Q61. Find the odd one out among the independent provincial kingdoms that rose prominently during the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.
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.
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Q62. According to historical tradition, Harihara and Bukka, the founders of the Vijayanagar Empire, were initially feudatories of which of the following kingdoms before serving the Kampili state?
Explanation
Before establishing the Vijayanagar Empire, the brothers Harihara and Bukka served as feudatories of the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal. After the fall of Warangal to the Delhi Sultanate, they entered the service of the Kampili state. Their capture by Muhammad bin Tughlaq and subsequent conversion and reconversion led to the foundation of their independent empire in 1336.
Q63. Which of the following statements correctly defines the initial purpose behind the foundation of the Vijayanagar Empire by Harihara and Bukka in 1336 CE?
Explanation
The foundation of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1336 CE was fundamentally driven by the desire to resist the southward expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. It aimed to preserve and defend Hindu socio-cultural traditions and religious institutions from external pressures. Under the guidance of sage Vidyaranya, the empire emerged as a powerful bulwark for southern Indian political and cultural sovereignty.
Q64. Consider the following statements regarding the foundation of the Vijayanagar Empire and select the correct option.
Statement I: Vidyaranya, a prominent sage, is traditionally credited with inspiring Harihara and Bukka to establish the Vijayanagar Empire.
Statement II: The capital city was initially named Vidyanagara in honour of the sage before becoming known as Vijayanagara.
Statement I: Vidyaranya, a prominent sage, is traditionally credited with inspiring Harihara and Bukka to establish the Vijayanagar Empire.
Statement II: The capital city was initially named Vidyanagara in honour of the sage before becoming known as Vijayanagara.
Explanation
Historical tradition identifies the prominent sage and scholar Vidyaranya as the spiritual guide who inspired Harihara and Bukka to reclaim their heritage and establish an independent kingdom. The capital city was initially named Vidyanagara to commemorate his significant role and spiritual mentorship. It eventually became known as Vijayanagara, the City of Victory, symbolizing its military and political triumphs.
Q65. In the context of the foundation of Vijayanagar, what was the primary geographic significance of the Tungabhadra river valley?
Explanation
The Tungabhadra river valley was geographically vital as it contained the Raichur Doab, a fertile tract between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. This region served as a persistent zone of conflict between the Vijayanagar Empire and the Bahmani Kingdom. Control over its rich resources and strategic forts was essential for maintaining regional dominance and securing the empire’s northern frontier.
Q66. Match the items in List I with those in List II and select the correct answer using the options given below.
| Foreign Traveler | Ruler of Vijayanagar visited |
|---|---|
| A. Nicolo Conti | i. Deva Raya II |
| B. Abdur Razzaq | ii. Deva Raya I |
| C. Domingos Paes | iii. Achyuta Deva Raya |
| D. Fernao Nuniz | iv. Krishnadeva Raya |
Explanation
Nicolo Conti visited during the reign of Deva Raya I, providing detailed accounts of the city’s size. Abdur Razzaq, a Persian envoy, arrived during Deva Raya II’s rule and praised the empire’s wealth. Domingos Paes visited the court of Krishnadeva Raya at its height. Fernao Nuniz, a Portuguese horse trader, provided historical chronicles during the time of Achyuta Deva Raya.
Q67. Who among the following Sangama dynasty rulers earned the title of ‘Gajabetegara’ (the elephant hunter)?
Explanation
Deva Raya II, the most powerful ruler of the Sangama dynasty, earned the prestigious title of ‘Gajabetegara,’ meaning ‘the hunter of elephants.’ This title reflected his physical prowess and military achievements. His reign was marked by significant administrative reforms, expansion of the empire into distant southern territories, and the recruitment of skilled foreign archers to modernize the imperial army.
Q68. Which of the following statements about the Sangama dynasty is incorrect?
Explanation
The Sangama dynasty was founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, not Krishnadeva Raya, who belonged to the later Tuluva dynasty. Other rulers like Bukka I engaged in international diplomacy with the Ming Empire. Deva Raya I focused on internal development by constructing irrigation dams across the Tungabhadra. Harihara II adopted imperial titles like Maharajadhiraja to signify increased sovereign status.
Q69. Consider the following statements regarding the political consolidation under the Sangama dynasty:
I. Bukka I ended the Madurai Sultanate and incorporated it into the Vijayanagar Empire.
II. Deva Raya II initiated the practice of recruiting Muslim cavalrymen into the Vijayanagar army.
III. The Sangama rulers patronized only Shaivism and persecuted Jain scholars.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Bukka I ended the Madurai Sultanate and incorporated it into the Vijayanagar Empire.
II. Deva Raya II initiated the practice of recruiting Muslim cavalrymen into the Vijayanagar army.
III. The Sangama rulers patronized only Shaivism and persecuted Jain scholars.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Bukka I expanded the empire by defeating the Madurai Sultanate, an event famously chronicled in the Madura Vijayam. Deva Raya II recognized the tactical advantage of Muslim cavalry and archers, incorporating them into his forces to counter the Bahmanis. Contrary to claims of persecution, the Sangama rulers generally maintained a policy of religious tolerance, patronizing Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism.
Q70. Which of the following regions was not a major source of territorial conflict between the Sangama rulers of Vijayanagar and the Bahmani Kingdom?
Explanation
The Raichur Doab, the Krishna-Godavari delta and the Konkan were contested between Vijayanagar and the Bahmanis. Marathwada was not a main area of conflict between them, so C is the answer.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (c) Chola Empire |
| 62 | (b) Kakatiyas |
| 63 | (a) To defend Hindu traditions against the expansion of southern Sultanates |
| 64 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 65 | (d) It contained the strategic Raichur Doab, a zone of conflict with the Bahmanis |
| 66 | (c) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 67 | (b) Deva Raya II |
| 68 | (d) The Sangama dynasty was founded by Krishnadeva Raya after defeating the Bahmani Sultan. |
| 69 | (a) I and II only |
| 70 | (c) The Marathwada region |
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.