Medieval Indian History Question Bank

91. Which among the following terms was used for the Royal cavalry of the Maratha Army System?
[A]The Shiledars
[B]The Bargirs
[C]The Hazari
[D]The Subedars

show answer Answer: [B]The Bargirs Explanation:

92. Who among the following built the Alai Darwaza?
[A]Akbar
[B]Jahangir
[C]Allauddin Khilji
[D]Humayun

show answer Answer: [C]Allauddin Khilji Explanation:

93. Who among the following was the founder of Bijapur state ?
[A]Yusuf Adil Shah
[B]Murad II
[C]Mehmood II
[D]Ibrahim Zubayri

show answer Answer: [A]Yusuf Adil Shah Explanation:

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81. Who among the following got the Mahabharata translated into Persian and named it as ‘Razmnameh’ ?
[A]Akbar
[B]Jahangir
[C]Aurangzeb
[D]None of the above

show answer Answer:[A]Akbar Explanation: The Mahabharata was translated into Persian at Akbar’s orders, by Faizi and `Abd al-Qadir Bada’uni (1761–1763) and named Razmnameh.

82. Which of the following rulers of India issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands ?
[A]Jahangir
[B]Akbar
[C]Aurangzeb
[D]Shah Alam

show answer Answer:[B]Akbar Explanation: Akbar declared or issued Mahzarnama to take all the religious matters into his own hands. This made him supreme in the religious matters. He issued Mahzarnama to curb the dominance of Ulema. It was written by Faizi in 1579.

83. Who among the following was sent by Emperor Jahangir on a diplomatic mission to Persia, to paint the Shah’s portrait?
[A]Bishandas
[B]Khusrau Mirza
[C]Prince Khurram
[D]None of these

show answer Answer: [A]Bishandas Explanation: Bishandas was a 17th-century portrait painter at the court of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Jahangir praised him as “unrivalled in the art of portraiture”. Though little is known of Bishandas’ life, his name can indicate that he was a Hindu. In 1613 he was sent on a diplomatic mission to Persia, to paint the Shah’s portrait. Here he was so successful that he remained until 1620, when he returned with the gift of an elephant.

84. Famous sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya settled in Delhi during the times of __:
[A]Akbar
[B]Jahangir
[C]Shahjahan
[D]Aurangjeb

show answer Answer:[A]Akbar Explanation:

85. Which among the following place in Karnataka is the present location of capital of Vijayanagar Empire?
[A]Hampi
[B]Kulyadi
[C]Kottigehara
[D]Thokur

show answer Answer:[A]Hampi Explanation:

86. The ambassador of Emperor James I, who reached in the court of Jahangir in 1615 was __:
[A]Sir James Hay
[B]Sir Thomas Roe
[C]Sir Thomas Howard
[D]Sir John Digby

show answer Answer: [B]Sir Thomas Roe Explanation:

87. Who among the following was the contemporary leader of Chengiz Khan ?
[A]Genghis Khan
[B]Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat Beg
[C]Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari
[D]Iitutmish

show answer Answer: [D]Iitutmish Explanation:

88. The real name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II was__:
[A]Alamgir II
[B]Ahmed Shah Durrani
[C]Mirza Najaf Khan
[D]Ali Gauhar

show answer Answer: [D]Ali Gauhar Explanation:

89. Who among the following is known as a continuing link between Akbar and Sher Shah in the field of land revenue administration?
[A]Sadar-ur-Bakshi
[B]Todar Mal
[C]Khan Zaman
[D]Khan Alam

show answer Answer:[B]Todar Mal Explanation:

90. Which among the following was the real name of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah ?
[A]Khujasta Akhtar
[B]Shahriyar Shah Bahadur
[C]Nadir Shah
[D]Raushan Akhtar

show answer Answer: [D]Raushan Akhtar Explanation:

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71. Who among the following was called ‘Hazar Dinari’ during the regime of Alauddin Khilji, ruler of the Delhi sultanate ?
[A]Khaleel Saiyeed
[B]Malik Mohammed
[C]Malik Kamil
[D]Malik Kafur

show answer Answer:[D]Malik Kafur Explanation: Malik Kafur (died 1316), was a slave who became a head general in the army of Alauddin Khilji, ruler of the Delhi sultanate from 1296 to 1316 AD. He was originally seized by Alauddin’s army after the army conquered the city of Khambhat. He was castrated and made a eunuch. Malik Kafur was also called “Thousand Dinar Kafur”or Hazar Dinari, the amount paid by sultan for his possession.

72. Ibn Battuta, the famous Muslim explorer who came to India during regime of Mohammad Bin Tughlaq, belonged to which country ?
[A]Afghanistan
[B]Morocco
[C]Iraq
[D]Iran

show answer Answer: [B]Morocco Explanation: Ibn Ba?u?ah was a Muslim Moroccan explorer. He is known for his extensive travels, accounts of which were published in the Rihla.Battuta is considered one of the greatest travelers of all time. He came to India during the regime of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

73. Rajatarangini, a book that generally recorded the heritage of Kashmir in the 12th Century, was written by__:
[A]Pravaragupta
[B]Kalhana
[C]Lalitapida
[D]Kashyapa

show answer Answer:[B]Kalhana Explanation: Kalhana penned the book named Rajatarangini in 12th century CE. It is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit. Rajatarangini describe the misrule prevailing in Kashmir during the reign of King Kalash, son of King Ananta Deva of Kashmir.

74. Who among the following rulers had stamped the figure of Goddess Lakshmi on his coins and had his name inscribed in Nagari Characters ?
[A]Muhammad Ghazni
[B]Muhammad Ghori
[C]Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
[D]Iltutmish

show answer Answer:[B]Muhammad Ghori Explanation: Muhammad Ghori is known to have adopted the seated goddess Lakshmi type of the coins of Gahadavalas for circulation in the Gahadavala territories. He got stamped the figure of Goddess Lakshmi on his coins and had his name inscribed in Nagari Characters.

75. Who among the following defeated Muhammad Ghori near Mount Abu?
[A]Bhimdev Solanki II
[B]Vijaya Dev
[C]Bhimdev Solanki I
[D]None of these

show answer Answer: [A]Bhimdev Solanki II Explanation: Muhammad of Ghor, Muhammad of Ghori was one of the rulers of the Ghurid dynasty from the famous house of Sur who were rulers of Ghor for five hundred years. He is credited with laying the foundation of Muslim domination in India that lasted for several centuries. He reigned over a territory spanning present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India.Bhimdev Solanki II, then ruler of Gujarat, defeated him at the village of Kayadara (near to Mount Abu, about forty miles to the north-east of Anhilwara).

76. Who among the following was named as “Zinda Pir” or ” Living Saint” in Mughal India ?
[A]Humayun
[B]Akbar
[C]Aurangzeb
[D]Jahangir

show answer Answer: [C]Aurangzeb Explanation: Aurangzeb was called “Zinda Pir”or “Living Saint ” in Mughal India.

77. Kabuliyat and Patta as instruments of settlement were introduced during the reign of __:
[A]Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah
[B]Bahlul Khan Lodi
[C]Pathan Sultan Sher Shah Suri
[D]Mian Hassan Khan Suri

show answer Answer:[C]Pathan Sultan Sher Shah Suri Explanation: Pathan Sultan Sher Shah Suri (1540 – 1545) measured and classified the land in terms of the produce and introduced Kabuliyat and Patta as instruments of settlement. During Akbar’s time, Todarmal made some reforms to that system and the whole empire was divided into Suba, Sarkar, Pargana and Mahal.

