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 311–320 of 333 questions
Browse Medieval Indian History chapters
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q311. In the question given below, there are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option: Assertion (A): The Varkari movement of Maharashtra successfully bridged the gap between religious devotion and practical household life. Reason (R): The saints of the Varkari tradition, such as Tukaram and Eknath, lived as ordinary family men rather than renouncing the world.
Explanation
The saints of Maharashtra effectively demonstrated that spiritual excellence does not require the renunciation of worldly duties. By living as ordinary householders and engaging in daily professional activities, they proved that devotion can be integrated into everyday life. This practical approach made their message highly relatable to the common masses, bridging the traditional gap between the sacred and the mundane.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q312. Sant Eknath of the Maharashtra Bhakti tradition is widely celebrated for his vernacular commentary on a major Hindu scripture. Which scripture did he comment upon?
Explanation
This influential saint played a vital role in making classical spiritual knowledge accessible by writing a comprehensive commentary on a major ancient text. His work focused on the portions of the scripture that emphasize devotion and righteous conduct. By translating and interpreting these complex ideas into the local Marathi language, he ensured that ordinary people could understand and follow the spiritual path.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q313. Which of the following saints is not historically associated with the Varkari tradition of Maharashtra centered around Lord Vithoba of Pandharpur?
Explanation
The devotional tradition centered in Pandharpur is characterized by a specific lineage of saints who focused on the worship of Lord Vithoba. Figures like Namdev, Jnaneshwar, and Tukaram are fundamental to this Maharashtrian movement. However, the philosopher mentioned as the exception belonged to a different school of thought and was primarily active in northern India, representing a distinct theological tradition.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q314. Find the odd one out among the following texts and concepts associated with the Maharashtrian Bhakti saints.
Explanation
The religious literature of the Maharashtra region includes profound commentaries and instructional texts that guide followers in their daily and spiritual lives. However, the compilation of verses mentioned as an exception belongs to a different northern tradition. While the others are rooted in the specific cultural and linguistic context of the western Deccan, this particular text reflects a more iconoclastic northern perspective.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q315. Consider the following statements regarding the spiritual practices in Sufism: I. ‘Zikr’ refers to the continuous recitation of the names of God. II. ‘Sama’ involves spiritual musical gatherings intended to induce mystical ecstasy. III. ‘Fana’ represents the annihilation of the self and spiritual merging with the Almighty. IV. ‘Tariqa’ is the Islamic legal code that all Sufis firmly rejected. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Spiritual practices in this tradition are designed to bring the seeker closer to the divine through focused remembrance and collective experience. These include the repetitive chanting of sacred names and musical gatherings that foster an atmosphere of mystical joy. The ultimate goal is the transformation of the self, though this path generally exists within a framework that respects established religious guidelines and laws.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q316. In the context of Sufism in India, what was the primary difference between the ‘Ba-shara’ and ‘Be-shara’ traditions?
Explanation
The Ba-shara Sufis followed Islamic law (shara), while the Be-shara Sufis were not bound by it. That was the main difference.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q317. Consider the following lists regarding Sufi Silsilas (orders) and their prominent figures or founders in the Indian subcontinent:
Sufi Orders
Prominent Figures
A. Chishti
i. Bahauddin Zakariya
B. Suhrawardi
ii. Khwaja Baqi Billah
C. Qadiri
iii. Moinuddin Chishti
D. Naqshbandi
iv. Shah Niamatullah
Which of the following is the correctly matched code?
Explanation
Different mystical orders in India were established and expanded by dedicated spiritual leaders. The most famous order was introduced by a saint in Ajmer, while another gained prominence in the northern regions through a different pioneer. Each order developed its own unique character and approach to spirituality, ranging from complete detachment from politics to a more formal adherence to traditional religious laws.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q318. Which Sufi order in India was known for its strict adherence to the Shariat and strong opposition to syncretic practices like music (Sama) and dance?
Explanation
One specific mystical order was distinguished by its rigorous commitment to traditional religious law and its firm stance against syncretic innovations. The leaders of this group were often critical of practices like music and dance, which they felt distracted from pure spiritual focus. They emphasized a more sober and disciplined approach to the mystical path, gaining significant influence during the later Mughal period.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q319. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the Suhrawardi Sufi order in India.
Explanation
Unlike some other mystical groups, the followers of this specific order did not see any conflict between spiritual life and material comfort. They often accepted official positions and royal gifts, believing that association with the state could be used to benefit the community. This pragmatic approach allowed them to exert significant influence within the political and social structures of the northwest regions.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Bhakti and Sufi Movements
Q320. Which of the following prominent Sufi figures does not belong to the Chishti Silsila?
Explanation
While several famous saints are associated with the lineage that prioritized spiritual music and detachment from the state, one prominent figure belonged to a different, more conservative order. This individual was known for his strict adherence to traditional religious law and his efforts to reform the spiritual practices of his time. His theological focus was fundamentally different from the inclusive and ecstatic Chishti tradition.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
311
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
312
(a) The Bhagavata Purana
313
(c) Nimbarkacharya
314
(c) Bijak
315
(a) I, II, and III only
316
(d) Ba-shara followed Islamic law, while Be- shara were not bound by it.
317
(a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii
318
(c) Naqshbandi
319
(a) Suhrawardi saints lived in poverty and strictly refused state patronage.
320
(c) Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi
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.
