Q111. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir earned the title ‘Bud Shah’ (Great King). What does this title fundamentally signify in the historical context of his rule?
Medieval Indian History: RAS Prelims MCQs
333 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on medieval Indian history are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the Delhi Sultanate, the Vijayanagar Empire and regional kingdoms, the Mughal Empire, the Marathas, medieval art, architecture, literature and music, and the Bhakti and Sufi movements. Each question has an answer and an explanation, and the formats match the exam: facts, statements, match-the-list and assertion-reason.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 111–120 of 333 questions
Browse Medieval Indian History chapters
Q112. Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Select the correct option.
Assertion (A): Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is often referred to as the ‘Akbar of Kashmir’.
Reason (R): He abolished the Jizya tax, prohibited cow slaughter, and extended liberal patronage to both Sanskrit and Persian scholars.
Assertion (A): Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is often referred to as the ‘Akbar of Kashmir’.
Reason (R): He abolished the Jizya tax, prohibited cow slaughter, and extended liberal patronage to both Sanskrit and Persian scholars.
Explanation
Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is often compared to the Mughal Emperor Akbar because of his remarkably progressive and liberal policies. He was one of the first Muslim rulers to abolish the Jizya tax and prohibit the slaughter of cows out of respect for the local population. His patronage of both Persian and Sanskrit literature, and his inclusion of diverse communities in high administrative roles, mirrored the inclusive statecraft later adopted by Akbar.
Q113. Which of the following statements regarding the Kashmir Sultanate under Zain-ul-Abidin is incorrect?
Explanation
The statement that Zain-ul-Abidin persecuted Kashmiri Pandits is historically incorrect; he was actually their great protector and benefactor. He ended the era of religious oppression, allowed the reconstruction of temples, and actively encouraged the return of the Pandit community. His other contributions, such as translating classical texts, introducing new crafts like paper-making, and building the island of Zaina Lanka, are well-documented and celebrated aspects of his rule.
Q114. Consider the following statements regarding Zain-ul-Abidin’s contributions to Kashmir:
I. He developed a vast network of canals for irrigation.
II. He revived the shawl-making industry by inviting weavers from Central Asia.
III. He strictly enforced Islamic criminal law on all his subjects, regardless of religion.
IV. He appointed Hindus to high administrative positions, such as his physician Shri Bhatta.
V. He patronized the historian Srivara, who continued Kalhana’s Rajatarangini.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He developed a vast network of canals for irrigation.
II. He revived the shawl-making industry by inviting weavers from Central Asia.
III. He strictly enforced Islamic criminal law on all his subjects, regardless of religion.
IV. He appointed Hindus to high administrative positions, such as his physician Shri Bhatta.
V. He patronized the historian Srivara, who continued Kalhana’s Rajatarangini.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Zain-ul-Abidin developed essential irrigation canals and modernized the textile industry by bringing skilled weavers from Central Asia. He maintained an inclusive administration, appointing Hindus like Shri Bhatta to senior roles and supporting historians like Srivara. However, he did not strictly enforce traditional Islamic criminal law on all subjects; instead, he allowed for legal pluralism and respected the customary practices of the different religious communities in Kashmir.
Q115. Prior to the ascension of Zain-ul-Abidin, which ruler of the Shah Mir dynasty was notorious for his severe persecution of Hindus and destruction of temples in Kashmir?
Explanation
Sultan Sikandar, also known as ‘Butshikan’ (the Iconoclast), was notorious for his fanatical policies and the systematic destruction of Hindu temples in Kashmir. His reign was marked by the forced conversion or migration of the local population. It was only after his period of religious intolerance that Zain-ul-Abidin ascended the throne and restored communal harmony, earning a place in history as a benevolent and enlightened monarch.
Q116. A candidate studying regional powers notes that a Rajput ruler built the Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) at Chittorgarh to commemorate a major military victory. Who was this ruler and whom did he defeat?
Explanation
Maharana Kumbha of Mewar constructed the magnificent Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame), also known as Vijay Stambha, at Chittorgarh to celebrate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa, Mahmud Khalji, in the Battle of Sarangpur. The tower is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture, covered with intricate carvings of deities and mythological scenes. It stands as a lasting symbol of Mewar’s military resilience and cultural pride in the 15th century.
