🏛️ SECTION A – Sources of Medieval Indian History (1 – 15)
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Archaeology helps historians mainly to study –
(A) Political events (B) Material culture (C) Language changes (D) Religious beliefs
Answer: (B) Material culture
Explanation: Excavations reveal artefacts, tools, monuments, pottery – the basis of material life. -
The Qutub Minar was begun by –
(A) Iltutmish (B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak (C) Balban (D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: (B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation: Aibak started it; Iltutmish completed most parts. -
Epigraphy means –
(A) Study of coins (B) Study of inscriptions (C) Study of languages (D) Study of texts
Answer: (B) Study of inscriptions
Explanation: Inscriptions record land grants, royal orders, and religious dedications. -
Numismatics is the study of –
(A) Coins (B) Weights (C) Arms (D) Jewellery
Answer: (A) Coins
Explanation: Coins reveal economic, political, and religious details. -
The token currency experiment was introduced by –
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (C) Sher Shah Suri (D) Akbar
Answer: (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation: He issued copper coins equal in value to silver—later withdrawn. -
The term Daftar Khanna refers to –
(A) Royal archives (B) Court musicians (C) Treasury (D) Market office
Answer: (A) Royal archives
Explanation: It stored official records, firmans and akhbarat (newsletters). -
‘Firman’ means –
(A) Royal edict (B) Tax record (C) Village pact (D) Revenue book
Answer: (A) Royal edict
Explanation: Issued by Sultans or Mughal emperors granting rights or orders. -
‘Akhbarat’ in Mughal records were –
(A) News letters and reports (B) Revenue accounts (C) Judicial orders (D) Poems
Answer: (A) News letters and reports
Explanation: They conveyed daily intelligence from provinces to the emperor. -
The historian of Alauddin Khalji was –
(A) Zia-ud-Din Barani (B) Minhaj-us-Siraj (C) Ibn Battuta (D) Abul Fazl
Answer: (A) Zia-ud-Din Barani
Explanation: Author of Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi and Fatwa-i-Jahandari. -
‘Ain-i-Akbari’ is written by –
(A) Abul Fazl (B) Badaoni (C) Barani (D) Ibn Battuta
Answer: (A) Abul Fazl
Explanation: It describes Akbar’s administration and culture. -
The earliest Persian chronicle of the Delhi Sultanate is –
(A) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri (B) Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi (C) Ain-i-Akbari (D) Fatwa-i-Jahandari
Answer: (A) Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Explanation: Written by Minhaj-us-Siraj during Iltutmish’s reign. -
The famous traveller who visited Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s court –
(A) Marco Polo (B) Ibn Battuta (C) Niccolò Conti (D) Bernier
Answer: (B) Ibn Battuta
Explanation: His Rihla provides firsthand account of India (1333-1342). -
Abdur Razzaq visited which empire?
(A) Mughal (B) Bahmani (C) Vijayanagara (D) Maratha
Answer: (C) Vijayanagara
Explanation: He visited Deva Raya II’s court in 1440 CE. -
‘Bakhar’ literature is associated with –
(A) Marathi histories (B) Persian epics (C) Tamil poetry (D) Buddhist texts
Answer: (A) Marathi histories
Explanation: Bakhars record Maratha events in regional prose. -
Coins of Sher Shah Suri introduced the –
(A) Rupiya system (B) Copper token (C) Silver Dinar (D) Double tankha
Answer: (A) Rupiya system
Explanation: His silver rupiya became the model for later Indian currency.
⚔️ SECTION B – Delhi Sultanate (16–40)
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The Delhi Sultanate was founded by –
(A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak (B) Iltutmish (C) Balban (D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: (A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation: After Muhammad Ghori’s death (1206 CE), his slave Aibak declared independence and founded the Slave (Mamluk) dynasty.
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Razia Sultan was the daughter of –
(A) Balban (B) Iltutmish (C) Alauddin (D) Qutb-ud-din
Answer: (B) Iltutmish
Explanation: She ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE — India’s first and only woman Sultan.
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Balban adopted the title –
(A) Ghazi (B) Sultan-ul-Adil (C) Zil-i-Ilahi (D) Amir-ul-Umara
Answer: (C) Zil-i-Ilahi
Explanation: Meaning “Shadow of God,” to strengthen the divine aspect of kingship.
