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 261–270 of 333 questions
Browse Medieval Indian History chapters
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q261. Match List I (Classical Music Form/Term) with List II (Description): List I: (Classical Music Form/Term) A. Dhrupad B. Khayal C. Tarana D. Thumri List II: (Description) i. A semi-classical form known for its romantic and emotive expression ii. A majestic, rigorous, and spiritually focused classical vocal style iii. A rhythmic vocal form utilizing meaningless syllables iv. A flexible, imaginative classical style literally meaning ‘imagination’ Select the correct code:
Explanation
Indian classical music includes diverse forms. Dhrupad is a majestic, spiritually focused style with a rigid structure.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q262. In the context of medieval Indian classical music, which of the following defines the ‘Khayal’ style of singing?
Explanation
Khayal is a vocal form that gives the singer more freedom to improvise than Dhrupad does. It became popular in the late medieval period.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q263. Which of the following statements regarding the Dhrupad style of classical music is incorrect?
Explanation
Dhrupad is one of the oldest forms of North Indian classical music, has devotional themes and was patronised by Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior. It is accompanied by the Pakhawaj, so A is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q264. Consider the following statements regarding the synthesis of music in medieval India: Statement I: Amir Khusrau is traditionally credited with introducing several Perso-Arabic ragas like Aiman and Sazgiri into Indian classical music. Statement II: The Mughal emperors, particularly Aurangzeb, heavily patronized classical music, leading to its greatest period of imperial expansion. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Amir Khusrau is credited with introducing Perso-Arabic ragas such as Aiman and Sazgiri, so Statement I is correct. Aurangzeb disliked music at court, so Statement II is incorrect.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q265. The spiritual musical form of Qawwali, which deeply influenced medieval North Indian musical traditions, was fundamentally popularized in India by which of the following groups?
Explanation
Qawwali was popularised by the Sufi mystics, especially the Chishti order in North India.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q266. Consider the following statements regarding Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan’s reign: Statement I: There was a distinct transition from the robust red sandstone architecture of Akbar to the refined elegance of white marble. Statement II: The use of the cusped arch and bulbous dome became highly standardized and visually prominent. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Under Shah Jahan, Mughal buildings moved from the red sandstone of Akbar to refined white marble, and the cusped arch and bulbous dome became standard. Both statements are correct.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q267. Identify the odd one out among the following musical instruments, based on the tradition that Amir Khusrau is historically credited with inventing or heavily modifying them:
Explanation
Tradition credits Amir Khusrau with inventing or modifying the Sitar and the Tabla, but not the Veena, which is an ancient instrument. So the Veena is the odd one out.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
Q268. Which of the following is an exception, NOT being a Raga traditionally attributed to the creation of Miyan Tansen?
Explanation
Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi and Darbari Kanada are attributed to Tansen. Raga Bhairavi is not, so it is the exception.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q269. Which of the following was a primary catalyst for the emergence of the Bhakti movement in early medieval India?
Explanation
The movement emerged as a powerful response to the social stagnation of medieval India. Caste rigidities and the exclusionary nature of complex rituals made religious practice inaccessible to the lower strata of society. By emphasizing personal devotion over institutionalized ceremonies, this movement provided a spiritual path that transcended social barriers and simplified divine connection for seekers from every background.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q270. The Bhakti movement fundamentally transformed religious worship in India. Which of the following best defines the core philosophy of the movement?
Explanation
This transformative spiritual shift emphasized a profound and direct link between the individual and the divine. Instead of relying on mechanical rituals or priestly mediation, it prioritized intense love and emotional attachment. This core philosophy made spiritual liberation attainable for all people, regardless of their social standing or educational background, by focusing on inner sincerity and heartfelt worship instead of dogma.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
261
(a) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i
262
(a) A highly improvisational vocal form offering greater freedom to the artist than Dhrupad.
263
(a) It completely prohibits the use of the Pakhawaj or any percussion instruments during performances.
264
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
265
(b) The Sufi mystics, particularly the Chishti order in the North.
266
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
267
(c) Veena
268
(a) Raga Bhairavi
269
(b) The increasing caste rigidity and exclusionary nature of Vedic rituals
270
(a) A personal, emotional bond of devotion between the devotee and divine
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.
