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1. Feudalism 01 - 01

2. Early medieval period 750 to 1200 AD() 01 - 02

3. Early medieval period 750 to 1200 AD(ruler of South India) 02 - 04

4. Sultanate 04 - 08

5. Regional Kingdom 08 - 10

6. Vijayanagar Kingdom 10- 13

7. Bahmani Kingdom 13 - 14

8. Bhakti and Sufi movement 14 - 19

9. Mughal Empire 21 - 27

10. Maratha Empire 27 - 28

11. Miscellaneous topics 28 - 31

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Medieval History Previous Year Questions

1. Feudalism 5) The fragmentation of political authority. 1. With reference to Indian history, Educational objective: to know about which of the following are the impact feudalism. essential clement/elements of the feudal system? 2. Early medieval period 750 to 1200 1) A very strong centralized political AD (tripartite struggle) authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority 1. Who among the following laid 2) Emergence of administrative foundation of Rashtrakuta structure based on control and Empire? possession of land a) Amoghavarsha I 3) Creation of lord-vassal relationship b) between the feudal lord and his c) Dhruva overlord d) Select the correct answer using the code given below. 2. Consider the following statements: a) l and 2 only 1) The Ikshvaku rulers of Southern b) 2 and 3 only India were antagonistic towards c) 3 only . d) 1, 2 and 3 2) The Pala rulers of Eastern India were patrons of Buddhism. 1. Feudalism Which of the statements given above Key & Explanation is/are correct? a) 1 only 1. Key: B b) 2 only Explanation: c) Both 1 and 2 The classic study of feudalism have d) Neither 1 nor 2 highlight its five basic characteristics: 1) A peasantry subjected to the control of 2. Early medieval period 750 to a landlord class; 1200 AD (tripartite struggle) 2) The fief rather than a salary as a Key & Explanation mode of payment of landlords’ Officials; 1 Key: B 3) The political supremacy of a class of Explanation: specialized warriors with land  The Rashtrakutas considered Lordship and military leadership themselves descendants of Satyaki. fused;  Historians differ on the question of 4) Vassalage or the close personal ties their origins. between a vassal and his Overlord  It is evident from a few Chalukya signified by the vassal’s swearing of kings’ inscriptions that they were vassals of the Chalukyas. an oath of fealty;

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 Rashtrakutas were of origin including the Somapura , and their mother tongue was and patronised the great universities Kannada. of and .  Dantivarman or Dantidurga (735 – Educational Objective: To learn about 756) was the founder of the Ikshavaku and Pala rulers Rashtrakutas dynasty.  Dantidurga occupied all territories 3. Early medieval period 750 to 1200 between the Godavari and Vima.  He is said to have conquered Kalinga, AD (the ruler of South India) Kosala, Kanchi, Srisril, Malava, Lata etc. and occupied by 1. Consider the following statements: defeating Chalukya King Kirtivarma. 1) The Cholas defeated Pandya and Educational Objective: Rashtrakuta Chera rulers and established their Empire domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times. 2. Key: B 2) The Cholas sent an expedition against Explanation: Shailendra Empire of South East Asia  The Ikshvaku dynasty ruled in the and conqured some of the areas. eastern Krishna River valley of India, Which of these statements is/are from their capital at Vijayapuri (modern correct in Andhra Pradesh) a) Only 1 during approximately 3rd and 4th b) 2 only centuries CE. The Ikshvakus are also c) Both 1 and2 known as the Andhra d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ikshvakus or Ikshvakus of Vijayapuri to distinguish them from their legendary namesakes. 2. Which one of the Chola kings  The Ikshvaku kings conquered Ceylon? were Shaivites and a) Aditya I performed Vedic rites, b) Rajaraja I but Buddhism also flourished during c) Rajendra their reign. Several Ikshvaku queens d) Vijayalaya and princes contributed to the construction of the Buddhist monuments at present- 3. The initial design and day Nagarjunakonda. construction of which massive  The was an imperial temple took place during the power during the Late Classical reign of Suryavarman II period on the Indian subcontinent, a) Sri Mariamman Temple which originated in the region b) Angkor Vat of . It is named after its ruling c) Batu Caves Temple dynasty, whose rulers bore names ending with the suffix d) Kamakhya Temple of Pala ("protector" in ). They were followers of 4. Which one of the following was a the and Tantric schools very important sea port in the of Buddhism. The empire was founded Kakatiya kingdom ? with the election of Gopala as the a) Kakinada emperor of Gauda in 750 CE.They b) Motupalli built grand temples and monasteries, c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) 2 www.laexias.com https://elearn.laex.in m Medieval History Upsc Previous Year Questions

d) Nelluru Kalinga, and defeating the Western Chalukyas in particular. 5. India maintained its early His empire extended from Kalinga in the cultural contacts and trade links northeast to Sri Lanka in the south. with Southeast Asia across the He was succeeded by his son, Rajendra I, Bay of Bengal. For this pre- who further glorified the Chola Empire, by eminence of early maritime invading Maldives, Malabar Coast, and the history of Bay of Bengal, which of remaining regions of Sri Lanka. Rajendra’s the following could be the most territories extended to coastal Burma, the convincing explanation/ Andaman and Nicobar Islands, explanations? Lakshadweep, Maldives, conquering the a) As compared to other countries, India kings of Srivijaya and the Pegu islands had a better ship-building technology with his fleet of ships. in ancient and medieval times The Cholas sent an expedition against b) The rulers of southern India always Shailendra Empire of South East Asia and patronized traders, brahmin priests conquered some of the areas. and buddhist monks in this context Educational Objective: Chola and their c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of expansion Bengal facilitated sea voyages d) Both (a) and (b) are convincing 2. Key: C explanations in this context Explanation: Raja Raja Chola I conquered the northern half of Sri Lanka during his reign. 3. Early medieval period 750 to 1200 Rajendra invaded Ceylon in 1017 CE and AD (the ruler of South India) annexed the entire island. As a result of the Key & Explanation campaign, Rajendra captured the regal jewels of the Pandyas, which Parantaka I 1. Key: C tried to capture and the crown of the Explanation: Sinhala king. Raja Raja Chola I was one of the greatest Educational Objective: Chola and their monarchs in Tamil history. He rose to expansion prominence by bringing glory to the Chola Empire and building it as a powerful and 3. Key: B strong kingdom. Explanation: Right after his accession, he began a series Suryavarman II was a Khmer king from of conquests in South India to conquer the 1113 AD to 1145-1150 AD and the builder kingdoms of the Pandyas and the Cheras. of Angkor , the largest religious By proceeding further south, he invaded monument in the world which he dedicated Ceylon, with which began a century-long to the Hindu God Vishnu. His reign's control of the Chola Empire over the entire monumental architecture, numerous island. military campaigns and restoration of The southern military wars were followed strong government have led historians to by conquests in the north and northeast, rank Suryavarman as one of the empire's namely the capturing of Gangapadi, greatest kings. Nolambapadi, Tadigaipadi, , and

