Medieval History of India

11. Which traveller described the postal system prevalent in India in the

Which traveller described the postal system prevalent in India in the medieval period in detail ?

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Abdur Razzaq
Ibn Battuta
Pelsaert
Bernier
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Ibn Battuta, in his travelogue Rihla, provided a detailed description of the postal system prevalent in India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq.
He described two types of postal systems: the horse post (uluq) which was faster and used horses stationed at intervals, and the foot post (dawa) which used runners.
While other travelers like Abdur Razzaq, Pelsaert (Dutch, Mughal period), and Bernier (French, Mughal period) also wrote about India, Ibn Battuta’s account is particularly renowned for its detailed description of the Sultanate’s administrative systems, including the postal network.

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12. Who wrote the book of travels called Rihla ?

Who wrote the book of travels called Rihla ?

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Ibn Battuta
Al-Biruni
Shaikh Ali Hazin
Abdur Razzaq
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The book of travels known as Rihla was written by Ibn Battuta. Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveler who visited India during the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq in the 14th century.
Rihla, meaning “The Journey,” is a detailed account of Ibn Battuta’s extensive travels covering much of the Islamic world, including his significant stay in the Delhi Sultanate.
Al-Biruni wrote Kitab-ul-Hind. Shaikh Ali Hazin was a later period Persian poet and traveler. Abdur Razzaq visited the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century and wrote Matla’ al-sa’dayn wa majma’ al-bahrayn, which contains his observations.

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13. During the Mughal period, the term milkīyat denoted which one of the f

During the Mughal period, the term milkīyat denoted which one of the following ?

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Jagirs held by Jagirdars
Ijaras held by Ijaradars
Personal lands of Zamindars
Personal property of Mansabdars
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The term ‘MilkÄ«yat’ in the Mughal period primarily referred to private ownership rights, particularly associated with land. Among the given options, ‘Personal lands of Zamindars’ best fits this description as Zamindars often held proprietary rights (milkÄ«yat) over certain lands, in addition to their rights to collect revenue from larger areas.
Milkīyat signified proprietary rights or ownership of land, distinct from revenue assignments (Jagirs) or revenue farming contracts (Ijaras).
While Milkīyat could also apply to the private lands of peasants with full ownership, the option specifically mentions Zamindars, who were a significant class holding such rights. Jagirs were temporary assignments of revenue, Ijaras were contracts for revenue collection, and Mansabdars were military and civil officials whose rank determined their salary, often paid through Jagirs, not necessarily personal land ownership denoted by Milkīyat in this context.

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14. Muhammad Husayn (1575 – 1605), a contemporary of Emperor Akbar, was a

Muhammad Husayn (1575 – 1605), a contemporary of Emperor Akbar, was a

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reputed Mansabdar.
painter at Court.
Mughal General.
reputed calligrapher.
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Muhammad Husayn (1575 – 1605), a contemporary of Emperor Akbar, was a highly reputed calligrapher at the Mughal court.
Akbar bestowed upon him the title “Zarrin Qalam,” meaning “Golden Pen,” recognizing his exceptional skill in calligraphy.
Calligraphy was considered a major art form in the Mughal Empire, often used for decorating manuscripts, imperial decrees, and architectural inscriptions. Muhammad Husayn was particularly famous for his mastery of the Nastaliq script.

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15. The Vijayanagara Kings ruled in the name of which of the following God

The Vijayanagara Kings ruled in the name of which of the following Gods ?

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Rama
Vishnu
Vithoba
Virupaksha
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The Vijayanagara Kings ruled in the name of Lord Virupaksha.
Virupaksha is the principal deity of the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, which was the capital of the empire. The rulers considered themselves representatives or regents of the god.
Royal orders were often signed with the phrase “Sri Virupaksha”. While other deities like Vishnu (especially Vithoba, a form popular in the region) were also worshipped, Virupaksha was the state deity.

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16. Seydi Ali Reis was a Turkish traveller to India in the

Seydi Ali Reis was a Turkish traveller to India in the

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18th Century.
14th Century.
13th Century.
16th Century.
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Seydi Ali Reis was an Ottoman admiral and cartographer who travelled to India in the mid-16th Century.
He reached India around 1554-1556, seeking refuge after a naval defeat against the Portuguese, and spent time at the court of Mughal Emperor Humayun before returning overland.
He documented his journey and observations in his famous travelogue “Mirat ul Memalik” (Mirror of Countries), which provides valuable insights into the political and social conditions of the regions he visited, including parts of India.

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17. During the Mughal period, the word `wakil` referred to

During the Mughal period, the word `wakil` referred to

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lawyers in the Imperial Court.
lawyers in a Civil Court.
agents of nobles and regional rulers.
None of the above.
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During the Mughal period, the word `wakil` often referred to agents or representatives. While it could denote a high administrative post (`Wakil-us-Saltanat`), in a broader sense, it meant a representative acting on behalf of someone else.
Nobles, regional rulers, and even ordinary individuals could have a `wakil` to represent their interests at the imperial court, in legal matters, or administrative affairs.
The term encompassed a broader role than just ‘lawyer’ in the modern sense and was commonly used for agents or deputies acting on behalf of others, particularly powerful individuals or entities.

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18. During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, which one of the followi

During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, which one of the following practices was introduced in the daily routine of the king ?

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Kornish
Jharokha Darshan
Zaminbos
Sijda
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Jharokha Darshan was a practice initiated or popularised by Mughal Emperor Akbar where he would appear at a specially constructed balcony (jharokha) every morning.
This allowed common people, soldiers, and officials to see the Emperor and present their grievances or petitions directly, fostering a connection between the ruler and the populace.
Practices like `Kornish`, `Zaminbos`, and `Sijda` were forms of court salutation or prostration, with varying degrees of ceremonial hierarchy, some of which were also modified or debated during Akbar’s reign based on religious principles (Akbar discouraged full prostration, Sijda).

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19. The term `pahi-kashta` refers to which one of the following ?

The term `pahi-kashta` refers to which one of the following ?

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Resident cultivators
Landless cultivators
Non-resident cultivators
Peasants with more than 5 acres of land
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The term `pahi-kashta` in the Mughal agrarian system referred to non-resident cultivators.
These peasants cultivated land in villages where they did not permanently reside, often moving from their home village (`khud-kashta`) to cultivate land elsewhere, sometimes on more favourable terms.
`Khuda-kashta` were resident cultivators who owned land in the village where they lived. The `pahi-kashta` were more mobile and could be invited by Zamindars or Jagirdars to cultivate land to increase revenue.

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20. Of the following visitors, who compared medieval Vijayanagara with Rom

Of the following visitors, who compared medieval Vijayanagara with Rome ?

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Nicolo de Conti
Afanasy Nikitin
Domingo Paes
Fernao Nuniz
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Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller who visited the Vijayanagara Empire during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1520s), provided detailed accounts of the city’s grandeur and wealth.
Paes was greatly impressed by the size, prosperity, and architecture of Vijayanagara and compared it favourably to Rome.
Other travellers like Nicolo de Conti (Italian), Afanasy Nikitin (Russian), and Fernao Nuniz (Portuguese) also visited Vijayanagara and wrote about their experiences, but Paes is specifically known for the comparison with Rome.

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