Medieval Indian History Quiz with Answer for Students

Medieval Indian history is a rich tapestry of dynasties, cultures, and events that have significantly shaped the subcontinent’s present. For students preparing for competitive exams or aiming to enhance their general knowledge, understanding this era is crucial. Engaging in quizzes can be an effective and enjoyable way to reinforce this knowledge. Below is a comprehensive quiz comprising 30 multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by its answer and a brief explanation to provide context.

Medieval Indian History Quiz

Q1. Which Mughal emperor was also known by the title “Muazzama”?

A. Shah Alam II

B. Muhammad Shah

C. Bahadur Shah I

D. Jahandar Shah

Answer: C. Bahadur Shah I

Explanation: Bahadur Shah I, also known as Shah Alam I, was the seventh Mughal emperor, ruling from 1707 to 1712. He was conferred the title “Muazzama,” meaning “the Great.” 

Q2. Who was the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?

A. Razia Sultana

B. Nur Jahan

C. Jahanara Begum

D. Mumtaz Mahal

Answer: A. Razia Sultana

Explanation: Razia Sultana ruled Delhi from 1236 to 1240 and was the only female monarch of the Delhi Sultanate. 

Q3. Which silver coin, introduced by Sher Shah Suri, continued to be used by the Mughals?

A. Rupaya

B. Dinar

C. Asharfi

D. Mohur

Answer: A. Rupaya

Explanation: Sher Shah Suri introduced the silver coin called “Rupaya,” weighing 178 grains, which became the precursor to the modern rupee. 

Q4. Which Vijayanagara king issued coins featuring images of Venkatesha and BalaKrishna?

A. Harihara I

B. Deva Raya II

C. Krishnadevaraya

D. Achyuta Deva Raya

Answer: C. Krishnadevaraya

Explanation: Krishnadevaraya, who ruled from 1509 to 1529, issued coins depicting deities like Venkatesha and BalaKrishna, reflecting his devotion and the empire’s cultural richness. 

Q5. During whose reign did Mahmud Ghazni invade Kannauj in 1018 and Kalinjar in 1019 AD?

A. Ganda

B. Vidyadhara

C. Paramdideva

D. Nannuka

Answer: B. Vidyadhara

Explanation: Vidyadhara was a ruler of the Chandela dynasty during whose reign Mahmud Ghazni invaded parts of India, including Kannauj and Kalinjar. 

Q6. Which monument was built by Emperor Babur to commemorate his victory at the First Battle of Panipat?

A. Buland Darwaza

B. Kabuli Bagh Mosque

C. Alai Darwaza

D. Jama Masjid

Answer: B. Kabuli Bagh Mosque

Explanation: The Kabuli Bagh Mosque in Panipat was built by Babur to mark his victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodi in 1526. 

Q7. Which text is a firsthand account of events in Rajputana and Malwa between 1657 and 1698?

A. Ma’asir-i-Alamgiri

B. Alamgirnama

C. Futuhat-i-Alamgiri

D. Muntakhab-ul-Lubab

Answer: C. Futuhat-i-Alamgiri

Explanation: “Futuhat-i-Alamgiri,” written by Isar Das Nagar, provides a firsthand account of events in Rajputana and Malwa during the specified period. 

Q8. In which battle did Mahmud of Ghazni defeat the confederacy led by the Hindu Shahi army of Anandapala?

A. Battle of Janjua

B. Battle of Peshawar

C. Battle of Chach

D. Battle of Somnath

Answer: B. Battle of Peshawar

Explanation: The Battle of Peshawar (1008 AD) was fought between Mahmud of Ghazni and the Hindu Shahi ruler Anandapala. Anandapala formed a confederation with various Rajput rulers, but Mahmud’s forces emerged victorious, marking a significant step in his conquests in India.

Q9. Who was the founder of the Pala Dynasty?

A. Dharmapala

B. Gopala

C. Devapala

D. Mahipala

Answer: B. Gopala

Explanation: Gopala was the founder of the Pala Empire in the 8th century. He established his rule in Bengal and Bihar.

Q10. Which Delhi Sultanate ruler introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz in India?

A. Iltutmish

B. Balban

C. Alauddin Khalji

D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Answer: B. Balban

Explanation: Sultan Balban introduced the Persian festival of Nauroz in India to maintain court discipline and royal prestige.

Q11. The “Ain-i-Akbari” was written by which famous historian?

A. Abul Fazl

B. Badauni

C. Nizamuddin Ahmad

D. Al-Biruni

Answer: A. Abul Fazl

Explanation: Abul Fazl, a court historian of Akbar, wrote “Ain-i-Akbari,” which provides details about the administration and policies of Akbar’s empire.

Q12. Who built the city of Fatehpur Sikri?

A. Humayun

B. Akbar

C. Jahangir

D. Shah Jahan

Answer: B. Akbar

Explanation: Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri as the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, but it was later abandoned due to a lack of water.

Q13. Which ruler is known as the “Napoleon of India”?

A. Chandragupta Maurya

B. Samudragupta

C. Harshavardhana

D. Krishnadevaraya

Answer: B. Samudragupta

Explanation: Samudragupta of the Gupta dynasty is called the “Napoleon of India” due to his extensive military conquests.

Q14. Which battle marked the beginning of Mughal rule in India?

A. Battle of Khanwa

B. First Battle of Panipat

C. Battle of Ghaghra

D. Second Battle of Tarain

Answer: B. First Battle of Panipat

Explanation: In 1526, Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat, marking the start of Mughal rule in India.

Q15. Who was the first Sultan of Delhi?

A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak

B. Iltutmish

C. Razia Sultana

D. Balban

Answer: A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak

Explanation: Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the first ruler of the Slave Dynasty.

Q16. Who was the last ruler of the Mughal Empire?

A. Bahadur Shah I

B. Aurangzeb

C. Bahadur Shah II

D. Shah Alam II

Answer: C. Bahadur Shah II

Explanation: Bahadur Shah II (Bahadur Shah Zafar) was the last Mughal emperor. He was exiled by the British after the Revolt of 1857.

Q17. Which Rajput ruler fought against Babur in the Battle of Khanwa?

A. Maharana Pratap

B. Rana Sanga

C. Udai Singh

D. Hemu

Answer: B. Rana Sanga

Explanation: Rana Sanga of Mewar fought against Babur in the Battle of Khanwa (1527) but was defeated.

Q18. Who among the following introduced the “Jizya” tax in India?

A. Alauddin Khalji

B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak

C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq

D. Aurangzeb

Answer: C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Explanation: Firoz Shah Tughlaq reintroduced Jizya (a tax on non-Muslims) in medieval India. However, Aurangzeb enforced it more strictly later.

Q19. Who constructed the Qutub Minar?

A. Alauddin Khalji

B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak

C. Iltutmish

D. Balban

Answer: B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak

Explanation: Qutb-ud-din Aibak started the construction of the Qutub Minar, but it was completed by his successor Iltutmish.

Q20. Which Mughal ruler is credited 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 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra.

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