Q301. In the teachings of Guru Nanak, the ultimate reality or God is described as ‘Akal Purakh’. What does this term fundamentally signify?
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 301–310 of 333 questions
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Q302. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Guru Nanak established the institutions of ‘Sangat’ and ‘Langar’ to promote social equality among his followers.
Statement II: The ‘Langar’ mandated that only people of the same caste could eat together in the community kitchen.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Statement I: Guru Nanak established the institutions of ‘Sangat’ and ‘Langar’ to promote social equality among his followers.
Statement II: The ‘Langar’ mandated that only people of the same caste could eat together in the community kitchen.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
To dismantle social hierarchies, the founder of this tradition established community institutions where followers could gather and share meals. These practices were revolutionary because they required people from all backgrounds to sit together on the same floor and eat from a common kitchen. This served as a practical application of the core teaching that all human beings are spiritually equal.
Q303. Consider the following statements about Guru Nanak:
I. He was born in Talwandi, now in Pakistan.
II. He rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Quran as the ultimate path to salvation.
III. His teachings emphasized the repetition of the Divine Name (Naam Japo).
IV. He undertook extensive travels known as Udasis to spread his message.
V. He strictly advocated for an ascetic life and detachment from household duties.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He was born in Talwandi, now in Pakistan.
II. He rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Quran as the ultimate path to salvation.
III. His teachings emphasized the repetition of the Divine Name (Naam Japo).
IV. He undertook extensive travels known as Udasis to spread his message.
V. He strictly advocated for an ascetic life and detachment from household duties.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The founder of this tradition was born in Punjab and traveled extensively to share his vision of a formless God. He prioritized the sincere repetition of the divine name and personal conduct over institutional scriptures or rigid rituals. Importantly, he rejected the life of an ascetic, teaching instead that true spiritual progress is achieved while fulfilling one’s responsibilities as a householder.
Q304. Identify the correct statement regarding the foundations of Sikhism laid by Guru Nanak.
Explanation
The spiritual vision of this leader was remarkably progressive, as he actively campaigned against social evils and championed the rights of the marginalized. He promoted the active participation of women in religious life and strongly opposed the prevailing customs that restricted their freedom. His focus remained on internal purity and social justice rather than the maintenance of traditional caste or gender hierarchies.
Q305. What was the most significant effect of the establishment of the ‘Khalsa’ by the tenth Guru, which evolved from the foundational teachings of Guru Nanak?
Explanation
The evolution of this community culminated in the creation of a group of saint-soldiers who were dedicated to defending the oppressed. This transformation was guided by a strict ethical and physical code, ensuring that the followers remained identifiable and disciplined. It successfully combined the foundational spiritual values of the early gurus with a new emphasis on resilience and social responsibility.
Q306. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu propagated a unique philosophy concerning the relationship between God and the individual soul. What is the name of this philosophical doctrine?
Explanation
The philosopher-saint of Bengal introduced a doctrine that explores the simultaneous oneness and difference between the creator and the soul. This concept is described as "inconceivable" because it transcends ordinary human logic. It suggests that while the soul is qualitatively the same as the divine, it remains quantitatively distinct, allowing for a deep and eternal relationship of loving service.
Q307. Consider the following statements regarding Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:
I. He popularized the practice of ‘Sankirtan’, which involved ecstatic group singing and dancing in praise of Lord Krishna.
II. He was heavily influenced by the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankara and preached absolute formlessness of God.
III. His teachings laid the foundation for the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition in Bengal.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He popularized the practice of ‘Sankirtan’, which involved ecstatic group singing and dancing in praise of Lord Krishna.
II. He was heavily influenced by the Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankara and preached absolute formlessness of God.
III. His teachings laid the foundation for the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition in Bengal.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The movement in Bengal was characterized by the popularization of collective chanting and dancing as a means of expressing spiritual joy. This approach moved away from abstract, formless philosophies and focused instead on the intense worship of a personal deity. These practices laid the enduring foundation for a specific school of Vaishnavism that continues to influence religious life in the region.
Q308. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spent a significant portion of the later years of his life promoting his devotional movement in which important pilgrimage center?
Explanation
After spending his early years in Bengal, this ecstatic saint moved to a major coastal pilgrimage site where he spent the remaining decades of his life. This location, home to a famous temple, became the center for his devotional activities and helped spread his influence across eastern and southern India. His presence there significantly enriched the local religious and cultural traditions.
Q309. Which of the following pairs of Bhakti saints and their popular epithets or titles is correctly matched?
Explanation
Spiritual leaders are often remembered by affectionate titles that reflect their physical appearance or spiritual qualities. The saint of Bengal was widely known by a name meaning "the golden-complexioned one" due to his radiant presence during devotional singing. This specific matching correctly identifies the popular epithet used by his followers to express their reverence and emotional connection to his life.
Q310. The devotional poetry of the Varkari saints of Maharashtra, characterized by its emotional depth and simplicity, is known by which specific term?
Explanation
The devotional songs composed in the Marathi language are known by a specific term that signifies "indestructible" or "unbroken" verses. These poems are dedicated to the deity at Pandharpur and are famous for their simplicity and emotional intensity. They continue to be sung by thousands of pilgrims during annual processions, serving as a powerful medium for expressing collective devotion and social equality.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 301 | (b) The timeless, formless, and immortal being |
| 302 | (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect |
| 303 | (b) I, II, III, and IV only |
| 304 | (c) He believed in the equality of women and opposed discriminatory practices. |
| 305 | (a) It created a martial community bound by a strict code of discipline. |
| 306 | (b) Achintya Bheda Abheda |
| 307 | (c) I and III only |
| 308 | (d) Puri |
| 309 | (a) Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - Gauranga |
| 310 | (b) Abhangas |
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.