Medieval History of India

61. Consider the following: The arrival of Babur into India led to the 1

Consider the following:
The arrival of Babur into India led to the

  • 1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
  • 2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture
  • 3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
Download PDFAttempt Online
The arrival of Babur into India led to the introduction of a significant military application of gunpowder (artillery) and the establishment of the Timurid dynasty (Mughal dynasty) in the region. The introduction of the arch and dome occurred much earlier.
Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. **Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent:** While gunpowder technology existed in India before Babur, his invasion marked the effective introduction and large-scale use of sophisticated artillery and firearms in field warfare, which was crucial to his victories (e.g., Battle of Panipat). So, in the context of its impactful military deployment, this statement is considered true regarding Babur’s arrival.
2. **Introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture:** Arches and domes were introduced to India much earlier with the arrival of the Delhi Sultanate in the late 12th/early 13th century. Examples can be seen in early Sultanate architecture. Babur and the Mughals refined these forms but did not introduce them. This statement is false.
3. **Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region:** Babur was a descendant of Timur (Timurid) and Genghis Khan (Mongol/Chagatai). The dynasty he founded in India is known as the Mughal Dynasty, which was a branch of the Timurids who ruled Central Asia. His arrival directly led to the establishment of this dynasty in India. This statement is true.
Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Babur’s victory at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 against Ibrahim Lodi is considered the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India. His military tactics, including the use of field artillery and mobile cavalry, were significant innovations in Indian warfare at the time.

62. Consider the following pairs : Medieval Indian State Present Regi

Consider the following pairs :

Medieval Indian StatePresent Region
1. Champaka: Central India
2. Durgara: Jammu
3. Kuluta: Malabar

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
Download PDFAttempt Online
The correct option is B. Only pair 2 is correctly matched.
– Pair 1: Champaka refers to the historical state of Chamba, located in the upper valley of the Ravi river in the Himalayas, corresponding to the Chamba district of modern Himachal Pradesh (North India). Central India is incorrect.
– Pair 2: Durgara refers to the historical state of Durgara, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, corresponding to the region around Jammu in modern Jammu and Kashmir. This match is correct.
– Pair 3: Kuluta refers to the historical state of Kullu, located in the upper valley of the Beas river in the Himalayas, corresponding to the Kullu district of modern Himachal Pradesh (North India). Malabar is a region on the southwestern coast of India (Kerala). This match is incorrect.
These historical states were part of the Shivalik and Himalayan kingdoms in the medieval period.

63. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

[amp_mcq option1=”the mosque for the use of Royal Family” option2=”Akbar’s private prayer chamber” option3=”the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions” option4=”the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575. Its purpose was to provide a place for religious discussions and debates between scholars of various religions. Initially, it was open only to Muslims, but later Akbar opened it up to scholars of other religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and even atheists, reflecting his quest for understanding different faiths.
– Akbar’s discussions in the Ibadat Khana contributed to the development of his religious and philosophical ideas, including the concept of Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all).
– Scholars from different faiths like Purushottam Das (Hinduism), Hira Vijaya Suri (Jainism), Dastur Meherji Rana (Zoroastrianism), and Rodolfo Aquaviva (Christianity) participated.
– The debates often became intense and sometimes failed to achieve consensus, leading Akbar to formulate his own syncretic views.
The Ibadat Khana discussions were a significant step in Akbar’s move away from orthodox Islam and towards a more inclusive and rational approach to religion. However, due to the sometimes acrimonious nature of the debates, Akbar eventually discontinued the Ibadat Khana discussions around 1582.

64. Consider the following statements : 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
  • 2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.

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=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
Let’s examine each statement:
1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. – Bijak is the most important and popular compilation of the works of Saint Kabir, a prominent poet and saint of the Bhakti movement. Dadu Dayal was another saint whose compositions are found in collections like the Dadu Anubhav Vani. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya. – Pushti Marg (The Path of Grace) was founded by Vallabhacharya, a prominent philosopher and saint of the Vaishnavite tradition. Madhvacharya was the founder of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta philosophy. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.
– Bijak includes dohās, sabads, and ramainīs attributed to Kabir.
– Pushti Marg emphasizes salvation through the grace of God (Krishna), rather than through strict adherence to rituals or knowledge.
– Madhvacharya’s Dvaita Vedanta posits a clear distinction between God, the soul, and the material world.
Kabir, Dadu Dayal, Vallabhacharya, and Madhvacharya were all significant figures in the diverse philosophical and devotional landscape of medieval India, contributing to various schools of thought and Bhakti traditions.