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Educational Objective: India’s early the Abbasid Kalifat at Baghdad were the cultural contacts and trade links with main trading partners. Southeast Asia Educational Objective: India’s early cultural contacts and trade links with 4. Key: B Southeast Asia Explanation: Motupalli was the famous trading sea port 4. of the Kakatiyas. Marco Polo- the famous Venetian traveler 1. Consider the following statements: visited Kakatiya kingdom through this port 1) In the revenue administration of and wrote about the prosperity and power Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of in Andhra desha in his travelogue. revenue collection was known as Educational Objective: To know about 'Amil'. the Kakatiya kingdom 2) The Iqta system of of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 5. Key: D 3) The office of Mir Bakshi came into existence during the reign of Khalji Explanation: Sultans of Delhi. As compared to other countries, India had a Which of the statements given above better ship-building technology in ancient is/are correct? and medieval times. The robust navy of a) 1 only Chola is the reflection of the same. b) 1 and 2 only The rulers of southern India always c) 3 only patronized traders, brahmin priests and d) 1,2 and 3 buddhist monks . For example, The Cholas excelled in foreign trade and maritime 2. The Mongols under Chengez Khan activity, extending their influence overseas invaded India duringthe reign of to China and Southeast Asia. Towards the a) Balban b) Feroze Tughlaq end of the 9th century, southern India had c) Iltutmish developed extensive maritime and d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq commercial activity. The south Indian guilds played a major role in interregional 3. How did Qutb-ud-din and overseas trade. The best known of Aibak die? these were the Manigramam and Ayyavole a) He was treacherously stabbed to guilds who followed the conquering Chola death by one ofhis ambitious nobles armies. The encouragement by the Chola b) He was killed in a battle with Taj-u- court furthered the expansion of Tamil din Yildiz, the ruler of Ghazni who entered into a contest with himover merchant associations such as the Ayyavole the capture of Punjab and Manigramam guilds into Southeast c) He sustained injuries while besieging Asia and China. The Cholas, being in the fortressof Kalinjar in possession of parts of both the west and the Bundelkhand and succumbed to it east coasts of peninsular India, were at the later forefront of these ventures. The Tang d) He died after a fall from his horse dynasty of China, the Srivijaya empire while playing Chaugan under the Sailendras, and 4. Fawazil in the Sultanate period meant

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a) Extra payment made to the nobles b) Revenue assigned in lieu of salary a) Allauddin Khalji first set up a c) Excess amount paid to the exchequer separate Ariz'sdepartment b) Balban introduced the branding by the iqtadars system of horsesof his military d) Illegal exactions extracted from the c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq was peasants succeeded by his uncleto the Delhi throne 5. Assertion (A): Muhammad bin d) Feroze Tughlaq set up a separate Tughluq issued a new gold coin department of slaves which was called Dinar by Ibn 9. A: Muhammad bin Tughlaq left Battuta. Delhi, and for two yearslived in a Reason (R): Muhammad bin camp called Swarga-dwari. Tughluq wanted to issuetoken currency in gold coins to promote R: At that time, Delhi was ravaged trade with WestAsian and North by a form of plagueand many African countries. people died. a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the correct explanation of A correct explanation of A b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not the correct explanation of A the correct explanation of A c) If A is true but R is false c) If A is true but R is false d) If A is false but R is true d) If A is false but R is true

6. Who was the last ruler of the 10. Which of the following pairs is Tughluq dynasty of theDelhi correctly matched? Sultanate? a) Dewan-i-Bandagani: Tughlaq a) Firuz Shah Tughluq b) Dewan-i-Mustakhraj: Balban b) Ghiyas-ud-din Tughluq Shah II c) Dewan-i-Kohi: Alauddin Khalji c) Nasir-ud-din Mahmud d) Dewan-i-Arz: Muhammad Tughlaq d) Nasrat Shah 11. 'The king was freed from his 7. The Historian Barani refused to people and they fromtheir king'. consider the state inIndia under On whose death did Badauni Delhi sultans as truly Islamic commentthus? because a) Balban b) Allauddin Khalji a) the majority of the population did not c) Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq follow d) Feroze Shah Tughlaq b) the Muslim theologists were often disregarded 12. The Sultan of Delhi who is c) the Sultan supplemented the Muslim reputed to have built the biggest law by framinghis own regulations d) religious freedom was accorded to network of canals in India was non-Muslims a) Iltutmish b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq 8. With reference to medieval Indian c) Feroze Shah Tughlaq rulers, which oneof the following d) Sikandar Lodhi statements is correct?

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4. Delhi Sultanate  He was succeeded by his son in Key & Explanation law Iltutmish.  His tomb is located in Lahore, 1. Key: A Pakistan. Educational objective: to know Explanation: aboutQutb-ud-din Aibak During Allauddin Khalji, revenue department extended rapidly andhundreds 4. Key: C of Amil (revenue collector) were Explanation: appointed. Fawazil in the Sultanate period Ruler of Delhi sultanat introduced Iqta meantExcess amount paid to the exchequer system by the iqtadars.Balban started recovering it Office of Mir Bakshi came into existence strictly. during the reign Mughal emperor. Educational objective: to know about Educational objective: to know about Balban various functionaries of medieval period. 5. Key: C 2. Key: C Explanation: Explanation: Muhammad bin Tughluq issued the copper During the reign of Iltutmish, the Mongols coins in place of Silver Tanka as a token had attacked India under Chengez Khan. currency. The aim with this experiment But they soon left India and moved towards was to promote trade with West Asian and Multan, Sindh. North African countries but he failed to Educational objective: to know about realize that the issuing authority should be Iltutmish under the king only. Therefore, every household started making the copper coins. The token money lost its value and its 3. Key: D credit, which made the government poor. Explanation: Educational objective: to know about Qutb-ud-din Aibak reforms of Muhammad bin Tughluq After Muhammad Ghori’s death in 1106 AD, Aibak became the Sultan of India and laid 6. Key: C the foundation of Mameluk dynasty or Explanation: Slave dynasty. Nasir-ud-din Mahmudwas the last ruler The major points related to Qutb-ud-din of the Tughluq dynasty of the Delhi Aibak are as following: Sultanat.  He ruled for only 4 years. He died in Balban served under sultan Nasir-ud- 1110AD while playing Chaughan. din Mahmud as his right hand for 20  He was the first ruler of the Delhi years and crushed all the rebellions Sultanate. whether outside the court or inside the  He was a Turkish of the Aybak tribe. court. Following his master’s death,  Since he was very generous, He was Balban ascended the throne in nicknamed Lakha Baksh Sultan. February 1265 AD.  He was credited for laying the Educational objective: to know about foundation for Qutub Minar tuglaq dynasty which was named after a Sufi saint KhwajaQutb-ud-din 7. Key: C Bakhtiyar Kaki. Explanation:  He also commissioned Qutub Al Historian Barani refused to consider the Islam mosque. state in India under Delhi sultans as truly

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Islamic because the Sultan supplemented 12. Key: C the Muslim law by framing his own Explanation: regulations Achievements of Feroze Shah Tughlaq He wrote two books  He worked majorly in the  Fatwa-i-Jahandari development of infrastructure such as  Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi schools, hospitals, river canals, Educational objective: to know about reservoirs, rest houses etc. famous historian of medieval India  He established an office for poor and deprived individuals called Diwan-i- 8. Key: D Khairat Explanation:   Ariz's department existed under He established a department of slave Iltutmish time known as Diwan-i-Bundagan  Allauddin Khaljiintroduced the  He declared the Iqtadari framework branding system of horses of his hereditary. military  He constructed waterways for  Feroze Tughlaq succeeded watering system from: Muhammad bin Tughlaq  Yamuna to the city of Hissar  Feroze Tughlaq set up a separate  department of slaves (diwan-i- the Sutlej to the Ghaggar bandagan)  the Ghaggar to Firuzabad Educational objective: to know about  Mandvi and Sirmour Hills to Hansi in various functionaries of medieval period. Haryana.  He is known to establish four new 9. Key: A towns, Firuzabad, Fatebabad, Explanation: Jaunpur and Hissar. Muhammad bin Tughlaq left Delhi, and for  He was the one who started Imposition two years (1334-1335 AD) lived in a camp of Jaziya on the Brahmans. called Swarga-dwari.At that time, a form of  He established several hospitals plague ravaged Delhi and many people died. portrayed differently as Darul-Shifa, Educational objective: to know about Bimaristan or Shifa Khana, in Delhi. tuglaq dynasty Educational objective: to know about Feroze Shah Tughlaq 10. Key: A Explanation: Diwan-i-bandagan: Tughlaq 5. Regional Kingdom Dewan-i-Mustakhraj: Allauddin Khalji Dewan-i-Kohi: Tughlaq 1. Consider the following statements: Dewan-i-Arz: Iltutmish The striking feature of the Jama Educational objective: to know about Masjid in Kashmir, completed by various functionaries of medieval period. Zain-ul-Abidin, include (s) 11. Key: C Explanation: 1. Turret Badauni commented on the death 2. Similarity with Buddhist Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq'The king was 3. Persian style freed from his people and they from their Which of the above statements is/are king' correct? Educational objective: to know about a) 1 alone famous historian of medieval India b) 1,2 and 3 8 www.laexias.com https://elearn.laex.in m Medieval History Upsc Previous Year Questions

