Answer: (B) Mir Jumla

Explanation

Mir Jumla, a prominent merchant, military commander, and later a Mughal noble, presented the Kohinoor diamond to Emperor Shah Jahan. The diamond later became part of the Mughal imperial treasury and eventually passed through the hands of several rulers before reaching the British Crown.

Mir Jumla later served under Aurangzeb as a senior Mughal noble.

Answer: (B) Sher Shah

Explanation

Sher Shah Suri constructed and renovated the Sadak-e-Azam (Grand Trunk Road), connecting Sonargaon (East Bengal) to Peshawar. He also built sarais (rest houses), planted trees, and established postal and security arrangements along the route to promote trade and administration.

Sher Shah also introduced the Rupiya (silver coin) and reformed the postal and revenue systems.

Answer: (C) Fatehpur

Explanation

Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded several new towns during his reign, including Hisar (Hisar-i-Firoza), Jaunpur, and Fatehabad. However, Fatehpur was not founded by him. The most famous Fatehpur Sikri was established later by Emperor Akbar.

Exam Facts

• Founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq: Hisar, Jaunpur, Fatehabad, Firozabad.
• Jaunpur was founded in memory of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (Jauna Khan).
• Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Akbar in 1571 CE.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq also built the Firoz Shah Kotla fort in Delhi.

Answer: (C) Akbar

Explanation

Emperor Akbar abolished the pilgrimage tax in 1563 CE as part of his policy of religious tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul). In the following year (1564 CE), he also abolished the Jizya tax imposed on non-Muslims.

Answer: (C) Sher Shah

Explanation

Malik Muhammad Jayasi completed the epic poem Padmavat in 1540 CE, during the reign of Sher Shah Suri. Written in Awadhi, Padmavat is a Sufi allegorical poem that narrates the story of Rani Padmini of Chittor, interwoven with themes of love, devotion, and spirituality.

Answer: (B) Alauddin Khalji

Explanation

Alauddin Khalji paid his standing army in cash instead of granting them Iqtas. To ensure that soldiers could live on their salaries, he introduced a market control system that kept the prices of essential commodities low.

Exam Facts

• Implemented market control measures under the supervision of the Diwan-i-Riyasat.
• He maintained a large standing army.
• Introduced Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers) to prevent corruption.

Answer: (A) Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan

Explanation

The Baburnama, originally written by Babur in Chagatai Turkish, was translated into Persian by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan during the reign of Emperor Akbar. The Persian translation helped make the work widely accessible in the Mughal court.

Answer: (C) Guru Gobind Singh

Explanation

Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and last human Guru of the Sikhs. In 1699, he founded the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib to strengthen the Sikh community. Before he died in 1708, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.

Answer: (C) Ibrahim Lodi

Explanation

Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate and the last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty. He was defeated and killed by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE), which marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.

Answer: (B) Akbar

Explanation

Din-i-Ilahi was introduced by Emperor Akbar in 1582 CE. It was a syncretic ethical order that sought to combine the best principles of different religions. It was not a separate religion and had only a small number of followers.

Abul Fazl and Birbal were among those associated with Din-i-Ilahi, with Birbal being its most notable Hindu follower.

Answer: (C) Aurangzeb

Explanation

Aurangzeb assumed the imperial title Alamgir I, meaning “Conqueror of the World”, after ascending the Mughal throne in 1658 CE. He was the sixth Mughal emperor and ruled from 1658 to 1707 CE, the longest reign of any Mughal ruler.

Aurangzeb compiled Fatawa-i-Alamgiri, a compilation of Islamic law.

Answer: (A) Rajendra Chola I

Explanation

Rajendra Chola I adopted the title “Gangaikonda” (“The Conqueror of the Ganga”) after his successful northern campaign, during which he defeated several rulers and brought the waters of the River Ganga to the Chola kingdom. He also founded the new capital Gangaikondacholapuram.

Also Famous for naval expeditions to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (Srivijaya).

Answer: (C) Krishnadevaraya

Explanation

Amuktamalyada is a famous Telugu epic poem written by Krishnadevaraya, the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. The work narrates the story of Andal (Goda Devi) and emphasizes devotion (Bhakti) and ideal kingship.

Krishnadevaraya’s court was famous for the Ashtadiggajas (Eight Great Telugu Poets).

Answer: (D) Amir Khusru

Explanation

Amir Khusru was a renowned Persian poet, scholar, musician, and court chronicler of the Delhi Sultanate. He was popularly known as “Tuti-i-Hind” (Parrot of India) for his extraordinary literary talent. He served in the courts of several Delhi Sultans, especially Alauddin Khalji.

Exam Facts

• Disciple of: Nizamuddin Auliya
• Regarded as a pioneer of Hindustani classical music and credited with popularizing the Qawwali tradition.

Answer: (A) Alauddin Khalji

Explanation

Alauddin Khalji was the first Delhi Sultan to organize systematic military expeditions to the Deccan. His general Malik Kafur led successful campaigns against the kingdoms of Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai, bringing them under the influence of the Delhi Sultanate.

