Question 1

Which monument was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal?

Accepted Answer

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. It was completed in 1653 and is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.

Question 2

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the Delhi Sultanate after defeating Muhammad of Ghor's forces?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

In which year did the Battle of Talikota take place, marking a significant decline of the Vijayanagara Empire?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota (also called the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) was fought in 1565 between the Vijayanagara Empire and an alliance of Deccan Sultanates. This defeat severely weakened Vijayanagara's power in South India.

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 commissioned the Qutb Minar in Delhi.

Question 5

Which Mughal Emperor is known for his policy of 'Sulh-i-Kul' (universal peace) and patronage of arts and culture?

Accepted Answer

Akbar (r. 1556–1605) implemented the policy of Sulh-i-Kul, which promoted religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different communities. He was a great patron of arts, architecture, and literature, establishing a syncretic culture at his court.

Question 6

In which year did the Battle of Talikota (also known as the Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) take place, marking a significant decline in the power 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 battle resulted in a decisive defeat for Vijayanagara and marked the beginning of its decline.

Question 7

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the first stable administrative system in the Delhi Sultanate and is known for his market reforms (Bazaar regulations)?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad bin Tughlaq's successor Firoz Shah Tughlaq is often cited for administrative reforms, but Muhammad bin Tughlaq (r. 1325–1351) implemented significant market control policies and price regulations in Delhi. However, the most historically accurate answer for 'first stable administrative system' is Alauddin Khilji (r. 1296–1316), who introduced the Dagh (branding of horses) and Huliya (descriptive roll) systems and strict market regulations (Bazaar control).

Question 8

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 in medieval South India.

Question 9

The Vijayanagara Empire's administrative system was based on which of the following organizational units at the lowest level?

Accepted Answer

The Vijayanagara Empire's administrative hierarchy consisted of Mandalam (province), Nadus (districts), and Sthalas or Gramas (villages) at the lowest level. The village was the basic administrative unit, governed by local headmen and councils.

Question 10

Which Delhi Sultan is known for his market reforms (Bandibast) and price controls, and for his military campaigns against the Mongols?

Accepted Answer

Alauddin Khilji (r. 1296–1316) implemented strict market regulations called 'Bandibast' to control prices of essential commodities. He also successfully repelled multiple Mongol invasions, particularly under Timur's threats, and expanded the Delhi Sultanate's territory through military campaigns.

Question 11

The Battle of Talikota (1565) resulted in the defeat of which South Indian empire and marked the beginning of its decline?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Talikota (also called Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi) in 1565 saw the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar, and Bahmani) defeat the Vijayanagara Empire. This battle marked the end of Vijayanagara's dominance in South India.

Question 12

Which Delhi Sultan is credited with establishing the first regular standing army in 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 (Hashtnau or 'eight corps') and reformed the Iqta system to prevent feudal lords from becoming independent. He also implemented price controls and market regulations.

SSC MTS Medieval India

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Medieval India — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Medieval India