Medieval History of India

181. Which one of the following pairs of author and literary work is correc

Which one of the following pairs of author and literary work is correctly matched?

[amp_mcq option1=”Banabhatta : Ramacharita” option2=”Kalhana : Rajatarangini” option3=”Chand Bardai : Prithvirajavijaya” option4=”Padmagupta : Harshacharita” correct=”option2″]

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The pair Kalhana : Rajatarangini is correctly matched. Kalhana was a Kashmiri historian who wrote Rajatarangini (River of Kings), a chronicle of the kings of Kashmir, in the 12th century.
Rajatarangini is considered one of the earliest examples of historical writing in India that attempted a systematic chronological account, although it includes mythological elements alongside historical events.
Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari. Sandhyakar Nandi wrote Ramacharitam (about Pala king Ramapala). Chand Bardai wrote Prithviraj Raso, while Jayanka wrote Prithvirajavijaya. Padmagupta (Parimala) wrote Navasahasankacharita. Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita. Therefore, option B is the only correct match.

182. Who among the following foreign travellers was appointed Qazi of Delhi

Who among the following foreign travellers was appointed Qazi of Delhi by Muhammad Tughlaq?

[amp_mcq option1=”Al-Masudi” option2=”Abu Zaid” option3=”Ibn Battuta” option4=”Ibn Haukal” correct=”option3″]

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Ibn Battuta, the famous Berber-Moroccan traveller, visited India during the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate. Impressed by his learning, Muhammad Tughlaq appointed him as the Qazi (chief judge) of Delhi.
Ibn Battuta served as Qazi of Delhi for several years before being sent on a diplomatic mission to China. His travelogue, ‘Rihla’ (The Journey), provides invaluable information about political, social, and economic conditions in 14th-century India under Muhammad Tughlaq.
Al-Masudi, Abu Zaid, and Ibn Haukal were earlier Arab travellers and geographers who visited or wrote about India, primarily in the 9th and 10th centuries, long before the reign of Muhammad Tughlaq.

183. Tuhfatul Hind, written by Mirza Muhammad ibn Fakruddin Muhammad, is a

Tuhfatul Hind, written by Mirza Muhammad ibn Fakruddin Muhammad, is a text on:

[amp_mcq option1=”Political theory” option2=”Architectural theory” option3=”Musical theory” option4=”Military techniques” correct=”option3″]

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Tuhfatul Hind (Gift of India) written by Mirza Muhammad ibn Fakruddin Muhammad (also known as Mirza Khan) is a notable text on Indian music and poetics, composed in Persian during the Mughal period, around the late 17th century.
The work covers various aspects of Indian music, including Ragas, Talas, musical instruments, and singing styles. It also includes sections on Indian poetics, metrics, and other aspects of Indian culture and literature, aiming to introduce these subjects to Persian-speaking readers.
Mirza Khan was associated with the court of Aurangzeb. Tuhfatul Hind is considered an important historical source for understanding the state of Hindustani music and cultural exchange during that era. It demonstrates the synthesis of Persian and Indian cultural traditions.

184. The malfuzat literature is:

The malfuzat literature is:

[amp_mcq option1=”discourses by Sufi leaders.” option2=”treatises written by Sufis on the theory and practices of Sufism.” option3=”biographical dictionaries of the Sufi orders.” option4=”letters written by the Sufis.” correct=”option1″]

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The term ‘malfuzat’ refers to the recorded discourses, conversations, and sayings of Sufi saints or leaders. These are essentially oral teachings and discussions preserved in written form by their disciples or attendees.
Malfuzat literature is a key source for understanding the thoughts, practices, and lives of individual Sufis and their interactions with their followers and society. They often contain anecdotes, interpretations of religious texts, ethical advice, and details about the daily life of the Sufi master and his khanqah (hospice).
Other forms of Sufi literature include ‘maktubat’ (letters written by Sufis), ‘tazkiras’ (biographical dictionaries of Sufi saints), and formal treatises on Sufi theory and practice. Malfuzat represent a distinct genre focused on the spoken word of the master. Prominent examples include ‘Fawa’id al-Fu’ad’ (conversations of Nizamuddin Auliya, compiled by Amir Hasan Sijzi) and ‘Khair ul Majalis’ (conversations of Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi, compiled by Hamid Qalandar).

185. The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was dedicated to which one of

The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was dedicated to which one of the following rulers?