78. Which of the following ambassadors of Queen Elizabeth visited Akbar’s court to obtain a Firman for trade in Gujarat ?
[A]Sir Thomas Roe
[B]William Hawkins
[C]John Mildenhall
[D]None of the above

show answer Answer:[C]John Mildenhall Explanation: John Mildenhall was as an ambassador of Queen Elizabeth, visited Akbar’s court twice amid 1599-1606 A.D. and tried to a Firman for trade in Gujarat. John Mildenhall was a British explorer and adventurer and one of the first to make an overland journey to India. He was the self-styled ambassador of the British East India Company in India. His is the first recorded burial of an Englishman in India.

79. Shivaji had formed a council of eight ministers that administered the Maratha empire. The council was named as:
[A]Nyaya Pradhan
[B]Ashta Sena
[C]Ashta Siddhi
[D]Ashta Pradhan

show answer Answer: [D]Ashta Pradhan Explanation: Ashta Pradhan was a council of eight ministers that administered the Maratha empire. The council was formed in 1674 by founding Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji.The term Ashta Pradhan literally translates to “the Prime Eight”, from the Sanskrit ashta (“eight”) and pradhan (“prime”). The body discharged the functions of a modern council of ministers; this is regarded as one of the first successful instances of ministerial delegation in India. The council is credited with having implemented good governance practices in the Maratha heartland, as well as for the success of the military campaigns against the Mughal Empire.

80. Who among the following was appointed as the supreme authority in justice during the era of Mughal Emperors ?
[A]Qazi-ul-Quzat
[B]Qazi-ul-Hazat
[C]Qazi-Faiz-ul-Islam
[D]None of these

show answer Answer: [A]Qazi-ul-Quzat Explanation: Besides Mughal rulers, Qazi-ul-Quzat was the supreme authority in justice. Since it was difficult for the emperor to do-away with justice in all the cases, he appointed Qazi-ul-Quzat to do the justice in accordance with Muslim Law. The Chief Judge of the sultanate was known as the Qazi –I- Mamalik also known as the Qazi- ul- Quzat.

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61. Which of the following Rajput rulers is known to have donated for the reconstruction of a mosque?
[A] Mihir Bhoja
[B] Bhoja Parmar
[C] Prithviraj III
[D] Jai Singh Siddharaj

show answer Answer:[D] Jai Singh Siddharaj Explanation: Jaya Singh Siddharaja , Chalukya King of Gujarat: He was the son of Kama and ascended the throne in 1094 A.D He gave shelter to many scholars of different religion and castes. He was a Rajput ruler who gave donation of one lac Baltoras (coins) for rebuilding a mosque in Cambay

62. At the time of invasion of Alauddin, Warangal was ruled by ___?
[A] Chalukya Dynasty
[B] Chola Dynasty
[C] Kakatiya Dynasty
[D] Yadava Dynasty

show answer Answer: [C] Kakatiya Dynasty Explanation: Conquest of Alauddin Khilji (1296 to 1316): • North Indian expeditions :Gujarat,Ranathambor ,Chittor, Malwa,Marwar • Expeditions in southern India – Devagiri (Deogir) and Baglana, Warangal, Dwar Samudra (Halebeedu), Mabar and Madurai. Some examples of his conquests are a) Gujarat (1297)- Karnadev Vaghela II of the Vaghela dynasty was the king b) Ranthambor(1299-1301)-Rana Hamir Dev of the Chauhan dynasty was the king. c) Chittor (1303) – Rana Ratan Singh was the ruler. d) Warangal (1309) – Ruler Pratap Rudra Deva. Belong to Kakatiya Dynasty.

63. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
[A] Baz Bahadur ↔Malwa
[B] Sultan Muzaffar Shah↔Gujarat
[C] Yusuf Adil Shah↔Ahmednagar
[D] Qutub Shah ↔Golkunda

show answer Answer: [C] Yusuf Adil Shah↔Ahmednagar Explanation: .Yusuf Adil Shah was the founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty that ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur.

64. Which among the following temples does not belong to the Chola Empire?
[A] Brihadishwara
[B] Koranganatha
[C] Kailashanatha
[D] Airavateshwar

show answer Answer:[C] Kailashanatha Explanation: Temple Architecture of Cholas : a) Brihadishwara Temple of Tanjore was built by Rajaraja Chola-I. b) Koranganatha Temple,Srinivasanallur was built by Parantaka Chola-I. c) Airavateshwar Temple, Darasuram was built by Rajaraja Chola II Chola-I. »Kailashanatha Temple , Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) was built by Pallava King ,Narsimhamvarman. »Kailasanathar Temple of Ellora was built by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I.

65. Which among the following village was the site of the Vikramshila Mahavihara, the renowned educational centre of Pala period?
[A] Antichak
[B] Aphasad
[C] Basarh
[D] Chandimau

show answer Answer:[A] Antichak Explanation: Antichak – Excavated site Vikramshila Vikramashila was founded by Pala King Dharmapala in response to a supposed decline in the quality of scholarship at Nalanda. [It was destroyed by Bakhtiyar Khilji ]

66. As per the Prithviraja-Raso, the four Rajput Clans which emerged from Agni-Kunda (Fire Altar) of Mount Abu are__?
[A] Pratiharas, Chauhans, Gahadavalas, Kalachuris
[B] Paramaras, Chandelas, Chauhans, Chalukyas
[C] Chauhans, Kalachuris, Chandelas, Pratiharas
[D] Pratiharas, Chauhans, Chalukyas, Parmaras

show answer Answer:[D] Pratiharas, Chauhans, Chalukyas, Parmaras Explanation: Agni-kunda story was first given in Nava-sahasanka-charita of Padmagupta. There are several versions of this theory and one of them was of Chandbardai in his book ‘Prithviraj Raso’. According to this theory the forefathers of Rajputs were born from the holy fire burnt on the Abu Mountains.The four clans founded by four Heroes were Pratiharas, Chauhans, Chalukyas, Parmaras

67. From the times of which among the following Chola rulers, the Gangaikondacholapuram became the capital of the Chola empire?
[A] Parantaka Chola I
[B] Rajendra Chola I
[C] Kulottunga Chola I
[D] Vikrama Chola

show answer Answer:[B] Rajendra Chola I Explanation: Gangaikondacholapuram was constructed by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his conquest over the chalukyas and other feudatories Kalonga, Gangas, Palas etc .These victories led him to assume the title Gangaikonda.

68. Adya Dhara niradhara, niralamba Saraswati, thus lamented a poet at the demise of which among the following Kings?
[A] Chahmana Visaladeva
[B] Chandela Kirtivarma
[C] Mihira Bhoja
[D] Bhoja Paramara

show answer Answer:[D] Bhoja Paramara Explanation: Raja Bhoja Of Dhar was a philosopher king and polymath of medieval India. He was from the Paramara dynasty of Arya, who ruled the kingdom of Malwa in Centra India from about 1010 to 1060. On his demise, a poet lamented “Adya Dhara niradhara, niralamba Saraswati Panditah khanditah sarve Bhojraje divam gate”. This means that Saraswati is now helpless, ll learned people have scattered, because the support of Dhara (Kingdom) Raja Bhoj has gone”.

