Ahom Military System
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers & Explanations
Subject: Assam History
Section: Ahom Period (1228–1826)
Topic: Ahom Military System
MCQ 1
The Ahom military system was primarily based on the:
A. Feudal levy system
B. Paik system
C. Mercenary army
D. Standing army only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Paik system formed the backbone of the Ahom military organization.
MCQ 2
Under the Paik system, military service was:
A. Paid and voluntary
B. Compulsory and hereditary
C. Limited to nobles
D. Reserved for tribal warriors
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Every adult male Paik had compulsory service obligations to the state.
MCQ 3
Which feature made the Ahom military system unique in medieval India?
A. Use of cavalry
B. Naval dominance
C. Service in lieu of taxation
D. Use of elephants
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Ahoms collected service instead of regular land tax, unlike most medieval states.
MCQ 4
A group of four Paiks was known as:
A. Hazar
B. Khel
C. Phukan
D. Barua
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Four Paiks together formed a Khel, the basic unit of organization.
MCQ 5
The Ahom military mainly consisted of:
A. Professional soldiers
B. Mercenaries
C. Citizen-soldiers (Paiks)
D. Foreign troops
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Ahom army was a citizen-based force, drawn from Paiks.
MCQ 6
Which officer commanded 100 Paiks?
A. Phukan
B. Barua
C. Hazarika
D. Gohain
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A Hazarika commanded approximately 100 Paiks.
MCQ 7
Which officer commanded around 1,000 Paiks?
A. Hazarika
B. Phukan
C. Barua
D. Gohain
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A Phukan was in charge of about 1,000 Paiks.
MCQ 8
The Ahom army was especially strong in:
A. Cavalry warfare
B. Mountain warfare
C. Riverine and guerrilla warfare
D. Desert warfare
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Ahoms excelled in river-based and guerrilla warfare, suited to Assam’s terrain.
MCQ 9
Which geographical factor supported Ahom military success?
A. Open plains
B. Coastal access
C. Rivers, forests, and wetlands
D. Desert routes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Natural features provided defensive advantage and mobility.
MCQ 10
Ahom soldiers were trained mainly to fight in:
A. Dry open fields
B. Mountain passes
C. Rivers and marshy lands
D. Desert terrain
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Ahom military adapted to riverine and swampy environments.
MCQ 11
Which military innovation strengthened the Ahom army in the later period?
A. Use of swords only
B. Adoption of gunpowder weapons
C. Use of chariots
D. Naval cannons only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Ahoms adopted firearms and cannons, especially during Mughal conflicts.
MCQ 12
The Ahom navy was mainly used for:
A. Overseas trade
B. River patrol and warfare
C. Sea battles
D. Piracy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Ahom navy operated on rivers for defense and warfare.
MCQ 13
Which Ahom ruler significantly strengthened the military system?
A. Sukapha
B. Suhungmung
C. Rudra Singha
D. Purandar Singha
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Rudra Singha reorganized and strengthened the Ahom military.
MCQ 14
The Ahom military system emphasized:
A. Heavy cavalry
B. Naval supremacy
C. Mass participation
D. Foreign alliances
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Military strength came from mass participation of Paiks.
MCQ 15
The Ahom army did not maintain a permanent standing army because:
A. It lacked resources
B. The Paik system provided manpower when needed
C. It relied on mercenaries
D. It followed Mughal practice
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Paik system ensured instant mobilization during war.
MCQ 16
Which military strategy helped the Ahoms defeat stronger enemies?
A. Direct open-field battles
B. Naval blockades
C. Guerrilla tactics and attrition
D. Siege warfare only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Ahoms used guerrilla warfare and prolonged resistance effectively.
MCQ 17
The Ahom military successfully resisted invasions mainly from:
A. British
B. Burmese
C. Mughals
D. Portuguese
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Ahoms repeatedly resisted Mughal invasions.
MCQ 18
Which battle highlighted the strength of the Ahom military system?
A. Battle of Plassey
B. Battle of Saraighat
C. Battle of Panipat
D. Battle of Talikota
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Battle of Saraighat (1671) showcased Ahom military superiority.
MCQ 19
The Ahom military hierarchy ensured:
A. Feudal fragmentation
B. Efficient command structure
C. Foreign dominance
D. Civilian control
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
A clear hierarchy ensured effective control and coordination.
MCQ 20
Which role did Paiks perform during peacetime?
A. Only military drills
B. Agriculture and public works
C. Trade activities
D. Religious duties
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Paiks worked in agriculture and public construction during peace.
MCQ 21
The Ahom military system contributed to:
A. Political instability
B. Colonial expansion
C. Long-term political stability
D. Economic decline
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Efficient military organization ensured political stability for centuries.
MCQ 22
Which group formed the base of Ahom military manpower?
A. Nobles
B. Traders
C. Common peasants
D. Foreign soldiers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Common peasant Paiks formed the military base.
MCQ 23
The Ahom military was best described as:
A. Professional mercenary force
B. Tribal war band
C. Citizen-based service army
D. Colonial force
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It was a citizen-based service army, not a professional standing force.
MCQ 24
Which factor later weakened the Ahom military system?
A. Mughal invasions
B. Breakdown of the Paik system
C. Loss of firearms
D. Naval weakness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Overburdening and misuse led to decline of the Paik system.
MCQ 25
The Ahom military organization reflects:
A. Feudal exploitation
B. Community participation
C. Colonial discipline
D. Industrial warfare
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Military duty was a collective responsibility of society.
MCQ 26
Which feature allowed quick military mobilization?
A. Standing army
B. Mercenary contracts
C. Paik rotation system
D. Naval bases
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The rotation system ensured manpower without economic disruption.
MCQ 27
Ahom military leadership was generally drawn from:
A. Foreign officers
B. Local nobility and officials
C. Religious leaders
D. Merchants
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Military leaders were local nobles and state officials.
MCQ 28
Which natural defense helped Ahoms resist repeated invasions?
A. Fortified cities
B. Mountain ranges only
C. Rivers and floodplains
D. Desert barriers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Rivers and floodplains acted as natural defensive lines.
MCQ 29
The Ahom military system played a crucial role in:
A. Colonial trade expansion
B. Maintaining Ahom sovereignty
C. Industrial growth
D. Religious reforms
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Military strength ensured Ahom independence for nearly 600 years.
MCQ 30
The study of the Ahom military system is important because it:
A. Explains British military policy
B. Reveals the basis of Ahom longevity
C. Focuses on Mughal warfare
D. Describes naval trade
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It explains how efficient military organization sustained Ahom rule.
✅ Prepared strictly as per APSC CCE syllabus
✅ Equally relevant for all competitive examinations requiring Assam History
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