[amp_mcq option1=”Sultan Sikandar Lodi” option2=”Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur” option3=”Bahadur Shah of Gujarat” option4=”Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior” correct=”option2″]

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The musical treatise *Sangeetasiromani* was compiled in the 15th century under the patronage of Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of the Jaunpur Sultanate. The Sharqi rulers of Jaunpur were renowned patrons of art, architecture, and music, and Jaunpur became a prominent cultural center, earning the title “Shiraz of India”. *Sangeetasiromani* is one of the significant works produced during this period, consolidating knowledge of Indian classical music.
*Sangeetasiromani* is a significant treatise on Indian music dedicated to Sultan Ibrahim Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur.
The Jaunpur Sultanate (1394-1479) was known for fostering a unique style of architecture and promoting learning and arts. Ibrahim Shah Sharqi’s reign is considered a golden age for art and culture in Jaunpur. Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior (15th-16th century) was also a great patron of music and is credited with the development of the Dhrupad style and the compilation of the musical text *Man Kutuhal*. However, *Sangeetasiromani* is associated with Ibrahim Shah Sharqi.

186. Which one of the following Sufi saints of Qadiriyya order was condemne

Which one of the following Sufi saints of Qadiriyya order was condemned by Aurangzeb for his discussion on Wahdat-al-wujud with his father Shahjahan and elder brother Dara Shikoh?

[amp_mcq option1=”Shaikh Abdul Qadir” option2=”Shaikh Hamid” option3=”Miyan Mir” option4=”Mulla Shah” correct=”option4″]

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Mulla Shah Badakhshi was a prominent Sufi saint of the Qadiriyya order and the chief disciple of Miyan Mir. He was the spiritual preceptor of Prince Dara Shikoh, Emperor Shah Jahan’s elder son. Both Shah Jahan and Dara Shikoh were interested in Sufism and engaged in discussions with Mulla Shah, including on concepts like Wahdat-al-wujud (unity of being), which was central to many Sufi philosophies. Aurangzeb, an orthodox Sunni, viewed Dara Shikoh’s syncretic approach and ideas like Wahdat-al-wujud with suspicion and considered them heretical. After becoming emperor, Aurangzeb persecuted those associated with Dara Shikoh, including Mulla Shah, whom he exiled from Lahore.
Mulla Shah, a Qadiriyya Sufi and teacher of Dara Shikoh, discussed Wahdat-al-wujud with Dara Shikoh and Shah Jahan and was condemned/exiled by Aurangzeb for his association and views. Miyan Mir, his teacher, passed away before Aurangzeb’s reign began.
The concept of Wahdat-al-wujud posits the ultimate unity of existence, where God is the only reality. This concept was interpreted in various ways by different Sufis and was sometimes seen as controversial by orthodox ulema. Dara Shikoh’s philosophical interests, including his work “Majma-ul-Bahrain” (Confluence of Two Seas) comparing Hindu and Sufi philosophies, were opposed by Aurangzeb.

187. Which of the following statements is / are correct? 1. Shantidas wa

Which of the following statements is / are correct?

  • 1. Shantidas was a leading Jain jeweler and banker in Ahmedabad
  • 2. Shajahan granted land to build poshalas to Shantidas
  • 3. In 1656 Murad Baksh granted village Palitana to Shantidas for the use of Jain pilgrims. The grant was later confirmed by Aurangzeb in 1660

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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Statement 1 is correct: Shantidas Zaveri was indeed a hugely wealthy and influential Jain jeweler, banker (shroff), and merchant based in Ahmedabad during the 17th century. He was a leading figure in the Jain community.
Statement 2 is correct: Emperor Shah Jahan had interactions with Shantidas, notably concerning the restoration of a Jain temple in Ahmedabad that had been converted into a mosque. Shah Jahan ordered the restoration and compensated Shantidas. Shah Jahan also issued firmans granting land and privileges to Shantidas and the Jain community for religious purposes, which could include facilities like poshalas (animal shelters important in Jain practice).
Statement 3 is correct: Prince Murad Baksh, then Viceroy of Gujarat, granted the village of Palitana, located at the foot of Shatrunjaya hill (a major Jain pilgrimage site), to Shantidas in 1656 for the use of Jain pilgrims. After becoming emperor, Aurangzeb confirmed this grant to Shantidas in 1660 through a royal farman, demonstrating pragmatism despite his general policies towards non-Muslims.
All three statements accurately reflect historical facts about Shantidas Zaveri and his relationship with the Mughal emperors.
Shantidas Zaveri was a prominent Jain merchant. He received grants and patronage from Mughal rulers, including Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb (via confirmation of Murad Baksh’s grant), demonstrating the influence of powerful merchants and the complex nature of Mughal religious policy.
Shantidas Zaveri’s wealth and influence allowed him to act as a mediator and patron for the Jain community. His interactions with the Mughal court highlight the economic power and religious standing of merchant communities in 17th-century India.