69. Which among the following two dynasties of the Northern India confronted with the Rashtrakutas?
[A] The Pratiharas and the Paramaras
[B] The Palas and the Chandelas
[C] The Pratiharas and the Palas
[D] The Chalukyas and the Chahamanas

show answer Answer:[C] The Pratiharas and the Palas Explanation: North Indian Dynasties : Towards the close of the 8th century AD, there were three great powers in India – the Palas in the east, the Gurjar-Pratiharas in the north and the Rashtrakutas in the deccan. The tripartite struggle for the supremacy among the Palas, Partiharas and the Rashtrakutas was the desire to possess the city of Kannauj ,which was then a symbol of sovereignty.

70. The rulers of which among the following dynasties called themselves “Brahma-Kshatriay” ?
[A] Palas
[B] Senas
[C] Pratiharas
[D] Chahamanas

show answer Answer:[B] Senas Explanation: Senas Dynasty : The dynasty’s founder was Hemanta Sen. It was a Hindu dynasty that ruled from Bengal through the 11th and 12th centuries.

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51. The de facto successor of Alauddin Khilji immediately after his death was__?
[A] Shihabuddin Umar
[B] Khizr Khan
[C] Qutbuddin Mubarak
[D] Malik Kafur

show answer Answer: [A] Shihabuddin Umar Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate – The Khilji Dynasty: »Malik Kafur defeated the yadava king ramachandra of devagiri in 1307.He gave his daughter Jhatyapali in marriage to Alauddin khilji. »In 1316, after the death of Alauddin, Malik Kafur presented a will of Sultan and enthroned the 5 years old Prince Shihabuddin Umar as Sultan and became the defacto ruler of the empire.

52. Balban abandoned the policy of conquest and adopted the policy of consolidation. The reasons to do so were__:
1. Threat of external invasion
2. Internal revolts
3. Indian Kings willing to throw off the Turkish rule
4. His weak nature
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4

show answer Answer:[C] Only 1, 2 & 3 Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate – The Slave Dynasty: Ghiyas-ud-din Balban(1265-1287), a Turkish slave noble, was the “ruler with an iron hand” who is considered the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty. Balban adopted a policy of consolidation rather than expansion. He was the 1st sultan who strive to make monarchy hereditary. Balban provided the Sultanate with an iron-willed ruler who aimed at consolidating the hinterlands. The fourth option is not correct in this question.

53. Which among the following office was held by the superintendent of port under the Mughals ?
[A] Mutsaddi
[B] Mir-i-Bahar
[C] Tahvildar
[D] Mushrif

show answer Answer:[B] Mir-i-Bahar Explanation: Administration under Akbar: The Mir-i-Bahar was incharge of customs and boats and ferry taxes, and port duties in coastal towns.

54. During the reign of Shershah Suri, Qazi Fazilat was __?
[A] The Qazi of Bengal
[B] The Chief Qazi of the Afghan Empire
[C] The Governor of Bengal
[D] None of the above

show answer Answer:[C] The Governor of Bengal Explanation: Qazi Fazilat (in office: 1541–1545) was the governor of Bengal. He was appointed by Sher Shah Suri during his reign in Delhi.

55. With reference to Delhi Sultanate, the Turkan-e-Chihalgani was constituted by __?
[A] Qutubuddin Aibak
[B] Iltutmish
[C] Balban
[D] None of these

show answer Answer: [B] Iltutmish Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate – The Slave Dynasty: Iltutmish (1210-1236 AD) was the third ruler of the Mamluk dynasty of Delhi of Turkic origin. He constituted a corp of 40 loyal slaves Amirs Known as Turkan-i-Chihalgani. A select body of Turkish nobility originally slaves of Iltumish which came into existence during the period of Iltumish to be destroyed by Balban later .

56. Which among the following was a new department of agriculture started by Muhammad-bin- Tughlaq?
[A] Diwan-i-Risalat
[B] Diwan-i-Ashraf
[C] Diwan-i-Kohi
[D] Diwan-i-Mustkharaz

show answer Answer: [C] Diwan-i-Kohi Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate – The Tughlaq Dynasty: Muhammad Bin Tughlaq created a department of agriculture known as Diwan-i-Kohi . The main object of the department was to increase the land under cultivation.

57. Jonaraja in his Dvitīyā Rājataraṅginī , continued the narration of Kalhana upto which among the following rulers of Kashmir?
[A] Jaya Singh
[B] Sultan Sikandar
[C] Sultan Zainul Abidin
[D] Muhammad Shah

show answer Answer:[C] Sultan Zainul Abidin Explanation: Rajatarangini (“The River of Kings”) is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahman Kalhana in 12th century CE. Jonaraja in his Dvitīyā Rājataraṅginī, continued the narration of Kalhana upto Sultan Zainul Abidin (1423-1474), who was a sultan of Kashmir.

58. Who among the following was first initiated diciple of Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi ?
[A] Birbal
[B] Bhagwan Das
[C] Man Singh
[D] Surjan Rai

show answer Answer:[A] Birbal Explanation: The theory of Din-i-Ilahi was introduced by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is based on Monotheism(believe in one God).(Chief priest : Abul Fazal).The first initiated disciples of Din-i-ilahi during emperor Akbar the Great’s time included Birbal, Prince Salim and Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak

59. Who among the following was the Sultan at Delhi when the Vijayanagar empire was founded?
[A] Firoz Tughlaq
[B] Sikandar Lodi
[C] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[D] Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq

show answer Answer: [D] Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq Explanation: Vijayanagar was a South Indian Hindu empire, founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka during the region of Sultan of Delhi Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.

60. Which among the following monuments was not constructed by Qutubuddin Aibak ?
[A] Kubbat-ul-Islam mosque
[B] Qutub Minar
[C] Adhai din Ka Jhopada
[D] Alai Darwaja

show answer Answer:[D] Alai Darwaja Explanation: Qutub-ud-din Aibak laid the foundation of ‘Qutub Minar’ which was completed by Iltumish and constructed two Mosques : a) Kubbat-ul-Islam mosque (1195- 1199 A.D.) Near Rampithor Fort, Delhi. b) Adhai din Ka Jhopada (1208 A.D.) Ajmer. The Alai Darwaza of Delhi is located in the Qutub Complex of Delhi ,was built by Ala-Ud-Din Khilji.

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Sayana, an important commentator on Vedas was associated with which among the following empires?
[A] Chola Empire
[B] Vijayanagar Empire
[C] Hoyasala Empire
[D] Bahmani Empire

show answer Answer:[B] Vijayanagar Empire Explanation: Sayana : was an important commentator on the Vedas. His commentary on the Rigveda was edited by Max Müller, 1849-1875.He flourished under the king Bukka I and his successor Harihara II in the Vijayanagar Empire of South India.

With reference to Mughal Era, the terms “Elchi”or “Safir” refer to ___?
[A] Ambassadors
[B] Rebels
[C] Spies
[D] Governors

show answer Answer:[A] Ambassadors Explanation: There was a definite pattern of diplomatic relations between the mughals and the empires of Central and West Asia such as Uzbek, Safavid and Ottoman. The most common mode of diplomacy was the exchange of diplomatic mission. The status of the mission depended largely on the status of the ambassadors, called elchi or safir, specially his proximity to the ruler.

With reference to the Mughal artillery, the “Narnal “ refers to __?
[A] One carried on elephant back
[B] One carried on camel-back
[C] One carried by man
[D] None of the above

show answer Answer:[C] One carried by man Explanation: There were several types of Mughal light artillery. If carried on the back of a man, they were called narnal; if carried on backs of elephants gajal, if on backs of camels shutrnal.