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Alauddin Khalji’s most famous economic measure was –
(A) Abolition of taxes (B) Market control (C) Land redistribution (D) Currency reform
Answer: (B) Market control
Explanation: He fixed prices and set up markets under a controller (Diwan-i-Riyasat).
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Who led Alauddin Khalji’s southern campaigns?
(A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (B) Malik Kafur (C) Balban (D) Firoz Shah
Answer: (B) Malik Kafur
Explanation: Malik Kafur conquered the Deccan kingdoms and brought immense wealth.
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Founder of the Tughlaq dynasty was –
(A) Ghiyasuddin (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (C) Firoz Shah (D) Mubarak Shah
Answer: (A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Explanation: Established rule in 1320 CE after defeating Khusro Khan.
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Muhammad bin Tughlaq transferred his capital from Delhi to –
(A) Lahore (B) Agra (C) Daulatabad (D) Gulbarga
Answer: (C) Daulatabad
Explanation: Attempted to control both north and south India; the experiment failed.
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Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s copper token currency failed because –
(A) People rejected it (B) Massive forgery (C) High inflation (D) Religious reasons
Answer: (B) Massive forgery
Explanation: Unauthorized minting made copper coins worthless.
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Firoz Shah Tughlaq is remembered for –
(A) Conquest of Deccan (B) Religious persecution (C) Canal irrigation (D) Navy organization
Answer: (C) Canal irrigation
Explanation: Built canals from the Yamuna and Ghaggar rivers for agriculture.
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The Sayyid dynasty was founded by –
(A) Khizr Khan (B) Bahlul Lodi (C) Mahmud Tughlaq (D) Mubarak Shah
Answer: (A) Khizr Khan
Explanation: He ruled Delhi in the name of Timur’s successors (1414 CE).
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The Lodi dynasty was established by –
(A) Sikandar Lodi (B) Ibrahim Lodi (C) Bahlul Lodi (D) Daulat Khan
Answer: (C) Bahlul Lodi
Explanation: Afghan origin dynasty; ruled 1451–1526 CE.
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Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur in –
(A) Battle of Khanwa (B) First Battle of Panipat (C) Battle of Talikota (D) Battle of Plassey
Answer: (B) First Battle of Panipat (1526 CE)
Explanation: Ended the Delhi Sultanate; began Mughal rule.
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‘Chahalgani’ refers to –
(A) Forty Turkish nobles (B) Revenue officials (C) Military posts (D) Village officers
Answer: (A) Forty Turkish nobles
Explanation: Council formed by Iltutmish to assist the Sultan.
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Which Sultan repelled Mongol invasions successfully?
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Balban (C) Ghiyasuddin (D) Firoz Shah
Answer: (A) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation: Defeated repeated Mongol attacks under Qutlugh Khwaja.
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The builder of Hauz Khas and Firoz Shah Kotla was –
(A) Balban (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (C) Ghiyasuddin (D) Iltutmish
Answer: (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Developed new city Firozabad and promoted architecture.
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Timur invaded India during the reign of –
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq (C) Sikandar Lodi (D) Khizr Khan
Answer: (B) Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq
Explanation: In 1398 CE, Timur plundered Delhi and left devastation.
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The Lodis were of –
(A) Turkish (B) Afghan (C) Persian (D) Arab origin
Answer: (B) Afghan
Explanation: They represented Afghan tribal aristocracy in Delhi politics.
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Which Lodi ruler founded Agra?
(A) Bahlul Lodi (B) Ibrahim Lodi (C) Sikandar Lodi (D) Khizr Khan
Answer: (C) Sikandar Lodi
Explanation: Established Agra as second capital in 1504 CE.
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The Slave dynasty was also called –
(A) Mamluk dynasty (B) Afghan dynasty (C) Khalji dynasty (D) Syrian dynasty
Answer: (A) Mamluk dynasty
Explanation: From Arabic “Mamluk,” meaning slave-soldier.
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Who completed construction of Qutub Minar?
(A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak (B) Iltutmish (C) Balban (D) Alauddin Khalji
Answer: (B) Iltutmish
Explanation: He completed the tower begun by Aibak.
