Medival India- AD 700- AD 1750
We have all come across
the term "Indian Subcontinent" in our every day conversations about
society, history and politics. This makes us wonder, what exactly is the Indian
subcontinent?
A subcontinent is a
region that is cut off from the rest of the continent due to geographical
factors.
The present day countries
of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Bhutan together make up the Indian
subcontinent. The many years of history have taken place in this region, and
they have been called by different names in different ages.
In the earliest Sanskrit
composition, the Rig Veda, Bharata was the name used to describe a group of
people living in the northwest of the subcontinent. The term was later used to
describe our country. Buddhist texts describe India as Jambudvipa (land of the
Jambu or Jamun tree). The word India comes from the word Indus, after the river
of the same name. Indus is called Sindhu in Sanskrit. During the Vedic Age, the
territory around River Indus and its tributaries was known as Sapta Sindhu or
the land of seven rivers. Foreign rulers such as the Greeks, who came to the
continent later, called Sindhu Indos. Thus, the regions lying east of the river
Indus came to be known as India.
The 13th century chronicler Minhaj-i-Siraj used the term Hindustan to refer to areas in the subcontinent that were under the control of the Delhi Sultanate, such as Punjab, Haryana, and the lands between the rivers Ganga and Yamuna. While the territories included in the term changed as the extent of the Delhi Sultanate shifted, the term was never used to describe south India. In the 16th century AD, Mughal Emperor Babur used the term Hindustan to describe the geography and culture of the Indian subcontinent. References to India or Hindustan as a single political unit came much later.
|
Minhaj-i-Siraj was an Indo-Persian
historian who came to the Indian subcontinent in the 13th century AD. He
first joined the court of Sultan Nasiruddin Qubachah, who controlled Sindh
and Multan, and later shifted to Delhi after Sultan Iltutmish defeated Qubachah.
He wrote his famous book
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri during the reign of another Delhi Sultanat ruler, Nasiruddin
Mahmud, and even dedicated the book to him. |
1.1 THE
MEDIEVAL PERIOD
For a historian, time is
not merely a count of hours and days but a reflection of social, economic, and
political changes, cultures, ideas, and beliefs. The study of the past is
generally divided into segments spanning many years that are characterised by
some common features. Such segments of time are known as historical periods.
|
Definition-Historial periods are time
segments into which the past has been divided. These segments of time are
characterised by some common features. |
Some historians prefer to
classify our past into ancient, medieval, and modern periods. The word
'medieval' comes from the Latin words medius and aevum, meaning 'middle age'.
The medieval period refers to the period that falls in between the ancient and modern
periods of the Indian history.
The medieval period is
said to extend from AD 700 to AD 1750. Many changes took place in the
subcontinent in the thousand years starting from the 8th century AD, namely,
the spread of farming societies, rise of new empires, emergence of Hinduism and
Islam as major religions, and the coming of European traders. Indian society in
the 18th century was marked by even more dramatic changes, importantly, the
collapse of Mughal rule and the establishment of British rule over India.
Therefore, the 18th century is taken to mark the end of the medieval period and
the start of the modern period.
EARLY AND
LATE MEDIEVAL PERIODS
The medieval period of
Indian history is divided into two parts - the Early Medieval Period and the
Late Medieval Period. The period beginning from the 8th century AD up to the
start of the 13th century AD is regarded as the Early Medieval Period. This period
is characterised by the rise of powerful regional dynasties, such as the Palas,
the Gurjara-Pratiharas, the Rashtrakutas, the Cholas, and the Rajputs. The
period between the 13th and the 18th centuries AD is regarded as the Late
Medieval Period. This period is chiefly characterised by the rule of
foreigners, such as the Turks, the Afghans, and the Mughals.
1.2
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD
The period between AD 700
and AD 1750 saw immense changes in India socially, politically, economically,
and culturally. This was the period when new technologies such as firearms and
spinning wheels came to be used in the subcontinent. People from different
parts of the world came to India, bringing with them different types of food,
crops, and drinks, such as potato, chilli, coffee, and tea. They also brought
with them new ideas and ways of life. Let us look at some of the important
developments during the period.