Answer: (B) Balban

Explanation

Ghiyasuddin Balban was the first Delhi Sultan to introduce the North-West Frontier Policy to protect the Sultanate from repeated Mongol invasions. He strengthened frontier forts, stationed permanent troops, and appointed trusted officers to guard the north-western borders.

Exam Facts

• Introduced North-West Frontier Policy: Balban
• Objective: Protection against Mongol invasions
• Strengthened frontier forts and military outposts.
• Balban also followed the policy of Blood and Iron to maintain law and order.

Answer: (A) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi

Explanation

The First Battle of Panipat was fought on 21 April 1526 between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi using superior military tactics and artillery, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.

Answer: (C) Sikandar Shah

Explanation

The Adina Mosque at Pandua (Malda, West Bengal) was built by Sultan Sikandar Shah of the Ilyas Shahi Dynasty in 1373–1375 CE. It was one of the largest mosques in the Indian subcontinent during the medieval period and reflects the grandeur of the Bengal Sultanate.

Answer: (C) Ajmer — Quwwat-ul-Islam (Kubbatul Islam)

Explanation

The pair Ajmer — Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is incorrect. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is located in Delhi and was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The famous mosque at Ajmer is the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.

Exam Facts

• Atala Masjid — Jaunpur (built during the Sharqi Dynasty)
• Jahaz Mahal — Mandu (Malwa), built during the Malwa Sultanate
• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque — Delhi, built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak
• Bara Sona Masjid — Gaur (Malda, West Bengal), built during the Bengal Sultanate

Answer: (C) Ahmednagar

Explanation

Chand Bibi was the Regent of the Ahmednagar Sultanate. She is best remembered for her courageous defence of Ahmednagar Fort against the Mughal forces led by Emperor Akbar in 1595–1596 CE.

She was also the Regent of Bijapur for a brief period before becoming Regent of Ahmednagar.

Answer: (A) Gulbadan Begum

Explanation

Humayunnamah was written by Gulbadan Begum, the daughter of Babur and the sister of Humayun. Written in Persian, it provides a firsthand account of the lives of Babur and Humayun and is an important source for early Mughal history. It was commissioned by Emperor Akbar to record the life of Humayun.

Answer: (B) Ilbari Turks → Khilji → Tughluq → Lodi

Explanation

The Delhi Sultanate was ruled by five successive dynasties. Among the options given, the correct chronological sequence is Ilbari (Slave/Mamluk) Turks → Khilji → Tughluq → Lodi.

Exam Facts

• Ilbari (Slave/Mamluk) Dynasty: 1206–1290 CE
• Khilji Dynasty: 1290–1320 CE
• Tughluq Dynasty: 1320–1414 CE
• Lodi Dynasty: 1451–1526 CE

Answer: (D) Alauddin Husain Shah

Explanation

Sri Chaitanyadeva (1486–1533 CE) lived during the reign of Alauddin Husain Shah (1494–1519 CE), one of the greatest rulers of the Bengal Sultanate. Chaitanyadeva preached the Bhakti movement, emphasizing devotion to Lord Krishna, while Husain Shah is remembered for his relatively tolerant rule.

Exam Facts

• Contemporary ruler of Chaitanyadeva: Alauddin Husain Shah
• Reign of Husain Shah: 1494–1519 CE
• Chaitanyadeva: Founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnava movement.
• Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami served in the court of Alauddin Husain Shah before becoming disciples of Chaitanyadeva.

Answer: (B) Akbar

Explanation

Buland Darwaza was built by Emperor Akbar in 1601 CE at Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his victory over Khandesh. It is one of the highest gateways in the world and an outstanding example of Mughal architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Answer: (C) Babur

Explanation

Babur introduced the Tulughma (also spelled Tulghuma/Tulughma) system of warfare in India during the First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE). In this tactic, the army was divided into centre, right, left, and flanking divisions, enabling the enemy to be surrounded. Babur combined this strategy with field artillery to defeat Ibrahim Lodi.

Answer: (A) Shamsuddin Iltutmish

Explanation

Shamsuddin Iltutmish is regarded as the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate. He organized the Iqta system, strengthened the army and administration, and introduced the standard silver Tanka and copper Jital coins, laying the foundation of a stable Sultanate.

Also, Received the Investiture (Manshur) from the Abbasid Caliph, legitimizing his rule.

Answer: (B) Selim (Salim)

Explanation

Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) arranged the assassination of Abul Fazl in 1602 CE. The act was carried out by Bir Singh Bundela, who intercepted and killed Abul Fazl while he was returning to Akbar’s court. Salim viewed Abul Fazl as an obstacle to his succession.

Abul Fazl was the author of Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari.

Answer: (D) Dara Shikoh

Explanation

Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, arranged the translation of about 50 Upanishads from Sanskrit into Persian. The translated work, titled Sirr-i-Akbar (“The Great Secret”), was completed in 1657 CE. Dara Shikoh sought to highlight the common spiritual ideas of Hinduism and Islam.

Dara Shikoh also wrote Majma-ul-Bahrain (“The Mingling of Two Oceans”), comparing Hindu and Islamic philosophies.