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The Delhi Sultanate ended with –
(A) Timur’s invasion (B) Ibrahim Lodi’s defeat (C) Firoz Shah’s death (D) Sayyid decline
Answer: (B) Ibrahim Lodi’s defeat by Babur (1526 CE).
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The Sultanate’s official language was –
(A) Sanskrit (B) Arabic (C) Persian (D) Urdu
Answer: (C) Persian
Explanation: Persian became the court and administrative language.
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Who introduced hereditary nobility in Delhi Sultanate?
(A) Balban (B) Iltutmish (C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (D) Alauddin
Answer: (C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: He made offices hereditary, weakening central power.
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Which Sultan patronized historian Zia-ud-Din Barani?
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (D) Sikandar Lodi
Answer: (C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Barani wrote Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi under his patronage.
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Main reason for Sultanate’s decline –
(A) Hindu resistance (B) Mongol attack (C) Weak successors and Babur’s invasion (D) Economic crisis
Answer: (C) Weak successors and Babur’s invasion (1526 CE).
👑 SECTION C – The Mughal Empire (41–70)
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The Mughal Empire was founded by –
(A) Humayun (B) Babur (C) Sher Shah (D) Akbar
Answer: (B) Babur
Explanation: Defeated Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 CE.
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Babur’s memoirs are known as –
(A) Humayun-nama (B) Babur-nama (C) Akbar-nama (D) Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
Answer: (B) Babur-nama
Explanation: Autobiography written in Turkish (Chagatai).
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Humayun was defeated by –
(A) Sher Shah Suri (B) Akbar (C) Rana Sanga (D) Bahadur Shah
Answer: (A) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation: Lost at Chausa (1539) and Kannauj (1540).
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Sher Shah’s most important administrative reform –
(A) Token currency (B) Land revenue system (C) Religious policy (D) Slave abolition
Answer: (B) Land revenue system
Explanation: Introduced zabt and measured lands on the basis of fertility.
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Sher Shah introduced –
(A) Rupiya (silver coin) (B) Ilahi coin (C) Tankha (D) Dirham
Answer: (A) Rupiya
Explanation: Standardized silver coin used later by Mughals and British.
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Akbar became ruler at age –
(A) 12 (B) 13 (C) 16 (D) 18
Answer: (B) 13
Explanation: Ascended after Humayun’s death (1556 CE).
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Second Battle of Panipat (1556) was fought between –
(A) Akbar vs Hemu (B) Babur vs Ibrahim Lodi (C) Sher Shah vs Humayun (D) Aurangzeb vs Dara
Answer: (A) Akbar vs Hemu
Explanation: Akbar’s general Bairam Khan defeated Hemu.
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Akbar’s revenue minister –
(A) Birbal (B) Todar Mal (C) Man Singh (D) Tansen
Answer: (B) Todar Mal
Explanation: Devised Dahsala system—land measured, average yield fixed.
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Mansabdari system determined –
(A) Land revenue (B) Rank and salary of nobles (C) Judicial authority (D) Trade duties
Answer: (B) Rank and salary of nobles
Explanation: Each noble was assigned a mansab (rank).
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Din-i-Ilahi was started by –
(A) Akbar (B) Aurangzeb (C) Shah Jahan (D) Humayun
Answer: (A) Akbar
Explanation: Syncretic faith promoting tolerance (1582 CE).
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Akbar’s biography Akbarnama was written by –
(A) Abul Fazl (B) Badayuni (C) Barani (D) Abdur Rahim
Answer: (A) Abul Fazl
Explanation: Also compiled the Ain-i-Akbari.
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Jahangir was famous for –
(A) Architecture (B) Justice and painting (C) Wars (D) Rebellion
Answer: (B) Justice and painting
Explanation: Established “Chain of Justice”; Mughal art flourished.
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The English got permission to trade at Surat from –
(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (B) Jahangir
Explanation: Granted to Captain Hawkins (1613 CE).
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Shah Jahan’s reign is known as –
(A) Golden Age of Architecture (B) Conquest period (C) Reformation period (D) Decline
Answer: (A) Golden Age of Architecture
Explanation: Built Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid.
