Question 1

The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Maharana Pratap and which Mughal general?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Haldighati in 1576 was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and Mughal general Man Singh I, who was commanding Akbar's forces. Although the Mughals technically won the battle, Maharana Pratap escaped and continued his resistance against Mughal rule. This battle is celebrated in Rajasthani history as a symbol of resistance and valor. Man Singh I was one of Akbar's most trusted generals and a member of the Navaratna. Therefore, answer is D.

Question 2

The Battle of Talikota (1565 CE) was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and which coalition of Deccan Sultanates?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire under Aliya Rama Raya and a coalition of five Deccan Sultanates: the Bahmani Sultanate (represented by its successor states), Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, and Bidar. This coalition is often referred to as the 'Deccani Alliance.' The Vijayanagara forces were defeated, marking a significant decline in the empire's power. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 3

In which year did Babur defeat Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat, establishing Mughal rule in India?

Accepted Answer

Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, at the First Battle of Panipat on 21 April 1526 CE. This victory marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India and the end of the Delhi Sultanate's dominance. Therefore, answer is B.

Question 4

Which Mughal Emperor commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal?

Accepted Answer

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 CE. Construction began in 1632 CE and was completed in 1653 CE. The Taj Mahal is located in Agra and is one of the most iconic monuments of the Mughal Empire. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 5

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in which year?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, two brothers who established their capital at Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi) in Karnataka. The empire became one of the most powerful Hindu kingdoms in South India and lasted until 1646 CE. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 6

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with building the Qutb Minar in Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the Slave Dynasty, initiated the construction of Qutb Minar in 1193. However, the tower was completed by his successor Iltutmish in 1220. Qutb-ud-Din Aibak is credited as the builder because he laid the foundation and began the construction. The Qutb Minar is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 7

Which Delhi Sultan built the Qutub Minar in Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, initiated the construction of Qutub Minar in 1192 CE after his victory at the Second Battle of Tarain. However, the tower was completed by his successor Iltutmish. Aibak is credited as the builder because he laid the foundation and constructed the first storey. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 8

Which Delhi Sultan established the Bahmani Sultanate in the Deccan region in 1347?

Accepted Answer

Alauddin Bahman Shah (also known as Hasan Gangu) founded the Bahmani Sultanate in 1347 in the Deccan. He declared independence from the Delhi Sultanate and established a powerful kingdom that lasted until 1518. The Bahmani Sultanate was one of the most significant medieval Indian kingdoms and served as a major political and cultural center. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 9

In which year did Akbar conquer the fortress of Chittorgarh, defeating Maharana Udai Singh II?

Accepted Answer

Akbar conquered Chittorgarh in 1568 after a prolonged siege. Maharana Udai Singh II, the ruler of Mewar, abandoned the fortress and retreated to the hills. This was a significant Mughal military victory that demonstrated Akbar's military prowess and his policy of territorial expansion. The fortress remained under Mughal control after this conquest. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 10

Which Delhi Sultan built the Qutub Minar, one of the most iconic structures of medieval India?

Accepted Answer

Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1192 CE. Though construction continued under his successors (notably Iltutmish), Aibak initiated this magnificent tower as a minaret. It remains one of the tallest minarets in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Question 11

Which Mughal Emperor commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal?

Accepted Answer

Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in 1632 following the death of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1631. The construction was completed in 1653 and took approximately 22 years. The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, is one of the most iconic structures in the world and represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658. Therefore, answer is B.

Question 12

Sher Shah Suri, who briefly interrupted Mughal rule during the reign of Humayun, introduced which administrative reform that was later adopted by the Mughals?

Accepted Answer

Sher Shah Suri (r. 1540–1545) introduced the Mansabdari system and land revenue reforms, including the standardization of weights and measures and the introduction of a new currency. However, the most significant administrative reform he introduced was the reorganization of the postal system and the Chakla-Pargana administrative division. The Mughals later adopted and refined his land revenue system (Zabti system). Therefore, answer is D.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about Muhammad of Ghur's conquest of northern India is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad of Ghur (also known as Muhammad Ghori) defeated Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE, which marked the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate and the end of Hindu rule in northern India. This battle is a pivotal moment in medieval Indian history. Option A is incorrect because the First Battle of Tarain occurred in 1191 CE and was won by Prithviraj Chauhan, not Muhammad of Ghur. Option C is incorrect because Muhammad of Ghur did not establish the Delhi Sultanate directly—his general Qutb ud-Din Aibak founded it after his death. Option D is incorrect because the Third Battle of Panipat was fought in 1761 CE between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah Abdali, centuries after Muhammad of Ghur's campaigns. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 14