c) 2 and 3  The Jama Masjid is heavily influenced d) 1 and 3 by the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. 2. Which one of the following is the  It has been constructed in the Persian correct chronologicalorder of the manner, with some similarities to the Afghan rulers to the throne of Buddhist pagodas. Delhi?  The structure occupies a total area of a) Sikandar Shah – Ibrahim Lodi - 384 x 381 feet and is quadrangular in Bahlol Khan Lodi shape with four turrets. b) Sikandar Shah - Bahiol Khan Lodi –  These are in the middle of each side Ibrahim Lodi and covered with pyramidal roofs. All c) Bahlol Khan Lodi- Sikandar Shah - Ibrahim Lodi of the turrets are interconnected by d) Bahlol Khan Lodi - Ibrahim Lodi - spacious halls, with bright yellow Sikandar Shah poppies lining the mossy brick paths and the entire structure is surrounded 3. To which Lodi Sultan does the by wide lanes on all four sides and has given map relate and whattown a square garden in the middle. does the site marked A on the  The entrance on the southern side of map represent? the Mosque comprises a recessed portico which further leads onto an inner courtyard.  This courtyard is based on the traditional Chaar Bagh plan and has a tank in the centre.  The entire courtyard is made up of pointed arched, brick arcade.  The court which was originally a) Behlol Lodi, Jaunpur b) Sikandar Lodi, Aligarh planted with a series of chinars is c) Ibrahim Lodi, Jaunpur enclosed by arched liwans (cloisters) d) Ibrahim Lodi, Aligarh covered with two tiered sloping roof. Educational objective: to know about famous monuments of medieval India. 5. Regional Kingdom Key & Explanation 2. Key: C Explanation: Bahlol Lodhi (AD 1451-1489) 1. Key: B 1) He was the founder of the Lodhi Explanation: dynasty. During the reign of Muhammad Shah, he served as the Subedar (Governor) of Lahore and Sirhind. 2) He tried to restore the greatness of the Delhi sultanate, hence conquered territories surrounding Delhi. The most successful war was against Mahmud Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur. Territories conquered by Bahlol Lodhi.

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3) Mewat (Ahmad Khan), Sambhal 4) Daulat Khan Lodhi (father of Dilawar (Dariya Khan), Koll (lsa Khan), Suket Khan) and Alam Khan invited Babu, (Mubarak Khan), Manipur and the Timurid ruler of Kabul, to invade Bhongaon (Raja Pratap ; Singh), India. Rewari (Qutb Khan), Etawah and 5) In the first battle of Panipat (AD Chandwar. 1526), Babur defeated Ibrahim 4) He was succeeded by his able son and killed him. He became the Nizam Shah under the title of Sultan master of Delhi and . This Sikandar Shah in AD 1489. puts an end to the Sultanate and the Sikandar Lodhi (AD 1489-1517) rise of Mughal dynasty in India. 1) He was the ablest of the three Lodhi 6) He was staunch Sunni and a Muslim rulers. He conquered and Raja fanatic. He lacked religious tolerance of Tirhut and concluded a friendship and levied Jaziya and Pilgrim's tax on treaty with the Alauddin Hussain . He was a liberal patron of Shah of Bengal. Dariya Khan was arts and letters. He wrote verses in appointed as the Governor of Bengal. Persian under the pen name of 2) Sikandar extended his empire by Gulrukhi. conquering Dholpur, Chanderi etc. He Educational objective: to know about kept strict vigilance on his nobles and lodhi dynasty Jagirdars whom he strictly suppressed. 3. Key: A 3) He set up an efficient espionage Explanation: system and introduced the system of auditing the accounts. 4) He relaxed restrictions on trade, which greatly promoted the economic prosperity of the people. He introduced "Gaz-i-Sikandari" (Sikandar's yard) of The Lodhi Dynasty came to power in India 39 digits or 32 inches, for the in 1451 under Bahlul Lodhi who at that measurement of agricultural land. 5) He transferred his capital from time was the governor of Sirhind under Delhi to Agra, a city that was Alaudin Alam of Sayyed Dynasty. founded by him. The village of Educational objective: to know about Sikandara, near Agra, where the tomb Lodhi dynasty of Akbar stands, was named after 6. Vijayanagar Kingdom Sikandar. (AD 1517-1526) 1) Sikandar Shah was succeeded 1. A: Saluva Narsimha put an end to simultaneously by his two sons the old dynasty and assumed the Ibrahim on the throne of Agra and royal title. Jalal on the throne of Jaunpur. Later, R: He wanted to save the kingdom Ibrahim killed Jalal and succeeded his from further degeneration and father. disintegration. 2) There were many revolts during his reign; Bihar declared its independence a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the under Dariya Khan Lohani. correct explanation of A 3) His repressive policy towards the b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not Lohani, Formuli and Lodhi tribes and the correct explanation of A his unsympathetic treatment of c) If A is true but R is false Dilawar Khan, the governor of Lahore, d) If A is false but R is true turned the nobles against him. Battle of Panipat, AD 1526.

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2. Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' 7. Consider the following statements: was a notable feature in the 1) Narasimha Saluva ended the temple construction in the Sangama dynasty and seized the kingdom of throne for himself and started the a) Chalukya Saluva dynasty b) Chandela 2) Vira Narasimha deposed the last c) Rashtrakuta Saluva ruler and seized the throne for d) himself 3) Vira Narasimha was succeeded by his 3. Regarding the taxation system of younger brother, Krishnadeva Raya Krishna , the ruler of 4) Krishnadeva Raya was succeeded by Vijayanagar, consider the his half-brother, Achyuta Raya following statements: Which of the statements given above 1) The tax rate on land was fixed are correct? depending on the quality of the land. a) 1, 2 and 3 2) Private owners of workshops paid an b) 2, 3 and 4 industries tax. c) 1 and 4 Which of the statements given above is d) 1,2, 3 and 4 / are correct? a) 1 only 8. Consider the following events: b) 2 only 1) Reign of Krishna of c) Both 1 and 2 Vijayanagara d) Neither 1 nor 2 2) Construction of Qutab Minar 3) Arrival of Portugese in India 4) Death of Feroze Tughlaq 4. Where is the famous Virupaksha The Correct chronological sequence temple located? of these events is: a) Bhadrachalam a) 2, 4, 3, 1 b) Chidambaram b) 2, 4, 1, 3 c) c) 4, 2, 1, 3 d) Srikalahasti d) 4, 2, 3, 1 5. Where is the famous Vijaya Vittala temple having its 56 6. Vijayanagar Kingdom carved pillars emitting musical Key & Explanation notes located? a) Belur 1. Key: A b) Bhadrachalam Explanation: c) Hampi Narasimha Saluva ended the Sangama d) dynasty, seized the throne for himself, and started the Saluva dynasty. He did this to 6. When Raja Wodeyar founded the save the kingdom from further , who was the degeneration and disintegration. ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire? This dynasty succeeded Sangama dynasty a) Sadasiva as the second dynasty of the empire. It b) Tirumala ruled from 1485 to 1505 AD. They ruled c) Ranga II over almost the whole South India. d) Venkata II