POLITICAL
AND SOCIAL GROUPS
Many political and social
groups rose to prominence during the medieval period. The Rajputs, Sikhs,
Marathas, Jats, Ahoms, and Kayasthas (a caste of scribes) were among the
important political groups during the period. The clearing of forests due to
the spread of agriculture led to the rise of many peasant societies. Over time,
different classes of peasant emerged - some owned land, some owned cattle and
land, while others engaged in handicraft work along with farming.
Another important
development was the gradual division of society into jatis or sub-castes rather
than varnas. The jatis were assigned on the basis of social background and the
work that people did. The status of a jati varied from place to place.
NEW
REGIONAL POWERS AND EMPIRES
By AD 700, India was
divided into several regions or states which had their own languages, cultures,
and customs, and were ruled by different dynasties, such as the Cholas,
Rashtrakutas, etc. Many foreign rulers, such as the Turks, the Afghans, and the
Mughals also set up their empires in India. Some rulers, like the Mughals, were
successful in establishing pan-regional empires. A pan-regional empire refers
to an empire spanning many regions.
The long and stable rule
of the Mughals and other pan-regional powers helped unite people from different
regions of India. Their unifying effect was felt in the political, social,
economic, as well as cultural life of the people. After the fall of the Mughals,
regional states rose into prominence again till they were defeated and brought
under one empire by the British.
RELIGION
There were many changes
in Hinduism during the medieval period new deities came to be worshipped, a
number of temples were constructed by the rulers, and religion became an
important factor in deciding the social and economic order of the communities.
Another important development was the rise of Brahmanas or priests as an
important social group. The arrival of people from other countries also brought
new religions to the subcontinent. Islam was introduced in India in the 7th
century by Muslim merchants and migrants. The new religion thrived under the
patronage of rulers. The interaction between Hindus and Muslims led to a fusion
of cultures, ultimately leading to the development of a unique 'Indian
culture'.
|
Definition-Patronage refers to the support received by an
artiste, an artisan, or a learned man from a ruler, or a wealthy and
influential person. |
Many centuries after
Islam was introduced in the subcontinent, Guru Nanak laid the foundation of
another new religion called Sikhism. One more significant development during
the medieval period was the spread of Bhakti and Sufi movements, which were
based on the idea of loving a deity that could be worshipped without priests
and rituals.
TRADE
The medieval period saw a
growth in trade with other countries and a greater interaction between India
and the world. Trade flourished especially under the Muslim rulers, leading to
the growth of many towns and cities. The growth of trade and the rise in demand
for Indian goods in Europe and other parts of the world eventually attracted
European traders to the subcontinent.
1.3 HOW
GEOGRAPHY SHAPED OUR HISTORY?
The history of medieval
India has been shaped by its geographical features. While the Great Himalayas
acted as barriers to invasions from the north of the subcontinent, but they
could not stop all the invaders. Many foreigners such as the Turks, the Afghans,
and the Mongols managed to cross into the northwest of the subcontinent through
passes in the Himalayas. Their rule made a significant impact on the Indian
society.
The vast Northern Plains
witnessed the rise and fall of many rulers, who fought for control over the
fertile plains. They served as an important seat of political control in
medieval India and bore the bulk of foreign invasions. Cut off from the north
of India by the Satpura and Vindhya ranges, southern India remained relatively
protected from invasions. Many rulers who established powerful empires in the
north found it difficult to keep the territories in the south under their
control for long. This allowed south India to develop a unique culture. The
long coastline allowed many southern rulers, like the Cholas to establish
strong navies and lead military expeditions to other countries like Sri Lanka.
|
Definition-Archives are places where
manuscripts and documents are kept safely. |
1.4
HISTORICAL SOURCES
The medieval period is
quite well documented. In fact, the number of written records multiplied during
the period as paper became cheaper and easily available. There are many
literary sources that tell us about the period, from the accounts of rulers to chronicles,
dramas, travelogues, etc. Many of the texts were collected by people, kings,
temples, etc., and became a part of their libraries. Some documents and
manuscripts were also stored in archives. Archaeological sources that shed
light on the period include coins, inscriptions, monuments, and paintings.