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Taj Mahal was built in memory of –
(A) Noor Jahan (B) Mumtaz Mahal (C) Jodha Bai (D) Gulbadan Begum
Answer: (B) Mumtaz Mahal
Explanation: Completed in 1653 CE.
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Aurangzeb re-imposed Jizya in –
(A) 1669 CE (B) 1679 CE (C) 1686 CE (D) 1700 CE
Answer: (B) 1679 CE
Explanation: Reversal of Akbar’s tolerant policy.
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Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns led to –
(A) Expansion and overstrain (B) Industrial growth (C) Peace treaties (D) British alliance
Answer: (A) Expansion and overstrain
Explanation: Drained treasury, caused Mughal decline.
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Battle of Samugarh (1658) fought between –
(A) Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb (B) Akbar and Hemu (C) Humayun and Sher Shah (D) Baji Rao and Nizam
Answer: (A) Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb defeated his brother during war of succession.
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Jizya tax was first abolished by –
(A) Akbar (B) Sher Shah (C) Aurangzeb (D) Humayun
Answer: (A) Akbar
Explanation: Abolished in 1564 CE to promote harmony.
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Fatehpur Sikri was founded by –
(A) Akbar (B) Sher Shah (C) Aurangzeb (D) Babur
Answer: (A) Akbar
Explanation: Built near Agra as his new capital.
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The Buland Darwaza commemorates –
(A) Akbar’s victory over Gujarat (B) Aurangzeb’s war (C) Shah Jahan’s coronation (D) Babur’s conquest
Answer: (A) Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.
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Mughal painting reached its height under –
(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (B) Jahangir
Explanation: Naturalism and portrait painting peaked.
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Official language of Mughal Empire –
(A) Hindi (B) Arabic (C) Persian (D) Urdu
Answer: (C) Persian.
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The Red Fort in Delhi was built by –
(A) Akbar (B) Shah Jahan (C) Aurangzeb (D) Sher Shah
Answer: (B) Shah Jahan.
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Aurangzeb died in –
(A) 1707 CE (B) 1699 CE (C) 1715 CE (D) 1720 CE
Answer: (A) 1707 CE
Explanation: Died at Ahmednagar; empire soon declined.
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The Mughal Empire reached its largest extent under –
(A) Akbar (B) Shah Jahan (C) Aurangzeb (D) Humayun
Answer: (C) Aurangzeb. -
Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul meant —
(A) Universal peace and tolerance (B) Heavy taxation (C) Forced conversion (D) Military conscription
Answer: (A) Universal peace and tolerance
Explanation: Sulh-i-Kul promoted religious tolerance and equal treatment of all subjects. -
Raja Todar Mal is best known for —
(A) Military reforms (B) Revenue settlement (Dahsala) (C) Building Fatehpur Sikri (D) Introducing Jizya
Answer: (B) Revenue settlement (Dahsala)
Explanation: Todar Mal standardized land measurement and revenue assessment under Akbar. -
The Mansabdari rank determined a noble’s —
(A) Land ownership only (B) Military and civil rank and salary (C) Religious status (D) Right to mint coins
Answer: (B) Military and civil rank and salary
Explanation: Mansabs fixed number of troops to be maintained and corresponding salary. -
Which Mughal emperor granted trading privileges to the English East India Company?
(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (B) Jahangir
Explanation: Jahangir allowed English traders to operate from Surat in 1613. -
Which Mughal ruler is associated with the construction of the Taj Mahal?
(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal (completed c.1653) as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. -
The Mughal architectural style reached its peak under —
(A) Humayun (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Monumental architecture (Taj, Red Fort) flourished under Shah Jahan. -
Aurangzeb’s reimposition of Jizya was primarily —
(A) An economic tax reform (B) A signal of orthodox policy (C) Introduced by Akbar (D) For financing the navy
Answer: (B) A signal of orthodox policy
Explanation: Reintroduced in 1679 to reflect Aurangzeb’s orthodox Islamic stance. -
Which foreign invader sacked Delhi in 1739 and looted the Peacock Throne?