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Educational objective: to know about  Palatial buildings and subsidiary Vijyanagar empire. buildings like water palace, well.  Public audience hall, horse and 2. Key: D elephant stables. these buildings were Explanation: in Indo-Saracenic in character (Hindu Vijayanagar means ‘city of victory’, this and Muslim features) empire constitutes imp chapter in the  The Lepakshi Mural Paintings, the which ruled AD 1336 to technique of which was probably 1672. Vijayanagar empire played a very inspired from the Ajanta paintings of imp role in the development of temple art Maharashtra under the Vakataka and architecture. Architecturally patronage, had a rather secular theme Vijayanagar has synthesis of centuries than a religious one. old Dravidian style and influence of  Use of domes, vaults and arches, due neighboring Islamic style. to the presence of Muslim architects, The Vijayanagar architecture can be accentuating the secular mindset classified into four groups-defense, prevalent in the kingdom. religious, secular and civilian. Civilian architecture: Defense architecture:  Palace complex, Audience hall,  Famous for seven layers fortress wall pleasure pavilion, secretariat hall, which enclosed city, agriculture tanks etc. hinterland and forest.  Indo-Islamic in nature as arc with key  Several gateways and square bastion hollow dome can be seen. in the wall.  Lotus Mahal, Queens bath have  Main gate was large and guarded by octagonal water pavilion. flanking bastion. Educational objective: to know about Religious architecture: Vijyanagar architecture  New style of architecture called Provida style-with large numbers of 3. Key: C pillars and piers. Explanation:  Horse was most common inscriptions As per Amuktamalyadev (book on polity on pillars. written by Krishna dev rai) and observation  Construction of large Raya of foreign traveler like Abdur Razzak etc Gopuram (gateways) and 1) The tax rate on land was fixed Kalyanamandap with carved pillars depending on the quality of the land. in temple premises. 2) Private owners of workshops paid an  Mandapams were having 100 to 1000 industries tax. pillars, this mandapams were used for Educational objective: to know about sitting the deity on festivals occasions. Vijyanagar architecture  The monolithic carving of Nandi 4. Key: C  Ex–Vithalswami and Hazra Explanation: temples at Hampi, Vardraja and Virupaksha temple is located at Hampi. Ekambarnatha temples at Educational objective: to know about and chidrambram Vijyanagar architecture temples. Secular architecture:

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5. Key: C Vijayanagar empire, Krishna Deva Raya Explanation: belonged to this dynasty. It ruled from 1491 AD to 1570 AD. It was the fourth and last Hindu dynasty to rule Vijayanagar kingdom in South India. Educational objective: to know about Vijyanagar empire

8. Key: A Vijaya Vittala temple having its 56 carved Explanation: pillars emitting musical notes is located at Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high Hampi. tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak 6. Key: D was an emperor of the Explanation: who reigned from Venkata IIwas the ruler of the Vijayanagar 1509–1529 AD. He was the third ruler of Empire59. When Raja Wodeyar founded the Tuluva Dynasty, and is widely the Kingdom of Mysore considered to be the greatest ruler of the Educational objective: to know about empire. He was also known for employing Vijyanagar architecture Turkic archers. The first Portuguese encounter with 7. Key: D the subcontinent was on 20 May 1498 Explanation: when Vasco da Gama reached Calicut on Sangama Dynasty Malabar Coast. Anchored off the coast of It was the first dynasty to rule over the Calicut Vijaynagar empire. The founders of the Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq ruled empire, Harihar I and Bukka belonged to from1309 AD to 20 September 1388 AD this dynasty. It ruled from 1334 AD to 1485 Educational objective: to know about AD. various dynasty and their famous ruler. Saluva Dynasty Narasimha Saluva ended the Sangama dynasty and seized the throne for himself 7. Bahmani Kingdom and started the Saluva dynasty This dynasty succeeded Sangama dynasty 1. Which one of the following as the second dynasty of the empire. It Muslim ruler was hailed as the ruled from 1485 to 1505 AD. They ruled 'Jagadguru' by his Muslim over almost the whole South India. subjects because of his belief in Tuluva Dynasty secularism? Vira Narasimha deposed the last Saluva a) Husain Shah ruler and seized the throne for himself. His b) Zain-ul-Abidin younger brother, Krishna deva Raya, c) Ibrahim Adil Shah succeeded Vira Narasimha.His half-brother, d) Mahmud II Achyuta Raya, succeeded Krishna deva Raya. This was the third dynasty which ruled Vijayanagar Empire. It ruled from Tuluva dynasty. The most famous king of 13 www.laexias.com https://elearn.laex.in m Medieval History Upsc Previous Year Questions

2. How did the dynasty of Nizam Nizam Shahis of Ahmadnagar come to an Shahis of Ahmadnagar come to an end after Mughal annexation. end? Educational objective: to know about a) Ahmadnagar was annexed into Successor state Bahmani Kingdom. Mughal empire and Husain Shah was consigned to life imprisonment 3. Key: C b) Mughal troops destroyed Daulatabad Explanation: fort and killed Nizam-ul Mulk of Ibrahim Adil Shah II was deeply interested Ahmadnagar in music, and composed a book called c) Fateh Khan usurped the throne from Kitab-i-Nauras in which songs were set to Nizam-ul Mulk various musical modes or ragas. He was d) Malik Ambar was defeated in a battle very solicitous of the poor, and had the title with Mughals in 1631 and the entire of ‘Abla Baba’ or friend of the poor. He royal family was killed by the Mughal built a new capital, Nauraspur, in which a troops large number of musicians were invited to settle. 3. Consider the following statements: Amir Khusrau was originator of Qawali in 1) Kitab-I-Nauras, a collection of songs India. in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim Educational objective: to know about the saints, was writen by Ibrahim Adil cultural development that took place in Shah II medieval India. 2) Amir Khusrau was the originator in India the early form of the musical style known Qawali. Which of the statements is are correct? a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 8. Bhakti and Sufi movement

7. Bahmani Kingdom 1. Consider the following statements Key & Explanation about Sikh Gurus: 1) Banda Bahadur was appointed as the 1. Key: C military leader of the Sikhs by Guru Explanation: Tegh Bahadur Ibrahim Adil Shahone of the Muslim ruler 2) Guru Arjun Dev became the Sikh was hailed as the 'Jagadguru' by his Guru after Guru Ram Das Muslim subjects because of his belief in 3) Guru Arjun Dev gave to Sikhs their secularism own Script-Gurumukhi Educational objective: to know about Which of the statements given above Bahmani Kingdom. is/are correct/? a) 1 only 2. Key: A b) 2 and 3 Explanation: c) 1 and 3 d) 1 and 2

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2. With reference to the religious a) Shankaracharya-Ramanuja- history of medieval India, the Sufi Chaitanya mystics were known to pursue b) Ramanuja-Shankaracharya- which of the following practices? Chaitanya 1) Meditation and control of breath c) Ramanuja-Chaitanya- 2) Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely Shankaracharya place d) Shankaracharya-Chaitanya- 3) Recitation of holy songs to arouse a Ramanuja state of ecstasy in their audience Select the correct answer using the 7. Who among the following was the codes given below: first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for a) 1 and 2 only the propagation of his message? b) 2 and 3 only a) Dadu c) 3 only b) Kabir d) 1,2 and 3 c) Ramananda d) Tulsidas 3. Consider the following statements: 1) Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary 8. Match List-I with List-II and of Akbar. select the correct answer using 2) Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by the codes given below the lists: Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. List-I List-II Which of the statements given above (Bhakti Saint) (Profession) is/are correct? A. Namdev 1. Barber a) 1 only B. Kabir 2. Weaver b) 2 only C. Ravidas 3. Tailor c) Both 1 and 2 D. Sena 4. Cobbler d) Neither I nor 2 4. Among the following, who was not Codes: a proponent of bhakti cult? A B C D a) a) 2 3 1 4 b) Tukaram b) 3 2 4 1 c) Tyagaraja c) 3 2 1 4 d) Vallabhacharya d) 2 3 4 1

5. Bhakta Tukaram was a 8. Bhakti and Sufi movement contemporary of which Mughal Emperor? Key & Explanation a) Babar 1. Key: D b) Akbar Explanation: c) Jahangir Sikh Gurus d) Aurangzeb The era of the ten gurus of Sikhism spans from the birth of Nanak Dev in 1469, 6. Which one of the following through the life of Guru Gobind Singh. sequences indicates the correct chronological order?

