Medieval Indian History MCQs for Competitive Exams

📘 MODULE 2: Medieval Indian History MCQs

Topic: Medieval Indian History MCQs for Competitive Exams

🔷 SUB-TOPIC I: Early Medieval India & Regional Kingdoms (c. 600–1200 CE)

Q1. The beginning of Medieval Indian History is generally placed around:

A. 300 CE
B. 600 CE
C. 1000 CE
D. 1206 CE

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Indian historians broadly mark c. 600 CE as the transition from Ancient to Medieval India, with the rise of regional kingdoms.

Q2. Who was the most prominent ruler of the Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty?

A. Prabhakaravardhana
B. Harsha
C. Rajyavardhana
D. Bhojavarman

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Harsha ruled from 606–647 CE and unified much of northern India after the Gupta decline.

Q3. Which Chinese pilgrim visited India during Harsha’s reign?

A. Fa-Hien
B. Xuanzang
C. I-Tsing
D. Sung Yun

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) visited Harsha’s court and wrote Si-Yu-Ki, a valuable historical source.

Q4. The Chola dynasty was mainly located in:

A. Northern India
B. Eastern India
C. Southern India
D. Western India

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Cholas ruled the Tamil region and became a major power under Rajaraja I and Rajendra I.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC II: Tripartite Struggle & Rajput Kingdoms

Q5. The Tripartite Struggle was fought for control over:

A. Kannauj
B. Delhi
C. Ujjain
D. Pataliputra

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
Kannauj symbolized political supremacy, contested by Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas.

Q6. Which dynasty ruled Bengal during the Tripartite Struggle?

A. Pratihara
B. Rashtrakuta
C. Pala
D. Chalukya

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Pala dynasty, founded by Gopala, ruled Bengal and Bihar.

Q7. Rajput polity was mainly characterized by:

A. Strong central administration
B. Democratic institutions
C. Feudal structure and warrior ethos
D. Bureaucratic rule

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Rajput kingdoms followed a feudal system emphasizing valor, lineage, and land grants.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC III: Turkish Invasions & Foundation of Delhi Sultanate

Q8. Who was the first Turkish ruler to invade India repeatedly?

A. Timur
B. Mahmud of Ghazni
C. Babur
D. Muhammad bin Qasim

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Mahmud of Ghazni conducted 17 invasions mainly for wealth and plunder.

Q9. Who defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192)?

A. Mahmud of Ghazni
B. Qutbuddin Aibak
C. Muhammad of Ghor
D. Alauddin Khalji

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Muhammad of Ghor’s victory paved the way for Turkish rule in India.

Q10. The Delhi Sultanate was established in:

A. 1192
B. 1206
C. 1210
D. 1236

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Qutbuddin Aibak became the first Sultan in 1206 CE, founding the Delhi Sultanate.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC IV: Slave & Khalji Dynasties

Q11. Who was the founder of the Slave (Mamluk) dynasty?

A. Iltutmish
B. Balban
C. Qutbuddin Aibak
D. Razia Sultana

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Qutbuddin Aibak ruled from 1206–1210 CE.

Q12. The first and only woman ruler of Delhi Sultanate was:

A. Nur Jahan
B. Razia Sultana
C. Chand Bibi
D. Jahanara

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Razia Sultana ruled from 1236–1240 CE, breaking orthodox norms.

Q13. Who introduced market control measures to regulate prices?

A. Balban
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji introduced price control to maintain a strong army.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC V: Tughlaq & Sayyid Dynasties

Q14. Which Sultan transferred the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?

A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D. Sikandar Lodi

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The experiment failed due to poor planning and hardship.

Q15. Who introduced token currency?

A. Balban
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The token currency failed due to widespread forgery.

Q16. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known for:

A. Military expansion
B. Public works and irrigation canals
C. Price control
D. Religious persecution

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
He constructed canals, hospitals, and rest houses.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC VI: Vijayanagara & Bahmani Kingdoms

Q17. Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by:

A. Bukka and Harihara
B. Harihara I and Bukka
C. Krishnadevaraya
D. Devaraya I

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Harihara I and Bukka Raya established the empire to resist invasions.

Q18. The most famous ruler of Vijayanagara was:

A. Harihara I
B. Bukka Raya
C. Krishnadevaraya
D. Rama Raya

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Krishnadevaraya’s reign marked the golden age of Vijayanagara.

Q19. The Bahmani kingdom emerged mainly in:

A. Northern India
B. Eastern India
C. Deccan region
D. Southern coast

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Bahmanis challenged Vijayanagara in the Deccan.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC VII: Society, Culture & Economy

Q20. Persian became the official language during the:

A. Gupta period
B. Mauryan period
C. Delhi Sultanate
D. Vijayanagara period

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Persian was used for administration and court records.