Who was the last Maratha chief to accept the Subsidiary Alliance of the British?
[A] Gaikwad
[B] Scindia
[C] Holkar
[D] Bhonsle

show answer Answer:[C] Holkar Explanation: The doctrine of subsidiary alliance was introduced by Marquess (or Lord) Wellesley, British Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805 . Under this doctrine, Indian rulers under British protection surrendered control of their foreign affairs to the British. Hyderabad first signed it. The five Maratha chiefs entered into subsidiary alliance as follows: Peshava →1802 Scindia →1804 Gaekwa→1805 Bhonsle →1806 Holkar→1818

The real name of Afzal Khan, the commander of Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur was __?
[A] Abdullah Bhatari
[B] Samsuddin
[C] Sabar
[D] Muhammad Khan

show answer Answer:[A] Abdullah Bhatari Explanation: Afzal Khan was a medieval Indian commander who served the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, and fought against Shivaji. He was killed at a meeting with Shivaji and his army was defeated in the Battle of Pratapgad 1656.

Which among the following Mughal Emperor was also known as Roshan Akhtar ?
[A] Ahmed Shah
[B] Muhammad Shah
[C] Jahandar Shah
[D] Shah Alam

show answer Answer:[B] Muhammad Shah Explanation: Muhammad Shah Rangile also known as Roshan Akhtar, was the Mughal emperor between 1719 and 1748. During his time, Nadir Shah attacked and looted Delhi and took the Peacock Throne with himself.

Who defeated Marathas in the third battle of Panipat?
[A] Mughals
[B] Rohillas
[C] Britishers
[D] Afghans

show answer Answer:[D] Afghans Explanation: The third battle of Panipat 1761: The Marathas were led by Sadashivrao Bhau. It was fought between the Afghan commander Ahmed Shah Abdali and the Maratha General Sadashiv Rao Bhau , cousin of the Maratha Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.

The lowest in rank in the Maratha infantry was of__?
[A] Nayak
[B] Hawaldar
[C] Zumladar
[D] Hazari

show answer Answer:[B] Hawaldar Explanation: Hawaldar was the lowest in rank in the Maratha Infantry.

Emperor Akbar conferred the title of Jagatguru upon which among the following Jaina Philosophers?
[A] Anandasagar Suri
[B] Vijaykanak Suri
[C] Hiravijay Suri
[D] Vijay Shantichandra Suri

show answer Answer:[C] Hiravijay Suri Explanation: 1526–1595 C.E: Muni Hiravijayji Suri was the supreme pontiff of Tapa Gachcha order of Jain Svetambara tradition. He is famous for propounding the Jain philosophy to Emperor Akbar and turning him towards vegetarianism. Akbar was so impressed with Hiravijaya Suri that he bestowed on him the title of Jagatguru . Akbar almost denounced meat eating and almost turned to vegetarianism due to inspiration from him

Which among the following is a correct meaning of “Khanqah” ?
[A] Works of Poet Amir Khusro
[B] Court of Sikandar Lodi
[C] Birth place of Khwaja Muinud-din Chisti
[D] The place where Sufi Mystics lived

show answer Answer:[D] The place where Sufi Mystics lived Explanation: Khanqah , zawiyahs, or tekke is a building designed specifically for gatherings of a Sufi brotherhood, or tariqa, and is a place for spiritual retreat and character reformation.

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31. Mohammad Ghori was first defeated by which of the following rulers?
[A] Prithviraja Chauhan
[B] Jayachandra
[C] Vidyadhara Chandella
[D] Bhima II

show answer Answer:[D] Bhima II Explanation: He was defeated by Bhima II, the Solanki ruler of Gujarat in 1178.

32. Which among the following British men tried to obtain a Firman for trade in Gujarat from Emperor Akbar?
[A] Ralph Fitch
[B] John Mildenhall
[C] Sir Thomas Roe
[D] Thomas Stephens

show answer Answer:[B] John Mildenhall Explanation: John Mildenhall was a British explorer and adventurer and one of the first to make an overland journey to India. He was the self-styled ambassador of the British East India Company in India. His is the first recorded burial of an Englishman in India. He bluffed in Akbar’s court that he was Her Britannic Majesty’s ambassador. Though he was admitted in the Durbar of Akbar, so that he became the first Englishman privileged to be received by the Great Mughal; yet he could never win the confidence of the Mughal Emperor. Portuguese Jesuits played to keep him or English away from the Mughals.

33. The most important reason for collection of “Chauth” and “Sardeshmukhi” by Marathas was __?
[A] To increase the source of income
[B] To expand his territories
[C] To consolidate his political influence
[D] Because of the opposition of Muslim rulers

show answer Answer:[A] To increase the source of income Explanation: Shivaji collected the chauth and sardeshmukhi from the territory which was either under his enemies or under his own influence. The chauth was one fourth part of the income of a particular territory while the sardeshmukhi was one tenth. Shivaji collected these taxes simply by force of his arms. These constituted of the primary sources of income of Shivaji and helped in the extension of the power and territory of the Marathas.

34. Who among the following was not included in the “Asta Pradhan” of Shivaji ?
[A] Sumant
[B] Majmudar
[C] Vakiyanavis
[D] Vakeel

show answer Answer: [D] Vakeel Explanation: Ashta Pradhan Pantpradhan or Peshwa – Prime Minister, general administration of the Empire. Amatya – Finance Minister, managing accounts of the Empire. Sacheev – Secretary, preparing royal edicts. Mantri – Interior Minister, managing internal affairs especially intelligence and espionage. Senapati – Commander-in-Chief, managing the forces and defense of the Empire. Sumant – Foreign Minister, to manage relationships with other sovereigns. Nyayadhish – Chief Justice, dispensing justice on civil and criminal matters. Panditrao – High Priest, managing internal religious matters.

35. The major region of copper mines during the Mughal period was___?
[A] Bengal
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Agra
[D] Bihar

show answer Answer:[B] Rajasthan Explanation: Rajasthan: the main region of copper mines in Mughal period.

36. Which among the following is a correct meaning of office of Qazi-ul-Quzat under the Mughals?
[A] Head of the Finance department
[B] Censor of Public morals
[C] Supreme Authority in Justice
[D] Incharge of charities

show answer Answer:[C] Supreme Authority in Justice Explanation: Qazi-ul-Quzat was the supreme authority in justice. Since it was difficult for the emperor to do-away with justice in all the cases, he appointed Qazi-ul-Quzat to do the justice in accordance with Muslim Law. The Chief Judge of the sultanate was known as the Qazi –I- Mamalik also known as the Qazi- ul- Quzat.

37. The Mahzarnama was promulgated by Emperor Akbar in__?
[A] 1560 A.D.
[B] 1572 A.D.
[C] 1576 A.D.
[D] 1579 A.D.

show answer Answer:[D] 1579 A.D. Explanation: Akbar issued Mahzarnama (or Infallibility Decree) to take all the religious matters into his own hands. This made him supreme in the religious matters. He issued Mahzarnama to curb the dominance of Ulema. It was written by Faizi in 1579 A.D.

38. Which among the following Hindu Painters was sent by Jahangir to portrait Shah Abbas-I of Persia ?
[A] Basawan
[B] Bishan Das
[C] Dasrath
[D] Manohar

show answer Answer:[B] Bishan Das Explanation: Bishandas was a 17th-century portrait painter at the court of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Jahangir praised him as “unrivalled in the art of portraiture”. Though little is known of Bishandas’ life, his name can indicate that he was a Hindu. In 1613 he was sent on a diplomatic mission to Persia, to paint the Shah’s portrait. Here he was so successful that he remained until 1620, when he returned with the gift of an elephant.