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At the time of Guru Gobind Singh’s death  He was the contemporary of Mughal in 1708, he passed the title of Guru to the emperor - Akbar. Sikh scripture, Guru Granth. 4) Guru Ram Das - Guru from 1574 1) Guru Nanak Dev - Guru from 1469 to 1581 to 1539  Guru Ram Das, fourth of the 10 gurus,  Guru Nanak Dev, first of the 10 gurus, founded the city of Amritsar. founded the Sikh faith, introducing  He started the construction of the the concept of one God. famous Golden Temple at Amritsar,  He started the institution of Guru the holy city of the Sikhs. Ka Langar. Langar is the term in the  He requested the Muslim Sufi, Sikh religion refers to the common Mian Mir to lay the cornerstone of kitchen where food is served to the Harmandir Sahib. everyone without any discrimination. 5) Guru Arjan Dev - Guru from 1581  He emphasized the equality of women to 1606 and rejected the path of renunciation  He compiled the Adi Granth, the and he rejected the authority of the scriptures of the Sikhs. .  He completed construction of Sri  He was the contemporary of Mughal Darbar Sahib also known as Golden emperor - Babur. Temple in Amritsar. 2) Guru Angad Dev - Guru from 1539  He founded the town of Tarn Taran to 1552 Sahib near Goindwal Sahib.  Guru Angad Dev, second of the 10  He became the first great martyr in gurus, invented and introduced the Sikh history when Emperor Jahangir Gurmukhi (written form of Punjabi) ordered his execution. Thus, he was script. hailed as Shaheedan-de-Sartaj (The  He compiled the writings of Nanak crown of martyrs). Dev in Guru Granth Sahib in 6) Guru Har Gobind Sahib - Guru Gurmukhi Script. from 1606 to 1644  Popularized and expanded the  He was the son of Guru Arjan Dev institution of Guru ka Langar which and was known as a "soldier saint”. was started by Guru Nanak Dev.  He organised a small army and 3) Guru Amardas Sahib - Guru from became the first Guru to take up 1552 to 1574 arms to defend the faith.  Guru Amardas introduced the Anand  He waged wars against Mughal rulers Karaj marriage ceremony for the Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Sikhs, replacing the Hindu form. 7) Guru Har Rai Sahib - Guru from  He established Manji & Piri system of 1644 to 1661 religious missions for men and women  Though he was a man of peace, he respectively. never disbanded the armed sikh  He strengthened the tradition of Guru warriors who were earlier maintained Ka Langar. by Guru Har Gobind.  He also completely abolished amongst  He gave shelter to Dara Shikoh, the Sikhs, the custom of and the eldest son of Mughal Ruler Shah purdah system. Jahan, who was later persecuted by Aurangazeb.

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 He cautiously avoided conflict with 2. Key: D Emperor Aurangzeb and devoted his Explanation: efforts to missionary work. Sufism entered in India between 11th and 8) Guru Har Krishan Sahib - Guru 12th centuries. Al-Hujwari was first from 1661 to 1664 Sufis who settled in India and died in  Guru Har Krishan was the youngest 1089 AD who is popularly known as of the Gurus. He was installed as Data Ganj Naksh (Distributor of Guru at the age of five. unlimited treasure). Multan and Punjab  He was contemporary of Aurangazeb were the early centre of Sufism and by the and summoned to Delhi by him under 13th and 14th centuries, it spread to framed charges of anti-Islamic Kashmir,, Bihar, Bengal and the Deccan. blasphemy. Features of Sufism 9) Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib - Guru The salient features of the Sufism are from 1665 to 1675 below:  He established the town of 1) Sufism derives its principle from Anandpur. Islam. Although the Sufi saints seek  He opposed the forced conversion inner purity but the orthodox Muslims of the Hindu Kashmiri Pandits by depend upon external conduct and Mughal ruler Aurangazeb and he blind observance of religious rituals. was consequently persecuted for this. 2) Sufism believes that- ‘God is the 10) Guru Gobind Singh Sahib - Guru beloved of the lover (Mashook)’ i.e. from 1675 to 1708 the devotee and the devotee is eager  He became Guru after the martyrdom to meet his beloved (God). of his father Guru Tegh Bahadur. 3) Sufism believes that love and  He created the Khalsa in 1699, devotion are only means of changing the Sikhs into a saint- reaching God. soldier order for protecting themselves. 4) Along with Prophet Muhammad, they  Last Sikh Guru in human form and he also attached great importance to passed the Guruship of the Sikhs to their ‘Murshid’ or ‘Pir’. the Guru Granth Sahib. 5) Sufism believes that devotion is more 11) Guru Granth Sahib important than fast (Roza) or prayer  Guru Granth Sahib (also known as (Namaz). the Adi Granth) is the scripture of the 6) Sufism discards caste system. Sikhs. 7) Sufism was divided into 12 orders  The Granth was written in Gurmukhi and each under a mystic Sufi script and it contains the actual words saint. and verses as uttered by the Sikh Worship methodology of the Sufism Gurus. The practice of Sufism is seen first and  It is considered the Supreme foremost as a path to union with God, or Spiritual Authority and Head of the beholding of the Face of God. For that the Sikh religion, rather than any matter, Sufism cultivates the inner and the living person. outer dimensions of spiritual practice, the Educational objective: to know about esoteric and the exoteric. Sikkhism Worship at Sufi shrines is called ‘Ziyarat’. Dancing and singing especially Quwwali,

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were the part of such worship. Sufi saints  Nimbarka has been identified with believe that reciting the name of God (Zikra) Bhaskara, a 9th- or 10th-century and listening (Sama). Chisti sama was philosopher and celebrated popularised by the Amir Khusrow. commentator on the Brahma- Meditation and control of breath, severe (Vedanta-sutras). ascetic exercises in a lonely place, recitation  Most historians of Hindu mysticism, of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in however, hold that Nimbarka their audience were part of there probably lived in the 12th or 13th methodology. century. Saints and Teachers of the Bhakti  The Nimbarka sect flourished in the Movement 13th and 14th centuries in eastern Ten Steps of Sufism India. The ten steps prescribed by the Sufism to  Its philosophy held that men were realise God are given below: trapped in physical bodies constricted 1) Tauba meaning repentance (Remorse by prakrti (matter) and that only by for your past conduct) surrender to Radha-Krishna (not 2) Zuhd meaning piety (Righteousness through their own efforts) could they by virtue of being pious) attain the grace necessary for 3) Wara meaning abstinence (act or liberation from ; then, at death, practice of refraining from indulging the physical body would drop away. an appetite)  Thus, Nimbarka stressed bhakti yoga, 4) Faqr meaning poverty (state of the yoga of devotion and faith. having little or no money and few or Saint Kabir no material possessions)  Kabir Das was a 15th-century Indian 5) Sabr meaning patience (good-natured mystic poet and saint, whose writings tolerance of delay or incompetence) influenced 's Bhakti 6) Shukra meaning gratitude (feeling of movement and his verses are found in thankfulness and appreciation) Sikhism's scripture Guru Granth 7) Raza meaning hope (Be optimistic; be Sahib. full of hope; have hopes)  His early life was in a Muslim family, 8) Riza meaning submission (act of but he was strongly influenced by submitting; usually surrendering his teacher, the Hindu bhakti power to another) leader Ramananda 9) Khauf meaning fear (emotion Educational objective: to know about experienced in anticipation of some famous Bhakti Saint specific pain or danger) 10) Tauvakkul meaning contentment 4. Key: C (Happiness with one's situation in life) Explanation: Educational objective: to know about Tyagaraja also known as Tyāgayya, was a Sufi and practices associated with them renowned composer of , a form of Indian classical music. 3. Key: D Educational objective: to know about Explanation: Bhakti movemnt Saint Nimbarka