LITERARY
SOURCES
There are a number of
written records that give us valuable information about the period from AD 700
to AD 1700. Such written records are known as manuscripts. The printing press
had not yet been invented. Therefore, manuscripts and documents were written by
hand. People called scribes made copies of the texts.
Some of the important
literary sources dating back to the period include:
Autobiographies:The
autobiographies of Babur and Jahangir, Baburnama and Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri,
respectively, shed light on the Mughal rule. They were written in Turkish and
Persian.
Historical
works: Many works of history were written in Persian, Hindi
dialects, and Sanskrit in medieval India. Kings even commissioned scholars and
poets to write official chronicles and biographies for them. A chronicle is a
written record in which events are described in the order of their occurrence.
Some important historical works composed during the medieval period are as
follows:
Ø Kalhana's
Rajatarangini traces the history of medieval Kashmir. This long
Sanskrit poem was composed in the 12th century AD. It tells us about the kings
who ruled over Kashmir.
Ø Prithviraj Raso gives
an account of the famous Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan. The epic poem is
believed to have been written by a poet called Chand Bardai.
Ø Ziauddin
Barani's Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, Amir Khusrau's
Tughluq Nama and Khazainul Futuh, and Ferishta's
Tarikh-i-Ferishta shed light on the Sultans who ruled over Delhi from the
13th to the 15th century AD. The Sultans belonged to the Turk, Khalji, Tughluq,
Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties.
|
Amir Khusrau's |
Tughluq Nama and Khazainul Futuh, |
|
Ferishta's |
Tarikh-i-Ferishta |
|
Gulbadan Begum |
Humayun Nama |
|
Abul Fazl |
Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama |
|
Abdul Hamid Lahori's |
Padshah Nama |
Humayun Nama, Akbarnama,
Ain-i-Akbari, and Padshah Nama were important historical works written during
the Mughal period. Humayun Nama is an account of Humayun's life. It was
written by Babur's daughter Gulbadan Begum. Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama
were "written by Abul Fazl. They record the rule of Akbar. The rule of
Shah Jahan is recorded in Abdul Hamid Lahori's Padshah Nama
|
Styles of writing Scribes primarily used two styles of
writing, Arabic and Persian, which were important languages during the
period. The two styles are nastalig and shikaste. The nastaliq style is
cursive and therefore easy to read. The shikaste style is comparatively difficult
to read as the words are written very close together. |
|
|
Kalhana |
Rajatarangini |
|
Al-Biruni |
Kitab-al-Hind |
|
Ziauddin Barani |
Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi |
|
Abul Fazl |
Akbamama |
|
Abdul Hamid Lahori |
Padshah Nama |
|
Minhaj-i-Siraj |
Tabaqat-i-Nasiri |
|
Francois Bernier |
Travels in the Mogul Empire |
|
Thomas Roe and John Fryers
|
Travels in India in the Seventeenth
Century |
Ø Colonel
James Tod's 19th century work Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan chronicles
the rise of major Rajput states to prominence in medieval India.
Ø Folk tales: Kathasaritasagar
(Ocean of the Stream of Stories) is a collection of folk tales in Sanskrit. It
was written by a Kashmiri scholar named Somadeva. The Brihatkathakosha (The
Great Storehouse of Stories) is a collection of stories written by a Jain
author Harisena in the 10th century AD.
Ø Accounts of travellers: The
accounts of people who travelled around medieval India provide valuable
information about the places they visited and the people they met. Iranian
traveller Al-Biruni wrote about 11th century India in his book Kitab-al-Hind at
the request of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. Ibn Batuta, a Moroccan traveller who
visited India during the reign of Muhammad Tughluq, also wrote an account of
his travels in Rihla. Other travellers who wrote about medieval India include
Marco Polo of Italy who visited south India in the 13th century AD, Abdur
Razzaq of Persia who visited south India in the 15th century AD, and Sir Thomas
Roe of England and Francois Bernier of France who visited India during the 17th
century AD.