39. Who among the following rulers is known to have assumed the title of Caliph himself ?
[A] Balban
[B] Alauddin Khalji
[C] Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah Khalji
[D] Mohammad bin Tughlaq

show answer Answer:[C] Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah Khalji Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate – The Khilji Dynasty: Qutb-ud-din Mubarak Shah Khilji was the third and last ruler of the Khilji dynasty . He was the only ruler who assumed the title of Caliph himself

40. Arrange the following Chisti Saints in correct chronological order:
1. Sheikh Nizamuddin Aulia
2. Syed Muhammad Gesudaraz
3. Baba Farid Ganjshakar
4. Sheikh Nasiruddin Chirage-Delhi
Select the correct answer from the code given below.
Codes :
[A] 1, 2, 3, 4
[B] 4, 3, 2, 1
[C] 1, 3, 4, 2
[D] 3, 1, 4, 2

show answer Answer:[D] 3, 1, 4, 2 Explanation: »Baba Farid Ganjshakar (1175-1265) . »Sheikh Nizamuddin Aulia also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin (1238 – 3 April 1325). »Sheikh Nasiruddin Chirage (1274-1356). »Syed Muhammad Gesudaraz (july 13, 1321 -November 1, 1422).

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Medieval Indian History Question Bank

21. Which of these books is / are works by Amir Khusrau ?
1. Qiran-u-Sadain
2. Tahqiq-i-Hind
3. Miftah-ul-Futuh
4. Nur-i-Sipihar
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 1, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4

show answer Answer:[B] Only 1, 3 & 4 Explanation: Tahqiq-i-Hind is a composition of Al-Biruni .

22. Which among the following was the work of Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq?
[A] Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi
[B] Fatawa-i-Jahandari
[C] Tarikh-i-Ferozshahi
[D] Tughlaqnama

show answer Answer:[A] Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi Explanation: Fautuhat-i-Ferozshahi was authored by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq himself. He was a Turkic Muslim ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty, who reigned over the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 to 1388 A.D.

23. Who among the following is the author of Kitab-ur-Rehla?
[A] Maulana Sharafuddin Ali Yazid
[B] Amir Timur
[C] Ibn-i-Batuta

show answer Answer:[C] Ibn-i-Batuta Explanation: Ibn batutta was an Arab traveler and adventure frm Morocoo. His book is a primary source of history of the region of Muhmmad bin Tughluq it throws ligh on the socio-political condition of his times.

24. The irrigation tax was charged on the farmers for the first time by which among the following Sultans?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
[C] Mohammad Tughlaq
[D] Firoz Tughlaq

show answer Answer:[D] Firoz Tughlaq Explanation: Firoz Shah Tughlaq was the cousin brother of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, and became the ruler of Delhi on 23rd march 1351 A.D. He imposed only four taxes sanctioned by Islamic viz., kharaj (land tax), khams (1/5 of the looted property during wars), Jizya (religious tax on the Hindus), and Zakat (2½per cent of the income of the Muslims which was spent for the welfare of Muslim subjects and their religion). He imposed irrigation tax after getting it sanctioned from the Ulema.

25. Which among the following Sultans of Delhi abolished the ‘Zakat’ on grain ?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
[C] Firoz Shah Tughlaq
[D] Sikandar Lodi

show answer Answer:[D] Sikandar Lodi Explanation: The Delhi Sulatanate – Lodi Dynasty : Sikandar Lodi was the Sultan of Delhi between 1489 to 1517 AD. He was a laborious, generous and just ruler. Owing to a transient shortage of maize, he abolished the zakat on grain and it was not renewed by any subsequent Sultan. The prices of all necessary articles remained low during his period.

26. The commander of Alauddin Khilji’s forces during his Deccan Campaigns was __?
[A] Malik Kafur
[B] Ainul Mulk Multani
[C] Nusrat Khan
[D] Ulugh Khan

show answer Answer:[A] Malik Kafur Explanation: The Delhi Sulatanate – Khilji Dynasty : Malik Kafur was the commander of Alauddin Khilji’s forces during his Deccan Campaigns.

27. Ibn Batuta was a traveler from which among the following current nations?
[A] Algeria
[B] Morocco
[C] Tunisia
[D] Libya

show answer Answer:[B] Morocco Explanation: Ibn Batuta was a Moroccan and Berber explorer. He is known for his extensive travels, accounts of which were published in the Rihla.

28. The minister of the Gahadvala King Govindachandra and author of Kalpadruma was __?
[A] Apararka
[B] Chandesvara
[C] Lakshmidhara
[D] Vijnanesvara

show answer Answer:[C] Lakshmidhara Explanation: THE GAHADVALA DYANSTY – descendants of Suryavansha of Ayodhya . »The Gahadvala, or Gaharwar, was a Hindu and Buddhist Indian dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Kannauj for approximately a hundred years, beginning in the late eleventh century. »The founder of the Kannauj Gahadvala dynasty was Chandradeva, who took control of Kannauj at the end of the 11th century (1090A.D.) »During the rule of his successor, Govindachandra, from 1114–1154, the state of Gahadvala reached the pinnacle of its power,»His minister, Lakshmidhara, was the author of several legal works, including Kalpadruma.

29. During the invasion of Mohammed Bin Kasim, many Hindus in Sindh were forcibly converted to Islam. They were recoverted to Hinduism by the authority of __?
[A] Devala Smriti
[B] Narada Smriti
[C] Visnu Smriti
[D] Yajnavalkya Smriti

show answer Answer:[A] Devala Smriti Explanation: During the invasion of Mohammed Bin Kasim in ad 712 many Hindus in Sindh were converted to Islam through questionable means. All of them were reconverted to Hinduism on the authority of Deval Smriti written by Deval Rishi. Deval smriti writes down rules for reconversion into Hindu fold of the Hindus forcibly converted into Islam if someone showed his or her desire to be reconverted to Hinduism with due atonement.

30. In which century, the Rajatarangini of Kalhana was composed?
[A] The eleventh century
[B] The twelfth century
[C] The thirteenth century
[D] The tenth century

show answer Answer: [B] The twelfth century Explanation: The Rajatarangini ( “The River of Kings”) is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahman Kalhana in 12th century CE.

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Medieval Indian History Question Bank

11. During the Delhi Sultanate, who among the following were called the Barids?
[A] Craftsmen
[B] Bodyguards of the Sultan
[C] Officer-in-charge of state exchequer
[D] The spy / news reporters

show answer Answer:[D] The spy / news reporters Explanation: Barid-i-mumalik was the head of the information and intelligence department. Only a nobleman who enjoyed the fullest confidence of Sultan was appointed the chief barid. The Barid-i-Mumalik had to keep information of all that was happening in the Sultanate. At local level there were barids who used to send regular news concerning the matters of the state to the central office. Apart from barids, another set of reporters also existed who were known as Munihiyan.

12. The Sayyid dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate is called so because__?
[A] Its founder and his successors adopted the title Sayyid
[B] Its founder and his successors belonged to the Sayyid tribe of eastern Turkistan
[C] Its founder and his successors were descendant of the prophet Muhammad
[D] Its founder was a scholar of Islamic theology

show answer Answer:[C] Its founder and his successors were descendant of the prophet Muhammad Explanation: The Sayyid dynasty was the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate from 1414 to 1451 A.D. Khizr Khan was the founder ruler of Sayyid dynasty and he is said to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad.

