Medieval History Previous Year Questions UPSC Prelims (2013-2022)

Medieval history, a pivotal segment in the canvas of human civilization, has been a recurrent theme in the UPSC Prelims examination over the years, spanning from 2013 to 2022. The questions posed by the UPSC have probed the depths of this epoch, testing the aspirants’ understanding of the political, social, and cultural dynamics that shaped the medieval world. Topics such as the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the Bhakti and Sufi movements, and the Vijayanagara Empire have consistently featured in these examinations. Aspirants are often required to delve into the intricacies of medieval Indian society, exploring the impact of foreign invasions, the evolution of art and architecture, and the synthesis of various cultural elements. These questions demand a nuanced grasp of historical narratives and an ability to connect the dots between different events and developments during this significant period. Thus, a thorough exploration of medieval history is indispensable for any UPSC Prelims aspirant seeking success in this rigorous examination.

2023

1. Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese? 

1. Ahmad Shah 
2. Mahmud Begarha 
3. Bahadur Shah 
4. Muhammad Shah 

Answer: (c)

Option (c) is correct: Early in the 16th century, the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, came under immense pressure when his kingdom was invaded by the second Mughal Emperor Humayun. At that juncture, he decided to remain on conciliatory terms with the Portuguese, who had arrived in India at the end of the 15th century and were at the time an energetic and ambitious maritime power. 

In 1534, the Bahadur Shah signed the Treaty of Bassein with the Portuguese, ceding Diu to the latter, as well as other territories of his empire such as Vasai and the islands that today form Mumbai. The Portuguese obtained Daman from the Shah in 1559. 

2022

1. In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to: 

(a) Clothing 

(b) Coins 

(c) Ornaments 

(d) Weapons 

 Answer: (b) 

Option (b) is correct: Coins were called by popular names such as : anna, cash, dhinglo, dokdo, doudou, dub, escudo, fanam, faruqi, karshapara, kas, kon, mohur, naya paisa, pagoda, panam, pice, pie, rupia, suvarna, tanga, and tanka. The Fanam coins were the regular unit of currency in medieval Travancore and appear to have been extensively used for trading in the region of South India. The words Fanam and Panam literally mean money and are still used as a synonym for wealth in Kerala in the native language of Malayalam. These small gold coins weighed as little as 0.3 grams and had a diameter of less than a centimeter. 

2. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: 

1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji. 
2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city. 
3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of the northwest of his kingdom to the Mongols. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 

(b) 2 only 

(c) 1 and 3 

(d) 3 only 

Answer: (b) 

Statement 1 is incorrect: The first Mongol invasion of India took place in the reign of Sultan Shams-ud-din lltutmish. Changez Khan reached Indus during the reign of Iltutmish in 1221 AD, chasing the Khwarizmi prince Jalaluddin. 

Statement 2 is correct: The Mongols attacked at the worst time possible for Alauddin Khilji – when he was busy laying siege to Chittor. This time the Mongols traveled light. An army of 12,000 under Targhi’s leadership moved to Delhi in a swift attack; many governors could not send their troops to Delhi in time. Alauddin Khilji was forced to retreat to Siri for about two months. The Mongols attacked and pillaged not only the surrounding areas but Delhi itself. Alauddin Khilji continued to hold the fortress at Siri; Targhi withdrew the siege after a few months and left the area. Barani, a contemporary historian at that time, attributed this “marvel” to the prayers of the Sufi mystic Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya. 

Statement 3 is incorrect: Mongols did not annex the North-West part of the kingdom of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq. The next major Mongol invasion took place after the Khiljis had been replaced by the Tughlaq dynasty in the Sultanate. In 1327 the Chagatai Mongols under Tarmashirin, who had sent envoys to Delhi to negotiate peace the previous year, sacked the frontier towns of Lamghan and Multan and besieged Delhi. 

