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 51–60 of 333 questions
Browse Medieval Indian History chapters
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q51. Consider the following statements regarding the Sayyid dynasty: Statement I: The Sayyid dynasty rulers never minted coins in their own names, instead using the names of Tughlaq rulers or Timurid princes. Statement II: The Sayyid dynasty controlled an empire larger than that of the Khaljis. Select the correct response regarding the above statements:
Explanation
The Sayyid dynasty rose to power in a period of great political instability. These rulers often recognized the nominal suzerainty of the Timurids and chose not to mint coins in their own names, instead using the names of previous Tughlaq kings. Furthermore, their territorial control was quite limited, and their empire was much smaller than the domains previously held by the Khalji dynasty.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q52. Bahlul Lodi’s theory of kingship was fundamentally different from the Turkish Sultans because:
Explanation
Bahlul Lodi treated the Afghan nobles as equals and called himself the first among equals, or Masnad-i-Ali. This tribal idea of kingship differed from the absolute rule of the Turkish Sultans.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q53. What was a direct economic consequence of Timur’s invasion (1398) on the Delhi Sultanate?
Explanation
Timur’s invasion of 1398 AD had a catastrophic impact on the economy of the Delhi Sultanate. The brutal sack of the capital led to a total collapse of its prosperity and urban life. Many skilled artisans, merchants, and scholars fled the city, seeking refuge in the emerging provincial kingdoms. This migration contributed to the cultural and economic growth of regional centers at Delhi’s expense.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q54. Identify the correct statement regarding the Karkhanas during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Explanation
Karkhanas were essential state institutions during the Delhi Sultanate, acting as large-scale royal workshops. These facilities employed numerous artisans to manufacture a wide variety of goods, ranging from everyday items for the royal household to specialized weapons and luxury textiles. They were managed by state officials and played a significant role in supporting the Sultan’s centralized administration and the military’s logistics.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q55. The central department known as ‘Diwan-i- Wizarat’ primarily dealt with:
Explanation
The Diwan-i-Wizarat was one of the most important central departments in the Delhi Sultanate’s administrative framework. Led by the Wazir, it was responsible for overseeing the state’s financial health, revenue collection, and expenditure. The department managed the royal treasury and kept detailed records of income from various sources, ensuring that the Sultan had necessary funds for administration and military campaigns.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q56. Identify the incorrect pair of a rebellion/ conflict and the reigning Sultan during which it occurred.
Explanation
The rebellion of the Amiran-i-Sada, or the centurions, was a major challenge that occurred during the turbulent reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, not Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Other significant conflicts included Tughril Khan’s revolt under Balban and the Mongol invasion during Alauddin Khalji’s rule. Additionally, the religious revolt of Sidi Maula took place while Jalaluddin Khalji was on the throne of Delhi.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q57. In the provincial administration of the Delhi Sultanate, what was the primary responsibility of a ‘Shiqdar’?
Explanation
In the provincial administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate, a Shiq was a territorial unit similar to a modern district. The Shiqdar was the chief executive official appointed to manage this area. His primary responsibility was the maintenance of law and order and the enforcement of the Sultan’s decrees. He also assisted other officials in revenue collection and provided essential military support.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q58. Firoz Shah Tughlaq established a translation department to:
Explanation
Firoz Shah Tughlaq was a ruler who showed a keen interest in literature and learning. He established a specialized translation department with the goal of making ancient Indian knowledge accessible to the Persian-speaking elite. This department focused on translating numerous Sanskrit works related to medicine, music, and philosophy into Persian. This cultural initiative helped preserve and integrate diverse intellectual traditions in the state.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q59. Identify the incorrect statement concerning the architecture of the Qutb Minar.
Explanation
The Qutb Minar is a landmark monument whose construction spanned several reigns, starting with Aibak and ending with Iltutmish. It features beautiful Quranic inscriptions and was later repaired by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. However, it was never intended to serve as a watchtower for spotting Mongol armies. Instead, it was built as a grand minaret for the adjacent mosque and a victory symbol.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q60. Consider the following statements about the causes of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s failure in shifting the capital to Daulatabad: I. The forced migration caused immense suffering and resentment among the citizens of Delhi. II. Daulatabad proved to be too distant to effectively defend the North-West frontier against Mongol threats. III. The severe lack of water supply in Daulatabad made sustaining a large population impossible. Which of the combinations of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The attempt to relocate the capital to Daulatabad failed for several interconnected reasons. The forced march of the entire population caused deep resentment and suffering. Furthermore, the new location was too far from the northern borders, leaving the frontier vulnerable to Mongol attacks. Finally, Daulatabad’s environmental conditions, particularly the inadequate water supply for a massive population, made it impossible to sustain.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
52
(b) He treated Afghan nobles as equals, calling himself ‘first among equals’ or ‘Masnad-i- Ali’.
53
(b) The collapse of Delhi’s prosperity, causing artisans and merchants to migrate to provincial kingdoms.
54
(a) They were royal workshops manufacturing goods required by the royal household and state departments.
55
(c) Financial and revenue matters
56
(d) Revolt of the Amiran-i-Sada (Centurions) in the Deccan - Firoz Shah Tughlaq
57
(c) He was the executive officer in charge of maintaining law and order within a Shiq (district).
58
(b) Translate Sanskrit texts on medicine and music into Persian
59
(d) It was originally built as a watchtower to spot Mongol armies approaching Delhi.
60
(d) I, II and III
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.
