Medieval History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Nizam Shahi dynasty (1490 to 1633 AD) ended when the Mughals annexed Ahmadnagar in 1633. Hussain Shah, the last ruler, was captured and imprisoned for life by the Mughal forces, marking the dynasty’s end and strengthening Mughal control over the Deccan.

Option (b) is incorrect: Nizam-ul-Mulk, a key figure of the Nizam Shahi dynasty of Ahmadnagar, did not die as a result of battle with the Mughals. Instead, he passed away from natural causes.

Option (c) is incorrect: The son of Malik Amber, Fateh Khan surrendered to the Mughals in the siege of Daulatabad in 1633 and handed over the young Nizam Shahi ruler Hussain Shah to the Mughals who was sent as a prisoner to the fort of Gwalior.

Option (d) is incorrect: Malik Ambar was a prominent general and regent in the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, but he died in 1626, and the Nizam Shahi dynasty’s formal end came in 1636. Furthermore, the entire royal family was not killed by Mughal troops.

Explanation

The Vijayanagara Empire experienced notable dynastic transitions, beginning with the founding Sangama dynasty, which was replaced by the Saluva dynasty due to internal instability. This was followed by the rise of the Tuluva dynasty. All the Statements 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct:

The Vijayanagar Empire witnessed significant dynastic changes, beginning with Narasimha Saluva, who ended the Sangama dynasty and established the Saluva dynasty. Subsequently, Vira Narasimha seized throne by deposing the last Saluva ruler, and his younger brother, Krishnadeva Raya succeeded him and became one of the greatest rulers of the empire. Following his death, Krishnadeva Raya was succeeded by his half-brother, Achyuta Raya.

Explanation

Shankaracharya (8th century AD) established Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the non-duality of Brahman. He also established 4 mathas at Jyotirmath, Dwarka, Puri and Sringeri. Ramanuja (11th-12th century AD) later founded Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (qualified non dualism), advocating devotion to a personal god. He played a pivotal role in the Bhakti movement, promoting inclusive spirituality and reforming temple rituals. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (15th-16th century AD) was a key figure in the Bhakti movement in Bengal, popularizing devotional worship of Lord Krishna. Their sequence reflects the historical progression of these philosophical and devotional traditions.

Explanation

Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (1206-1210 AD) was the first Sultan of Delhi and the founder of the Mamluk dynasty. Aibak’s notable achievements include the construction of the Qutb Minar in Delhi, which is a symbol of Islamic architecture, and his efforts to consolidate control over northern India by defeating Rajput kingdoms and expanding his empire.

Option (d) is correct: Qutb-ud-din Aibak died in 1210 CE from a fatal accident while playing Chaugan (a Persian-origin game similar to polo). He fell from his horse during the match in Lahore and succumbed to his injuries. His death was accidental and occurred during a leisure activity, not due to treachery or battle. Other important rulers of the Mamluk dynasty are:

Shamsuddin Iltutmish 1210 - 1236 AD Raziyya Sultan - 1236 - 1240 AD Ghiyasuddin Balban - 1266 - 1287 AD

Explanation

Marathas were a prominent warrior group from the western region of India who rose to power in the 17th century under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj. They formed the Maratha Empire, which became the strongest native power in India following the decline of the Mughal Empire. Assertion (A) is correct: The Marathas emerged as a dominant force after the decline of the Mughal Empire due to their military strength, administrative capabilities, and extensive networks of alliances. Reason (R) is incorrect: Marathas did have a vision of a strong and unified empire under their control, but the idea of a "united Indian nation" as a political and cultural entity was not articulated in the way we understand the modern concept of a nation-state today. The Maratha Empire was driven more by regional, dynastic, and military ambitions rather than a unifying national ideology.

Explanation

The Saluva Dynasty is credited with stabilizing the Vijayanagara Empire after the decline of the Sangama Dynasty, restoring order and expanding its territories. Under Saluva Narasimha, the empire strengthened its military and administrative structures, ensuring its resilience. The dynasty also laid the groundwork for the prosperity that flourished under the subsequent Tuluva Dynasty. Assertion (A) is correct: Saluva Narasimha, a Vijayanagara Empire ruler in the late 15th century, is credited with ending the declining Sangama dynasty and founding the Saluva dynasty in 1485 CE. Reason (R) is correct: This shift was necessitated by internal rebellion and external threats from the Bahmani Sultanate and the Gajapati rulers of Odisha. His primary motive was to restore stability and prevent further disintegration of the empire. The assertion about his actions and the reason attributing these to his concern for the kingdom’s survival are both accurate, and R explains A effectively. Hence, R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation

The political situation in north-west India during early 16th CE was a suitable condition for Babur’s entry into India. Ibrahim Lodi came to the throne of Delhi in 1517 and aimed to establish a large centralised empire that had alarmed the Afghan chief as well as Rajputs.

Option (a) is correct: Alam Khan, who invited Babur to invade India was an uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi. Alam Khan along with Daulat Khan Lodi invited Babur to India. In the first battle of Panipat in 1526, Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur.

Explanation

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan’s failing health set off the war of succession among his four sons Shuja, Murad, Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb in 1657.

Option (c) is correct: The Battle of Dharmat was fought between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh on April 30, 1658, who were both vying for the Mughal throne. Aurangzeb emerged victorious in the battle.

Explanation

Jahandar Shah (1661-1713) was the 9th Mughal Emperor who reigned from 1712 to 1713 and he was the son of Bahadur Shah. After the death of Bahadur Shah, a new element entered Mughals’ political arena, in which nobles were ‘king makers,’ and rulers were only ‘puppets’ in their hands. Jahandar Shah was considered as the first Mughal India puppet ruler as he won the seat of throne with the support of Zulfiqar Khan, the most powerful noble of the time. Jahandar Shah’s reign came to an early end in January 1713. He was defeated in the battle at Samugarh (a city near Agra) by his nephew Farrukhsiyar on 10th January 1713 with the help of Sayyid Brothers. Farrukshiyar proclaimed himself the Mughal emperor after the battle.

Explanation

Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) used diplomacy and military campaigns to expand the Mughal Empire. Assertion (A) is correct: In 1580s, Akbar led his army to Kabul and defeated Hakim Mirza, the king of Kabul. When Hakim Mirza died, the territory of Kabul was annexed to the Mughal Empire. Reason (R) is incorrect: Akbar marched towards Afghanistan in 1580s to create a safety valve to this empire but not to reclaim his ancestral country of Ferghana in Central Asia.