The Tughlaq ruler paid a large ransom to spare his Sultanate from further ravages. Muhammad bin Tughluq asked the Ilkhan Abu Sa’id to form an alliance against Tarmashirin, who had invaded Khorasan, but an attack didn’t materialize. Tarmashirin was a Buddhist who later converted to Islam. Religious tensions in the Chagatai Khanate were a divisive factor among the Mongols. 

3. With reference to Indian history, which of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”? 

(a) Arab merchants 

(b) Qalandars 

(c) Persian calligraphists 

(d) Sayyids 

Answer: (d) 

Option (d) is correct: The Sayyids claim descent from the Prophet through his daughter Fatima. They Commanded special respect in Muslim society. Even the Timur protected the life of Sayyids during his invasion in India. Although his policy was one of general slaughter. The sayyids put on a pointed cap (kulah) and they were known as ‘Kulah Daran’ during Delhi sultanate. 

4. Consider the following pairs: 

       King                                     Dynasty 

      1. Nannuka                      – Chandela 

      2. Jayashakti                   – Paramara 

      3. Nagabhata II               – Gurjara-Pratihara 

     4. Bhoja                            – Rashtrakuta 

How many pairs given above are correctly matched? 

(a) Only one pair 

(b) Only two pairs 

(c) Only three pairs 

(d) All four pairs 

Answer: (b) 

Pair 1 is correct : In the first quarter of the 9^th century CE, the Chandella dynasty was founded by Nannuka, who was the ruler of a small kingdom and established his capital at Kharjjuravahaka (Khajuraho). The Chandela or Chandel was the Indian Rajput clan of Central India. They were popularly termed as Chandelas or Jejakabhukti dynasty in Indian history. 

Pair 2 is incorrect:  Jayashakti and Vijayashakti (c. 865−885 CE): Vakpati’s sons Jayashakti (Jeja) and Vijayashakti (Vija) consolidated the Chandella power. Jaishakti, the elder brother who ruled first, was also called Jai Jak and from this name, the region ruled by the Chandelas acquired the name of Jaijikbhukti. He was succeeded on the throne by his younger brother, Vijayshakti. 

Pair 3 is correct: The Pratiharas were also known as the Gurjara−Pratiharas, as they originated from the Gurjaras who were primarily pastoralists and fighters. Nagabhata II (reigned c. 793–833) was Vatsaraja’s successor, he reorganized Pratihara power, attacked Kannauj. However, soon afterward he was defeated by the Rashtrakuta king Govinda III (reigned 793–814). Nagabhatta II was succeeded by his son Ramabhadra, who ruled briefly, and was succeeded, by his son Mihira Bhoja. 

Pair 4 is incorrect:  Dantidurga was the founder of the dynasty called, Rashtrakuta dynasty (8th century AD). The capital of the Rastrakutas was Manyakheta or Malkhed near Sholapur. Dhruva-I, Krishna-I and Amoghavarsha were the other important rulers of this dynasty. Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja (c.836−885 CE) Grandson of Nagabhatta II, who had a long reign of over 46 years and proved to be the most successful and popular ruler of Pratiharas.   

2021

Q 1. With reference to medieval India, which one of the following is the correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size? 

1. Paragana – Sarkar – Suba 
2. Sarkar – Paragana – Suba 
3. Suba – Sarkar – Paragana 
4. Paragana – Suba – Sarkar 

Answer: (a)

Option (a) is correct: The Mughals in India had an elaborate administrative setup. The emperor was the head of the central administration aided by different officials like Mir Bakshi, Diwan, etc. The empire was divided into provinces called subas. The entire Suba was divided into Sarkars (districts), each being looked after by a military officer called the chief Shiqdar. Each Sarkar was divided into smaller units called Parganas. There was a Shiqdar (military officer), Amin or Munsif (Civilian Judge), one Fotahdar (treasurer), and two Karkuns (clerks or writers) in each Pargana 

2. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in the Vijayanagara Empire were experts in which of the following areas? 