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5. Key: C Educational objective: to know about Explanation: Bhakti movemnt Famous bhakti saints of India Tukaram 7. Key: C  Tukaram was another Bhakti saint of Explanation: Maharashtra . Ramananda  Tukaram died in 1649 or 1650 AD  He was born at . so a contemporary of Jahangir.  Initially he was a follower of  Tukaram also referred to as Sant Ramanuja. Tukaram, Bhakta Tukaram, Tukaram  Later he founded his own sect and Maharaj, Tukobaand Tukobaraya. preached his principles in Hindi  He was a 17th-century poet-saint of at Banaras and Agra. the Bhakti movement in  Ramananda was the first to employ  Tukaram is best known for his the vernacular medium to spread Abhanga- devotional poetry and his ideas. kirtans – community-oriented worship  He opposed the caste system and with spiritual songs. chose his disciples from all sections of  His poetry was devoted to Vitthala society irrespective of caste. or Vithoba, an avatar of Hindu god Ramananda’s disciples were: Vishnu.  Kabir  Responsible for creating a  Raidasa, he was a cobbler background for Maratha  Sena, he was a barber nationalism  Sadhana Educational objective: to know about  Dhanna, he was from a Jat farmer Bhakti movemnt  Naraharai, he was a goldsmith  Pipa, he was a Rajput prince 6. Key: A Educational objective: to know about Explanation: Bhakti movement

8. Key: B Explanation: Ramananda’s disciples were:  Kabir a weaver  Raidasa, he was a cobbler  Sena, he was a barber  Dhanna, he was from a Jat farmer  Naraharai, he was a goldsmith  Pipa, he was a Rajput prince Educational objective: to know about Bhakti movement

Image courtesy NCERT our past II

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9. Mughal Empire 4. A: During the time of Akbar for every ten cavalrymen, the mansabdars had to maintain 1. Alam Khan who invited Babur to twenty horses. invade India was R: Horses had to be rested while a) an undle of thahim Lodi and a on march and replacements were pretender to the throne of Delhi necessary in times of war. b) a cousin of Ibrahim Lodi who was ill- a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the treated and expelled from the country correct explanation of A c) the father of Dilawar Khan to whom b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not cruel treatment was meted out by the correct explanation of A Ibrahim Lodi c) If A is true but R is false d) a high official in Punjab province who d) If A is false but R is true was very much discontented with Ibrahim Lodi's treatment to his tribe 5. In the given map the shaded part represents Akbar's empire at a 2. Consider the following: certain juncture. 'A' stands for an The arrival of Babur into India independent country and 'B' led to the marks the site of a city. 1) introduction of gunpowder in the Which one of the following subcontinent alternative gives all correct 2) introduction of the arch and dome in information's? the region's architecture 3) establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region Select the correct answer using the code given below. a. 1 and 2 only b. 3 only c. 1 and 3 only d. 1,2 and 3

a) Akbar in 1557: A.Golkunda B.Lahore 3. A: The Battle of Khanwa was b) Akbar in 1557: A.Khandesh B.Multan certainly more decisive and c) Akbar in 1605:A.Gondwana B.Multan significant than the First Battle of d) Akbar in 1605: A.Gondwana B. Panipat. Lahore R: Rana Sanga, the Rajput hero, was certainly a more formidable 6. Match List-I with List-II and adversary than Ibrahim Lodi. select the correct answer using a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the the codes given below the lists: correct explanation of A List-I List-II b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not A. 1556 1. Battle of Haldi Ghati the correct explanation of A B. 1600 2. Naadir Shah's capture c) If A is true but R is false of Delhi d) If A is false but R is true

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C. 1686 3. Grant of Charter to d) the room in which the nobles East India Company belonging to different religions D. 1739 4. Accession of Akbar gathered to discuss religious affairs

Codes: 10. With reference to Mian Tansen, A B C D which one of the following a) 3 4 2 1 statements is not correct? b) 5 4 3 2 a) Tansen was the title given to him by c) 5 2 1 4 Emperor Akbar. d) 1 5 3 2 b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses. 7. Consider the following statements: c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons. Ahadis were those troopers who d) Tansen invented many Ragas. 1) Offered their services singly 2) Did not attach themselves to any chief 11. Who among the following Mughal 3) Had the emperor as their immediate Emperors shifted emphasis from colonel illustrated manuscripts to album 4) Attached themselves to Mirzas and individual portrait? Of these statements a) Humayun a) 1, 2 and 4 are correct b) Akbar b) 1,2 and 3 are correct c) Jahangir c) 2 and 3 are correct d) Shah Jahan d) 1 and 4 are correct 12. During the time of which Mughal 8. A: Emperor Akbar marched Emperor did the English East towards Afghanistan in 1581 with India Company establish its first a huge army. factory in India? R: He was on his way to reclaim a) Akbar his ancestral country of Ferghana b) Jahangir in Central Asia. c) Shahjahan a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the d) Aurangzeb correct explanation of A b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not 13. In Indian history, who was Abdul the correct explanation of A Hamid Lahori? c) If A is true but R is false a) An important military commander d) If A is false but R is true during Akbar's reign b) An official historian of the reign of 9. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri Shah Jahan was c) An important noble and confidant of a) the mosque for the use of Royal Aurangzeb Family d) A chronicler and poet during the reign b) Akbar's private prayer chamber of Muhammed Shah c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various 14. The shaded area in the given map religions shows the empire of

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18. The loss of Qandhar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the viewpoint of a) Natural resources b) Buffer territory c) Communication d) Strategic stronghold

a) Alauddin Khalji 19. Which among the following ports b) Mohammad Tughlaq was called Babul Makka (Gate of c) Shahjahan Makka) during the Mughal Period? d) Aurangzeb a) Calicut b) Broach 15. The motive behind Shahjahan's c) Cambay Balkh campaign was to d) a) secure a friendly ruler in Balkh and Badakshan which bordered Kabul 20. The given map refers to the b) conquer Samarquand and Farghana, kingdom of the Mughal homelands c) fix the Mughal frontier on the 'scientific line' the Amu Daria d) expand the Mughal Empire beyond the sub-continent

16. The battle of Dharmat was fought between a) Akbar at the time of capture of a) Muhammad Ghori and Jai Chand Khandesh in 1601 b) Babur and Afghans b) Akbar at the time of his death in 1605 c) Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh c) Aurangzeb at the time of capture of d) Ahmad Shah Durrani and the Hyderabad Marathas d) Aurangzeb at the time of his death in 1707 17. A: During the reign of Shahjahan, Dara Shikoh was sent on 9. Mughal Empire expedition to Balkh, Badakhshan Key & Explanation and Qandahar. R: The expedition sent by 1. Key: A Shahjahan to the Middle- East Explanation: was a marvellous success. Alam Khanan uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the pretender to the throne of Delhiinvited correct explanation of A Babur to invade India b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not Educational objective: to know about the correct explanation of A important event and the sequence of events. c) If A is true but R is false d) If A is false but R is true 2. Key: B

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Explanation: Educational objective: to know extent of Gunpowder was introduced much Mughal empire during different ruler earlier in the subcontinent, probably in the 13th century by Mongols. 6. Key: B Arch and dome architecture was widely Explanation: prevalent during the Delhi Sultanate Battle of Haldi Ghati-1576 AD Naadir time much earlier than arrival of Babur, Shah's capture of Delhi-1739AD who established the Timurid dynasty Grant of Charter to East India Company- in India in the 16th century. 31st dec 1599 AD Educational objective: to know about Accession of Akbar—1556 AD impact of establishment of Mughal rule. Educational objective: to know about important event and the sequence of events 3. Key: A Explanation: 7. Key: B The Battle of Khanwa was fought near the Explanation: village of Khanwa, in Bharatpur District of Ahadis were those troopers who offered Rajasthan, on March 16, 1527. there service directly to emperor not to any It was fought between the invading forces other ruiling chief. of the first Mughal Emperor Babur and Educational objective: to know about the Rajput forces led by Rana Sanga of various functionaries of Mughal Mewar, after the Battle of Panipat administration. Educational objective: to know about important event and the sequence of events 8. Key: C Explanation: 4. Key: A Emperor Akbar marched towards Explanation: Afghanistan in 1581 with a huge army to Akbar introduced dah bishti system i.e. curb the rebellion of Mirza Hakim his twenty horses for ten cavalry men the stepbrother. purpose of this washorses need to be rested Educational objective: to know about while on march and replacements were important event and the sequence of events. necessary in times of war Educational objective: to know about 9. Key: C Mansabdari system. Explanation: The Ibādat Khāna (House of Worship) 5. Key: D was a meeting house built in 1575 CE by Explanation: the Mughal Emperor Akbar (r. 1556– 1605) at Fatehpur Sikri to gather spiritual leaders of different religious grounds so as to conduct a discussion on the teachings of the respective religious leaders. Educational objective: to know about Akbar

