🏛️ SECTION A – Administration under the Delhi Sultanate (1–20)
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The nature of the Delhi Sultanate state was mainly —
(A) Theocratic (B) Theocentric (C) Secular (D) Republican
Answer: (B) Theocentric
Explanation: The Sultan ruled as the “Shadow of God” (Zil-i-Ilahi), guided by religion but not ruled by clergy. -
Who described himself as Zil-i-Ilahi (Shadow of God)?
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Balban (C) Iltutmish (D) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: (B) Balban
Explanation: Balban emphasized divine kingship and strict court discipline. -
The head of the military department under the Delhi Sultanate was —
(A) Wazir (B) Ariz-i-Mamalik (C) Qazi-ul-Quzat (D) Diwan-i-Riyasat
Answer: (B) Ariz-i-Mamalik
Explanation: The Diwan-i-Arz supervised the army and maintained records of soldiers. -
Who was in charge of correspondence and royal orders?
(A) Diwan-i-Insha (B) Diwan-i-Arz (C) Diwan-i-Rasalat (D) Qazi
Answer: (A) Diwan-i-Insha
Explanation: Managed royal letters and official documents. -
Diwan-i-Wizarat dealt with —
(A) Religious affairs (B) Military organization (C) Finance and revenue (D) Justice
Answer: (C) Finance and revenue
Explanation: The Wazir supervised revenue and expenditure. -
The head of religious and charitable affairs was —
(A) Sadr-us-Sudur (B) Qazi (C) Ariz (D) Wazir
Answer: (A) Sadr-us-Sudur
Explanation: Controlled grants, endowments, and implementation of Sharia. -
Who among the following first organized the Iqta system?
(A) Iltutmish (B) Balban (C) Alauddin Khalji (D) Firoz Shah
Answer: (A) Iltutmish
Explanation: Granted lands (Iqta) to nobles in lieu of salary and service. -
Under the Iqta system, the holder of an Iqta was called —
(A) Amil (B) Muqti (C) Mansabdar (D) Jagirdar
Answer: (B) Muqti
Explanation: Muqti collected taxes and maintained law in the province. -
Who was the first Sultan to separate military and civil functions of the Iqta?
(A) Balban (B) Alauddin Khalji (C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (D) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: (B) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation: He curbed nobles’ power by separating administrative functions. -
Law of succession during the Delhi Sultanate was —
(A) Strictly hereditary (B) By election (C) By nomination and military approval (D) Decided by clergy
Answer: (C) By nomination and military approval
Explanation: Sultan’s successor was chosen by nobles or army, not strictly hereditary. -
The local officer responsible for village revenue was —
(A) Patwari (B) Muqaddam (C) Amil (D) Qanungo
Answer: (A) Patwari
Explanation: Maintained records of land and revenue at village level. -
The officer in charge of law and order in towns was —
(A) Kotwal (B) Qazi (C) Amil (D) Muqti
Answer: (A) Kotwal
Explanation: Maintained policing, market supervision, and public order. -
The Sultan who appointed spies (Barids) to supervise officers was —
(A) Iltutmish (B) Balban (C) Alauddin Khalji (D) Firoz Shah
Answer: (B) Balban
Explanation: Created an intelligence network to curb rebellion. -
The provincial governor under the Delhi Sultanate was called —
(A) Subahdar (B) Muqti (C) Mansabdar (D) Zamindar
Answer: (B) Muqti
Explanation: Combined administrative and military powers at provincial level. -
The Sultanate’s judicial system was based on —
(A) Hindu Dharmashastra (B) Sharia law (C) British law (D) Customary law only
Answer: (B) Sharia law
Explanation: Islamic law interpreted by Qazis governed justice. -
Which Sultan introduced the price control and market system?
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (C) Balban (D) Iltutmish
Answer: (A) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation: Regulated prices of essential goods and wages. -
The Sultanate’s official language was —
(A) Arabic (B) Persian (C) Hindi (D) Urdu
Answer: (B) Persian
Explanation: Used for administration, record-keeping, and court culture. -
Who introduced the post of Amir-i-Kohi (supervisor of agriculture)?
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (D) Balban
Answer: (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation: Appointed to improve agriculture and irrigation. -
Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s main contribution was —
(A) Abolition of taxes (B) Establishment of canals and welfare works (C) New currency (D) Market regulation
Answer: (B) Establishment of canals and welfare works
Explanation: Built canals for irrigation and promoted public works. -
Which Sultan established hereditary nobility?