1. Wrestling 
2. Astrology 
3. Accounting 
4. Soothsaying 

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

1. 1, 2 and 3 only 
2. 1, 3 and 4 only 
3. 2 and 4 only 
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Answer: (d) 

Option (d) is correct: Women in general occupied a high position in Vijayanagara society and instances of the active part they took in the political, social and literary life of the country are not rare, besides being trained in wrestling, handling swords and shields, music and other fine arts, some of them at any rate received a fair amount of literary education. Nuniz wrties: “he (the king of Vijaynagar) has also women who wrestle, and others who are astrologers and soothsayers; and he has woman who write all the accounts of expenses that are incurred inside the gates and others whose duty it is to write all the affairs of the kingdom and compare their books with those of the writers outside; he has women also for music, who play instruments and sing. Even the wives of the king are well versed in music…it is said that he has judges, as well as bailiffs and watchmen who every night guard the palace, and these are women.” 

3. Consider the following statements: 

1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince. 
2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus. 
3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 1 and 2 
3. 3 only 
4. 2 and 3 

Answer: (a)

Statement 1 is correct: In the year 1221, the great Mongol conqueror Chengiz Khan stood victorious at the western bank of the Indus River with 50,000 soldiers, having just defeated Jalal-ad-Din, the Shah of Khwarezm. At that time Northern India was ruled by Shams ud-Din Iltutmish, the third sultan of the Turkic Mamluk dynasty, which was founded by Qutb al-Din Aibak in 1206.    

Statement 2 is incorrect: The period of Mahmud bin Tughlaq was 1325 to 1351. During the reign of Nasurud-din Muhammad Shah(1394-1412), The last Tughlaq ruler, Taimur invaded India.  

Statement 3 is incorrect: Deva Raya II (1422-1446) was the greatest ruler of the Sangama dynasty. Vasco da Gama landed in Calicut in 1498 during the reign of Tuluva Narsa Nayaka in 1498. 

2019

Q1. With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? 

1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection. 
2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and the revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

Answer: (d)

The two main institutions, namely Mansabdari and the Jagirdari, were created by Akbar to consolidate and to expand his empire. These covered both civil and military sectors of administration. 

Statement 1 is not correct: In Mughal India, Jagirdars under the Mansabdari system were assigned land in lieu of assigned duties towards the empire such as police, judicial, and military; Zamindars too apart from revenue collecting duties had to render military duties and perform Khidmat such as rendering soldiers to fill the ranks of royal army at times of need and offer gifts at the royal court. 

Statement 2 is not correct: Jagirdars were frequently transferred as promotion and demotion were a regular part of the empire as loyalties towards the Emperor were largely dependent on the rank of jagir/mansab held by a Noble; on the other hand, Zamindars had hereditary rights over revenue as their sway over rural society was overarching in all aspects which rested on paternal and patronage application of rituals. Caste was one factor that resulted in the eminent status of zamindars. 

2. Consider the following statements: 

1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’. 
2. The iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 
3. The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 1 and 2 only 
3. 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3 

Answer: (a)

Statement 1 is correct: In the Delhi Sultanate, the task of collecting revenue directly from peasant and measurement of land rested on Amils. 

Statement 2 is not correct: The Iqta system evolved in West Asia significantly in Persia. It was not an ancient indigenous institution as it had been in force in the early Islamic world as a form of reward for services to the state. 

Statement 3 is not correct: Mir Bakshi was the head of military department in Mughal India whereas in Delhi Sultanate, Ariz under Diwan-i-arz (set up by Balban) was improved by Alauddin Khilji as he introduced Dagh system which was aimed to improve Horse quality as well as eliminate fake numbering.   

3. Consider the following statements: 

1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar. 
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

Answer: (d)

Statement 1 is not correct: Saint Nimbarka was not a contemporary of Akbar because Nimbarka was a 13th century philosophical Saint whereas Akbar’s time period was 1556-1605; Nimbarka, also called Nimbaditya or Niyamananda, was a Telugu-speaking Brahman who flourished in the 13th century in South India. He was a yogi, philosopher, and a prominent astronomer. 