The Vijayanagara Empire's administrative system under the Deccan Sultanates' influence included which of the following as a key feature?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE) adopted the Iqta system from the Deccan Sultanates, where military commanders (Nayaks) were granted revenue-yielding territories in exchange for military service. This feudal-like system was central to Vijayanagara's administration and military organization. Option A is incorrect because the Mansabdari system was specific to the Mughal Empire, not the Vijayanagara Empire. Option C is incorrect because the Zamindari system became prominent during the Mughal period and later under British rule, not as a defining feature of Vijayanagara administration. Option D is incorrect because the Jagirdari system, while feudal in nature, was primarily associated with the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, not Vijayanagara. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 15

Which Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate commissioned the construction of the Qutb Minar, and in what century was it completed?

Accepted Answer

The Qutb Minar was commissioned by Qutb ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in the late 12th century (around 1192 CE), though it was completed under his successor Iltutmish in the 13th century (1220s CE). The monument stands in Delhi and is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world. Option A is incorrect because while Iltutmish did complete the Qutb Minar, he did not commission it—Qutb ud-Din Aibak initiated the project. Option C is incorrect because Muhammad of Ghur died in 1206 CE and did not commission the Qutb Minar; he was Qutb ud-Din Aibak's master. Option D is incorrect because Firoz Shah Tughlaq ruled in the 14th century, centuries after the Qutb Minar was completed. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 16

The Battle of Khanwa (1527 CE) was fought between Babur and which Hindu ruler, marking a significant Mughal victory in northern India?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Khanwa was fought on March 17, 1527 CE, between Babur (the founder of the Mughal Empire) and Rana Sanga (also known as Maharana Sangram Singh) of Mewar. This battle was crucial because it consolidated Mughal power in northern India and eliminated the last major Hindu resistance to Mughal expansion. Option A is incorrect because Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated in 1192 CE by Muhammad of Ghur, centuries before Babur's time. Option C is incorrect because Krishnadevaraya was the ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire in the Deccan, not northern India, and he ruled during Babur's time but did not fight at Khanwa. Option D is incorrect because Maharaja Man Singh was a later Mughal noble who served under Akbar, not a contemporary opponent of Babur. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 17

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Mughal administrative system under Akbar?

Accepted Answer

Under Akbar's reign (1556–1605 CE), the Mughal administrative system was characterized by the Mansabdari system (ranking officials by military rank and salary), a centralized bureaucracy, religious tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul or universal peace), and the division of the empire into provinces called Subas. The Zamindari system, which created hereditary landlords with tax collection rights, was not a defining feature of Akbar's administration—it became prominent later during the Mughal period and was systematized under British rule. Option A is incorrect because the Mansabdari system was indeed central to Akbar's administration. Option B is incorrect because Akbar's policy of religious tolerance and his syncretic approach to governance were well-documented. Option D is incorrect because the Suba system (provincial administration) was a key organizational feature under Akbar. Therefore, the answer is C.

Question 18

Which Delhi Sultan commissioned the construction of the Qutb Minar, and in what year was its construction initiated?

Accepted Answer

Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, initiated the construction of the Qutb Minar in 1193 CE. He laid the foundation after his victory at the Battle of Tarain (1192), establishing Muslim rule in North India. The tower was completed by his successor Iltutmish. Therefore, answer is A.

Question 19

The Battle of Talikota (1565) resulted in the defeat of which major South Indian empire by the Deccan Sultanates?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE resulted in the decisive defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire by an alliance of Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, and Bidar). This battle marked the beginning of the decline of Vijayanagara's political and military dominance in South India. Therefore, answer is C.

Question 20

Which Mughal Emperor abolished the Jizya tax in 1679, and what was his primary stated reason for this action?

Accepted Answer

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor, reimposed and strictly enforced the Jizya tax in 1679 (not abolished it). The question contains a factual inversion. However, if the question intended to ask who reimposed it: Aurangzeb reimposed the Jizya in 1679 as part of his orthodox Islamic policies and to increase state revenue. The correct answer is that no Mughal Emperor abolished the Jizya in 1679; Aurangzeb actually reinforced it. Therefore, answer is A (which correctly identifies this as a misconception).

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