UPSC CSE Prelims
Medieval History Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Solved Previous Year Questions (PYQs) for Medieval History in UPSC CSE Prelims in English & Hindi Medium.
Chapter Breakdown: Scroll →
Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — A bill of exchange
A Hundi in the post-Harsha period was a negotiable financial instrument used extensively by merchants for trade and credit transactions. It functioned as a bill of exchange, whereby one party would issue a written order to another to pay a specified sum to a third party, either immediately or at a future date. This system facilitated long-distance trade without the need to physically transport large amounts of currency, making it safer and more efficient.
📝 Short Notes: Hundi System in Medieval India
- Definition: Hundi was an indigenous bill of exchange used as a financial instrument for trade and money transfer in medieval India.
- Function: It served as a written order from one merchant (drawer) instructing another (drawee) to pay a specified amount to a third party (payee), facilitating cashless transactions.
- Types: Various types existed including Darshani (payable on sight), Muddati (payable after a specified period), and Shah Jog (payable to a respectable/creditworthy person).
- Usage: Widely used by merchant communities (like Marwaris, Gujaratis) for remittances, trade financing, and credit transactions across long distances.
- Advantages: Eliminated risk of carrying physical cash, reduced transaction costs, and provided credit facilities to traders.
- Historical Continuity: The Hundi system evolved from ancient times and continued well into the colonial period, demonstrating the sophistication of Indian commercial practices.
Consider the following events in the history of India:
- Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
- Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
- Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I
- Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 2-4-1-3
The correct chronological sequence begins with Mahendravarman-I establishing Pallava power (c. 600-630 CE), followed by Gopala founding the Pala dynasty (c. 750 CE), then King Bhoja's rise among the Pratiharas (836-885 CE), and finally Parantaka-I establishing Chola power (907-955 CE). This arrangement reflects the temporal progression of major regional dynasties from the early medieval to the medieval period in Indian history.
📝 Short Notes: Early Medieval Dynasties Chronology
| Dynasty | Region | Ruler Mentioned | Period | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pallavas | South India (Tamil Nadu) | Mahendravarman-I | 600-630 CE | Known for rock-cut architecture; patronized art and literature; preceded the Cholas |
| Palas | Eastern India (Bengal, Bihar) | Gopala (founder) | 750-770 CE | Buddhist patrons; Nalanda and Vikramashila universities flourished; ruled until 12th century |
| Pratiharas | North India (Malwa, Rajasthan) | King Bhoja | 836-885 CE | Part of Tripartite struggle; resisted Arab invasions; peak under Bhoja |
| Cholas | South India (Tamil Nadu) | Parantaka-I | 907-955 CE | Imperial Cholas began with Vijayalaya; Parantaka-I expanded the empire; later reached peak under Rajaraja and Rajendra |
Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Jahangir
Jahangir (reigned 1605-1627) shifted the emphasis of Mughal painting from illustrated manuscripts to albums (muraqqa) and individual portraits. He had a deep personal interest in naturalistic art and patronized master artists like Mansur (famous for flora and fauna), Abu'l Hasan, and Ustad Mansur, who specialized in portraiture and realistic studies. This marked a transition towards more refined, detailed individual portraits and compilations in album format rather than large-scale manuscript illustrations.
📝 Short Notes: Mughal Painting Traditions
| Emperor | Artistic Emphasis | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Humayun | Introduction of Persian style | Brought Persian artists Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad; laid foundation of Mughal painting |
| Akbar | Illustrated manuscripts | Patronized Hamzanama, Razmnama, Akbarnama; large-scale narrative illustrations; Hindu-Persian synthesis |
| Jahangir | Portraits & albums (muraqqa) | Emphasis on naturalism, individual portraits, flora-fauna studies; artists like Mansur, Abu'l Hasan, Bichitr |
| Shah Jahan | Formal court scenes | Refined elegance, architectural precision, formal darbar scenes; less naturalism than Jahangir |
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Consider the following statements:
- Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
- Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements contain chronological inaccuracies regarding the timelines of these historical religious figures. Let us evaluate each statement:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Saint Nimbarka lived in the 12th-13th century (exact dates debated, but generally placed between 1130-1200 CE), while Akbar reigned much later from 1556 to 1605 CE, making them separated by approximately 3-4 centuries.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Saint Kabir lived in the 15th century (approximately 1440-1518 CE), while Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (Mujaddid Alf Thani) lived from 1564 to 1624 CE, meaning Kabir predated Sirhindi and could not have been influenced by him.