Statement 2 is not correct: Sant Kabir Das was a renowned saint, poet and social reformer of India who lived during the 15th century. His writings significantly influenced the Bhakti movement. Some of his famous writings include ‘Sakhi Granth’, ‘Anurag Sagar’, ‘Bijak’ and ‘Kabir Granthawali’. He also founded a religious community named ‘Kabir Panth’ whose members are referred to as ‘Kabir Panthis’, implying the followers of Kabir Das. Vaishnava saint Swami Ramananda, who accepted Kabir as his disciple, greatly influenced his ideologies. 

4. With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct? 

1. Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar. 
2. Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses. 
3. Tansen composed songs on his patrons. 
4. Tansen invented many Ragas. 

Answer: (a) 

Option (a) is correct: Tansen was the title given by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior. Tansen was a court musician in the darbar of Raja Ramachandra of Bandhavgarh (Rewa). Tansen is also known as the ‘Sangit Samrat’, according to Musical Heritage of India by Lalita Ramakrishna.  Some noteworthy ragas were composed by Tansen-Multani, Bhairavi, and Todi. 

Additional Information: 

When Akbar heard of his prodigious talent, a ‘firman’ was sent by him to the king, asking for Tansen. Akbar then made him one of the Navaratnas in his court. He gave him the title of ‘Mian’. 

5. Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portraits? 

1. Humayun 
2. Akbar 
3. Jahangir 
4. Shah Jahan 

Answer: (c)

Option (c) is correct: During Akbar’s reign many manuscripts were illustrated, the prominent being Razmnamah, the Persian translation of Mahabharata. It was during Jahangir’s reign that manuscripts became less important and individual portraits became more prominent. 

2018

1. Which one of the following foreign travelers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines in India? 

1. Francois Bernier 
2. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier 
3. Jean de Thevenot 
4. Abbe Barthelemy Carre 

Answer: (b)

Option (b) is correct: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605‒89) was one of the most renowned travelers of 17th-century Europe. The son of a French Protestant who had fled Antwerp to escape religious persecution. Tavernier is best known for his discovery or purchase of the 116-carat Tavernier Blue diamond, in 1666. The diamond was certainly Indian in origin and likely sourced by Tavernier in 1666 at the Kolluru mine in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. 

2016

1. With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to

(a) bonded labor

(b) land grants made to military officers

(c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

(d) wasteland converted to cultivated land

Answer: (c)

Option (c) is correct:

• Araghatta  is a Persian wheel used in agricultural irrigation in medieval India. It is a mechanical device used to bring water to the surface, generally from open wells. 
• Typically, draught animals like bullocks, buffaloes, or camels are used to power it. 
• The term “ara-ghatta” is created by fusing the words “ara,” which means spoke, and “ghatta,” which means pot. 

2. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?

(a) Shramana

(b) Parivraajaka

(c) Agrahaarika

(d) Maagadha

Answer: (d)

Option (d) is correct:

• The Sutas and Magadhas, who were descended from priestly families of the Vedic era, were a separate set of individuals who memorised chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales. 
• The word “Shramana” denotes a seeker, ascetic, or someone who practises austerity. 
• The term “Agraharika” refers to a person who likely looked after donated land. 
• Parivraajaka, which means literally “one who roams around all over the place,” 

3. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements:

1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Taxation policy of Vijayanagar rulers  

• The empire’s prosperity can be explained by their taxing principles.  
• During the reign of the Vijayanagar dynasty, the land tax was the most important source of revenue. 
• During the reign of Krishna Deva Raya, the rate was fixed between one-third and one-sixth depending on the quality of the land. (Statement 1 is correct.)
• In addition to property tax, taxes were levied on retailers, farm servants, laborers, posters, shoemakers, singers, and others. 
• Grazing and property taxes were also levied. 
• Commercial taxes, such as levies, tariffs, and customs charges, were also charged on manufactured products of commerce. 
• Private workshop owners had to pay an industry tax as well. (Statement 2 is correct.) 

4. Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

(a) agriculturists

(b) warriors

(c) weavers

(d) traders

Answer: (d)

Option (d) is correct:

Banjaras  

• In medieval India, there were numerous diverse tribal groups, some of which were nomadic hunters and gatherers.  
• The Banjaras were an example of a nomadic people. 
• During India’s medieval age, banjaras were typically merchants or traders. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, Banjaras were very important. Alauddin Khalji used the Banjaras to bring grain to the city marketplaces. 
• The Banjaras were people who moved products from one location to another.  
• According to Emperor Jahangir’s memoirs, the Banjaras transported grain from various regions on their bullocks and sold it in towns. 

2015

1. Consider the following pairs:

Medieval Indian State        Present Region

1. Champaka                :    Central India
2. Durgara                    :    Jammu
3. Kuluta                      :     Malabar

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only

Answer: (b)

Option (b) is correct:

Champaka is the old name of Chamba which is in Himachal Pradesh, Kuluta is the old name of Kullu which is also in Himachal Pradesh and Durgara is in Jammu. 

Medieval Indian State	Present Region
Champaka	Chamba
Durgara	Jammu
Kuluta	Kullu
Malwa	Central India
Kamarupa	Assam
Trigarta	Jalandhar
Utkala	Orissa
Twipra	Tripura

2. Consider the following:

The arrival of Babur into India led to the

1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture
3. establishment of the Timurid dynasty in the region

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Babur 

• He established the Timurid dynasty in India. (Statement 3 is correct.)  
• He was a descendant of the Timurid dynasty or clan of Turco-Mongol lineage, descended from the warlord Timur and led to the establishment of the Timurid dynasty in the region.  
• Mongols’ invasion 
• It led to the transmission of gunpowder and gunpowder weapons into India. 
• Chinese gunpowder technology is believed to have arrived in India by the mid-14th century but it was introduced much earlier by the Mongols.  
• Mongols conquered both China and some borderlands of India, perhaps around the mid-13th century. 
• After the unification of a large Mongol Empire resulted in the free transmission of previously Chinese technology into Mongol-conquered parts of India. 
• It is believed that the Mongols used Chinese gunpowder weapons during their invasions of India. 
• Therefore, It is believed that gun powder technology came much before the Mughal invasion. (Statement 1 is not correct) 
• The Arch and dome in the region’s architecture were introduced by the Turks after the invasion of Muhammad Ghori. (Statement 2 is not correct)

3. With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?

1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority.
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Feudalism 

• It is a political system of power dispersed and balanced between the king and nobles. 
• Generally speaking, it was a method of organizing society on connections obtained from the ownership of land in exchange for labor or other forms of service (lord-vassal relationship). (Statement 2 is Correct.) 
• In the feudal system, the provincial or local political authority is not weak. (Statement 1 is not correct.)
• Generally, feudalism has been regarded as the fabric of medieval society, and the stage of social and economic development that preceded Capitalism. 
• As such, feudalism provided stability within societies, restoring public order and strengthening the monarchy. 
• Zamindari system 
  • It is often referred to as a feudal-like system. 
  • It entails a hierarchical administrative framework based on ownership and control of the land.  (Statement 3 is Correct.)
  • Originally the Zamindari System was introduced in the pre-colonial period to collect taxes from peasants, and it continued during colonial British rule. 

4. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

(a) Amoghavarsha I

(b) Ballala II

(c) Harihara I

(d) Prataparudra II

Answer: (c)

Option (c) is correct:

Harihara I 

• The entire Hoysala territories were directly ruled by Harihara I after the death of Veera Ballala III, the last ruler of Madurai, and the resulting power vacuum.  
• He was the founder of the Vijayanagara Empire.  
• His initial military exploits and control over the valley of the Tungabhadra River (a tributary of Krishna) helped him gain control over the area. 