13. Who among the following Sultans of Delhi assumed the title Sikandar-i-Sani?
[A] Balban
[B] Alauddin Khalji
[C] Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
[D] Sikandar Lodi

show answer Answer:[B] Alauddin Khalji Explanation: Alauddin Khilji was a militarist and imperialist to the core. He was very ambitious. Alauddin, whose original name was Ali Gurshap, assumed the title Sikandar-i-Sani (Alexander the Second) and proclaimed Delhi as Dar-ul-Khilafa (Seat of the Caliphate).

14. Which among the following Sultans refused to read Khutba in the name of Khalifa for first time?
[A] Alauddin Khilji
[B] Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq
[C] Sikandar Lodi
[D] Ibrahim Lodi

show answer Answer: [A] Alauddin Khilji Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate – Khilji Dynasty : Alauddin Khilji refused to read “Khutba” in the name of Khalifa for the first time.

15. Which of the following musical instruments is / are composite or Indo-Islamic in origin ?
1. Sitar
2. Shehnai
3. Tabla
4. Sarangi
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 1, 3 & 4 Only
[C] 1, 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4

show answer Answer:[B] 1, 3 & 4 Only Explanation: Shehnai is not composite or Indo-Islamic in origin.

16. The Varkari sect in Maharashtra was founded by __?
[A] Tukaram
[B] Namdev
[C] Visoba Khechar
[D] Dhyaneshwar

show answer Answer:[D] Dhyaneshwar Explanation: The sect is believed to have originated in Karnataka and migrated to Maharashtra later. The followers of the sect believe that Dnyaneshwar laid the foundation stone, which is evident from the saying “Dnyanadev rachila paya”

17. A devotional saint and a cobbler by profession was ___?
[A] Tulsidas
[B] Surdas
[C] Raidas
[D] Malukdas

show answer Answer: [C] Raidas Explanation: Saint Raidas, was an Indian saint of 15th century. He belonged to a family of leather workers. Traditionally, in Hinduism such families belong to Shudra group, the lowest level of traditional Hindu society.

18. God knows man’s virtues and inquires not his caste; in the next world there is no caste. This teaching is of __?
[A] Kabir
[B] Guru Nanak
[C] Chaitanya
[D] Ramananda

show answer Answer:[B] Guru Nanak Explanation: Guru Nanak said that a man was to be honoured for his devotion to God and not for his social position. He said– “God knows man’s virtues and inquires not his caste; in the next world there is no caste.”

19. The features of Indian art, that were adopted in the construction of the Mosques in India were:
1. Turned Lotus
2. Kalash on the domes
3. Ornamentation
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3

show answer Answer:[D] 1, 2 & 3 Explanation: Turned Lotus , Kalash on the domes and Ornamentation of Indian Art were adopted in the the construction of Mosques in India.

20. Who among the following Arab scholars studied Sanskrit and astronomy for a decade at Varanasi ?
[A] Alberuni
[B] Amir Khusrau
[C] Al’bidari
[D] Al’Masher

show answer Answer:[A] Alberuni Explanation: Alberuni , the Arab astronomer who studied Sanskrit and astronomy for a decade at Varanasi.

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Medieval Indian History Question Bank

1. The annual “Royal Kathima Ceremony” is associated with which of the following religions?
[A]Jainism
[B]Buddhism
[C]Parsi
[D]Sikhism

show answer Answer: [B]Buddhism Explanation: The Royal Kathima Ceremony is observed every year by Buddhist. It is observed in only one Buddhist temple outside Thailand and this year the Namphake Buddhist temple of Assam was selected. Kathina offering is an ancient Buddhist Tradition of offering special robe and other necessities to monks who maintain strict discipline of retreat during the rainy season. The main purpose of the ceremony is not merely for religious belief but also to strengthen the relationship between Thailand and other countries.

2. Which among the following apparently impressed Jahangir to issue a farman in 1613 A.D. to the English to establish a factory at Surat ?
[A] Reconciliation between the English and Portuguese
[B] A secret offer of naval help to the Mughal emperor to oust the Portuguese
[C] A heavy dose of bribe to Nur Jahan
[D] The defeat of Portuguese naval squadrons by the English

show answer Answer:[D] The defeat of Portuguese naval squadrons by the English Explanation: In 1613 AD , Jahangir issued a farman permitting English to establish a factory permanently at Surat. In 1612, the newly formed company had sent four ships under Captain Thomas Best to trade with India. These were mercantile ships but were capable of defending themselves. The defeated the Portuguse, who were alread there in Surat for at least 100 years. This defeat apparently so impressed the Emperor Jehangir that he granted the British squadron a firman to trade.

3. Which among the following was the unit of measurement of land in Maratha dominions ?
[A] Kathi
[B] Tanab
[C] Jarib
[D] Daftari bigha

show answer Answer:[A] Kathi Explanation: In the Maratha Land revenue system, Assessment of land revenue was based on measurement. The Kathi of Malik Ambar was adopted as the unit of measurement. Malik Ambar followed the earlier Hindu customs of land measurement and adopted the ‘Kathi’ or measuring stick as the standard for demarcating the boundaries of the land. The length of this kathi was five cubits and five closed fists. (Maharashtra in the Age of Shivaji by Ra Kulakarni 1969). The Maratha government utilized various units for measuring the land but they continued the Kathi as the unit of measurement which was also in practice in Swarajya under Shivaji. The Kathi was later called Shivkathi. Note: Malik Ambar was the regent of the Nizamshahi dynasty of Ahmednagar from 1607 to 1626 and pioneer in guerilla warfare.

4. The portion of the actual produce fixed as state’s share under the Zabti System of Mughals was ___?
[A] One-half
[B] One-third
[C] One-fourth
[D] One-fifth

show answer Answer:[B] One-third Explanation: Akbar’s finance minister Todar Mal introduced a land revenue system whereby the aggregate of the rate of collection for 10 years from 1570 to 1580 was taken and one third of them was taken as the basis of assessment. This new system was called as Zabti System or Ain-i-Dahsala.

5. The most important source of information about the agrarian conditions during Mughals is__?
[A] Ain-i-Akbari
[B] Akbarnama
[C] Muntakhab-ul-Lubab
[D] Tarikh-i-Ferishta

show answer Answer:[A] Ain-i-Akbari Explanation: Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazal is the main source for today’s historians to know about the structure of agrarian relations from the time of Akbar onwards.

6. Who among the following was the French explorer who visited court of Emperor Shah Jahan and left a detailed account of Takht-i-Taus (Peacock throne) ?
[A] Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
[B] Geronimo Verroneo
[C] Pierre-Jean Grosley
[D] Jean-Paul Dubois

show answer Answer: [A] Jean-Baptiste Tavernier Explanation: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier,a French jeweller and traveller of the Mughal period has left a detailed account of Takht-i-Taus (Peacock throne). Peacock throne was a dazzling and spectacular display of Mughal architecture. Its construction was undertaken by the Emperor Shah Jahan and he personally spent a great deal of time and energy in the designing of the Throne.

7. The author of Tabqat-i-Akbari was___?
[A] Badauni
[B] Khwaja Nizamuddin Ahmad
[C] Abul Fazl
[D] Khwand Mir

show answer Answer:[B] Khwaja Nizamuddin Ahmad Explanation: : Khwaja Nizamuddin Ahmad was a Muslim historian of late medieval India ,is the writer of ‘Tabqat-i-Akbari’. The work is a general history of India covering the time from the Ghaznavids up to 1593-94. He was Akbar’s Mir Bakhshi.

