Medieval History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The English East India Company established its first factory in India in 1613 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627). This historic milestone was achieved when Jahangir granted the Company permission to set up a trading post in Surat, following diplomatic efforts by Sir Thomas Roe. The factory in Surat marked the beginning of a sustained British commercial presence in India and was crucial for accessing the lucrative Indian spice and textile markets. Surat, being a major port city, was central to maritime trade in the Arabian Sea, attracting not only the British but also the Portuguese, Dutch, and other European powers.

Explanation

The Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built during King Devaraya II’s reign in the 15th century. Dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple is famous for its 56 musical pillars that produce melodic sounds when struck. Its most notable feature is the stone chariot in front of the Ranga Mantapa, dedicated to Garuda, with two elephants pulling it. The temple showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Explanation

Muhammad bin Tughlaq (reigned 1325-1351) was a controversial Sultan of Delhi known for his ambitious yet often failed policies, including the introduction of token currency and the shifting of the capital to Daulatabad. While his reforms aimed at modernizing administration, they led to economic instability and widespread discontent. Assertion (A) is correct: Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced a variety of coins during his reign, including a gold coin referred to as the Dinar by Ibn Batutah. His interest in monetary innovations is well-documented. Reason (R) is incorrect: Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s plan to introduce token currency was implemented using copper and brass coins, not gold. The intention behind issuing token currency was to address a shortage of precious metals and not to promote trade with West Asian and North African countries.

Explanation

The Lodi Dynasty (1451-1526) was the last Afghan ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. It was founded by Bahlol Lodi, Which marked the beginning of Afghan rule in Delhi, and ended with the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat, which led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire.

Option (c) is correct The correct chronological order of the rulers of the Lodi dynasty are as follows:

Bahlol Khan Lodi (1451-1489) established Afghan rule in Delhi after overthrowing the Sayyid Dynasty. Sikandar Shah Lodi (1489-1517)was son of Bahlol Lodi. He is known for administrative efficiency and establishing the city of Agra in 1504. Ibrahim Lodi (1517-1526) was son of Sikandar Lodi.His defeat by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat (1526) marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire.

Explanation

The Angkor Vat Temple, located in modern-day Cambodia, was built under the reign of King Suryavarman II (reigned 1113-c. 1150) of the Khmer empire. Originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it later became a major Buddhist center. The temple complex is a prime example of Khmer architecture and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Fig: Angkor Vat Temple

Explanation

Raja Wodeyar established the Wodeyar dynasty in Mysore, around the late 14th century. During this period, Venkata II (1586 to 1614) was one of the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire (1336 A.D to 1646 A.D.), which, despite being in decline, continued to wield influence over southern India.

Explanation

Tukaram, a renowned Bhakti saint from Maharashtra, lived in the early 17th century, making him a contemporary of Jahangir (reign:1605-1627 AD). He is remembered for his devotional poetry (Abhangas) dedicated to Lord Vitthal, promoting equality, devotion, and moral values. His life and works contributed significantly to the Warkari tradition, which emphasized collective worship and a simple, ethical life.

Explanation

Abdul Hamid Lahori was a distinguished historian during the reign of Shahjahan (1628-1658), the Mughal emperor renowned for his architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Lahori is best remembered for his monumental work, the Padshahnama, a detailed chronicle of Shahjahan’s reign. This official record documents the emperor’s military campaigns, administrative reforms, cultural contributions, and architectural endeavors, offering valuable insights into the Mughal Empire’s zenith. Lahori’s work is regarded as a continuation of Akbar’s historian Abul Fazl’s style, blending meticulous historical recording with a grand narrative of the emperor’s glory.

Explanation

The English East India Company was granted permission to establish its first factory in Surat in 1613 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This decision was the result of Sir Thomas Roe’s successful diplomatic negotiations with the Mughal court, as he represented King James I of England. Surat, a thriving port city on the western coast of India, was a hub for international trade and was strategically chosen for its access to trade routes connecting India with the Middle East and Europe.

Explanation

Tughlaq dynasty (1320-1413) which was the third ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate was founded by the Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq who was commonly referred to as Ghazi Malik. Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah, another name for Mahmud Shah Tughluq was the final sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty to govern the Islamic Delhi Sultanate. The list of rulers who ruled the Tughlaq dynasty are:

Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq - 1320-25 Muhammed Bin Tuglaq - 1325-51 Feroz Shah Tughlaq - 1351-88 Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq shah II 1388-1390 Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah 1390-1394 Mahmud Shah Tughlaq 1394-1412