📝 Short Notes: Medieval Bhakti Saints and Sufi Masters
| Religious Figure | Time Period | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Nimbarka | 12th-13th century (c. 1130-1200 CE) | Founded Dvaitadvaita (dualistic non-dualism) philosophy; emphasized Krishna-Radha worship; established Nimbarka Sampradaya |
| Saint Kabir | 15th century (c. 1440-1518 CE) | Bhakti-Sufi synthesis; criticized ritualism and caste system; composed dohas and bhajans; influenced both Hindu and Muslim traditions |
| Akbar (Mughal Emperor) | 1556-1605 CE | Known for religious tolerance; patronized arts and culture; promoted Din-i-Ilahi |
| Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi | 1564-1624 CE | Naqshbandi Sufi master; orthodox Islamic reformer; opposed syncretism; called Mujaddid Alf Thani (Renovator of the Second Millennium) |
- Chronological Order: Nimbarka (12th-13th c.) → Kabir (15th c.) → Akbar (16th c.) → Sirhindi (16th-17th c.)
- Nimbarka's Philosophy: Dvaitadvaita or Bhedabheda (difference and non-difference) - souls and world are both different from and identical to Brahman
- Kabir's Influences: He was influenced by earlier Bhakti saints like Ramananda and Sufi traditions prevalent in his time, not by later figures like Sirhindi
- Sirhindi's Position: He opposed Akbar's religious syncretism and worked to restore orthodox Islamic practices during Jahangir's reign
Consider the following statements:
- In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
- The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
- 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?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
This question tests knowledge of administrative institutions during the Delhi Sultanate period. Only the first statement regarding the Amil as revenue collector is historically accurate, while the claims about the Iqta system's indigenous origin and the Mir Bakshi's establishment during Khalji period are incorrect.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The 'Amil' was the officer responsible for revenue collection in the territorial divisions (iqtas or provinces) of the Delhi Sultanate.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Iqta system was not an indigenous institution but was borrowed from the Persian/Arab administrative model and introduced in India by the Delhi Sultans.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The office of 'Mir Bakshi' (head of military department) came into existence during the Mughal period under Akbar, not during the Khalji Sultanate.
📝 Short Notes: Revenue and Administrative Systems of Delhi Sultanate
| Office/System | Function | Period/Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Amil | Revenue collector at provincial/iqta level | Delhi Sultanate |
| Iqta System | Land assignment system where military commanders received revenue rights in lieu of salary | Persian/Arab origin, introduced by early Sultans |
| Diwan-i-Wizarat | Central finance department | Delhi Sultanate |
| Mir Bakshi | Head of military department, maintained army records | Mughal period (Akbar's reign) |
| Barids | Intelligence officers/news reporters | Delhi Sultanate (especially Alauddin Khalji) |
- Khalji Dynasty Contributions: Alauddin Khalji strengthened revenue administration with strict price control (market regulation), military reforms, and efficient intelligence network.
- Revenue Assessment: Land revenue was the main source of income; assessment methods varied under different Sultans.
- Iqtadars/Muqtis: Holders of iqtas who collected revenue and maintained troops from their assignments.
With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?
- 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.
- Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements present incorrect characterizations of Jagirdars and Zamindars in Mughal India. Jagirdars were Mansabdars who received land assignments (Jagirs) as salary for military and administrative services—not judicial/police duties—and these assignments were typically non-hereditary. Zamindars, while primarily revenue collectors, also had military obligations and their rights were generally hereditary, contrary to what the statements claim.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Jagirdars held land assignments in lieu of military/administrative services (not judicial/police duties), and Zamindars had obligations beyond revenue collection, including providing military service and maintaining law and order.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Jagir assignments were generally non-hereditary and Jagirdars were frequently transferred to prevent local entrenchment, whereas Zamindari rights were typically hereditary based on traditional social standing.
📝 Short Notes: Jagirdari and Zamindari Systems in Mughal India
| Feature | Jagirdar | Zamindar |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Mansabdars assigned land (Jagir) in lieu of cash salary | Hereditary landed intermediaries with revenue collection rights |
| Nature of Assignment | Non-hereditary, transferable | Hereditary, based on traditional rights |
| Primary Function | Military and administrative service to the state | Revenue collection and local administration |
| Obligations | Maintain troops, provide military service | Collect revenue, provide military contingents (sawars), maintain law and order |
| Transfer Policy | Frequently transferred to prevent local power consolidation | Remained in their ancestral territories |
| Relationship with Land | No ownership rights, only revenue collection rights | Intermediate proprietorship with customary rights |
With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar
This statement is incorrect because the title 'Tansen' was given to him by Raja Vikramjit (also known as Vikramaditya) of Gwalior, not by Emperor Akbar. His original name was Ramtanu Pandey. Before joining Akbar's court, Tansen served as a court musician in the darbar of Raja Ramachandra of Bandhavgarh (Rewa).
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Tansen composed numerous Dhrupads dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, demonstrating his devotion and musical mastery.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: As a court musician, Tansen composed songs in praise of his patrons, including Emperor Akbar, which was a common practice for court musicians.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Tansen is credited with creating and popularizing several Ragas in Hindustani classical music, including Raga Darbari Kanada, Miyan ki Malhar, and Miyan ki Todi.
📝 Short Notes: Mian Tansen
- Original Name: Ramtanu Pandey (later given the title 'Tansen' by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior)
- Early Career: Court musician of Raja Ramachandra of Bandhavgarh (Rewa) before joining Akbar's court
- Navratnas: One of the nine jewels (Navratnas) in Emperor Akbar's court
- Musical Contributions: Mastered and popularized the Dhrupad style; credited with creating several Ragas including Darbari Kanada, Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi, and Miyan ki Sarang
- Guru: Learned music from Swami Haridas of the Gwalior school
- Religious Affiliation: Born a Hindu Brahmin, later converted to Islam (though this is debated by scholars)
- Legacy: His tomb is located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and an annual music festival (Tansen Samaroh) is held there in his honor
Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) was a French gem merchant and traveller who made six voyages to India between 1630 and 1668. He is particularly renowned for his elaborate descriptions of Indian diamond mines, especially the famous Golconda mines, and the diamond trade. His work Travels in India provides the most detailed account among the given travelers about diamonds and their mining in India.
Why other options are incorrect:
• Francois Bernier was primarily a physician and wrote about Mughal politics, society, and economy but not specifically about diamonds.
• Jean de Thévenot traveled to India but his accounts focused on general observations rather than detailed diamond trade descriptions.
• Abbe Barthelemy Carre was an envoy whose writings dealt with religious and diplomatic matters rather than diamonds.
