” option4=”guards of the State stable” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) royal slaves. The term “Bandagan-i-Khas” translates to “special slaves” or “royal slaves” in Persian. During the Delhi Sultanate, rulers, particularly the early Mamluk (Slave) sultans like Iltutmish and Balban, relied heavily on a corps of specially trained slaves, often of Turkish or Central Asian origin, for military and administrative positions. These slaves were loyal directly to the Sultan and formed the backbone of the state machinery.
– “Bandagan” means slaves, and “Khas” implies special or royal.
– These royal slaves were highly trained and held significant power and positions in the Sultanate.
– They were a deliberate policy of the sultans to create a loyal support base independent of the turbulent nobility.
The recruitment and promotion of loyal slaves into military and administrative ranks were a characteristic feature of the Mamluk Sultanate in Delhi, inherited from similar systems in other parts of the Islamic world. These slaves were purchased, educated, and trained for service and could rise to high positions, including governorships and military command.

113. Sayana, the famous commentator of the Vedas, flourished under the rule

Sayana, the famous commentator of the Vedas, flourished under the rule of

[amp_mcq option1=”Bahmani kings” option2=”Golkonda kings” option3=”Gajapati kings” option4=”Vijayanagar kings” correct=”option4″]

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The correct answer is D) Vijayanagar kings. Sayana, the renowned commentator on the Vedas, flourished under the patronage of the Vijayanagar rulers in the 14th century. He served multiple kings of the Sangama dynasty, including Bukka I and his successor Harihara II.
– Sayana was a prominent scholar and minister in the Vijayanagar Empire.
– His extensive commentaries cover almost all parts of the Vedas and are considered highly authoritative.
Sayana’s works played a crucial role in the preservation and understanding of Vedic literature. He is often associated with his elder brother Madhavacharya, who was also a scholar and minister. Their contributions were vital to the intellectual and religious life of the Vijayanagar Empire, known for its patronage of arts, literature, and diverse religious traditions.

114. Who among the following ministers, in the eight-member council (Ashtap

Who among the following ministers, in the eight-member council (Ashtapradhan) of Shivaji, held the charge of finance?

[amp_mcq option1=”Peshwa” option2=”Amatya” option3=”Sumant” option4=”Pandit Rao” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B. In Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan council, the Amatya (also known as Majumdar) was responsible for finance and accounts.
– Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan was an eight-member council of ministers that assisted him in the administration of the Maratha kingdom.
– The roles were clearly defined: Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary), Mantri (Chronicler), Sumant (Foreign Minister), Senapati (Commander-in-Chief), Panditrao (Chief Priest), and Nyayadhyaksha (Chief Justice).
The Ashtapradhan council was not a cabinet in the modern sense, as the ministers were advisors to the King and their authority was derived from him. However, it provided a framework for efficient administration.

115. Which of the following statements about Sufism is/are correct? 1. Sufi

Which of the following statements about Sufism is/are correct?
1. Sufism was the mystical interpretation that developed within Islam.
2. Sufi philosophy highlighted the atmosphere of religious tolerance by speaking about the universal love in quest of the Almighty.
3. The Sufis developed a very complex philosophy and initiated very complicated practices unintelligible to the masses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Statement 1 is correct. Sufism is widely recognized as the mystical and ascetic dimension of Islam, focusing on the inner spiritual path to attain closeness with God.
Statement 2 is correct. Sufi philosophy emphasizes universal love, compassion, and tolerance, often transcending sectarian boundaries. Sufis sought a personal, devotional relationship with the Divine, which fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance and appealed to people of different faiths.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While Sufism does involve complex philosophical ideas and meditative practices, many aspects of Sufism, such as devotional music (Qawwali), stories of saints, and participation in Urs (death anniversary) festivals, were accessible and popular among the masses. The core message of love and devotion was simple and widely understood. Sufis often used local languages and cultural elements to connect with common people.
Sufism is the mystical dimension of Islam that emphasizes inner purity, devotion, and achieving spiritual union with God through love and personal experience. It played a significant role in bridging religious divides and spreading Islam through peaceful means and cultural synthesis in various parts of the world, including India.
Important Sufi orders (Silsilas) in India include the Chishtis, Suhrawardis, Qadiris, and Naqshbandis. Sufi shrines (Dargahs) became centres of pilgrimage and cultural interaction.

116. Who among the following was not a painter in the Mughal period ?

Who among the following was not a painter in the Mughal period ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Mir Sayyid Ali” option2=”Abdus Samad” option3=”Bishan Das” option4=”Baz Bahadur” correct=”option4″]

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Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were two of the most prominent Persian painters brought to India by Emperor Humayun and who continued to work under Emperor Akbar, significantly influencing the development of Mughal miniature painting. Bishan Das was a renowned portrait painter during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, known for his realistic depictions. Baz Bahadur, on the other hand, was the Sultan of Malwa in the 16th century, famous for his love of music and his romantic association with Roopmati. He was not known to be a painter.
Mughal painting flourished under emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, who patronized numerous artists. Famous Mughal painters included Mir Sayyid Ali, Abdus Samad, Daswant, Basawan, Mansur, Bishan Das, and others.
Mughal painting is characterized by its fusion of Persian miniature painting traditions with indigenous Indian styles, resulting in a unique blend. It often depicted court life, historical events, portraits, nature, and illustrations of Persian and Indian literary works.