(A) Balban (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (C) Alauddin Khalji (D) Iltutmish
Answer: (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Made offices hereditary, weakening central control.
⚖️ SECTION B – Sher Shah & Mughal Administration (21–50)
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Sher Shah’s empire was divided into —
(A) Iqtas (B) Sarkars (C) Subahs (D) Jagirs
Answer: (B) Sarkars
Explanation: Sarkar → Pargana → Village hierarchy used for administration. -
Who introduced the silver ‘Rupiya’?
(A) Babur (B) Sher Shah Suri (C) Akbar (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (B) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation: The standard silver coin became basis of later Indian currency. -
Sher Shah’s land revenue system was based on —
(A) Measurement of land (B) Crop yield guess (C) Past revenue records (D) Military needs
Answer: (A) Measurement of land
Explanation: Measured fields and classified soil fertility. -
The emperor who first introduced ‘Chehra’ and ‘Dagh’ system for soldiers was —
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Sher Shah (C) Akbar (D) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: (A) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation: ‘Chehra’ (descriptive rolls), ‘Dagh’ (horse branding) ensured discipline. -
Akbar introduced which administrative system?
(A) Mansabdari (B) Iqta (C) Feudal (D) Zamindari
Answer: (A) Mansabdari
Explanation: Nobles ranked by Zat and Sawar. -
The revenue system devised by Todar Mal was called —
(A) Zabti (B) Dahsala (C) Batai (D) Kankut
Answer: (B) Dahsala
Explanation: Based on 10-year average of yields. -
The Mughal emperor who promoted religious tolerance through Sulh-i-Kul —
(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (A) Akbar
Explanation: Promoted peace among all faiths. -
The military head in Mughal central administration was —
(A) Mir Bakshi (B) Mir Saman (C) Sadr (D) Wazir
Answer: (A) Mir Bakshi
Explanation: Managed mansabdars and army records. -
The department of finance under Mughals was called —
(A) Diwan-i-Wizarat (B) Diwan-i-Arz (C) Diwan-i-Insha (D) Diwan-i-Riyasat
Answer: (A) Diwan-i-Wizarat
Explanation: Headed by Wazir; supervised revenue and expenditure. -
Jagirdar’s main duty was —
(A) Tax collection (B) Law making (C) Trade (D) Justice
Answer: (A) Tax collection
Explanation: Collected revenue from jagir (assigned land). -
Which Mughal system led to later financial crisis?
(A) Mansabdari (B) Jagirdari (C) Ryotwari (D) Zamindari
Answer: (B) Jagirdari
Explanation: Excess mansabdars led to jagir shortage in 17th century. -
Akbar’s ‘Zabt’ system was applicable in —
(A) All India (B) Core fertile areas (C) Deccan (D) Bengal only
Answer: (B) Core fertile areas
Explanation: Applied where regular surveys were possible. -
The governor of a Mughal province was called —
(A) Subahdar (B) Nazim (C) Tarafdar (D) Muqti
Answer: (A) Subahdar
Explanation: Controlled provincial administration and military. -
Provincial administration under Mughals had —
(A) Subah → Sarkar → Pargana → Village (B) Iqta → Fief → Village (C) Circle → Subah (D) Janapada → Gram
Answer: (A) Subah → Sarkar → Pargana → Village. -
Akbar’s revenue minister was —
(A) Raja Todar Mal (B) Man Singh (C) Birbal (D) Abul Fazl
Answer: (A) Raja Todar Mal. -
Under Mughals, Jagirdars were transferred —
(A) Every 3 years (B) Every year (C) Once in 12 years (D) Fixed for life
Answer: (A) Every 3 years
Explanation: Rotation prevented feudal independence. -
Mir Saman in Mughal court was responsible for —
(A) Household and stores (B) Finance (C) Military (D) Justice
Answer: (A) Household and stores
Explanation: Managed royal household, karkhanas, and gifts. -
The Qazi-ul-Quzat was —
(A) Chief judge (B) Military head (C) Tax collector (D) Religious teacher
Answer: (A) Chief judge
Explanation: Supervised Qazis in provinces. -
During whose reign did the Mansabdari system get over-expanded and decline?
(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (D) Aurangzeb
Explanation: Too many mansabdars, not enough jagirs. -
The Mughal emperor who introduced the Ilahi era —
(A) Akbar (B) Humayun (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (A) Akbar
Explanation: Started in 1582 CE with Din-i-Ilahi. -
The Mughal central administration was mainly —
(A) Feudal (B) Bureaucratic and centralized (C) Democratic (D) Federal
Answer: (B) Bureaucratic and centralized. -
‘Karkhana’ during the Mughal period referred to —
(A) Military camps (B) Royal workshops (C) Agricultural farms (D) Market yards
Answer: (B) Royal workshops. -
Who was known for maintaining a register of revenue and expenditure called ‘Dastur-ul-Amal’?