Ø
|
Foreign travellers |
|
|
Ibn Batuta |
Moroccan |
|
Marco Polo |
Italian |
|
Nicolo Conti |
Italian |
|
Abdur Razzaq |
Persian |
|
Sir Thomas Roe |
British |
|
Francois Bernier |
French |
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SOURCES
Inscriptions: Inscriptions are writings or drawings
usually engraved on surfaces, such as stones, copper plates, and walls of
temples and monuments. The study of inscriptions is known as epigraphy. Many
inscriptions from the medieval period survive to this day. They are important
sources of information about the kings and kingdoms of medieval India. For
example, inscriptions from Uttaramerur in Chinglepur district of Tamil Nadu
give details of Chola assemblies.
Many prashastis were also
composed during the period. The word prashasti means 'in praise of'. Prashastis
are long inscriptions that describe the rule and achievements of kings. A
Sanskrit prashasti describing the achievements of Nagabhatta, a Pratihara king,
has been found in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Such prashastis were often written
by Brahmanas. Archaeologists have also recovered several copper plates that
recorded land grants made by kings to their subjects. The Chola King Rajaraja I
inscribed his military successes on the walls of the Brihadeswara temple in
Thanjavur, which was constructed during his rule.
Monuments: Medieval kings built many temples, forts,
palaces and other structures. These monuments give an insight into the lives of
people and rulers of medieval India. They also shed light on the artistic
skills of the people. Important monuments constructed during the period include
the temples in Khajuraho, Konark, and Mount Abu; mosques such as the Jama
Masjid in Delhi; forts such as the Agra Fort, the Red Fort in Delhi, and the
Gwalior Fort; and tombs and palaces in Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.
Coins: The
study of coins is known as numismatics. Archaeologists have found a number of
coins from the medieval period. They tell us about important rulers, their
titles, the periods of their rule, their interests, achievements, and important
events, etc. For example, many Mughal coins depicted the portraits of emperors.
Coins issued by the Delhi Sultans often carried the titles assumed by the
rulers.
Paintings: A number of paintings dating back to medieval India shed light on the life of the people, their customs, dresses and jewelleries, important events, etc. Many manuscripts from the period have beautiful water colour paintings that illustrate the texts. Such paintings were very small in size and are therefore called miniature paintings. They were made on cloth, paper, palm leaf, or wood. These paintings flourished under the Mughal rule. Artists were also commissioned to make portraits of kings and nobles and depict court scenes through their paintings. Such paintings serve as important records of kings, their ancestors, and their rule.
Exercise
1. Which
present-day countries are part of the Indian subcontinent?
A) India, China,
Nepal, and Bhutan
B) India,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan
C) India, Nepal,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Bhutan
D) India, Sri
Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh
Answer:
C
Description:
The Indian subcontinent comprises India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and
Bhutan, which share common geographical and historical ties.
2. In
the Rig Veda, which term was used to describe a group of people living in the
northwest of the subcontinent?
A) Bharat
B) Aryavarta
C) Sapta Sindhu
D) Jambudvipa
Answer:
A
Description:
The Rig Veda mentions Bharata as a group of people living in the northwest of
the subcontinent. This term was later used to refer to the country itself.
3. What
does the term Jambudvipa refer to in Buddhist texts?
A) Land of the
seven rivers
B) Land of the
Jambu (Jamun) tree
C) Territory of
the Vedic Aryans
D) Region ruled by
the Mauryas
Answer:
B
Description:
In Buddhist texts, Jambudvipa refers to the land of the Jamun tree, symbolizing
the Indian subcontinent.
4. What
did the Greeks call the river Sindhu?
A) Indus
B) Hindos
C) Narmada
D) Brahmaputra
Answer:
A
Description:
The Greeks called the Sindhu River the Indus, from which the name India is
derived.
5. During
the Vedic Age, which term was used to refer to the territory around the Indus
River and its tributaries?
A) Aryavarta
B) Sapta Sindhu
C) Jambudvipa
D) Bharatvarsha
Answer:
B
Description:
The Sapta Sindhu region, meaning the land of seven rivers, referred to the
territory around the Indus River and its tributaries.
