UPSC 2015 Medieval History Questions with Answers

Explanation

In the medieval era, feudalism was the predominant socio-economic structure.

Statement 1 is incorrect: As a political principle of organization that divided the power of lords, feudalism laid the foundations for a decentralization of political power, wherein the nobility owned land from the Crown in return for military service, and vassals were tenants of the nobles. The peasants were required to reside on their lord’s land and to offer him homage, labor, and a share of the production in exchange for military protection.

Statement 2 is correct: In a feudal system, land is the main economic resource, and it is the key to political power and authority. The feudal system is built around the concept of land ownership, where lords or landholders control vast estates and manage them with the help of vassals, peasants, or serfs. Land is granted in exchange for military service, loyalty, or other obligations, forming the basis for the entire administrative and economic structure.

Statement 3 is correct: One of the key features of the feudal system is the lord-vassal relationship, which forms the backbone of feudal society. A vassal is granted land (a fief) by a lord in return for military service, loyalty, and other obligations. This relationship is often hierarchical, with the vassal owing loyalty and service to a superior lord, who in turn may be a vassal to a higher lord or the king. The lord-vassal relationship is not just a social contract but a legal one, with specific duties and rights that define the relationship between the two parties.

Explanation

The 9th century saw the rise of a number of hill states, some of which maintained their identity until recent years, despite their wars with each other and frequent raids from the plain areas. Medieval Indian State Present Region Champaka Chamba (Himachal Pradesh) Durgara Jammu Kuluta Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) Malwa Central India Kamarupa Assam Trigarta Jalandhar Utkala Odisha Twipra Tripura

Explanation

Harihara I, along with his brother Bukka Raya I, laid the foundation for the city of Vijayanagara in 1336 on the south bank of the river Tungabhadra, a tributary to the river Krishna. Harihara I believed that the land south of the river Krishna belonged to the deity Virupaksha (a form of Lord Shiva). He undertook the responsibility of ruling the kingdom on behalf of this deity, considering himself as an agent of the deity. This reflects the deep religious and cultural connection to the land and the empire’s association with divine authority. The rulers of Vijayanagara were often referred to as the "servants of Virupaksha", showcasing their role as divine agents.

Explanation

Babur successfully conquered Bhira (1519-1520), Sialkot (1520), and Lahore (1524) in Punjab. The decisive encounter between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi took place at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. Despite having fewer soldiers, Babur’s army was better organized and strategically superior. Babur’s battlefield tactics were distinctive, he strategically flanked Ibrahim’s army on both sides while his cavalry launched a central assault using arrows and gunfire from skilled Ottoman gunners.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Gunpowder was first used in the Indian subcontinent during the 14th century earlier than Babur’s arrival. However it gained prominence during Babur’s campaign for control of Bhera in India in 1519.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The introduction of Islamic architectural details, such as true domes and arches, and the fusion of Indian and Islamic architectural forms were the Delhi Sultanate’s biggest contributions to Indian fine arts. This was much before the arrival of Babur.

Statement 3 is correct: The Timurids, an islamic Sunni dynasty, had two notable empires in history. The Timurid Empire (1370-1507) in Persia and Central Asia The Mughal Empire (1526-1857) in India.