Amoghavarsha I  

• He was a famous king of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. 
• The reign of Amoghavarsha is from 800 to 878 AD (though some scholars say that his reign was 62 years), one of the longest reigns. 
• He was a patron of the Jains and liberally patronized the Digambara sect of Jains. 

Veera Ballal III 

• He was Hoysala ruler of Dwarasamudra. 
• They were defeated by Allauddin Khilji’s army. 

Prataparudra II 

• He is also known as Rudradeva II. 
• He was the last ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty of India.  
• They ruled the eastern part of Deccan, having its capital at Warangal.  
• They succeeded his grandmother Rudramadevi as the Kakatiya monarch.  

2014

1. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

(a) the mosque for the use of the Royal Family

(b) Akbar’s private prayer chamber

(c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions

(d) the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

Answer: (c)

Ibadat khana 

• It was the meeting house built by Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri 1575 AD.  
• It was the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions on every Thursday to debate on religious issues raised by Akbar.  (Option (c) is correct)
• This was a meeting house together spiritual leaders of different religious grounds to conduct a discussion on the teachings of various religious leaders. This was also known as the Hall of Prayer.   
• It was a place for theologists, mystics, and religious Scholars known for their scholarship and intellectual attainment. 
• Akbar also attempted to Reconcile all different religions by creating a new faith called Din-e-Ilahi or the fate of the divine.   
• It incorporated elements of various Islamic Sufism, Bhakti, and devotional movements along with some elements from Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, etc.  

2. In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

(a) military officers

(b) village headmen

(c) specialists in Vedic rituals

(d) chiefs of craft guilds

Answer: (b)

Option (b) is correct: Mahattara and Pattakila  was the terms used for village headmen in Medieval India.  A village headman is the community leader of a village or a small town.  He performs various duties in the village and acts as a dispute resolver or mediator in resolving disputes relating to the village or individuals.  

2013

1. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

Correct Answer: Option (b) 

• Time Period of Bhakti Saints: 
• Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539) 
• Dadu Dayal (1544–1603) 
• Kakarla Tyagabrahmam (1767 – 1847) 
• Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over: 1526 

Hence, option (b) is correct. 

FAQs

1. Question: What was the significance of the Magna Carta in medieval history?

Answer: The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a historic document that limited the powers of the monarch and established the principle that the king was subject to the law. It laid the foundation for constitutional governance and influenced the development of democratic principles in later centuries.

2. Question: Who were the Vikings, and what impact did they have on medieval Europe?

Answer: The Vikings were seafaring Norse people who lived during the late eighth to early 11th century. They are known for their raids and explorations across Europe, contributing to the end of the Carolingian Empire. The Viking Age also saw extensive trade, cultural exchange, and the establishment of settlements, particularly in areas like England and Normandy.

3. Question: What was the Investiture Controversy in medieval Europe?

Answer: The Investiture Controversy (11th to 12th century) was a conflict between the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperors over the appointment of bishops and other church officials. It highlighted the struggle for power and authority between the secular and ecclesiastical powers, with the Concordat of Worms in 1122 marking a compromise that resolved the dispute.

4. Question: Explain the impact of the Black Death on medieval Europe.

Answer: The Black Death, a devastating pandemic in the 14th century, had a profound impact on medieval Europe. It led to a significant decline in population, economic upheaval, and social changes. Labor shortages resulted in increased wages for peasants, challenging the feudal system, while the trauma of the plague influenced art and literature of the time.

5. Question: What were the Crusades, and what were their consequences in medieval history?

Answer: The Crusades were a series of religious wars fought between the 11th and 13th centuries, initiated by Christians to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. While the Crusades had a lasting impact on religious tensions and cultural exchange, they also led to economic, social, and political changes in Europe, contributing to the decline of feudalism and the rise of trade and commerce.

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