6. Who
used the term Hindustan in the 13th century to refer to areas under the Delhi
Sultanate?
A) Babur
B) Minhaj-i-Siraj
C) Iltutmish
D) Nasiruddin
Mahmud
Answer:
B
Description:
Minhaj-i-Siraj, a 13th-century historian, used the term Hindustan to describe
areas under the Delhi Sultanate’s control, including Punjab, Haryana, and the
Ganga-Yamuna region.
7. Who
was the author of the historical text Tabaqat-i-Nasiri?
A) Babur
B) Minhaj-i-Siraj
C) Nasiruddin
Mahmud
D) Iltutmish
Answer:
B
Description:
Minhaj-i-Siraj wrote the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, a historical chronicle documenting
the Delhi Sultanate’s rulers.
8. Minhaj-i-Siraj
dedicated his book Tabaqat-i-Nasiri to which Delhi Sultanate ruler?
A) Iltutmish
B) Qutbuddin Aibak
C) Nasiruddin
Mahmud
D) Balban
Answer:
C
Description:
Minhaj-i-Siraj dedicated his work Tabaqat-i-Nasiri to Nasiruddin Mahmud, a
ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.
9. What
are historical periods?
A) Segments of
time in history with distinct characteristics
B) Events recorded
by historians without classification
C) Ancient
monuments that define civilizations
D) Geological time
divisions based on fossils
Answer:
A
Description:
Historical periods are divisions of time in history that are characterized by
common social, political, economic, or cultural features.
10. The
medieval period of Indian history is generally considered to have lasted from:
A) AD 500 to AD
1500
B) AD 700 to AD
1750
C) AD 600 to AD
1700
D) AD 800 to AD
1800
Answer:
B
Description:
The medieval period in Indian history extended from AD 700 to AD 1750,
witnessing significant political, social, and economic changes.
11. Which
rulers characterized the Early Medieval Period of Indian history?
A) Turks and
Afghans
B) Palas,
Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, and Cholas
C) Mughals and
British
D) Mauryas and
Guptas
Answer:
B
Description:
The Early Medieval Period (AD 700–1200) saw the rise of regional dynasties like
the Palas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and Rajputs.
12. The
Late Medieval Period in Indian history is characterized by the rule of:
A) Regional
dynasties
B) Mauryas and
Guptas
C) Turks, Afghans,
and Mughals
D) Portuguese and
Dutch
Answer:
C
Description:
The Late Medieval Period (AD 1200–1750) was marked by the rule of foreign
powers like the Turks, Afghans, and Mughals.
13. Which
new technologies were introduced in India during the medieval period?
A) Firearms and
spinning wheels
B) Paper printing
and steam engines
C) Electricity and
railways
D) Satellites and
computers
Answer:
A
Description:
The medieval period saw the introduction of firearms for warfare and spinning
wheels for textile production.
14. Which
of the following foods were introduced to India by foreign traders during the
medieval period?
A) Wheat and rice
B) Mango and
sugarcane
C) Potato, chilli,
coffee, and tea
D) Banana and
coconut
Answer:
C
Description:
Crops like potato, chilli, coffee, and tea were introduced to India by traders
from other parts of the world.
15. The
term 'pan-regional empire' refers to:
A) An empire
confined to a single region
B) An empire
spreading across multiple regions
C) A local kingdom
with limited influence
D) A maritime
trading network
Answer:
B
Description:
A pan-regional empire spans across various regions. The Mughals established a
significant pan-regional empire in India.
16. Which
religious movement emphasized devotion to a deity without priests and rituals?
A) Bhakti and Sufi
movements
B) Vedic and
Upanishadic movements
C) Jain and
Buddhist movements
D) Hindu
Revivalist movements
Answer:
A
Description:
The Bhakti and Sufi movements encouraged personal devotion to God without the
need for intermediaries like priests.
17. What
is the meaning of 'Patronage' in the context of medieval India?
A) Tax levied by
rulers
B) Support
extended by rulers to artists, artisans, or scholars
C) Religious
offering made to temples
D) Military
protection provided to kingdoms
Answer:
B
Description:
Patronage refers to the financial and social support given by rulers or wealthy
individuals to scholars, artists, and craftsmen.