Q21. The Iqta system refers to:

A. Land ownership
B. Tax farming
C. Assignment of revenue for military service
D. Religious grants

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Iqta system helped maintain army without direct cash payment.

Q22. Bhakti movement emphasized:

A. Ritual sacrifices
B. Personal devotion to God
C. Caste hierarchy
D. Monastic discipline

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Bhakti saints preached devotion beyond caste barriers.

🔷 SUB-TOPIC VIII: Decline of Sultanate & Historical Significance

Q23. The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate was the:

A. Sayyid
B. Tughlaq
C. Lodi
D. Khalji

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
The Lodis ruled till 1526 CE.

Q24. Who was the last Sultan of Delhi Sultanate?

A. Sikandar Lodi
B. Ibrahim Lodi
C. Bahlul Lodi
D. Alam Shah

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur in 1526.

Q25. The Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the beginning of:

A. Delhi Sultanate
B. Vijayanagara Empire
C. Mughal Empire
D. British rule

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Babur’s victory established Mughal rule in India.

Q26. Medieval Indian economy was largely based on:

A. Industrial production
B. Trade alone
C. Agriculture and land revenue
D. Mining

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Agriculture formed the backbone of medieval economy.

Q27. The main source for medieval Indian history includes:

A. Coins only
B. Architecture only
C. Chronicles, inscriptions, and travelers’ accounts
D. Oral tradition only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Persian chronicles and foreign travelers provide crucial data.

Q28. Which ruler abolished the practice of Sijda and Paibos?

A. Balban
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Akbar
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Akbar promoted liberal court practices and tolerance.

Q29. Medieval Indian polity can best be described as:

A. Democratic
B. Tribal
C. Monarchical with feudal elements
D. Republican

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Kings ruled with nobles and feudal intermediaries.

Q30. The importance of Medieval Indian History lies in its:

A. Continuous warfare
B. Political, cultural, and socio-economic transformations
C. Decline of civilization
D. Foreign domination only

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The medieval period shaped India’s administration, culture, religion, and society.

✅ Exam Relevance Note

These MCQs are strictly aligned with India-specific General Knowledge syllabi and are highly relevant for:

• UPSC & State PSC Examinations
• SSC, Banking & Railway Exams
• UG & PG Entrance Tests
• School & Board Exams (CBSE & State Boards)
• University & Competitive Examinations across India

• Medieval Indian history MCQs for UPSC

• Delhi Sultanate objective questions

• Medieval Indian dynasties GK MCQs

• Vijayanagara and Bahmani MCQs

• Medieval India history for competitive exams

• Turkish invasions and Delhi Sultanate MCQs

• Bhakti movement medieval India questions

• Medieval Indian polity economy culture MCQs

⭐

The Medieval Indian History MCQs in this module provide a clear, chronological, and exam-focused understanding of India’s medieval phase—from early regional kingdoms and the Delhi Sultanate to Vijayanagara, Bahmani rule, and socio-religious movements. Designed strictly as per India-specific GK syllabi, these MCQs strengthen conceptual clarity and factual accuracy for school, university, and major competitive examinations across India.

❓ FAQ Section

Q1. Why is Medieval Indian History important for competitive exams?

Medieval Indian History explains the evolution of administration, economy, culture, and religion, and is a high-weightage area in UPSC, PSC, SSC, and other exams.

Q2. Which topics are most important from Medieval Indian History?

Delhi Sultanate dynasties, Vijayanagara Empire, Turkish invasions, Bhakti movement, administrative systems, and important rulers are frequently asked topics.

Q3. Are Medieval Indian History MCQs asked in UPSC Prelims?

Yes, UPSC Prelims regularly include questions on Sultanate rulers, battles, reforms, cultural developments, and regional kingdoms.

Q4. Are these MCQs useful for school and board examinations?

Absolutely. The questions are aligned with NCERT Medieval Indian History, making them suitable for CBSE and State Board exams.

Q5. How should students prepare Medieval Indian History effectively?

Focus on chronology, major rulers, administrative systems, religious movements, and practice topic-wise MCQs regularly.

🎯 Targeting Exams

These Medieval Indian History MCQs are carefully designed for preparation of:

• UPSC Civil Services (Prelims)

• State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams

• SSC (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)

• Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)

• Railway Recruitment Exams

• Teaching Eligibility Tests (CTET, State TETs)

• UG & PG Entrance Examinations

• School & Board Exams (CBSE & State Boards)