Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Akbar implemented the policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace and religious tolerance) and abolished the Jizya tax (poll tax on non-Muslims) in 1564. These policies promoted religious harmony and are hallmarks of his reign.

Question 2

Which battle in 1526 marked the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India?

Accepted Answer

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur's victory established the Mughal Empire in India. Babur used artillery effectively, which was a decisive factor in his victory.

Question 3

Who was the founder of the Vijayanagara Empire, and in which year was it established?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I (brothers) in 1336. It became one of the most powerful Hindu empires in South India and lasted until 1646.

Question 4

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 considered the first Sultan of Delhi. He also began construction of the Qutb Minar in Delhi.

Question 5

Which empire, with its capital at Vijayanagara, was a major Hindu power in South India during the medieval period?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646) was a major Hindu kingdom in South India with its capital at Vijayanagara (modern-day Hampi in Karnataka). It was founded by Harihara and Bukka and served as a bulwark against Islamic sultanates in the Deccan.

Question 6

Which battle in 1526 marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India under Babur?

Accepted Answer

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur's victory established Mughal rule in India and is considered a watershed moment in Indian medieval history.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Akbar became the Mughal Emperor in 1556 at the age of 13 following his father Humayun's death. He ruled for 49 years (1556–1605) and is considered one of the greatest Mughal emperors.

Question 8

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the 'Iqta' system of land grants and is also known for his administrative reforms during the 13th century?

Accepted Answer

Iltutmish (r. 1211–1236), the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate's Slave Dynasty, systematized the Iqta system whereby military officers (Iqtadars) were granted revenue-yielding lands in exchange for military service. This became the backbone of the Sultanate's feudal administration and was distinct from earlier ad-hoc grants. Iltutmish also reorganized the nobility into the 'Chahalgani' (Forty) council and consolidated Delhi Sultanate control over North India.

Question 9

Which Mughal Emperor is known for his policy of religious tolerance and the abolition of the jizya (tax on non-Muslims)?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605) is renowned for his policy of religious tolerance and secular administration. He abolished the jizya tax in 1564, which was a significant step toward religious equality. He also promoted a syncretic philosophy called 'Din-i-Ilahi' (Divine Faith).

Question 10

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the first stable administrative system in the Delhi Sultanate and built the Qutub Minar?

Accepted Answer

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (r. 1206–1210) was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and initiated construction of the Qutub Minar in 1193 (completed by his successor Iltutmish). He established the foundational bureaucratic structure of the sultanate.

Question 11

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the first permanent capital of the Delhi Sultanate at Delhi and laying the foundation of the Sultanate's administrative structure?

Accepted Answer

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (1206–1210) was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and established Delhi as the capital. He was a former slave-general of Muhammad of Ghor and founded the Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Dynasty). He is also famous for commissioning the Qutb Minar.

Question 12

Which battle in 1526 marked the foundation of the Mughal Empire in India, defeating Ibrahim Lodi?

Accepted Answer

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur's victory through superior artillery and tactical flanking maneuvers established the Mughal Empire in India.

Question 13

The Bahmani Sultanate, one of the major medieval kingdoms in the Deccan, was founded in which year?

Accepted Answer

The Bahmani Sultanate was founded in 1347 by Hasan Gangu (also known as Alauddin Bahman Shah) after he rebelled against the Delhi Sultanate. It was one of the first independent Sultanates in the Deccan and lasted until 1518.

Question 14

The Battle of Talikota (1565) was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and a coalition of Deccan Sultanates. Which Vijayanagara ruler was defeated in this battle?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota (also called Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) in 1565 resulted in the defeat of Vijayanagara under Aliya Rama Raya, the regent and military commander. This battle marked the beginning of Vijayanagara's decline in southern India.

Question 15

Which Delhi Sultan is known for his administrative reforms, including the introduction of the 'Iqta' system and the establishment of a strong centralized government?

Accepted Answer

Balban (r. 1266–1287) is known for his administrative reforms and the strengthening of the Delhi Sultanate's central authority. He introduced strict administrative measures, reorganized the military, and established the Iqta system more formally. However, the Iqta system was not entirely new; it existed before but Balban systematized it. Iltutmish also made significant administrative contributions, but Balban is most famous for his reforms.

Question 16

The Battle of Talikota (1565) was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire and an alliance of Deccan Sultanates. Which Vijayanagara ruler was defeated in this battle?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota (also called the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) in 1565 resulted in the defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire under Rama Raya, the regent of the Vijayanagara Empire. This battle marked the beginning of the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire's power in the Deccan.

Question 17

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India. Which Delhi Sultan was defeated by Babur in this battle?

Accepted Answer

Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate (Lodi Dynasty), was defeated and killed by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat on April 21, 1526. This victory established the Mughal Empire in India.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1193 CE. However, the tower was completed by his successor Iltutmish. This tests knowledge of both the correct patron and the precise founding date.

Question 19

The First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE) was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. Which dynasty did Ibrahim Lodi represent, and what was the immediate consequence of Babur's victory?

Accepted Answer

Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate (Lodi Dynasty). His defeat at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE by Babur marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India. Ibrahim Lodi was killed in the battle.

Question 20

Which Mughal emperor issued the 'Zawabit' (imperial regulations) to supplement the Sharia law in state administration?

Accepted Answer

Akbar issued the Zawabit, which were secular imperial regulations that supplemented or in some cases overrode Sharia law in the Mughal administration. These were civil and criminal ordinances based on reason and imperial necessity rather than purely religious law, reflecting Akbar's policy of separating state from strict religious diktat.

SSC CGL Medieval India

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60-Second Revision — Medieval India