8. Which among the following scholars in the Mughal Court alleged that Akbar was an enemy of Islam?
[A] Badauni
[B] Niamtullah
[C] Abbas Khan Sarwani
[D] Nizamuddin Ahmad

show answer Answer:[A] Badauni Explanation: Abd-ul-Qadir Bada’uni (1540 – 1615) was a famous Mughal historian who flourished at the court of Akbar. He disapproved of Akbar’s religious views. An orthodox Sunni, Badauni prepared a list of charges against Akbar and dubbed him enemy of Islam. He alleged that Akbar tried to destroy Islam and tried to propagate Hinduism at the cost of Islam.

9. Which among the following was the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire?
[A] Precious stones
[B] Horses
[C] Luxury goods
[D] Raw Silk

show answer Answer:[B] Horses Explanation: Kings of Vijayanagar, imported Arabian horses on a large scale, in order to improve the breed of cavalry horses in their own districts. Thus, the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar empire was Horses.

10. The highest officer under the Turkish / Khilji Rulers of the Delhi Sultanate was___ ?
[A] Qazi-ul-Mulk
[B] Naib-i-Mulk
[C] Head of the Majlis-i-Khalawat
[D] Wazir

show answer Answer:[B] Naib-i-Mulk Explanation: The post of Naib-i-Mamlakat, equivalent of the English term ‘regent’ was created by the Turkish slave rulers. It was later called called Naib- i-Mulk or Malik Naib (under Khilji). The Sultan dominated the central government as he was the legal head of the state and acted as the chief executive and the highest court of appeal. The Sultan was assisted by number of ministers. In them Naib-i-Mulk or malik naib held highest stature in the central government of the Sultanate.

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Karori / Crori System

Karori / Crori System was introduced by Raja Todar MalRaja Todar Mal, a Khatri Rajput had served his youth under the administration of Sher Shah Suri and had gained priceless experience in management of ..... under Mughal Emperor AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the ...... All the Parganas and fiscal unions of the nation were to be measured and every piece of land which produced revenue worth 1 crore was to be placed under the officer known as Crori. Thus the measurement of the lands in towns, hills deserts, jungles, rivers, reservoirs was started. The measurement began from Fatahpur and first Crori was named Adampur.

The result was not good as expected. Much of the land was waste and the rapacity of the croris was good enough to make the peasants sell their wives and children. The rules were made but were not monitored. Many people lost lives due to torture of the revenue officers.

Dahasala System

Todar Mal introduced the Dahasala or Zabati system. In this system, probably the land cultivation and price of the produce was calculated for 10 years and one tenth of this part was the part of state for one year. This was called Ain-i-Dahsala, the new system that could give per Bigha Revenue to the different regions.

• The Dahasala system was introduced AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the ..... in 1580-82

The correct details about the Dahasala system is not known but most scholars believe that following procedure was followed in Dahasala system:

• Average produce of 10 years was derived first.
• Average prices prevailing over the last 10 years was calculated
• 1/3^rd of this average produce was fixed in Rupees per Bigha and that was the share of the state. Rest 2/3^rd was left to the cultivators.

It’s worth note that Pargana was the largest unit of fiscal administration in Akbar’s time. There was an improvement also in Dahasala when the local prices of each Pargana started being taken into account. So -

• The peasants had to pay their taxes as per the locally produced crops and locally prevailed prices.

This system was applied in almost all territories of Akbar.

• The same system was extended in Deccan by Murshid Quili Khan.

In 1580, Akbar divided the entire kingdom into 12 Parganas. The administration in each Suba or Pargana was almost duplicated. Each Suba had a Subedar (Governor),a Diwan, a Bakshi, a Sadar, a Qazi and also a waqia navis. The job of the waqia navis was to document the events. The peace and security was the job of Kotwal.

Land measurements by Todar Mal

The reforms introduced by Raja Todar MalRaja Todar Mal, a Khatri Rajput had served his youth under the administration of Sher Shah Suri and had gained priceless experience in management of ..... touched the life of the people in the Mughal empire. AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the ..... had abolished Jazia, Pilgrim tax and other 50 minor duties. The objective of revenue system had to levy a fair rent on the land which should on one hand support the administration and other hand not unduly burden the cultivators.

The basisIn a futures market, basis is defined as the cash price (or spot price) of whatever is being traded minus its futures price for the ..... of the land revenue system was that peasant was the owner of the soil and state is entitled to the surplus produce. First a fixed system of menstruation was adopted and then land was surveyed and classified under the following 4 categories:

1. Polaj: The land is cultivated every year
2. Parauti: The fallow land that was cultivated every one or 2 years
3. Chachar: The fallow land that was cultivated every 3-4 years
4. Banjar: The land that has not been cultivated for last 5 years.

The land was assessed and the revenue was to be paid as per the cultivation. This represented a complete departure from the earlier Muslims who charged more with the "infidels".

Raja Todar Mal

Raja Todar Mal, a Khatri Rajput had served his youth under the administration of Sher Shah SuriSher Shah Suri 1540-1545 (Early Life) The real name of Sher Shah was Farid. He was almost of same age of Humayun's father -Babur. (Babur ..... and had gained priceless experience in management of Land and revenues. He assisted AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the .....'s chancellor of exchequer Muzafar Khan first and then took part in suppression of Ali Kuli in 1566.

• Raja Todar Mal was the First Hindu which was sent to lead the Mughal Army. This was particularly because of Akbar's suspicion that a Muslim may act in collusion with the rebel enemy.
  
• After that Raja Todar Mal was employed settling the revenue system of Gujarat and then again given the military command to win Bengal.
  

He became the finance officer (Mushrif-i-Diwan) of Akbar in 1575 and Diwan-i-kul (Chief Finance Minister) in 1582 and introduced the reforms also known as Todar Mal's rentroll, the book of land records in Mughal Empire. He died in 1587.

Raja Todar Mal is best known for introduction of the following reforms:

1. Land measurements
2. Dahasala SystemTodar Mal introduced the Dahasala or Zabati system. In this system, probably the land cultivation and price of the produce was calculated for 10 years .....
3. Karori / Crori SystemKarori / Crori System was introduced by Raja Todar Mal under Mughal Emperor Akbar. All the Parganas and fiscal unions of the nation were to .....

Other Conquests of Akbar

From 1572 to 1573, AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the ..... could win Gujarat. Khan-i-Azam Mirza was appointed as Subedar of Gujarat. In 1574-75 he won Bengal. In 1581, he marched towards Afghanistan to suppress a revolt. By 1595, he had taken Kashmir, Sind, Orissa and Kandahar. In the Deccan, only Khandesh, Berar and parts of Ahamednagar were annexed.

• Buland Darwaja at Fatehpur SikriFatehpur Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals. It is also the place demonstrating the first heritage of the Mughal architecture, an amalgamation of ..... was erected by him to commemorate the victory over Gujarat.

