Question 1

Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India?

Accepted Answer

Babur founded the Mughal Empire in India after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. He was a descendant of Timur from his father's side and Genghis Khan from his mother's side.

Question 2

In which year did the First Battle of Panipat take place, marking a decisive victory that established Mughal rule in India?

Accepted Answer

The First Battle of Panipat was fought on 21 April 1526 between Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire) and Ibrahim Lodi (Delhi Sultan). Babur's victory led to the establishment of Mughal rule in North India.

Question 3

Which empire, contemporary with the Mughal Empire, controlled much of South India and is known for its architectural marvels like the Virupaksha Temple?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646) was a major South Indian empire that flourished during the medieval period. It is renowned for its architectural achievements, including the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, which showcases Dravidian temple architecture.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Akbar (r. 1556–1605), the third and greatest Mughal Emperor, implemented the policy of Sulh-i-Kul, which promoted religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different communities. He abolished the Jizya tax in 1564, a significant step toward religious equality.

Question 5

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in which year, and in which region of South India was it primarily located?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 CE by Harihara and Bukka in the Deccan region of South India. It became one of the most powerful Hindu kingdoms and was centered in present-day Karnataka, with its capital at Vijayanagara (modern Hampi).

Question 6

Which Mughal Emperor is known for his administrative reforms, including the introduction of the 'Mansabdari System'?

Accepted Answer

Akbar (r. 1556–1605) introduced and perfected the Mansabdari System, a military and administrative ranking system that assigned ranks (mansabs) to nobles based on their salary and military obligations. This system became the backbone of Mughal administration.

Question 7

Which Delhi Sultan of the Tughlaq Dynasty is known for shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (in present-day Maharashtra) in 1327?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad bin Tughluq (r. 1325–1351) of the Tughlaq Dynasty ordered the relocation of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in 1327. This ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful move was intended to centralize control over the vast sultanate but led to administrative challenges and was eventually reversed.

Question 8

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 made Delhi the capital of his kingdom.

Question 9

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 Ibrahim Lodi of the Delhi Sultanate and Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. Babur's victory ended the Delhi Sultanate's rule and established Mughal dominance in North India.

Question 10

In which year did Muhammad of Ghur defeat Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain, establishing Muslim rule in North India?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad of Ghur defeated Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 CE. This victory marked a turning point in Indian history, as it led to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of Muslim rule in North India. The first battle in 1191 was won by Prithviraj, but Muhammad returned to win decisively in 1192.

Question 11

In which year did the Battle of Talikota (also called Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) take place, marking a significant decline of the Vijayanagara Empire?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota was fought 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 South India.

Question 12

Which Delhi Sultan introduced the Iqta system, a form of feudal land grant, to strengthen the administrative structure of the sultanate?

Accepted Answer

Iltutmish (r. 1211–1236) systematized the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate. The Iqta was a feudal grant of land given to military officers (Iqtadars) in exchange for military service and revenue collection. This system became central to the sultanate's administration.

Question 13

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 (1206–1210) was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and initiated construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi. However, the structure was completed by his successor Iltutmish. Aibak is recognized for laying the foundation of organized sultanate administration.

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 in 1565 resulted in the defeat of Vijayanagara's Aliya Rama Raya (regent/commander) against the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, and Bidar). This battle marked the beginning of Vijayanagara's decline.

Question 15

The Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was fought between Akbar's forces under Bairam Khan and which Hindu ruler?

Accepted Answer

The Second Battle of Panipat on November 5, 1556, was fought between Akbar's Mughal forces (led by regent Bairam Khan) and Hemu (also called Hemachandra), a Hindu ruler of Delhi and Agra. Hemu's defeat secured Akbar's position on the Mughal throne.

Question 16

In which year did Akbar ascend to the Mughal throne, and who was his regent during his early reign?

Accepted Answer

Akbar ascended to the Mughal throne in 1556 at the age of 13 following his father Humayun's death. His regent was Bairam Khan, a skilled military commander who served as regent until 1560 and played a crucial role in consolidating Akbar's early rule.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota (also called the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) 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 power, though it continued as a cultural center.

Question 18

Which Mughal Emperor commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal, and in what year was its construction completed?

Accepted Answer

Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1653, taking approximately 21 years.

Question 19

The Vijayanagara Empire's administrative system was characterized by the 'Nayankari' system. Which of the following best describes the primary function of a Nayak in this system?

Accepted Answer

The Nayankari system was a feudal administrative structure where Nayaks were military commanders and feudal lords who held territorial grants (Nayankiri) in exchange for military service and revenue collection for the empire.

Question 20

The Delhi Sultanate's administrative division into provinces was called 'Iqtas' or 'Sarkars.' Which Delhi Sultan is credited with systematizing this provincial administration most effectively?

Accepted Answer

Alauddin Khalji (r. 1296–1316) is credited with systematizing the provincial administration of the Delhi Sultanate through effective use of Iqtas and Sarkars, establishing a more centralized and efficient bureaucratic structure.

SSC CHSL Medieval India

Medieval India— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

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Medieval India — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Medieval India