Question 1

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the Delhi Sultanate after defeating Muhammad of Ghor's forces and consolidating power in North India?

Accepted Answer

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, a former slave general of Muhammad of Ghor, founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 after his master's death. He established the Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Dynasty) and made Delhi the capital of his kingdom.

Question 2

Which Mughal Emperor is known for his administrative reforms, including the implementation of the Mansabdari system?

Accepted Answer

Akbar (r. 1556–1605) implemented the Mansabdari system, a military and administrative hierarchy that became the backbone of Mughal governance. This system assigned ranks (mansabs) to nobles based on their military responsibilities and salary.

Question 3

Which medieval Indian kingdom is famous for its architectural achievements, including the construction of the Virupaksha Temple, and resisted Mughal expansion in South India?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire, particularly under rulers like Krishnadevaraya (r. 1509–1529), built magnificent temples including the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi. The empire was a major Hindu power that resisted Islamic sultanates and Mughal expansion in South India.

Question 4

In which year did the First Battle of Panipat take place, and which Mughal emperor defeated the Delhi Sultan Ibrahim Lodi?

Accepted Answer

The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire) and Ibrahim Lodi (the last Delhi Sultan of the Lodi Dynasty). Babur's victory marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

Question 5

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the Delhi Sultanate after defeating Muhammad of Ghor's forces at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad of Ghor defeated Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE, but it was his slave general Qutb-ud-Din Aibak who founded the Delhi Sultanate (Slave Dynasty) and became the first Sultan of Delhi after Muhammad of Ghor's death in 1206 CE.

Question 6

The Vijayanagara Empire reached its territorial peak and greatest prosperity under which ruler in the 16th century?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire achieved its maximum territorial extent and cultural-economic prosperity under Krishna Deva Raya (r. 1509–1529 CE). He defeated the Bahmani Sultanate, expanded southward, and patronized arts and literature, making Vijayanagara one of the world's largest cities of that era.

Question 7

In which year did Akbar the Great ascend to the Mughal throne, and at what age?

Accepted Answer

Akbar ascended to the Mughal throne in 1556 CE at the age of 13 following his father Humayun's death. He initially ruled under the regency of Bairam Khan until 1560 CE, after which he took direct control and became one of the greatest Mughal emperors.

Question 8

Which battle in 1526 CE marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India and was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi?

Accepted Answer

The First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE) was fought between Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur's victory established Mughal rule in India and ended the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 9

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the Delhi Sultanate after defeating Muhammad of Ghor's forces and consolidating power in North India?

Accepted Answer

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, a former slave general of Muhammad of Ghor, founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 after Muhammad of Ghor's death. He established the Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Dynasty) and is known for constructing the Qutb Minar in Delhi.

Question 10

Which Mughal emperor is known for his policy of 'Sulh-i-Kul' (universal peace) and abolished the Jizya tax on non-Muslims?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605) implemented the policy of Sulh-i-Kul, which promoted religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different communities. He abolished the Jizya tax (a tax on non-Muslims) in 1564, a landmark decision that reflected his secular administrative approach.

Question 11

Which medieval Indian empire, ruled by the Sangama and Saluva dynasties, was known for its resistance against the Bahmani Sultanate and flourished in South India?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565) was a major medieval South Indian kingdom that resisted the Bahmani Sultanate's expansion. It was ruled by several dynasties, including the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485) and the Saluva Dynasty (1485–1505). The empire is famous for its administrative efficiency, architectural achievements, and military strength.

Question 12

Which Delhi Sultan of the Tughlaq Dynasty is known for shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and implementing the 'Token Currency' system?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad bin Tughluq (r. 1325–1351) of the Tughlaq Dynasty is famous for two major administrative decisions: (1) shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (also called Devagiri) in 1327, and (2) introducing a token currency system (brass and copper coins) in 1329 to replace gold and silver coins. Both policies were controversial and eventually reversed.

Question 13

In which year did the First Battle of Panipat take place, marking a major turning point in Indian medieval history?

Accepted Answer

The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire) and Ibrahim Lodi (Sultan of Delhi). Babur's victory established Mughal rule in India and ended the Delhi Sultanate's dominance.

Question 14

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by which two brothers?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by two brothers, Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, with the support of the saint Vidyaranya. They established their capital initially at Anegondi and later shifted it to Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi) on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

Question 15

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the first permanent capital of the Delhi Sultanate and constructing the Qutb Minar?

Accepted Answer

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (r. 1206–1210) founded the Delhi Sultanate and laid the foundation of the Qutb Minar in 1193 (as a Ghurid commander). However, the monument was completed by his successor Iltutmish. Aibak established Delhi as the capital and initiated Indo-Islamic architecture in India.

Question 16

In which year did the Battle of Talikota (also known as the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) take place, marking a major defeat for the Vijayanagara Empire?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota occurred on 26 January 1565 between the Vijayanagara Empire and an alliance of Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, and Bidar). This defeat severely weakened Vijayanagara's power in the Deccan and marked the beginning of its decline.

Question 17

Which Mughal Emperor is known for his administrative reforms, including the introduction of the Mansabdari system and the Zabti revenue system?

Accepted Answer

Akbar (r. 1556–1605) introduced the Mansabdari system (military-administrative hierarchy based on ranks) and the Zabti (or Zabt) revenue system, which standardized land revenue assessment. These reforms strengthened Mughal administration and became hallmarks of his reign.

Question 18

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in which year, and by which two brothers?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by two brothers, Harihara I and Bukka Raya I. They established the empire in the Deccan region with its capital initially at Hampi. The empire became one of the most powerful Hindu kingdoms of medieval India.

Question 19

Which Delhi Sultan is famous for his military campaigns against the Mongols and for constructing the Alai Darwaza (gate) at the Qutb complex?

Accepted Answer

Alauddin Khilji (r. 1296–1316) was known for his military conquests and his defense against Mongol invasions. He commissioned the construction of the Alai Darwaza (completed in 1311), an ornate gate at the Qutb Minar complex, and expanded the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. He also implemented significant administrative and economic reforms.

Question 20

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the first regular standing army in medieval India and implementing the 'Iqta' system of land grants?

Accepted Answer

Alauddin Khilji (r. 1296–1316) of the Delhi Sultanate established a centralized standing army (paid directly from the treasury rather than feudal levies) and reformed the Iqta system to prevent feudal lords from becoming too powerful. He also implemented price controls and market regulations.

RRB Ministerial & Isolated Medieval India

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Medieval India — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Medieval India