(A) Todar Mal (B) Abul Fazl (C) Aurangzeb (D) Jahangir
Answer: (A) Todar Mal. -
Akbar divided his empire into —
(A) 12 Subahs (B) 15 Subahs (C) 17 Subahs (D) 20 Subahs
Answer: (A) 12 Subahs initially. -
Under the Mughals, Batai system meant —
(A) Crop-share assessment (B) Cash assessment (C) Land tax (D) Military levy
Answer: (A) Crop-share assessment. -
Who introduced the post of Mir Bahr (Port Officer)?
(A) Sher Shah (B) Akbar (C) Aurangzeb (D) Jahangir
Answer: (A) Sher Shah
Explanation: Controlled ports and maritime trade. -
Faujdars were responsible for —
(A) Law and order (B) Education (C) Trade (D) Religion
Answer: (A) Law and order. -
‘Zamindars’ under Mughals were —
(A) Hereditary intermediaries (B) Government officials only (C) Tenants (D) Peasants
Answer: (A) Hereditary intermediaries. -
Main difference between Mansabdari and Jagirdari —
(A) Mansab = Rank, Jagir = Land assignment (B) Both same (C) Mansab hereditary (D) Jagir was cash salary
Answer: (A) Mansab = Rank, Jagir = Land assignment. -
Under Sher Shah, the chief judicial officer was —
(A) Qazi-ul-Quzat (B) Wazir (C) Sadr (D) Diwan
Answer: (A) Qazi-ul-Quzat.
🏯 SECTION C – Deccan & Maratha Administration (51–70)
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The Vijayanagara kingdom was founded by —
(A) Krishnadeva Raya (B) Harihara and Bukka (C) Narasimha Deva (D) Deva Raya II
Answer: (B) Harihara and Bukka
Explanation: They founded the empire in 1336 CE under the Sangama dynasty.
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The capital of Vijayanagara Empire was —
(A) Bidar (B) Hampi (C) Golconda (D) Warangal
Answer: (B) Hampi
Explanation: Hampi, on the Tungabhadra river, became a major cultural and economic hub.
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Vijayanagara Empire was divided into —
(A) Provinces called Rajyas (B) Provinces called Nadus (C) Iqtas (D) Mandalas
Answer: (B) Provinces called Nadus
Explanation: Administrative divisions were Rajya → Nadu → Sthala → Grama.
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The king of Vijayanagara was assisted by —
(A) Ashta Pradhan (B) Council of ministers (C) Subedars (D) Nawabs
Answer: (B) Council of ministers
Explanation: The king was supreme, assisted by a council handling different departments.
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Krishnadeva Raya belonged to which dynasty?
(A) Sangama (B) Saluva (C) Tuluva (D) Aravidu
Answer: (C) Tuluva
Explanation: The most famous ruler of the Tuluva dynasty; his reign (1509–1529) was the empire’s golden age.
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The Vijayanagara revenue system was based on —
(A) Share of produce (B) Land measurement (C) Cash assessment (D) Military collection
Answer: (A) Share of produce
Explanation: The state generally took 1/6th of the produce as tax.
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The Bahmani Sultanate was founded by —
(A) Alauddin Hasan Gangu (B) Mahmud Gawan (C) Yusuf Adil Shah (D) Quli Qutb Shah
Answer: (A) Alauddin Hasan Gangu
Explanation: He established the Bahmani kingdom in 1347 CE with capital at Gulbarga.
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The capital of Bahmani kingdom was later shifted from Gulbarga to —
(A) Bidar (B) Bijapur (C) Berar (D) Golkonda
Answer: (A) Bidar
Explanation: Later rulers made Bidar the capital for administrative convenience.
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Mahmud Gawan was famous for —
(A) Religious reforms (B) Military conquests (C) Administrative and educational reforms (D) Maritime trade
Answer: (C) Administrative and educational reforms
Explanation: As prime minister, he reorganized provinces and established a madrasa in Bidar.
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The Bahmani administrative head was called —
(A) Peshwa (B) Wazir (C) Amil (D) Mir Bakshi
Answer: (B) Wazir
Explanation: The Wazir or Peshwa headed finance and civil administration.