The battles of Akbar were just like other battles, but there was a great difference. Akbar had a sovereign quality of mercy to those who submitted and his care that the passage of the troops should not ruin the troops. The assimilation of Hindu chiefs was one of the most striking features of his reign. When its climax, the empire of Akbar reached from Bay of Bengal to Kandahar rubbing soldiers with Persia and Kashmir to Narmada, touching the formidable Deccan Kingdoms. The empire was almost equal in area with that of Alauddin, but expansion its foundations were utterly stronger than that of the Khalji tyrant. It was not subdued with sword but was done with the utterly help of the wiling Hindu chiefs. Another major difference was that this expansion of Akbar's empire went hand-in-hand with the nifty administration. The central government did not interfere so long as revenue did not suffer.

Akbar allowed no oppression by his officers. Large number of Hindus employed under Akbar.

Battle of Haldi Ghati

Battle of Haldi Ghati 1576

This culminated in Battle of Haldi Ghati on June 21, 1576. It was a decisive victory for AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the .....'s chieftain Man Singh.

• Battle of Haldighati was called Battle of Thermopylae of Rajasthan by Col. Todd.
• Abul FazalThe real name of Abu'l-Fazl, Abu'l Fadl and Abu'l-Fadl 'Allami was Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak. This gentle and enthusiastic younger brother of Faizi later became a ..... called this war as "Battle of Khamnaur"
• Badayuni called this war as "Battle of Gogunda"

After this battle Rana Pratap continued Guerilla warfare against Akbar. His Son Amar Singh fought 17 wars with the Mughals but he conditionally accepted them as rulers in 1615. This was the terminating end of Freedom of Mewar. Other Conquests of AkbarFrom 1572 to 1573, Akbar could win Gujarat. Khan-i-Azam Mirza was appointed as Subedar of Gujarat. In 1574-75 he won Bengal. In 1581, he marched ....., made him the undisputable King of most of the Northern India.

Akbar-Rajput Policy : Rana Pratap

AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the .....-Rajput Policy : Rana Pratap

Rana Pratap never accepted Akbar as ruler of India, and fought Akbar all his life. Akbar first tried diplomacy to win over Maharana Pratap but nothing worked. Pratap maintained that he had no intention to fight with Akbar but he could not bow down to Akbar and accept him as the ruler.

• Pratap stopped the marriage etiquette of Rajputs who had been giving their daughters to Mughals.
• Chittor was under Mughal and Pratap was a king without capital.

Almost all of Pratap's fellow Rajput chiefs had entered into the allegiance with Mughals. Pratap's brothers, Shakti Singh and Sagar Singh, were also serving Akbar. Many Rajput chiefs, such as Raja Man Singh of Amber were serving as army commanders in Akbar's armies and members of his council. Akbar sent a total of six diplomatic missions to Pratap, seeking to negotiate the same sort of peaceful alliance that he had concluded with the other Rajput chiefs. Pratap roundly rebuffed every such attempt displaying his self-respect and honor. The inevitable consequence was Battle of Haldi GhatiBattle of Haldi Ghati 1576 This culminated in Battle of Haldi Ghati on June 21, 1576. It was a decisive victory for Akbar's chieftain Man Singh. ......

Akbar - Rajput Policy : Udai Singh & winning Chittor

AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the ..... - Rajput Policy : Udai Singh & winning Chittor

Udai Singh was the youngest and posthumous son of Rana Sanga. He had sheltered Baz Bahadur, the king of Malwa when was driven by the imperial army. When other Rajas came and tendered their fealty to the Mughal Emperor, Udai Singh was aloof and was securing his fortress of Chittor.

Background: Rana Sanga died in 1528. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Rana Ratan Singh, who was assassinated in 1531. Ratan Singh was succeeded by his brother Rana Vikramaditya Singh. During Vikramaditya Singh's reign, Sultan of Gujarat Bahadur Shah attacked Chittor in 1534.

In 1537, Banbir killed Vikramaditya and usurped the throne. He tried to kill Udai Singh also, but Udai's nurse Panna Dhai sacrificed her own son to save him from his uncle Banbir and took him to Kumbhalgarh.

Udai Singh lived in secret in Kumbhalgarh for two years, disguised as a nephew of the governor Asha Shah. He defeated Banvir at Mavli. In 1540, he was crowned in Kumbhalgarh by the nobles of Mewar. His eldest son Rana Pratap was born in the same year 1540. Shakti Singh, Jagmal and Viramdeo were his other sons.

In 1542, Udai singh gave refused to Baz Bahadur, the king of Malwa who was defeated by the Mughal army of Akbar.

• Rani Rupmati was a Hindu Rajput singer of Malwa and lover of Sultan Baz Bahadur.

Rupamati was captured by the Mughals and she poisoned herself, bringing a fatal end to an eternal love story.

The refuge to Baz Bahadur was a costly affair for Udai Singh. Akbar attacked Mewar in 1567. Udai Singh, left Chittor and went to Gogunda. Chittor was left in hands of his loyal chieftains Jaimal & Patta, who died in the Mughal campaign. Rajput ladies performed third Jauhar at this time.

• Udaipur was founded in 1559.

Akbar Captured Chittor in 1568. Udai Singh died in Gogunda in 1572. He nominated his son Jagmal, but the nobles placed Rana Pratap on throne.

The fall of Chittor was followed by two other famous forts of Ranthambore and Kalinjer, which secured allegiance of Akbar. The feel good factor was cemented by Akbar by marrying other princess, the daughter of Raja of Bikaner – Kalyanmal, who along with his son Ram Singh entered into the service of Akbar.

Abolition of Jazia by Akbar

Abolition of Jazia

The immediate result with alliance with the Rajput princes JodhaJodha Salima Sultan, widow of his trusted general and tutor became the queen of Akbar after he was sent for the pilgrimage and died midway. Prior ..... was that in 1562 Jazia, the tax which the victorious followers of prophet charged upon the infidels was abolished. Next in line was abolition of the tax on Hindu Pilgrims, on the base that there should be no obstacles in the way of Man's service to the God.

• The detested Jazia and the pilgrim tax thus abolished during the time of AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the ..... were reemployed only during the times of AurangzebAurangzeb 1658-1707 Aurangzeb Alamgir sat on the peacock throne with an even longer title of Al-Sultan al-Azam wal Khaqan al-Mukarram Hazrat Abul Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb ....., uprooting the judicious system imposed by his great grandfather.

But Akbar did not hesitate in interfering in the Hindu practices that offended the sense of humanity - such as Child marriage, animal sacrifice, permission to widows to remarry etc. He was against the burning of widows, though, abolishing sati wholly was beyond his power.

Jodha

Jodha

Salima Sultan, widow of his trusted general and tutor became the queen of AkbarAkbar, the Great 1556-1605 The reign of Akbar for almost half a century is known as the Golden Period of the Mughal Empire. Akbar was the ..... after he was sent for the pilgrimage and died midway. Prior to her, Akbar had a childless Ruqaiyya Begum as her first wife. The third chief wife of Akbar - Hira Kunwari, recorded in Muslim books as Mariyam Zamani Begum and popular now as "Jodha", was daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber with whom he married in 1562.

Harem of Akbar

Akbar's union with the Rajput princes marked a new policy. Her father Bharmal was decorated with the (Mansabdar) highest rank of the official aristocracy, the general of 5000 horsemen.

The bride was allowed to freely exercise the rites of her own faith Hinduism, marking the religious toleration of Akbar. Later he took other women Hindus, Persians, Muslim, Armenian in his harem, till the number rose to 5000, it seems like a parliament of religions. This was quite a number , says Abul FazalThe real name of Abu'l-Fazl, Abu'l Fadl and Abu'l-Fadl 'Allami was Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak. This gentle and enthusiastic younger brother of Faizi later became a ......