Medieval History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Chengiz Khan (1162-1227) was a Mongol ruler who established one of the largest empires in history by uniting the Mongol tribes and launching successful military campaigns across Central Asia, China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Iltutmish (reigned 1211-1236 AD) was the third Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, and during his reign, the Mongols, under the leadership of Chengiz Khan, attempted several incursions into the Indian subcontinent. In 1221, after the Khwarezmian prince fled into northern India, Chengiz Khan’s forces reached the Indus River and attacked the northwestern frontier of India. He successfully repelled the Mongol invasions, though the Mongols continued to raid the northwestern regions sporadically for some years.

Explanation

Bhakti saints were spiritual reformers who emphasized devotion to a personal god, transcending caste and social hierarchies. They used vernacular languages like Hindi to spread their messages of love, equality, and devotion.

Option (b) is correct:

A is matched with 3: Namdev, from Maharashtra, was a tailor and emphasized devotion to Lord Vitthal. B is matched with 2: Kabir, a mystic poet and social reformer, was a weaver who criticized religious orthodoxy. C is matched with 4: Ravidas, a cobbler by profession, challenged caste discrimination and advocated spiritual equality. D is matched with 1: Sena, a barber, is remembered for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. These saints’ professions underline the Bhakti movement’s commitment to breaking caste barriers and highlighting the dignity of labor.

Explanation

The Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) was a symbolic and ceremonial term often associated with structures built or designated during the Mughal period that signified spiritual or geographical connections to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.

Option (d) is correct: During the Mughal period, the port of Surat was referred to as Babul Makka due to its importance as a major trading port and its role in facilitating the pilgrimage to Makka.

Explanation

The Lingaraj Temple, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is one of the most important and revered temples in eastern India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be built in the 11th century during the rule of King Jajati Keshari of Somavamshi dynasty (9th century C.E. to 11th century C.E.). It is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture, showcasing intricate carvings and an impressive structure.

Explanation

Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1580-1627 AD) of Bijapur sultanate was known for promoting religious harmony and blending Hindu-Muslim traditions in music, art, and literature. His secular outlook earned him the title ’Jagadguru’ (World Teacher) among his subjects. He also wrote a book called ’Kitab-i-Nauras’, which discussed religious tolerance and philosophical ideas. Gulshan- i-Ishq was one of his portraits made after his death.

Explanation

Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720 AD) became the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire in 1714 during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the grandson of Shivaji Maharaj. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in strengthening the administration of the Maratha Empire and ensuring the centralization of power under the Peshwa system. His leadership set the stage for the Maratha Empire’s expansion in the 18th century.

Explanation

Iqta is associated with the Delhi Sultans, this system involves land grants assigned to officials (Iqtadars) for revenue collection and administrative responsibilities. Jagir term was pertinent to the Mughals, this was a system where land revenue rights were assigned to officials as compensation for their services. Amaram is associated with the Vijayanagara Empire, this term referred to land assignments granted to military officers (Amaranayakas) who were responsible for providing troops to the central authority. Mokasa - Relevant to the Marathas, it referred to revenue assignments given to local officials or chiefs.

Explanation

The Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1193. It was later completed by his successor Iltutmish in the early 13th century. It is a victory tower or minaret that was constructed to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India and to celebrate Qutb-ud-Din Aibak’s victory over the Rajputs. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq is credited with having repaired the tower in the 14th century after it was damaged by lightning. The Qutub Minar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a Delhi Sultan known for administrative reforms, died in 1388 A.D. Firoz Shah introduced the Faujdar system and created the post of Shiqdar (District head). Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Calicut in 1498 marked the beginning of Portuguese maritime influence in India. Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara (1509-1529 A.D) was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, contributing to military, administrative, and cultural advancements.

Explanation

In the Jagirdari System, land was assigned to feudal landlords or nobles (Jagirdars) in exchange for administrative or military service. The land granted to Jagirdars was not permanently owned by them. They were assigned the revenue rights of the land for a fixed term. Under the Zamindari System, intermediaries (Zamindars) collected revenue from peasants and passed it to the government. They did not own the land but had the right to collect taxes from the peasants in exchange for keeping a portion of the collected revenue. In the Ryotwari System, individual peasants (Ryots) owned the land directly and had the right to sublet, mortgage, or sell it. It was mainly implemented in areas like Madras, Bombay, and parts of Assam. The Mahalwari System involved revenue collection based on the collective responsibility of an entire village (Mahal). The head of the village, often a local leader or a prominent landowner, would be responsible for paying the land tax for the entire group of villages.

Explanation

Abdul Qadir Badayuni was an Indian historian, writer, and translator who lived during the Mughal Empire. He is notable for translating key Hindu texts, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (Razmnama), into Persian.

Option (c) is correct: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (1325-1351) was known for his controversial and ambitious policies. It includes the:

Introduction of token currency Shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, and aggressive expansionist campaigns. The quote "The king was freed from his people and they from their king" was made by Badauni on the death of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.