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Provincial heads under the Bahmani kingdom were known as —
(A) Tarafdars (B) Mansabdars (C) Muqtis (D) Jagirdars
Answer: (A) Tarafdars
Explanation: They governed Tarafs (provinces) and collected revenues.
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Which system of administration did the Bahmani rulers adopt from the Delhi Sultanate?
(A) Iqta system (B) Zamindari (C) Ryotwari (D) Mansabdari
Answer: (A) Iqta system
Explanation: Adopted from the northern model for land revenue.
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Shivaji’s council of eight ministers was called —
(A) Ashta Pradhan (B) Sabha (C) Panchayat (D) Durbar
Answer: (A) Ashta Pradhan
Explanation: Council formed the core of Maratha administration.
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The Peshwa in Shivaji’s administration functioned as —
(A) Commander (B) Chief Minister (C) Priest (D) Treasurer
Answer: (B) Chief Minister
Explanation: The Peshwa was the head of civil administration and chief adviser.
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The officer in charge of intelligence and record-keeping in Shivaji’s council was —
(A) Amatya (B) Mantri (C) Sachiv (D) Sumant
Answer: (B) Mantri
Explanation: The Mantri handled intelligence, espionage, and state records.
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Who was the finance minister in Shivaji’s council?
(A) Amatya (B) Panditrao (C) Senapati (D) Nyayadhish
Answer: (A) Amatya
Explanation: The Amatya managed accounts, audit, and treasury.
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The foreign affairs of Maratha state were managed by —
(A) Sumant / Dabir (B) Nyayadhish (C) Senapati (D) Sachiv
Answer: (A) Sumant / Dabir
Explanation: Handled correspondence and diplomacy with other states.
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In Shivaji’s administration, the head of the army was known as —
(A) Peshwa (B) Senapati (C) Amatya (D) Kotwal
Answer: (B) Senapati
Explanation: Commanded military operations and defense.
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The Maratha administrative structure was —
(A) Decentralized with local self-government (B) Centralized monarchy (C) Clerical (D) Military dictatorship
Answer: (A) Decentralized with local self-government
Explanation: Strong local officers (Deshmukh, Patil, Kulkarni) functioned efficiently.
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The highest civil and religious authority in Maratha administration was —
(A) Panditrao (B) Nyayadhish (C) Peshwa (D) Chhatrapati
Answer: (A) Panditrao
Explanation: The Panditrao oversaw religious charities and ensured moral conduct.
🌾 SECTION D – Agrarian Structure & Rural Economy (71–85)
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The main source of state revenue during the Sultanate and Mughal periods was —
(A) Customs (B) Land revenue (C) Jizya (D) Trade tax
Answer: (B) Land revenue
Explanation: Constituted nearly two-thirds of total income.
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The person responsible for village record-keeping was —
(A) Muqaddam (B) Patwari (C) Zamindar (D) Amil
Answer: (B) Patwari
Explanation: Maintained village-level revenue and cultivation data.
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The term Kankut refers to —
(A) Measurement of land by crop estimation (B) Irrigation technique (C) Coin minting (D) Military practice
Answer: (A) Measurement of land by crop estimation
Explanation: Used to estimate yield for revenue.
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‘Batai’ method of revenue assessment was based on —
(A) Division of produce between state and peasant (B) Land fertility only (C) Military strength (D) Rent per area
Answer: (A) Division of produce between state and peasant
Explanation: The produce was physically divided after harvest.
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The canal irrigation system was first developed extensively by —
(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (C) Sher Shah (D) Akbar
Answer: (B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: Built canals from Yamuna, Ghaggar, and Sutlej rivers.
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Loans given to peasants during famines or crop failures were called —
(A) Zakat (B) Taccavi (C) Khiraj (D) Ushr
Answer: (B) Taccavi
Explanation: State advanced loans for seeds and cultivation.
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Under Mughals, the land revenue was generally —
(A) 1/2 of produce (B) 1/3 of produce (C) 1/6 of produce (D) Fixed rent
Answer: (B) 1/3 of produce
Explanation: This was the standard state share.
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Peasants under Mughal rule were known as —
(A) Raiyat (B) Zamindars (C) Jagirdars (D) Karkun
Answer: (A) Raiyat
Explanation: They cultivated land and paid revenue.
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The peasant revolts in Mughal period were mostly caused by —
(A) Over-taxation and exploitation (B) Religious conversion (C) Military recruitment (D) Foreign invasions
Answer: (A) Over-taxation and exploitation.
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Which emperor encouraged agricultural expansion in Bengal by reclaiming forests?