Q117. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the options given below.
| Rajput Kingdom/Clan | Prominent Ruler/Founder |
|---|---|
| A. Mewar | i. Rao Bika |
| B. Marwar | ii. Maharana Sanga |
| C. Amber | iii. Rao Jodha |
| D. Bikaner | iv. Raja Bharmal |
Explanation
Maharana Sanga was the legendary warrior king of Mewar who challenged the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. Rao Jodha was the founder of Jodhpur and a key figure in the history of Marwar. Raja Bharmal of Amber was one of the first Rajput rulers to establish a matrimonial alliance with the Mughals. Rao Bika, a son of Rao Jodha, moved north to found the independent kingdom and city of Bikaner.
Q118. In the context of regional powers in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Battle of Khatoli was fought between which two rulers?
Explanation
The Battle of Khatoli (1517) was fought between Maharana Sanga of Mewar and Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi. Sanga won.
Q119. Consider the following statements regarding the Rajput kingdoms and select the correct option.
Statement I: During the 15th century, Mewar under Maharana Kumbha emerged as a formidable power that successfully checked the expansion of both Malwa and Gujarat sultanates.
Statement II: Maharana Kumbha was a great patron of arts and authored the treatises ‘Samarangana Sutradhara’ and ‘Manasollasa’.
Statement I: During the 15th century, Mewar under Maharana Kumbha emerged as a formidable power that successfully checked the expansion of both Malwa and Gujarat sultanates.
Statement II: Maharana Kumbha was a great patron of arts and authored the treatises ‘Samarangana Sutradhara’ and ‘Manasollasa’.
Explanation
Under Maharana Kumbha, Mewar checked the expansion of the Malwa and Gujarat sultanates, so Statement I is correct. Samarangana Sutradhara was written by Bhoja and Manasollasa by Someshvara III, not by Kumbha, so Statement II is incorrect.
Q120. Consider the following statements regarding the achievements of Maharana Kumbha:
I. He constructed numerous forts, the most prominent being Kumbhalgarh.
II. He authored several scholarly works on music, including ‘Sangita Raj’.
III. He successfully allied with the Delhi Sultanate to defeat the Gujarat Sultanate.
IV. He erected the Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He constructed numerous forts, the most prominent being Kumbhalgarh.
II. He authored several scholarly works on music, including ‘Sangita Raj’.
III. He successfully allied with the Delhi Sultanate to defeat the Gujarat Sultanate.
IV. He erected the Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Kumbha built many forts, notably Kumbhalgarh, wrote works on music such as Sangita Raj and raised the Vijay Stambha at Chittorgarh. He did not ally with the Delhi Sultanate to defeat Gujarat, so III is incorrect.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 111 | (c) His administrative benevolence, public infrastructure, and religious inclusivity |
| 112 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 113 | (d) He fiercely persecuted the Kashmiri Pandits and forced them to migrate out of the valley. |
| 114 | (a) I, II, IV, and V only |
| 115 | (c) Sultan Sikandar |
| 116 | (a) Maharana Kumbha defeating Mahmud Khalji of Malwa |
| 117 | (d) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 118 | (b) Maharana Sanga and Ibrahim Lodi |
| 119 | (b) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 120 | (d) I, II, and IV only |
Key facts from Medieval Indian History
- The RPSC syllabus names the Sultanate period, the political and cultural achievements of Vijayanagar, Mughal administration and policies, the Marathas, medieval art and literature, and the Bhakti and Sufi movements.
- Delhi Sultanate questions revolve around reforms: Alauddin Khalji’s market control and cash salaries, Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s public works and the Iqta system.
- Mughal and Maratha questions pair a ruler with a battle, treaty or institution, such as Panipat 1526, Khanwa 1527, Purandar 1665 and the Ashtapradhan.
- Art questions link monuments, painters and poets to their patron, for example the Buland Darwaza with Akbar and the Bani Thani with Savant Singh of Kishangarh.
- Bhakti questions test founders, philosophies and texts, such as Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita and Kabir’s Bijak.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Medieval Indian History?
This page has 333 practice MCQs on Medieval Indian History. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters are in the medieval Indian history set?
Six chapters: the Delhi Sultanate, the Vijayanagar Empire and regional kingdoms, the Mughal Empire (administration and policies), the Marathas, medieval art, architecture, literature and music, and the Bhakti and Sufi movements.
Is medieval history in the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. RPSC includes the Sultanate period, Vijayanagar, Mughal administration and policies, the Marathas, medieval art and literature, and the Bhakti and Sufi movements in the ancient and medieval part of Indian History.
How can I revise medieval history quickly?
Make a timeline of rulers, battles and treaties for each chapter, and a table of reforms, buildings and texts against their rulers. Then attempt the chapter questions, read each explanation, and repeat the ones you missed.