18. Islam
was introduced in India by:
A) Turkish rulers
B) Muslim
merchants and migrants
C) Afghan invaders
D) Mughal emperors
Answer:
B
Description:
Islam was introduced in India in the 7th century AD by Muslim merchants and
migrants through trade and cultural exchanges.
19. Which
factor contributed to the growth of cities during the medieval period?
A) Agricultural
decline
B) Expansion of
trade under Muslim rulers
C) Decrease in
population
D) Rise of the
feudal system
Answer:
B
Description:
Trade flourished under the Muslim rulers, leading to urbanization and the
development of towns and cities.
20. Which
geographical feature acted as a barrier to invasions from the north in medieval
India?
A) Satpura Range
B) Western Ghats
C) Himalayas
D) Aravalli Hills
Answer:
C) Himalayas
Explanation:
The Himalayas served as a natural barrier to prevent invasions from the north,
although they did not completely stop invaders like the Turks, Afghans, and
Mongols.
21. Through
which passes did the Turks, Afghans, and Mongols enter the Indian subcontinent?
A) Khyber and
Bolan Passes
B) Karakoram Pass
C) Nathu La Pass
D) Zoji La Pass
Answer:
A) Khyber and Bolan Passes
Explanation:
These passes in the northwest provided a route for foreign invaders to enter
the Indian subcontinent.
22. Which
region of India was relatively protected from invasions due to the Satpura and
Vindhya ranges?
A) Northern Plains
B) Western India
C) Southern India
D) Eastern India
Answer:
C) Southern India
Explanation:
The Satpura and Vindhya ranges acted as a natural barrier, making southern
India less vulnerable to invasions.
23. Which
southern Indian dynasty established a strong navy and conducted military
expeditions to Sri Lanka?
A) Pallavas
B) Cholas
C) Cheras
D) Pandyas
Answer:
B) Cholas
Explanation:
The Cholas established a formidable navy and conducted expeditions to Sri Lanka
and Southeast Asia.
24. What
are archives?
A) Religious
monuments
B) Marketplaces in
medieval cities
C) Places where
manuscripts and documents are stored
D) Battlegrounds
from medieval wars
Answer:
C) Places where manuscripts and documents are stored
Explanation:
Archives are repositories for storing historical manuscripts and documents.
25. Which
language was Ain-i-Akbari written in?
A) Sanskrit
B) Persian
C) Arabic
D) Urdu
Answer:
B) Persian
Explanation:
Abul Fazl wrote Ain-i-Akbari in Persian, which was the administrative language
during the Mughal era.
26. Which
writing style was known for its cursive and readable form during the medieval
period?
A) Shikaste
B) Nastaliq
C) Kufic
D) Naskh
Answer:
B) Nastaliq
Explanation:
Nastaliq was a cursive style of writing in Persian, commonly used for official
and literary texts.
27. Who
authored Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi?
A) Amir Khusrau
B) Ziauddin Barani
C) Abul Fazl
D) Ferishta
Answer:
B) Ziauddin Barani
Explanation:
Ziauddin Barani wrote Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, which details the reigns of the
Delhi Sultans.
28. Who
was the Persian traveler who wrote about his visit to India during the 15th
century?
A) Al-Biruni
B) Ibn Batuta
C) Abdur Razzaq
D) Marco Polo
Answer:
C) Abdur Razzaq
Explanation:
Abdur Razzaq, a Persian traveler, visited south India and documented his
experiences in the 15th century.
29. What
was the main purpose of chronicles written during medieval India?
A) Religious
rituals
B) Medical
practices
C) Recording
historical events in chronological order
D) Agricultural
management
Answer:
C) Recording historical events in chronological order
Explanation:
Chronicles were historical records that documented events in sequence, often
commissioned by rulers.
30. Which
foreign traveler wrote Kitab-al-Hind?
A) Ibn Batuta
B) Al-Biruni
C) Sir Thomas Roe
D) Francois
Bernier
Answer:
B) Al-Biruni
Explanation:
Al-Biruni, an Iranian scholar, wrote Kitab-al-Hind, a detailed account of
11th-century Indian society.