(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (C) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Expansion into Bengal delta increased productivity.
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Irrigation tanks and wells were characteristic of —
(A) Northern India (B) Deccan and South India (C) Punjab only (D) Bengal only
Answer: (B) Deccan and South India
Explanation: Due to rainfall variation, tanks and reservoirs were vital.
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Famine relief was a duty of —
(A) Zamindar (B) Local officials (C) Emperor only (D) Merchants
Answer: (A) Zamindar
Explanation: They distributed food and taccavi loans locally.
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Village headmen in Mughal India were known as —
(A) Muqaddam (B) Patwari (C) Jagirdar (D) Subahdar
Answer: (A) Muqaddam
Explanation: Represented peasants and helped in revenue collection.
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Agricultural productivity was highest in —
(A) Deccan (B) Doab region (C) Punjab hills (D) Bengal forests
Answer: (B) Doab region
Explanation: Fertile area between Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
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Frequent famines occurred due to —
(A) Poor rainfall and wars (B) High literacy (C) Religious conflicts (D) Land surplus
Answer: (A) Poor rainfall and wars.
💰 SECTION E – Industry, Trade, and Finance (86–100)
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Major textile centre during Mughal India —
(A) Delhi (B) Surat (C) Lucknow (D) Ajmer
Answer: (B) Surat
Explanation: Key port and textile hub for domestic and overseas trade.
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The famous cotton textile city ‘Dacca’ was known for —
(A) Woolen cloth (B) Muslin (C) Brocade (D) Silk
Answer: (B) Muslin
Explanation: Fine muslin of Bengal was world-famous.
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Royal factories or workshops were known as —
(A) Karkhanas (B) Mandis (C) Hattas (D) Qasbahs
Answer: (A) Karkhanas
Explanation: Produced textiles, arms, jewelry, furniture for the court.
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Main foreign traders in India during Akbar’s time —
(A) British (B) Portuguese (C) French (D) Dutch
Answer: (B) Portuguese
Explanation: They dominated maritime trade in the 16th century.
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English East India Company established its first factory at —
(A) Madras (B) Surat (C) Calcutta (D) Bombay
Answer: (B) Surat
Explanation: In 1613 CE with permission from Jahangir.
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The Indian term ‘Hundi’ refers to —
(A) Land deed (B) Bill of exchange (C) Tax receipt (D) Royal grant
Answer: (B) Bill of exchange
Explanation: Used by merchants for secure money transfer.
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Insurance of goods in medieval India was known as —
(A) Bima (B) Nankar (C) Chauth (D) Rahdari
Answer: (A) Bima
Explanation: Traders insured their merchandise against loss or piracy.
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Main export commodities during Mughal period —
(A) Spices, textiles, indigo, saltpetre (B) Gold, silk, silver (C) Machinery (D) Wool
Answer: (A) Spices, textiles, indigo, saltpetre.
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Important port of Bengal during Mughal period —
(A) Hooghly (B) Calicut (C) Cochin (D) Masulipatnam
Answer: (A) Hooghly
Explanation: Major trading port under Portuguese and later Mughals.
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Grand Trunk Road was reconstructed by —
(A) Akbar (B) Sher Shah Suri (C) Aurangzeb (D) Jahangir
Answer: (B) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation: Connected Sonargaon to Peshawar for trade and movement.
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The major source of Mughal revenue was —
(A) Trade duties (B) Land revenue (C) Tribute (D) Mines
Answer: (B) Land revenue.
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Mughal currency of copper coin was called —
(A) Dam (B) Rupiya (C) Mohur (D) Tankha
Answer: (A) Dam
Explanation: Smaller denomination of the rupee.
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Gold coin under the Mughals was called —
(A) Mohur (B) Ashrafi (C) Dam (D) Dinar
Answer: (A) Mohur
Explanation: 1 Mohur ≈ 15 silver rupees.
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Mint towns during Mughal rule included —
(A) Delhi, Lahore, Surat, Ahmedabad (B) Kabul, Kashmir, Goa, Lucknow (C) Only Delhi (D) Multan and Patna only
Answer: (A) Delhi, Lahore, Surat, Ahmedabad
Explanation: Important centres for coin minting and trade.
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A major cause of peasant revolts under Aurangzeb was —
(A) Religious persecution (B) Excessive taxation and jagirdar oppression (C) European trade (D) Weak local governance
Answer: (B) Excessive taxation and jagirdar oppression
Explanation: Heavy revenue demand and corruption led to Jat, Satnami, and Sikh uprisings.