(A) Ahmad Shah Abdali (B) Nadir Shah (C) Timur (D) Tamerlane
Answer: (B) Nadir Shah
Explanation: Persian ruler Nadir Shah defeated Muhammad Shah and plundered Delhi. -
Ahmad Shah Abdali is best known in Indian history for —
(A) Founding Hyderabad (B) Leading Third Battle of Panipat (1761) (C) Patronizing the arts (D) Establishing the Maratha confederacy
Answer: (B) Leading Third Battle of Panipat (1761)
Explanation: Abdali defeated the Marathas at Panipat, a major turning point. -
Which Mughal emperor attempted administrative reconciliation after Aurangzeb’s death?
(A) Bahadur Shah I (B) Farrukhsiyar (C) Muhammad Shah (D) Alamgir II
Answer: (A) Bahadur Shah I
Explanation: Bahadur Shah I (1707–1712) sought to stabilize the empire post-Aurangzeb. -
One major reason for Mughal decline in the 18th century was —
(A) Strong centralized bureaucracy (B) Court factionalism and rise of provincial powers (C) Technological superiority over Europeans (D) Population decline only
Answer: (B) Court factionalism and rise of provincial powers
Explanation: Nobles and provincial governors became independent, weakening central control. -
Which province became practically independent under Nawabs after Mughal decline?
(A) Gujarat (B) Bengal (C) Punjab (D) Rajasthan
Answer: (B) Bengal
Explanation: Bengal became semi-autonomous under powerful Nawabs like Murshid Quli Khan. -
The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by —
(A) Harihara and Bukka (B) Krishnadeva Raya and Achyuta Raya (C) Deva Raya I and II (D) Saluva Narasimha only
Answer: (A) Harihara and Bukka
Explanation: Sangama brothers established Vijayanagara c.1336 with support of Vidyaranya. -
The capital city of Vijayanagara was —
(A) Hampi (B) Bidar (C) Gulbarga (D) Bijapur
Answer: (A) Hampi
Explanation: Hampi (on the Tungabhadra) was the spectacular capital and cultural center. -
Krishnadeva Raya is associated with which literary work?
(A) Rajatarangini (B) Amuktamalyada (C) Ramcharitmanas (D) Akbarnama
Answer: (B) Amuktamalyada
Explanation: Telugu epic attributed to Krishnadeva Raya, who patronized literature and arts. -
The Battle of Talikota (1565) resulted in —
(A) Victory of Vijayanagara over Bahmani sultanates (B) Defeat of Vijayanagara and its decline (C) Establishment of Mughal rule in Deccan (D) Alliance between Vijayanagara and Portuguese
Answer: (B) Defeat of Vijayanagara and its decline
Explanation: Deccan Sultanates allied to defeat Vijayanagara, leading to its collapse. -
The Bahmani Sultanate later fragmented into —
(A) Five Deccan Sultanates (B) Eight Rajput States (C) Two Sultanates only (D) Mughal provinces
Answer: (A) Five Deccan Sultanates
Explanation: Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar emerged from Bahmani disintegration. -
Mahmud Gawan is best known as —
(A) Founder of Bijapur (B) A Bahmani vizier and reformer (C) A Maratha general (D) A Mughal poet
Answer: (B) A Bahmani vizier and reformer
Explanation: Mahmud Gawan instituted revenue and military reforms in Bahmani administration. -
Which Deccan Sultanate controlled Golconda and prospered from diamond trade?
(A) Bijapur (B) Golkonda (Qutb Shahi) (C) Ahmadnagar (D) Bidar
Answer: (B) Golkonda (Qutb Shahi)
Explanation: Golkonda region famed for diamond mines and prosperous trade. -
The Eastern Gangas are best associated with —
(A) Construction of Jagannath Temple at Puri (B) Founding of Vijayanagara (C) Establishing Lodi dynasty (D) Shipbuilding in Gujarat
Answer: (A) Construction of Jagannath Temple at Puri
Explanation: The Eastern Ganga dynasty (Odisha) patronized the Jagannath cult and temples. -
The Suryavamshi Gajapatis ruled primarily in —
(A) Bengal (B) Odisha (C) Gujarat (D) Malwa
Answer: (B) Odisha
Explanation: Powerful 15th-century dynasty resisting Bahmani and Gajapati rivals. -
Shivaji’s coronation and formal assertion of Swaraj took place in —
(A) Raigad (1674) (B) Pune (1670) (C) Satara (1650) (D) Surat (1665)
Answer: (A) Raigad (1674)
Explanation: Shivaji crowned himself Chhatrapati at Raigad fort in 1674. -
Shivaji’s council of ministers was called —
(A) Ashta Pradhan (B) Chauth Council (C) Peshwa Sabha (D) Durbar-i-Aam
Answer: (A) Ashta Pradhan
Explanation: Eight ministers handling different departments (finance, military, justice, etc.). -
Who was Shivaji’s famous naval commander?
