Medieval History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The loss of Kandahar was a significant setback for the Mughal Empire due to its strategic importance. It was located in present-day Afghanistan and served as a vital buffer zone between the Mughals and the Safavid Empire, protecting the western frontier. Kandahar was also a key strategic stronghold, controlling trade and military routes with Central Asia and the Middle East. Its fortifications were crucial for projecting Mughal power into regions like Balkh, Badakhshan, and Herat. Losing Kandahar weakened the Mughal position in the northwest.

Explanation

The term Ahadis was used in the context of Mughal military service, specifically during the reigns of emperors like Akbar and his successors. Ahadis were soldiers who served in the imperial army.

Statement (1) is correct: Ahadis offered their services individually and were not part of a larger contingent. They were distinct in their roles and reporting structure.

Statement (2) is correct: They did not align themselves with any noble or chief but served independently.

Statement (3) is correct: Ahadis reported directly to the emperor and were considered elite troopers. Their services were provided to the central authority, bypassing local chiefs.

Statement (4) is incorrect: They did not attach themselves to Mirzas (a title for nobles or princes).

Explanation

The construction sequence is Qutub Minar (1193) > Tughlaqabad Fort (1321)>Lodi Garden (1451-1526)> Fatehpur Sikri (1571). Qutub Minar (1193-1220) construction was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish during the early Delhi Sultanate era. Tughlaqabad Fort was built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq as a fortified city during the Tughlaq dynasty. It was designed with robust defense mechanisms, including thick walls, towers, and a deep moat. Lodi Garden was made during the Lodi dynasty. The park is home to several notable tombs from the Lodi dynasty, including the tomb of Sikandar Lodi, the founder of the Lodi dynasty, and the tomb of Muhammad Shah Lodi, the last Sultan of the Lodi dynasty. Fatehpur Sikri was constructed by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period before it was abandoned.

Explanation

Akbar ascended to the throne of the Mughal Empire in February 1556, at the age of 13 years and four months. Akbar succeeded his father, Humayun, after Humayun died while Akbar was fighting a war to reclaim the Mughal throne. The Battle of Haldighati was a military conflict that took place in June 1576, between the forces of Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Akbar. Queen Elizabeth I granted the East India Company a charter on December 31, 1600, that gave the company the exclusive right to trade with the East. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj died on April 3, 1680, at Raigad after suffering for three weeks from fever and dysentery. Nadir Shah of Iran captured Delhi in 1739 after defeating the Mughal Empire in the Battle of Karnal. The battle was a turning point in the region’s history and marked the effective end of the Mughal Empire.

Explanation

Abul Fazl, a historian and one of Navratnas in Akbar’s court, mentioned the discovery of America by Europeans in his monumental work ‘Ain-i-Akbari’. His writings provide insights into Akbar’s court, administration, and cultural milieu, showing the reach of Mughal intellectual pursuits. Other important writings of the Abul Fazl are:

Akbarnama The History of Akbar Insh-i-Abu’l Fazl Persian translation of the Bible

Explanation

Balban (reigned 1266-1287) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly known for his strong and centralized rule. He was part of the Slave dynasty which began with Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of "Zil-i-Ilahi", which means "The Shadow of God" or "The Shadow of the Divine." This title was a reflection of his absolute authority and divine right to rule. By adopting this title, Balban sought to emphasize the sacred nature of his rule and his unquestionable authority, essentially equating his position with the will of God.

Explanation

Sufi orders, also known as tariqas, are mystical paths within Islam, characterized by a focus on spiritual purification, ritualism, and asceticism. These orders, such as the Naqshbandi, Qadiri, and Chishti, provide a framework for spiritual growth, emphasizing practices like dhikr (invocation), muraqaba (meditation), and sama (music and poetry) to attain spiritual stations and ultimately union with God. Assertion (A) is correct: Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti introduced the Chisti order in India in the 12th century. His teachings focused on love, humility, and devotion to God, and his dargah in Ajmer became a symbol of communal harmony. Reason (R) is incorrect: The Chisti order derives its name from Chisht, a village in present-day Afghanistan not Ajmer. The Chisti Sufis were instrumental in fostering spiritual and cultural exchanges in medieval India.

Explanation

The Mir Bakshi was a pivotal figure in the military administration under Akbar’s reign. They managed the recruitment, organization, and payment of the army. Additionally, they supervised military campaigns and oversaw overall military affairs. Diwan was the head of the revenue department in the provinces and oversaw revenue and finance. Mir Saman was in charge of the imperial household. He was responsible for managing the purchase and procurement of goods and supplies for the royal household, including furniture, clothing, and other necessities. Bakshi was head of the military department at provincial level.

Explanation

The Mahabharata has been a significant source of inspiration for numerous literary works across India, influencing many regional languages. Pair (a) is incorrectly matched: Saraladasa (born as Siddheswara Parida) was a 15th-century poet and scholar of Odia literature and not Bengali. He is best known for three Odia books - Sarala Mahabharata, Vilanka Ramayana and Chandi Purana. Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: Kasirama, an important figure in Oriya literature, is most renowned for his adaptations of the Ramayana rather than the Mahabharata. Pair (c) is incorrectly matched: Tikkana was a Telugu poet who contributed to Andhra Mahabharatam, not Marathi. Pair (d) is correctly matched: Pampa was a Kannada poet, who authored Vikramarjuna Vijaya, also known as Pampa Bharata, based on the Mahabharata theme. His rendition of the Mahabharata focuses on the story of Arjuna and his heroic exploits.

Explanation

Nastaliq is a highly stylized Persian script, known for its fluid and elegant appearance. Introduced to India during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, it was widely used in manuscripts, poetry, and royal decrees. This script reflects the cultural fusion of Persian and Indian traditions, particularly under the Mughal Empire. It remains a hallmark of Islamic calligraphy and is still used in Persian and Urdu writing today.