📝 Short Notes: European Travellers in Medieval India
| Traveller | Period | Key Focus/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Jean-Baptiste Tavernier | 1605–1689 | Gem merchant; detailed accounts of diamond mines (Golconda) and diamond trade |
| Francois Bernier | 1625–1688 | Physician to Aurangzeb; wrote on Mughal administration, land revenue system, and society |
| Jean de Thévenot | 1633–1667 | General observations on Indian culture, customs, and geography |
| Abbe Barthelemy Carre | Late 17th century | French envoy; focused on religious and diplomatic matters |
| Niccolao Manucci | 1653–1717 | Italian; Storia do Mogor - detailed account of Mughal court life |
Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Motupalli
Motupalli was the most important seaport of the Kakatiya kingdom, located on the coast of present-day Andhra Pradesh. King Ganapati Deva issued the famous Motupalli Inscription (Abhaya Shasanam) around 1245 CE, which served as a charter of security for foreign merchants, guaranteeing their protection and establishing reasonable customs duties to promote maritime trade. The Venetian traveler Marco Polo visited this port during the reign of Queen Rudrama Devi (referring to it as 'Mutfili') and documented the kingdom's prosperity, particularly noting its trade in fine muslin and diamonds.
Why other options are incorrect:
• Kakinada became prominent much later, during the colonial period.
• Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) gained significance under the Qutb Shahi and later European colonial powers, not during the Kakatiya period.
• Nelluru was primarily an inland administrative center, not a major seaport during the Kakatiya rule.
With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to -
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
Araghatta was a traditional water-lifting device widely used in medieval India for irrigation purposes. It consisted of a large wheel fitted with pots or buckets along its rim, which were rotated by animal power (typically oxen or bullocks). As the wheel turned, the pots descended into a well or water source, filled with water, and then rose to empty the water into an irrigation channel or trough that distributed it to agricultural fields. This ingenious mechanism, also known as the Persian wheel or rahat, significantly improved agricultural productivity by enabling efficient irrigation in areas dependent on well water.
Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements :
- The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
- Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Krishna Deva Raya's administration implemented a systematic land revenue system where tax rates varied according to land quality, fertility, and irrigation facilities. More productive and well-irrigated lands were taxed at higher rates, while less fertile lands attracted lower levies. This differential taxation ensured equity and maximized revenue collection.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Vijayanagara Empire under Krishna Deva Raya imposed taxes on various economic activities beyond agriculture. Private owners of workshops and industrial establishments paid specific industry taxes (vari-vasoolu or professional taxes). These levies on artisans, weavers, blacksmiths, and other craftsmen formed an important component of the state's non-agrarian revenue.
Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally -
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — traders
Banjaras were nomadic trading communities during the medieval period who transported goods like salt, grain, and cattle across long distances using bullock caravans called tandas. They played a vital role in the internal trade network of the Indian subcontinent, moving goods between production centers and markets, and were especially important in supplying armies during military campaigns.
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?
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Pair 1 – Incorrect: Champaka (Chamba) was located in present-day Himachal Pradesh, not Central India.
✅ Pair 2 – Correct: Durgara corresponds to the present-day Jammu region.
❌ Pair 3 – Incorrect: Kuluta (Kullu) was situated in present-day Himachal Pradesh (Kullu Valley), not Malabar; Malabar refers to the southwestern coastal region of India.
With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential elementary elements of the feudal system?
- A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
- The emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of the land
- Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Feudalism is characterized by a weak central authority with power dispersed among regional lords, not strong centralization.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Land control forms the economic foundation of feudalism, where administrative power derives from possession and control of land rather than formal bureaucratic structures.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The lord-vassal relationship is a defining feature, involving land grants (fiefs) in exchange for military service, loyalty, and revenue, creating a hierarchical pyramid of obligations.
Consider the following:
The arrival of Babur into India led to the:
- introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
- introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture
- establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Gunpowder was already known in India by the mid-14th century during the Delhi Sultanate period; Babur introduced superior field artillery technology, not gunpowder itself.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The arch and dome were introduced to India by the Turks during the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century, with examples like Alai Darwaza and Qutb Minar complex predating Babur's arrival.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Babur was a direct descendant of Timur and established the Timurid dynasty (Mughal Empire) in India after his victory at the First Battle of Panipat (1526) against Ibrahim Lodi.