65. In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were u

In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

[amp_mcq option1=”military officers” option2=”village headmen” option3=”specialists in Vedic rituals” option4=”chiefs of craft guilds” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
Download PDFAttempt Online
In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for village headmen or village officials responsible for local administration, especially land revenue.
These terms appear in various inscriptions and historical texts, particularly from periods like the Gupta, post-Gupta, and early medieval Rajput dynasties. ‘Mahattara’ literally means ‘elder’ or ‘great man’ and was a common term for village elders or headmen. ‘Pattakila’ was also used for a village official, often associated with the collection of land revenue or management of village lands.
The village headman played a crucial role in rural administration, acting as an intermediary between the state authorities and the villagers, responsible for law and order, dispute resolution, and revenue collection at the local level.

66. Consider the following Bhakti Saints : Dadu Dayal Guru Nanak Tya

Consider the following Bhakti Saints :

  1. Dadu Dayal
  2. Guru Nanak
  3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
Download PDFAttempt Online
Guru Nanak (1469-1539) lived during the period when the Lodi dynasty ruled Delhi and was succeeded by Babur in 1526. Dadu Dayal (1544-1603) and Tyagaraja (1767-1847) lived much later. Therefore, only Guru Nanak was preaching during the transition from the Lodi dynasty to Babur’s rule.
This question tests knowledge of the timeline of prominent Bhakti saints and their contemporaries among ruling dynasties. Identifying the lifespans of the saints is crucial to determine who was active during the specified historical period (fall of Lodi dynasty and rise of Babur, i.e., around 1526).
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, travelled widely during his lifetime and preached a message of equality, devotion to one God, and rejection of ritualism. The Lodi dynasty ruled from 1451 to 1526. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, marking the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.

67. Which naval forts were erected by Shivaji ? 1. Suvarnadurg 2. Vijay

Which naval forts were erected by Shivaji ?

  • 1. Suvarnadurg
  • 2. Vijayadurg
  • 3. Sindhudurg
  • 4. Kolaba

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
Download PDFAttempt Online
Shivaji Maharaj recognized the strategic importance of naval power and coastal defense for his burgeoning Maratha kingdom, which had a long coastline. He built and strengthened numerous forts along the Konkan coast. All four listed forts are historically associated with Shivaji’s efforts to establish a strong navy and protect his territory from maritime threats, particularly from the Siddi of Janjira, the Portuguese, and the English.
1. Suvarnadurg: A major sea fort built/strengthened by Shivaji.
2. Vijayadurg: Another crucial sea fort, known for its shipbuilding facilities and strong defense.
3. Sindhudurg: One of Shivaji’s most important island forts, built to be virtually impregnable.
4. Kolaba: An island fort near Alibaug, also developed by Shivaji.
Shivaji Maharaj was a pioneer in establishing a strong Maratha navy and constructing/fortifying strategically important naval forts along the Konkan coast.
These forts served multiple purposes: defending the coast from invasions, protecting trade routes, serving as naval bases for the Maratha fleet, and controlling access to rivers and inland areas. They were integral to Shivaji’s military strategy and his efforts to secure his kingdom’s western frontier.

68. Consider the following statements about the Dutch trade in Mughal peri

Consider the following statements about the Dutch trade in Mughal period :

  • 1. The Dutch transported silk goods from Bengal through Hooghly
  • 2. Cloves and nutmegs were collected at Surat by the Dutch and exported to Europe

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=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
Download PDFAttempt Online
Let’s evaluate the statements about the Dutch trade in the Mughal period:
1. The Dutch transported silk goods from Bengal through Hooghly: This is correct. The Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie – VOC) had significant trading interests in Bengal, which was a major centre for textile production, including silk. They established a factory at Chinsurah (near Hooghly) and were actively involved in transporting silk, cotton textiles, saltpetre, and other goods from Bengal via the Hooghly River to their ships for export to Europe and other Asian markets.
2. Cloves and nutmegs were collected at Surat by the Dutch and exported to Europe: This is incorrect. Cloves and nutmegs were highly valuable spices originating from the Moluccas (Spice Islands) in Southeast Asia. The Dutch established a virtual monopoly over the trade of these spices by controlling their source in Southeast Asia. Surat was a major port for trade in goods from the Indian subcontinent, Persia, and Arabia. While the Dutch traded at Surat, their primary source and export point for Moluccan spices were Southeast Asian ports like Batavia (Jakarta), from where they were shipped directly to Europe or other destinations. Spices like cloves and nutmegs were not sourced or collected in significant quantities *at Surat* for export to Europe.
The Dutch were major players in Indian Ocean trade during the Mughal period, prominent in textile trade from regions like Bengal, but their spice trade monopoly was centered on Southeast Asia, not ports like Surat for export of Moluccan spices.
The Dutch VOC was a powerful entity that competed with the English, French, and other European companies as well as Asian merchants. They traded in a wide variety of goods across Asia, but their most profitable monopoly was initially in the spice trade from Southeast Asia.

