Medieval History of India

161. Which of the following statements about *Saguna* bhakti traditions is/

Which of the following statements about *Saguna* bhakti traditions is/are correct?

  • 1. *Saguna* bhakti traditions focus on the worship of specific deities such as Vishnu or his avatars.
  • 2. In *Saguna* bhakti traditions, Gods and Goddesses are conceptualised in anthropomorphic forms.

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 NDA-1 – 2021
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct answer is C) Both 1 and 2.
*Saguna* bhakti traditions involve the worship of a personal God with specific form, attributes, and qualities. This includes deities like Vishnu (and his avatars such as Rama and Krishna), Shiva, Durga, etc. These deities are often depicted in anthropomorphic (human-like) or zoomorphic forms, allowing devotees to relate to them in a tangible way through idols, images, and narratives.
Statement 1 is correct because *Saguna* bhakti is explicitly centred on the devotion to specific deities conceived with form and attributes. Statement 2 is correct because *Saguna* worship often involves the conceptualization and representation of these deities in human-like (anthropomorphic) forms, which are then worshipped through rituals and devotion. This contrasts with *Nirguna* bhakti, which focuses on the worship of the formless, attributeless absolute (Brahman).

162. The following 3 (three) items consist of two statements, Statement I a

The following 3 (three) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below :
Statement I : Abul Fazl shaped, represented and arti-culated the ideas associated with the reign of Akbar
Statement II : The qualities of Abul Fazl impressed Akbar who found the former suitable as an adviser and spokesperson for his policies

Code :

[amp_mcq option1=”Both the statements are indivi-dually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I” option2=”Both the statements are indivi-dually true and Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I” option3=”Statement I is true but Statement II is false” option4=”Statement I is false but Statement II is true” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2019
Download PDFAttempt Online
Both statements are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Statement I is true because Abul Fazl, as Akbar’s court historian and confidante, played a crucial role in articulating and documenting Akbar’s philosophical and administrative ideas, particularly his concept of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) and divine sovereignty (Farr-i-Izadi). His works, like Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, are primary sources for understanding Akbar’s reign and thoughts. Statement II is also true. Akbar was highly impressed by Abul Fazl’s intellectual capabilities, writing skills, and administrative acumen, leading him to rely on Abul Fazl as a principal advisor and the official chronicler and spokesperson for his policies and reign.
Statement II provides the reason why Statement I is true. Abul Fazl was able to shape, represent, and articulate Akbar’s ideas precisely because Akbar recognized his qualities and appointed him to positions of trust and influence, making him the official interpreter and promoter of the emperor’s vision.

163. Who among the following was the author of Humayun Nama ?

Who among the following was the author of Humayun Nama ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Roshanara Begum” option2=”Ruquaiya Sultan Begum” option3=”Gulbadan Begum” option4=”Gauhara Begum” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
Download PDFAttempt Online
Humayun Nama is a historical account of the life of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was written by his half-sister, Gulbadan Begum. She was the daughter of Emperor Babur and Dilawar Begum, and the aunt of Emperor Akbar.
Gulbadan Begum’s Humayun Nama is one of the few historical works of the Mughal period written by a woman. It provides unique insights into the royal harem life, family dynamics, and political events from a female perspective, offering a valuable supplement to official court chronicles.
Gulbadan Begum was commissioned by her nephew Emperor Akbar to write her recollections of Babur and Humayun to assist Abu’l-Fazl in writing the Akbarnama. Her memoir is considered a primary source for the history of Babur and Humayun.