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 Tansen was born as Ramatanu Aurangzeb and Later Mughal  Tansen was the title given to him Period. by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior.  The emperor Akbar set up a large  When Akbar heard of his prodigious atelier with artists from all parts of talent, he sent a ‘firman’ to the king his empire. The atelier was asking for Tansen and made him one responsible for illustrating books of the Navaratnas in his court. He on a variety of subjects and gave him the title of ‘Mian’. Tansen developed the methods and techniques is also known as the ‘Sangit Samrat’, used by subsequent Mughal painters. according to Musical Heritage of India  The emperor Jahangir was by Lalita Ramakrishna. influenced by European art and  He composed many dhrupads on encouraged his atelier to emulate Ganesha, , Parvati and Rama. the single point perspective favored  He also composed songs on his by European painters, unlike the patrons. flattened, multi-layered style  Tansen composed in his favourite traditionally used in miniature ragas — Multani, Bhairavi and painting and portrait painting.  Todi While the artistic focus of the  He invented the night raga Mughal court shifted primarily to Darbari Kanhra, morning raga architecture under Shah Jahan, Mian Ki Todi, mid-day raga, Mian painting continued to flourish; the ki Sarang, seasonal raga Mian ki style became notably more rigid, and Malhar. the colors used became jewel-like in  His descendants and disciples are their brilliance.  called Seniyas. The emperor Aurangzeb (1658– Educational objective: to know about 1707) did not encourage Mughal development in field of music in medieval painting, and only a few portraits India. survive from his court.  Mughal painting essentially came 11. Key: C to an end during the reign of Explanation: Shah Alam II (1759–1806). Mughal painting Educational objective: to know about  Mughal painting emerged from the Mughal Painting. Persian miniature painting tradition, with additional Hindu, 12. Key: B Buddhist, and Jain influences; it Explanation: usually took the form of book William Hawkins reached the court of illustrations or single sheets Jahangir in 1608 AD to seek permission for preserved in albums. trade. After this first British factory was  There are four periods commonly established at Surat. associated with Mughal art, each Educational objective: to know about named for the emperor under whom European trade under Mughal India the art form developed: the Akbar Period, the Jahangir Period, the 13. Key: B Shah Jahan Period, and the Explanation:

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Abdul Hamid Lahori (died 1654) was a Educational objective: to know about traveler and historian during the period of important event and the sequence of events. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who later became a court historian of Shah Jahan 17. Key: D (Shah Jahan's official chronicler). Explanation: He wrote the book Badshahnama, Shah Jahan’s objective was to secure a about the reign of Shah Jahan. friendly ruler in Balkh and He has described Shah Jahan's life and Badakhshan, the areas which bordered activities during the first twenty years of Kabul, and which had been ruled over by his reign in this book in great detail Timurid princes till 1585. Infirmities of old age prevented him from This, he believed, would also help in proceeding with the Third decade which controlling the disaffection of the Afghan was then chronicled by Waris, a historian tribes living around Ghazni and in the Educational objective: to know about Khyber Pass. famous chroniclers of medieval India. The campaign was a success in the 14. Key: C military sense—the Mughals conquered Explanation: Balkh, and defeated Uzbek attempts to The shaded area in the given map shows oust them. the empire of Shahjahan This was the first significant victory of Shah Jahan's instructions proved out to be Indian arms in the region, and Shah exceptional in order to get victories on the Jahan had reason to celebrate it Deccan states. By 1636, Ahmadnagar had Educational objective: to know about been added along with that Golconda and important event and the sequence of events Bijapur, and were forced to end up their tributaries. Mughal power was furthermore 18. Key: D connected in the northwest. In 1638, the Explanation: Persian governor head of Kandahar, ʿAli  The failure of Mughals at Quandhar Mardan Khan, surrendered that post to the did not so much reflect the Mughals. weakness of Mughal artillery, as Educational objective: to know about has been asserted by some Shahjahan historians.  It rather showed the inherent 15. Key: A strength of Qandhar fort if held by Explanation: a determined commander, and the The motive behind Shahjahan's Balkh ineffectiveness of medieval artillery campaign was tosecure a friendly ruler in against strong forts. (This was also Balkh and Badakshan, which bordered the Mughal experience in the Deccan). Kabul  It may, however, be argued that Educational objective: to know about Shah Jahan’s attachment to important event and the sequence of events Qandhar was more sentimental than realistic. 16. Key: C  With the growing enfeeblement of Explanation: both the Uzbeks and the Safavids, The battle of Dharmat was fought Qandhar no longer had the same betweenAurangzeb and Dara Shikoh strategic importance as it had earlier. during war of succession. 26 www.laexias.com https://elearn.laex.in m Medieval History Upsc Previous Year Questions

 It was not so much the loss of Educational objective: to know about Qandhar as the failure of the famous ports of Mughal india repeated Mughal efforts, which affected the Mughal prestige. 20. Key: D  However, even this should not be Explanation: unduly exaggerated for the Mughal Aurangzeb sat on the throne of Mughal empire in 1658 with the title Alamgir. Empire remained outwardly at the Aurangzeb was an ardent follower of Islam. height of its power and prestige Some of the highlights of his religious during Aurangzeb's reig nature are as following:- Educational objective: to know about Aurnagzeb destroyed the temples and reason for decline of Mughal empire broke the idols.  He lived like a Fakir and that’s why 19. Key: C he was called jinda Fakir.  He never tasted wine and slept on the Explanation: ground.  Port of Cambay was called Babul  He made skull caps in his free time. Makka (Gate of Makka) during the  He ordered the ban on music Mughal Period. everywhere.  Khambhat, also called Cambay, town,  He reintroduced Jazia. east-central state, west- central India.  It lies at the head of the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) and the mouth of the Mahi River.  The town was mentioned in 1293 by the Venetian traveler Marco Polo, who referred to it as a busy port.  It was still a prosperous port in the late 15th century, when Muslims controlled Gujarat. As the gulf silted up, however, the port became insignificant. The town was the capital of the princely state of Cambay, which was incorporated into Kaira (later Kheda) district in 1949.  Khambhat later became a commercial Educational objective: to know about Aurangzeb centre trading in cotton, grains, tobacco, textiles, and carpets. 10. Maratha Empire  The textile industry is prominent, and salt, matches, and stone ornaments are also manufactured. 1. A: Marathas emerged as the  Petroleum was discovered in the area, strongest native power in India and development began in the 1970s. after the decline of Mughal  Khambhat is a rail terminus and is empire. served by a main highway. R: Marathas were the first to have a clear concept of a united Indian nation. 27 www.laexias.com https://elearn.laex.in m Medieval History Upsc Previous Year Questions

a) Both, A and R, are true and R is the most all the sardar to the side of correct explanation of A Shahu. b) Both, A and R, are true but R is not  He made the post very important as the correct explanation of A well as hereditary. c) If A is true but R is false Educational objective: to know about d) If A is false but R is true Maratha empire