69. Which of the following statements about the Bundela rebellion against

Which of the following statements about the Bundela rebellion against Aurangzeb are correct ?

  • 1. Shivaji advised Chhatrasal to promote local risings against Aurangzeb
  • 2. Chhatrasal levied chauth like marathas
  • 3. In 1705, Aurangzeb decided to make peace with Chhatrasal and granted mansab of four-thousand

Select the 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 – 2024
Download PDFAttempt Online
Let’s evaluate the statements about the Bundela rebellion against Aurangzeb, specifically regarding Chhatrasal:
1. Shivaji advised Chhatrasal to promote local risings against Aurangzeb: This statement is supported by historical tradition. It is widely believed that Chhatrasal met Shivaji Maharaj in the Deccan around 1670 and was inspired by his example. Shivaji is said to have encouraged Chhatrasal to return to his homeland (Bundelkhand) and lead a rebellion against the Mughals there, rather than serving the Mughal Empire or joining Shivaji’s campaigns in the south.
2. Chhatrasal levied *chauth* like Marathas: Chhatrasal established an independent kingdom in Bundelkhand through his rebellion against Mughal rule. He did levy taxes and contributions from areas under his control and influence, similar to the Maratha practice of demanding *chauth* (a share of revenue). While the specific term *chauth* is more strongly associated with the Marathas, the practice of extracting tribute was common among regional powers challenging central authority. Sources indicate Chhatrasal levied taxes akin to Maratha demands.
3. In 1705, Aurangzeb decided to make peace with Chhatrasal and granted *mansab* of four-thousand: This is correct. Facing numerous challenges across his vast empire, including the protracted Deccan campaign, Aurangzeb attempted to pacify or enlist various regional powers. Around 1705, recognizing Chhatrasal’s strength in Bundelkhand, Aurangzeb granted him a *mansab* of 4000 and acknowledged his position, bringing a temporary cessation to hostilities between them.
All three statements are historically accurate.
Chhatrasal Bundela was a significant figure who challenged Mughal authority under Aurangzeb in Bundelkhand, influenced by Shivaji, and eventually gained concessions from the emperor.
Chhatrasal continued to expand his territory after Aurangzeb’s death. He later received support from the Marathas, particularly Baji Rao I, when his kingdom was threatened by the Mughal governor Muhammad Khan Bangash.

70. Consider the following statements about Mahanavami dibba, a massive pl

Consider the following statements about Mahanavami dibba, a massive platform :

  • 1. It is situated on one of the highest points in the city of Vijayanagara
  • 2. Virupaksha temple is located on it

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
Download PDFAttempt Online
Let’s evaluate the statements about Mahanavami Dibba:
1. It is situated on one of the highest points in the city of Vijayanagara: This is correct. The Mahanavami Dibba, also known as the “House of Victory” or “Audience Hall,” is a large, multi-layered platform located within the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara. It is built on elevated ground, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area and serving as a prominent structure for royal ceremonies.
2. Virupaksha temple is located on it: This is incorrect. The Virupaksha Temple is a major, active temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Virupaksha is a form of Shiva) located in Hampi, near the Hampi Bazaar, and is a distinct complex separate from the Royal Centre where the Mahanavami Dibba is located.
The Mahanavami Dibba was a ceremonial platform in the Royal Centre of Vijayanagara, used for festivals and royal displays, distinct from the major religious temples like the Virupaksha Temple.
The Mahanavami Dibba was particularly important during the annual Mahanavami (or Dasara/Dussehra) festival, where the Vijayanagara kings would hold elaborate ceremonies, receive guests, and display their power and wealth. It is decorated with carvings depicting various scenes, including processions, hunts, and tribute bearers.
Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5