Answer: (C) Alauddin Khalji

Explanation

Alauddin Khalji was not a slave before becoming the Sultan of Delhi. He belonged to the Khalji Dynasty and came to power after assassinating his uncle and father-in-law Jalaluddin Khalji in 1296 CE. In contrast, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, and Balban were all originally Turkish slaves who rose to become Sultans.

Answer: (D) Krishnadeva Raya

Explanation

Amuktamalyada is a celebrated Telugu epic poem written by Krishnadeva Raya, the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. The poem narrates the story of Andal (Goda Devi) and reflects the ideals of Bhakti and righteous kingship.

Answer: (D) Akbar

Explanation

The Ain-i-Dahsala (Dahsala System) was introduced by Emperor Akbar in 1580 CE under the supervision of his Finance Minister Raja Todar Mal. Under this system, land revenue was assessed on the average produce and prices of the preceding ten years, ensuring a more systematic and uniform method of tax collection.

Also known as the Zabti or Bandobast system.

Answer: (A) A sermon read in the name of the ruler at Friday prayers.

Explanation

Khutba was the sermon delivered during the Friday (Jumu’ah) prayer in the name of the reigning ruler. Having the Khutba read in a ruler’s name was an important symbol of political sovereignty and legitimacy in the Islamic world.

Exam Facts

• Khutba: Friday sermon read in the name of the ruler.
• Reading the Khutba and issuing coins (Sikka) in the ruler’s name were symbols of sovereignty.
• Sikka refers to the right to issue coins.

Answer: (C) Iltutmish

Explanation

Shamsuddin Iltutmish introduced and systematically organized the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate. Under this system, officers (Muqtis/Iqtadars) were assigned Iqtas (revenue assignments) instead of being paid regular salaries. In return, they maintained law and order and provided military service to the Sultan.

Iltutmish is regarded as the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate.

Answer: (B) Ikhtiaruddin Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khalji

Explanation

Ikhtiaruddin Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khalji conquered Nadia (Nabadwip), the capital of the Sena dynasty, around 1204 CE, leading to the establishment of Turkish rule in Bengal. He also captured Bihar and is remembered for the destruction of Nalanda and Vikramshila universities during his campaigns.

Ikhtiaruddin Muhammad Bin Bakhtiyar Khalji Defeated Lakshmana Sena of the Sena Dynasty.

Answer: (C) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

Explanation

Ibn Battuta, the famous Moroccan traveller, came to India in 1333 CE during the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. The Sultan appointed him as the Qazi (judge) of Delhi. Ibn Battuta later recorded his experiences in his famous travel account, Rihla (Kitab-ul-Rihla).

Answer: (A) A rank or office

Explanation

Mansab means “rank” or “office.” The Mansabdari System was introduced by Emperor Akbar to organize the Mughal civil and military administration. Every Mansabdar was assigned a numerical rank that determined his status, salary, and military responsibilities.

The system was based on Zat (personal rank) and Sawar (number of cavalry to be maintained).

Answer: (D) The Vijayanagara Empire

Explanation

The Nayankara (Amaranayaka) system was an important military-administrative system of the Vijayanagara Empire. Under this system, Nayakas were granted land in return for maintaining troops, collecting revenue, and assisting the king during wars.

They were granted land (Amaram) in return for military service.

Answer: (A) Alauddin Khalji

Explanation

The Alai Darwaza was built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE as the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex in Delhi. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture and the first building in India to use true arches and true domes on a large scale.

Known for the use of true arches, true domes, and red sandstone with white marble decoration.

Answer: (C) Horses

Explanation

The Vijayanagara Empire imported large numbers of horses from Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia. Since quality war horses could not be bred effectively in South India, horse imports were essential for maintaining a strong cavalry.

Portuguese traders played a major role in the horse trade.

Answer: (B) 1191 A.D.

Explanation

The First Battle of Tarain was fought in 1191 CE between Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori. Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori, who returned the following year and won the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE), paving the way for Muslim rule in North India.

Answer: (B) Yield per unit area

Explanation

Under the Zabti system introduced by Akbar and developed by Raja Todar Mal, land revenue was assessed based on the average yield per unit area and the prevailing prices over a period of ten years (Dahsala System). Revenue demand was generally paid in cash.

Answer: (C) Malik Kafur

Explanation

Malik Kafur was the chief military commander of Alauddin Khilji during the Deccan campaigns (1308–1311 CE). He led successful expeditions against the kingdoms of Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai, greatly expanding the influence and wealth of the Delhi Sultanate.

Answer: (A) 1575 A.D.

Explanation

Akbar built the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 CE. It was established as a place for religious discussions and debates among Muslim scholars, and later included Hindus, Jains, Parsis, Christians, and other religious thinkers.

It laid the foundation for Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul (Universal Peace) and eventually influenced the formulation of Din-i-Ilahi.

Answer: (A) Sher Shah

Explanation

Sher Shah Suri introduced the Patta and Kabuliyat as part of his land revenue reforms. The Patta was a document issued by the state specifying the area of land and the revenue payable, while the Kabuliyat was an agreement signed by the cultivator accepting these terms.

These reforms were later adopted and refined by Akbar under Raja Todar Mal.