UPSC 1999 Medieval History Questions with Answers

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.

Explanation

The Jama Masjid in Kashmir, completed under the patronage of Zain-ul-Abidin (1420 - 1470 AD), is renowned for its unique blend of architectural features, including Persian influences, turrets, and a resemblance to Buddhist pagodas. This architectural synthesis reflects Kashmir’s historical interaction with Persian culture and Buddhist heritage.

Explanation

The geography of southern India is characterized by hills, plateaus, and river valleys, which limited the availability of large expanses of fertile land. This led to the emergence of small regional kingdoms that adapted to local conditions and focused on maritime trade and self-sufficient economies, rather than forming expansive empires. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Iron was present and utilized for tools and weapons. Social divisions existed but were not a primary factor behind political fragmentation. Manpower scarcity was not a major issue in southern India.

Explanation

The Mughal Empire began in 1526 and lasted for over 200 years. At its peak it covered modern day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The empire was founded by Babur, a Muslim warrior prince from Central Asia, who descended from the Mongols. Several European travelers, including Ralph Fitch, William Hakins, Sir Thomas Roe, Francois Bernier, and Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, documented the Mughal Empire’s wealth, administration, society, and culture.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: William Hawkins visited Jahangir’s court as a representative of the East India Company. He gained favor with Jahangir and was granted trading privileges.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Sir Thomas Roe (1615-1619), an English ambassador sent by King James I to Jahangir’s court to negotiate trade rights for the East India Company.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French gem (particularly diamond) trader and traveler in the 17th century Tavernier visited India six times between 1630 and 1668 and provided invaluable accounts of trade, society, and the Mughal court, particularly during the reign of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. He also provided descriptions of the Peacock Throne commissioned by Shah Jahan.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Niccolao Manucci (1639-1717) was an Italian traveler who spent over fifty years in India during the Mughal period, primarily under the reign of Aurangzeb.

Explanation

Assertion is true: During Akbar’s reign, the Mansabdari system was an essential part of his military and administrative structure. The Mansabdar was a title given to officials who held military or civil offices. The Mansabdars were required to maintain a specific number of cavalrymen, and the ratio was set at 10 cavalrymen for every 20 horses. Reason is true: Horses needed rest during long marches, especially in difficult terrain or extended campaigns. Additionally, during war, horses might get injured or exhausted, and replacements were essential to ensure that the cavalry remained effective. Having extra horses provided the necessary logistical support for the Mansabdars to keep their cavalry functional during both long marches and active combat situations.

Explanation

Amir Khusrau (1253-1325) was a prolific poet, musician, and scholar during the Delhi Sultanate. He is credited with being one of the earliest to use a proto-Urdu form in his works, mixing Persian, Khari Boli, and Hindavi dialects, laying the foundation for Urdu poetry. He is regarded as the "father of Urdu literature" and played a crucial role in the development of this language. Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869) is renowned for his contributions to classical Urdu poetry, but he came centuries after Khusrau. Bahadur Shah Zafar (1775-1862) was a Mughal emperor and a poet, but not the first to use Urdu. Faiz Ahmed Faiz (1911-1984) was a modern Urdu poet known for poetry focused on social justice, resistance, and human rights.