31. Who
wrote the Akbarnama?
A) Abul Fazl
B) Abdul Hamid
Lahori
C) Gulbadan Begum
D) Badauni
Answer:
A) Abul Fazl
Explanation:
Abul Fazl authored Akbarnama, which provides an account of Akbar's reign.
32. Which
traveler visited India during the reign of Muhammad Tughluq and recorded his
experiences in Rihla?
A) Ibn Batuta
B) Marco Polo
C) Abdur Razzaq
D) Nicolo Conti
Answer:
A) Ibn Batuta
Explanation:
Ibn Batuta, a Moroccan traveler, wrote Rihla based on his travels in India
during Muhammad Tughluq's reign.
33. The
inscriptions from Uttaramerur provide details about which kingdom's assemblies?
(A) Chola
(B) Pallava
(C) Satavahana
(D) Gupta
Answer:
(A) Chola
Explanation:
The inscriptions from Uttaramerur in Tamil Nadu provide valuable insights into
the administrative system of the Chola dynasty.
34. What
does the term 'prashasti' mean?
(A) A record of
taxes
(B) A royal decree
(C) In praise of a
king
(D) A trade
agreement
Answer:
(C) In praise of a king
Explanation:
Prashastis were inscriptions composed in praise of kings and their
achievements, often written by Brahmanas.
35. The
Gwalior Prashasti describes the achievements of which king?
(A) Rajendra Chola
(B) Nagabhatta
(C) Ashoka
(D) Akbar
Answer:
(B) Nagabhatta
Explanation:
The Gwalior Prashasti provides details about Nagabhatta, a prominent Pratihara
king.
36. Which
Chola king inscribed his military successes on the walls of the Brihadeswara
temple?
(A) Rajaraja I
(B) Rajendra Chola
(C) Parantaka I
(D) Kulothunga I
Answer:
(A) Rajaraja I
Explanation:
Rajaraja I built the Brihadeswara temple in Thanjavur and inscribed his
military victories on its walls.
37. Coins
issued by the Delhi Sultans often carried which type of information?
(A) Religious
scriptures
(B) Titles of
rulers
(C) Agricultural
policies
(D) Military
treaties
Answer:
(B) Titles of rulers
Explanation:
Coins issued by Delhi Sultans commonly displayed the titles assumed by rulers.
38. Which
Mughal emperor's coins depicted his portrait?
(A) Akbar
(B) Babur
(C) Jahangir
(D) Aurangzeb
Answer:
(C) Jahangir
Explanation:
Jahangir issued coins featuring his portrait, a significant departure from
Islamic tradition.
39. What
are miniature paintings?
(A) Large murals
(B) Small-sized
paintings on cloth or paper
(C) Cave paintings
(D) Frescoes on
walls
Answer:
(B) Small-sized paintings on cloth or paper
Explanation:
Miniature paintings are detailed and colorful artworks made on small surfaces
like paper or palm leaves.
40. The
Red Fort and Agra Fort were built during the reign of which dynasty?
(A) Delhi
Sultanate
(B) Mughal Dynasty
(C) Gupta Empire
(D) Chola Dynasty
Answer:
(B) Mughal Dynasty
Explanation:
The Red Fort and Agra Fort are architectural marvels constructed under Mughal
rule.
41. Which
art form flourished during the Mughal period and often depicted court scenes?
(A) Frescoes
(B) Miniature
Paintings
(C) Mosaic Art
(D) Rock Cut Art
Answer:
(B) Miniature Paintings
Explanation:
Miniature paintings were vibrant representations of court life, created by
skilled artists during the Mughal era.
42. Which
monument provides detailed records of Rajaraja I's military conquests?
(A) Konark Sun
Temple
(B) Brihadeswara
Temple
(C) Khajuraho
Temples
(D) Meenakshi
Temple
Answer:
(B) Brihadeswara Temple
Explanation:
The Brihadeswara Temple contains inscriptions detailing the military campaigns
of Rajaraja I, offering valuable historical insights.
.webp)
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