164. Which of the following clans are included in the Agnikula Rajputs ? 1.

Which of the following clans are included in the Agnikula Rajputs ?
1. Pratiharas
2. Chaulukyas
3. Paramaras
4. Chahamanas
Select the correct answer from the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Agnikula theory is a legend about the origin of certain Rajput clans from a sacrificial fire pit (agnikunda) at Mount Abu. The four major clans traditionally associated with the Agnikula origin are the Pratiharas (or Pariharas), Chaulukyas (or Solankis), Paramaras (or Pawars), and Chahamanas (or Chauhans). All four clans listed in the options are included in the Agnikula Rajputs according to traditional accounts.
The Agnikula legend is mentioned in later Rajput chronicles and poems, such as the Prithviraj Raso, though its historical accuracy is debated among scholars. It is often seen as a way to legitimize the status of these clans who rose to prominence after the decline of older dynasties.
These four clans played significant roles in the history of North India during the early medieval period, ruling various kingdoms after the decline of the Gurjara-Pratiharas. They frequently engaged in conflicts with each other and with other powers like the Palas and Rashtrakutas.

165. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ? Traveller

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ?

Traveller Country from
1. Marco Polo Italy
2. Ibn Battuta Morocco
3. Nikitin Russia
4. Seydi Ali Reis Turkey

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
Download PDFAttempt Online
All the given pairs are correctly matched. Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant and explorer who travelled to Asia in the 13th century. Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan explorer and scholar who travelled extensively in Africa, Asia, and Europe in the 14th century. Nikitin was a Russian merchant who travelled to India in the 15th century. Seydi Ali Reis was an Ottoman (Turkey) admiral and writer who travelled to India in the 16th century.
Travellers’ accounts are invaluable sources for reconstructing the history, society, economy, and culture of the regions they visited. They provide external perspectives that complement indigenous sources.
Marco Polo’s account of his travels is documented in ‘The Travels of Marco Polo’. Ibn Battuta’s extensive travels are recorded in ‘Rihla’. Afanasy Nikitin’s account is known as ‘The Journey Beyond Three Seas’. Seydi Ali Reis wrote ‘Mirat ul Memalik’ (Mirror of Countries).

166. What is the name of the award given to meritorious men in the Mughal C

What is the name of the award given to meritorious men in the Mughal Court in the form of a robe of honour that was once worn by the Emperor ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Sarapa” option2=”Patka” option3=”Padma murassa” option4=”Khilat” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
Download PDFAttempt Online
The name of the award given to meritorious men in the Mughal Court in the form of a robe of honour that was once worn by the Emperor is Khilat.
Khilat (also spelled Qalat) was a term used in the Mughal court (and other Islamic courts) for a robe of honour or a set of garments bestowed by a superior ruler upon a subordinate or an honored visitor as a mark of favour, recognition, or appointment. The highest form of Khilat was often a garment or set of garments that had been previously worn by the Emperor himself, adding immense prestige to the recipient.
Sarapa literally means ‘head to foot’ and refers to a complete set of Khilat, which might include not just a robe but also a turban, belt, sword, or other items, covering the recipient from head to foot. While a Sarapa is a type of Khilat, Khilat is the general term for the robe of honour award itself. Patka is a type of sash or belt, not the main robe of honour. Padma murassa refers to a jewelled lotus ornament, not a robe.

167. Who gifted the Badshah Nama to King George in 1799 ?

Who gifted the Badshah Nama to King George in 1799 ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Abul Fazl” option2=”Abdul Hamid Lahori” option3=”Nawab of Awadh” option4=”William Jones” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2018
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Nawab of Awadh gifted the *Badshah Nama* to King George in 1799.
The illustrated manuscript of the *Badshah Nama*, a chronicle of the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, that is now housed in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, was presented to King George III by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II of Awadh in 1799.
Abul Fazl was the author of *Akbarnama*, a chronicle of Emperor Akbar’s reign, not Shah Jahan’s. Abdul Hamid Lahori was the principal author of the *Badshah Nama* during Shah Jahan’s reign, but he was the writer, not the person who gifted the manuscript to King George III much later. Sir William Jones was a renowned orientalist and founder of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, known for his studies of Indian languages and literature, but he was not the one who presented this specific gift.

168. Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT corr

Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It was located on the direct road to Ajmer” option2=”Akbar commissioned the building of a marble tomb for Sheikh Salim Chisti next to the Friday mosque at Fatehpur Sikri” option3=”The arched gateway or Bulund Darwaza was meant to remind visitors of the Mughal victory in Gujarat” option4=”In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century near Agra, serving as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. It is known for its impressive architecture, combining Mughal and Indian styles.
Let’s evaluate the statements:
A) It was located on the direct road to Ajmer: Fatehpur Sikri is situated southwest of Agra, on or near the historical route to Ajmer, an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and a significant city during the Mughal era. This statement is correct.
B) Akbar commissioned the building of a marble tomb for Sheikh Salim Chisti next to the Friday mosque at Fatehpur Sikri: Sheikh Salim Chishti was a Sufi saint whose blessings Akbar sought. The beautiful marble tomb of the Sheikh is located within the courtyard of the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. This statement is correct.
C) The arched gateway or Bulund Darwaza was meant to remind visitors of the Mughal victory in Gujarat: The magnificent Buland Darwaza, which serves as the southern entrance to the Jama Masjid, was erected by Akbar in 1601-02 to commemorate his victorious campaign in Gujarat in 1573. This statement is correct.
D) In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi: Akbar resided at Fatehpur Sikri from around 1571 to 1585. Due to various reasons, including strategic concerns in the northwest, Akbar shifted his capital from Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore in 1585. Delhi became the capital of the Mughal Empire much later, during the reign of Shah Jahan. This statement is incorrect.
Fatehpur Sikri was largely abandoned after Akbar moved his capital, possibly due to water scarcity issues, although the primary reason for the 1585 shift was strategic. The city remains remarkably well-preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

169. Name the calligrapher in Akbar’s court who was honoured with the title

Name the calligrapher in Akbar’s court who was honoured with the title “Zarrin Kalam” or Golden Pen

[amp_mcq option1=”Abul Fazl” option2=”Tansen” option3=”Muhammad Husayn” option4=”Muhammad Kasim” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
In the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, several artists and scholars flourished, including renowned calligraphers. The title “Zarrin Kalam” meaning “Golden Pen” was a high honour bestowed upon calligraphers for their exceptional skill.
Muhammad Husayn, a celebrated calligrapher originally from Kashmir, was awarded the title “Zarrin Kalam” or “Golden Pen” by Emperor Akbar for his exquisite calligraphy, particularly in the Nastaliq script.
– Abul Fazl was Akbar’s chief advisor and the author of Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, not a calligrapher.
– Tansen was a legendary musician and composer in Akbar’s court.
– Muhammad Kasim is not widely documented as receiving this specific title in Akbar’s court, whereas Muhammad Husayn is consistently mentioned in historical sources as the recipient of the “Zarrin Kalam” title.

170. Which one of the following statements regarding King Krishnadevaraya i

Which one of the following statements regarding King Krishnadevaraya is NOT correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”He was a great scholar of Telugu and Sanskrit” option2=”Foreign travellers Paes and Nuniz visited his court” option3=”Barbosa praised him for the great justice and equity prevailing in his empire” option4=”He wrote his magnum opus Amuktamalyada in Sanskrit” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
Download PDFAttempt Online
The statement that King Krishnadevaraya wrote his magnum opus Amuktamalyada in Sanskrit is NOT correct.
King Krishnadevaraya (reigned 1509-1529) was a prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. He was known for his military prowess, administrative skills, and patronage of arts and literature. He himself was an accomplished scholar and poet. His most famous literary work is ‘Amuktamalyada’.
Krishnadevaraya wrote ‘Amuktamalyada’ in Telugu, not Sanskrit. This epic poem is considered one of the masterpieces of Telugu literature. He was indeed a scholar of both Telugu and Sanskrit and patronized poets and scholars in both languages, including the Ashtadiggajas (eight famous poets) in his court. Portuguese travellers like Domingo Paes, Fernão Nuniz, and Duarte Barbosa visited his empire and provided valuable accounts of its prosperity, administration, and the king’s character, praising aspects like justice and equity.
Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5