188. Jahangir got impressed by the Turkish fluency of which one of the foll

Jahangir got impressed by the Turkish fluency of which one of the following European travellers and made him a Mansabdar of 400 sawar?

[amp_mcq option1=”William Hawkins” option2=”Ralph Fitch” option3=”William Finch” option4=”Thomas Coryat” correct=”option1″]

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William Hawkins, an English merchant, arrived at the court of Emperor Jahangir in 1609, representing the English East India Company to seek permission to trade in Surat. Hawkins was fluent in Turkish (Chagatai Turkish), which was Jahangir’s first language. Impressed by Hawkins’s language skills and personality, Jahangir took a liking to him, granted him a mansab of 400 sawar, and gave him the title ‘English Khan’. This was a notable favour shown to a European at the Mughal court.
William Hawkins was the European traveller whose Turkish fluency impressed Emperor Jahangir, leading to him being granted a mansab.
Ralph Fitch (late 16th century) was one of the earliest English travellers to India, preceding Jahangir’s reign. William Finch was also an English merchant and companion of Hawkins for part of his journey. Thomas Coryat was an English traveller who visited India during Jahangir’s reign but is known for his eccentric journey on foot and his book “Crudities”.

189. Consider the following pairs : 1. Gajapati – Name of a powerful

Consider the following pairs :

1. Gajapati – Name of a powerful Dynasty in Orissa
2. Ashvapati – Deccan Sultans
3. Narapati – Rayas of Vijayanagara

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”None of the above” correct=”option1″]

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Let’s examine each pair:
1. Gajapati: Name of a powerful Dynasty in Orissa. This is correctly matched. The Gajapati Dynasty ruled Kalinga (modern Odisha) from 1434 to 1541 CE. ‘Gajapati’ literally means ‘Lord of Elephants’, referring to the strength of their elephant corps.
2. Ashvapati: Deccan Sultans. This is correctly matched. ‘Ashvapati’ means ‘Lord of Horses’. The Deccan Sultanates (like the Bahmanis and their successors) were known for their strong cavalry forces, often importing horses from Arabia and Persia. This title was associated with them in contrast to other regional powers.
3. Narapati: Rayas of Vijayanagara. This is correctly matched. ‘Narapati’ means ‘Lord of Men’ or King, referring to the large infantry forces maintained by the Vijayanagara rulers (Rayas). Medieval sources, particularly foreign travellers like Duarte Barbosa, often used this tripartite division (Gajapati of Orissa, Ashvapati of the Deccan, and Narapati of Vijayanagara) to describe the major powers in the South during the 15th and 16th centuries, based on the perceived strength of their respective armies (elephants, cavalry, and infantry).
All three pairs are correctly matched according to this historical context and common descriptions of the period’s major southern Indian powers.
– Gajapati = Lord of Elephants, associated with Orissa.
– Ashvapati = Lord of Horses, associated with Deccan Sultans.
– Narapati = Lord of Men, associated with Vijayanagara rulers (Rayas).
– These titles reflect the primary military strength associated with each kingdom/group.
This classification highlights the different military compositions and strategies employed by the major powers competing for dominance in peninsular India during the post-Delhi Sultanate period. The control over different resources (elephants, horses, manpower) was crucial for military power.

190. Consider the following statements with reference to the Utpala dynasty

Consider the following statements with reference to the Utpala dynasty of Kashmir :

  • 1. Avantivarman, the founder, devoted his energies to the economic upliftment of his subjects.
  • 2. Avantivarman’s period in Kashmir is known for the engineering operations under his minister Suyya, resulting in the enormous increase of grains and fall in prices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

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Both statements are correct. Avantivarman (855-883 CE), the founder of the Utpala dynasty in Kashmir, is known for his focus on improving the economic condition of his subjects. His minister and engineer, Suyya, was instrumental in executing significant irrigation projects, including regulating the flow of the Jhelum river and draining flooded areas. These engineering works led to a substantial increase in agricultural produce, particularly grains, which in turn caused a significant fall in prices, benefiting the population.
– Avantivarman founded the Utpala dynasty in Kashmir.
– His reign is noted for peace, prosperity, and economic reforms.
– Suyya was Avantivarman’s engineer who carried out major irrigation works.
– These works resulted in increased grain production and lower prices.
The reign of Avantivarman and the works of Suyya are well-documented in Kalhana’s historical chronicle, Rajatarangini. The focus on irrigation and land reclamation during this period highlights the importance of agriculture to the economy of ancient Kashmir.
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