(A) Kanhoji Angre (B) Kanhoji Dhond (C) Kanhoji Patil (D) Kanhoji Bhosle
Answer: (A) Kanhoji Angre
Explanation: Renowned Maratha admiral who defended Konkan coasts in the early 18th century. -
The first Peshwa who made the post hereditary and strengthened Maratha administration was —
(A) Balaji Vishwanath (B) Baji Rao I (C) Nana Phadnavis (D) Raghunath Rao
Answer: (A) Balaji Vishwanath
Explanation: He consolidated Peshwa power and set the foundation for later expansion. -
Baji Rao I is noted for —
(A) Naval conquests (B) Efficient cavalry and northern expansion (C) Building Taj Mahal (D) Signing Treaty of Surat
Answer: (B) Efficient cavalry and northern expansion
Explanation: Baji Rao I (1720s–40s) led rapid Maratha expansion into north India. -
Maratha Confederacy included which of the following powerful houses?
(A) Scindias, Holkars, Gaikwads, Bhonsles (B) Mughals, Safavids, Ottomans (C) Solankis, Paramaras, Kalachuris (D) Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras
Answer: (A) Scindias, Holkars, Gaikwads, Bhonsles
Explanation: These chiefs ruled semi-independently under nominal Peshwa authority. -
The Maratha defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was against —
(A) Nadir Shah (B) Ahmad Shah Abdali (C) British East India Company (D) Mughal forces
Answer: (B) Ahmad Shah Abdali
Explanation: Abdali (Durrani) defeated the Marathas, halting their northward dominance. -
A major cause of Maratha decline in the late 18th century was —
(A) Unity among chiefs (B) Internal factionalism and overstretch (C) Epidemic diseases only (D) Complete economic collapse
Answer: (B) Internal factionalism and overstretch
Explanation: Rivalries among Maratha houses and resource strains weakened them. -
Which treaty marked the beginning of British political influence over Marathas?
(A) Treaty of Salbai (1782) (B) Treaty of Bassein (1802) (C) Treaty of Purandar (1665) (D) Treaty of Surat (1775)
Answer: (B) Treaty of Bassein (1802)
Explanation: Signed by Peshwa Baji Rao II with the British, leading to greater British intervention. -
Which administrative innovation is attributed to Sher Shah Suri?
(A) Mansabdari (B) Provincial nawabs (C) Grand Trunk Road and improved postal system (D) Din-i-Ilahi
Answer: (C) Grand Trunk Road and improved postal system
Explanation: Sher Shah improved communications and state infrastructure. -
Which of the following was a significant consequence of Nadir Shah’s invasion (1739)?
(A) Strengthening of Mughal treasury (B) Looting of Delhi and weakening of Mughal prestige (C) Rise of Maratha Empire immediately (D) Establishment of Persian rule in India
Answer: (B) Looting of Delhi and weakening of Mughal prestige
Explanation: The sacking severely undermined Mughal authority and morale. -
The term ‘Daulat’ in Mughal administrative parlance usually referred to —
(A) Revenue only (B) State treasury and royal grandeur (C) Village council (D) Military camp
Answer: (B) State treasury and royal grandeur
Explanation: ‘Daulat’ connoted wealth, royal power, and state resources. -
Which factor most decisively enabled the rise of regional powers (e.g., Marathas, Nizams, Nawabs) after the Mughal collapse?
(A) Continued strong central bureaucracy (B) Weakening of central authority and rise of powerful provincial governors (C) Isolation from world trade (D) Immediate European conquest of entire subcontinent
Answer: (B) Weakening of central authority and rise of powerful provincial governors
Explanation: As central Mughal control eroded, local rulers consolidated autonomy and formed new states.