117. Abul Hasan was one of the most eminent painters of Jahangir’s reign. H

Abul Hasan was one of the most eminent painters of Jahangir’s reign. He painted the well known Mughal Darbar scene describing

[amp_mcq option1=”Jahangir’s accession to the throne” option2=”the arrival of Tansen” option3=”Jahangir’s interaction with the people” option4=”the arrival of the Mughal court historians” correct=”option1″]

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Abul Hasan, given the title ‘Nadir-uz-Zaman’ (Wonder of the Age) by Emperor Jahangir, painted a famous Mughal Darbar scene depicting Jahangir’s accession to the throne.
Abul Hasan was one of the most accomplished painters of the Mughal school during Jahangir’s reign. Jahangir was a great patron of painting and specifically commissioned Abul Hasan for important historical and ceremonial depictions. The frontispiece of the Jahangirnama (Jahangir’s memoirs) features a painting by Abul Hasan depicting the emperor’s accession.
Mughal painting under Jahangir reached a high level of sophistication, characterized by realism, detailed portraiture, and depictions of court life, nature, and historical events. Abul Hasan was particularly skilled in portraiture and complex compositions.

118. Which of the following statements about the Bhakti movement is/are cor

Which of the following statements about the Bhakti movement is/are correct?

  • 1. The Bhakti movement evolved as a homogeneous movement.
  • 2. The Bhakti movement helped to bridge the gulf between Hinduism and Islam.
  • 3. The Bhakti movement rescued Hinduism from the challenges of its own complexities.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

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Statements 2 and 3 about the Bhakti movement are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
1. The Bhakti movement was not a homogeneous movement. It spanned several centuries, regions, and diverse social groups, involving various saints with differing philosophies, practices, and focuses (Saguna/Nirguna, Vaishnava/Shaiva, etc.). Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.
2. Many Bhakti saints preached messages of equality, universalism, and devotion to a single God, which helped foster mutual understanding and bridge gaps between Hindus and Muslims, even leading to syncretic traditions. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
3. The Bhakti movement simplified religion, emphasizing personal devotion and challenging caste hierarchies and elaborate rituals. This made Hinduism more accessible to the masses and helped it respond to internal complexities and external challenges. Thus, statement 3 is correct.
Key figures in the Bhakti movement included Kabir, Nanak, Chaitanya, Shankaradeva, Ramananda, Mirabai, Surdas, Tulsidas, Tukaram, and many others, reflecting its diverse nature and widespread influence across India.

119. The Bahmani architecture in the Deccan is marked by its distinct origi

The Bahmani architecture in the Deccan is marked by its distinct originality and independent style. Which of the following statements about Bahmani architecture are correct ?

  • 1. It derived its elements from the architectural styles of the Delhi Sultanate and that of distant Persia.
  • 2. The forts built by the Bahmanis were undoubtedly the greatest monuments far exceeding any of the same period in Europe.
  • 3. Bahmani architecture did reflect a harmonious blend of both Hindu and Islamic styles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

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The correct option is C) 1 and 3 only.
Statement 1 is correct as Bahmani architecture blended influences from the Delhi Sultanate (especially Tughlaq styles) and Persia. Statement 3 is correct because, like much Indo-Islamic architecture, Bahmani structures incorporated local Indian craftsmanship and decorative elements, resulting in a blend of styles. Statement 2 is an exaggeration and is incorrect; while Bahmani forts like Gulbarga and Bidar were impressive, claiming they “far exceeded any of the same period in Europe” is not historically accurate or justifiable.
Bahmani architecture features characteristics such as large domes, tall minarets, arcades, and the use of stucco work, tiles (especially Persian tiles), and intricate carvings. Examples include the Jami Masjid at Gulbarga (unique for its covered prayer hall), the tomb of Muhammad Shah I, and the fortified cities of Bidar and Gulbarga. The influence from Delhi Sultanate architecture (transferred by artisans moving south) and Persian styles (due to connections with Persia) is evident. Local Indian artistic skills were also employed, contributing to the fusion of styles, although the degree of Hindu-Islamic fusion can be debated compared to later periods.

120. Which one among the following vaishnava saints was the author of Kirta

Which one among the following vaishnava saints was the author of Kirtana-Ghosha ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Madhav Kandali” option2=”Srimanta Sankardeva” option3=”Madhabdeva” option4=”Damodardeva” correct=”option2″]

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Kirtana-Ghosha is a major compilation of devotional songs and narratives composed by Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568), the founder of the Ekasarana Dharma (Mahapurushiya Dharma) movement in Assam. It is considered a cornerstone of Assamese literature and Vaishnava philosophy in the region.
– Srimanta Sankardeva was a prominent 15th-16th century Assamese saint, scholar, poet, playwright, dancer, musician, actor, and social-religious reformer.
– He propagated devotional Vaishnavism centred around the worship of Krishna.
– His literary works, including Kirtana-Ghosha, contributed significantly to Assamese language and culture.
Madhabdeva (1489-1596) was a principal disciple and successor of Srimanta Sankardeva. While a great poet and saint in his own right, authoring works like Nama Ghosha, Kirtana-Ghosha is primarily attributed to Sankardeva. Madhav Kandali translated the Ramayana into Assamese in the 14th century, preceding Sankardeva. Damodardeva was another Assamese Vaishnava saint and a contemporary of Sankardeva and Madhabdeva.
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