2. Who among the following 3. Key: D streamlined the Maratha Explanation: administration after Sambhaji? Ashtapradhan a) Raja Ram Pant Pradhan or Peshwa - Prime b) Balaji Viswanath Minister, general administration of the c) Gangu Bai Empire. d) Nanaji Deshmukh Amatya or Mazumdar - Finance Minister, managing accounts of the Empire. 3. The member of Shivaji's Shurunavis/Sacheev - Secretary, Asthapradhana who looked after preparing royal edicts. foreign affairs was Waqia-Navis - Interior Minister, a) Peshwa managing internal affairs especially b) Sachiv intelligence and espionage. c) Pandit Rao Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati - Commander- d) Sumant in-Chief, managing the forces and defence of the Empire. 10. Maratha Empire Sumant/Dabir - Foreign Minister, to manage relationships with other sovereigns. Key & Explanation Nyayadhish - Chief Justice, dispensing justice on civil and criminal matters.. 1. Key: C Panditrao - High Priest, managing Explanation: internal religious matters. The duties of the Marathas emerged as the strongest native Panditrao were to promote learning and in power in India after the decline of Mughal the Ashta Pradhan, known as Senapat or Empire but they were not the first ruler to Sarnobat, he was to watch over the have a clear concept of a united Indian interests of his officers. nation. Educational objective: to know about Educational objective: to know about Maratha administration Maratha empire

11. Miscellaneous topics 2. Key: B Explanation: Balaji Vishwanath - (AD 1713 to 1721) 1. Match List I with List II and  He was appointed as a Peshwa (Prime select the correct answer using Minister) by Sahuji in 1713 to assist a the code given below the lists: young Shahu for consolidation of the List-I List-II empire. (Famous Temple) (State)  He raise the Marathas empire into A. Vidyashankara 1. Andhra zenith points after winning over all temple Pradesh

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B. Rajarani temple 2. 3) Qutb Minar C. Kandariya 3. Madhya 4) Fatehpur Sikri Mahadeo temple Pradesh The correct chronological order in D. Bhimesvara temple 4. Orissa which they were built is: a) 3, 1, 4, 2 b) 3, 1, 2, 4 Code: c) 1, 3, 2,4 A B C D d) 1,3, 4, 2 a) 2 4 3 1 b) 2 3 4 1 6. Match List-I with List-II and c) 1 4 3 2 select the correct answer from the d) 1 3 4 2 codes given below the lists: List-I List-II 2. Banjaras during the medieval A. Iqta 1. Marathas period of Indian history were B. Jagir 2. Delhi Sultans generally C. Amaram 3. Mughals a) Agriculturists D. Mokasa 4. Vijayanagara b) Warriors Codes: c) Weavers A B C D d) Traders a) 3 2 1 4 b) 2 3 4 1 3. Consider the following pairs: c) 2 3 1 4 Medieval Indian State Present d) 3 2 4 1 Region 1) Champaka Central India 7. The first writer to use Urdu as the 2) Durgara Jammu medium of poetic expression was 3) Kuluta Malabar a) Amir Khusaru Which of the above pairs is/are b) Mirza Ghalib correctly matched? c) Bahadur Shah Zafar a) 1 and 2 d) Faiz b) 2 only c) 1 and 3 8. With reference to the economic d) 3 only history of medieval India,the term 'Araghatta' refers to 4. In medieval India, the a) bonded labour designations 'Mahattara' and b) land grants made to military officers 'Pattakila' were used for c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of a) military officers land b) village headmen d) wasteland converted to cultivated c) specialists in Vedic rituals land d) chiefs of craft guilds 9. With reference to the cultural 5. Consider the following: history of India, the memorizing 1) Tughlaqabad Fort of chronicles, dynastic histories 2) Lodi Garden

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and epic tales was the profession Educational Objective: Temples in of who of the following? Ancient India a) Shramana b) Parivraajaka 2. Key: D c) Agrahaarika Explanation: d) Maagadha Banjaras were traders in medieval period. Alluddin Khalji under his market reforms 11. Miscellaneous topics appointed them for transportation of goods. Educational objective: to know about Key & Explanation trading community of medieval india.

1. Key: A 3. Key: B Explanation: Explanation: The Vidyashankara temple was built in During medieval period, some minor rulers the year 1338 A.D., in commemoration of also became powerful and gradually built the pontiff Sri Vidyashankara, by Sri small kingdoms in various parts of India, Vidyaranya, patron-saint for example; of and Bukka, the brothers who  founded the Vijayanagara empire. Champaka (Chamba hills of Himanchal Pradesh), Raja Rani Temple, Bhubaneswar.  Durgara (Jammu), The Temple was built during the 11  Kuluta (Kulu) in Himachal. century AD, by the Somavansi  The Chandelles in Bundelkhand, dynasty,the temple derives its name from  The Guhilas in Mewar to the south the red and yellow sandstone “Rajarani” of the Chauhans, and used to build the temple.  The Tomaras in Haryana and the Kandariya Mahadev Temple is one of Delhi region the most imposing structures in the Educational objective: to know about Western group of Khajuraho(M.P.), a various regional dynasty of medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the India. largest and the most beautiful temple in the whole complex. Dedicated to the Hindu 4. Key: A Lord Shiva, this revered shrine was built Explanation: by Vidyadhara - a powerful Chandela king. 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were military The Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri officers Bhimeswaraswamy vari temple is a Educational objective: to know about temple in Samalkota. The presiding deity various officer linked to administration in at this temple is Lord Shiva, known as medieval India Kumara Bhimeswara. The temple is historically prominent, as it was built by 5. Key: B Chalukyas who reigned over this location. Explanation: Construction of the temple started in 892 Qutb Minar was begun after the Quwwat- CE and completed around 922 CE. It is ul-Islam Mosque, which was started around similar to the temple in , 1192AD by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, first but is also unique, such as the linga being ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. white. Tughlaqabad Fort is a ruined fort in Delhi, built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the 30 www.laexias.com https://elearn.laex.in m Medieval History Upsc Previous Year Questions

founder of , of the Delhi (Also known as 'Amir Khusro') was a Sultanate of India in 1321AD. Sufi musician, poet and scholar. or Lodhi Gardens is a city  He was a mystic and a spiritual park situated in New Delhi, India. Spread disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya of over 90 acres,it contains, Mohammed Delhi, India. Shah's Tomb, Tomb of Sikandar Lodi,  He wrote poetry primarily in Shisha Gumbad and Bara Persian, but also in Hindavi. Gumbad,architectural works of the 15th  A vocabulary in verse, the Ḳhāliq century by Lodis - who ruled parts of Bārī, containing Arabic, Persian, and northern India and Punjab and Khyber Hindavi terms is often attributed to Pakhtunkhwa province of modern-day him. Pakistan, from 1451 to 1526AD. The  Khusrau is sometimes referred to as Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) now the "voice of India" or "Parrot of protects the site India" (Tuti-e-Hind), and has been Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra called the "father of Urdu District of Uttar Pradesh, India. Emperor literature. Akbar founded the city itself as the capital  Khusrau is regarded as the "father of Mughal Empire in 1571AD of qawwali" (a devotional music form Educational objective: to know about of the Sufis in the Indian famous monuments of medieval India. subcontinent), and introduced the ghazal style of song. 6. Key: B Educational objective: to know about Explanation: Amir kushrau Iqta was the revenue unit under Delhi Sultanate 8. Key: C Jagir was revenue unit under Mughals Explanation: Amaram was revenue unit under 'Araghatta' refers to water wheel used in Vijyanagar the irrigation of land Mokasa was revnue under Maratha. Educational objective: to know about Educational objective: to know about various terms of medieval India revenue system of different rulers in medieval period. 9. Key: D Explanation: 7. Key: A The memorizing of chronicles, dynastic Explanation: histories and epic tales was the profession  Ab'ul Hasan Yamīn ud-Dīn Maagadha. Khusrau (1253 – 1325AD), better Educational objective: to know about known as Amīr Khusrau Dehlavī various terms of medieval India

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