SSC CGL (Prelims) General: Medieval Indian History questions with solutions

Q1. Following his victory over Humayun at the Battle of Chausa (1539) and later at Kannauj (1540), which ruler assumed the title “Hazrat-i-Ala” and established a short-lived Afghan administrative system noted for revenue and road reforms?

1. Muhammad Adil Shah Suri
2. Sher Shah Suri
3. Sikandar Suri
4. Ibrahim Lodi

Answer: Sher Shah Suri

Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun at Chausa and Kannauj and briefly established the Sur Empire. He is famous for administrative, revenue, and road reforms, including the Grand Trunk Road.

Q2. Which Western Chalukya ruler is known for defeating the Chola king Rajadhiraja I in the Battle of Koppam (1054 CE)?

1. Pulakeshin II
2. Vikramaditya VI
3. Someshvara I
4. Tailapa II

Answer: Someshvara I

The Battle of Koppam in 1054 CE is associated with Someshvara I of the Western Chalukyas, who defeated Rajadhiraja I. The other rulers belong to different periods or are not linked to this battle.

Q3. In the Vijayanagara polity, the title ‘Hinduraya Suratrana’ signified:

1. Sultan of the Deccan
2. Protector of the Hindu realm
3. Commander of cavalry
4. Temple administrator

Answer: Protector of the Hindu realm

‘Hinduraya Suratrana’ was a title used in the Vijayanagara context to express the ruler’s role as a protector of the Hindu realm. It reflects the political and cultural self-image of the empire in the Deccan.

Q4. Which of the following statements correctly describes a characteristic feature of the Vijayanagara administration?

1. Land revenue was collected exclusively in cash across the empire.
2. The empire was divided into provinces known as ‘Mandalam’ governed by Nayakas.
3. The capital city had no fortification walls for defence.
4. Trade with foreign merchants was completely prohibited.

Answer: The empire was divided into provinces known as ‘Mandalam’ governed by Nayakas.

Vijayanagara administration had a structured territorial system, and regional units were governed by Nayakas. The other statements are incorrect because the empire had fortifications, trade was active, and revenue collection was not exclusively cash-based.

Q5. Whose administrative system later became the model for Emperor Akbar's consolidation of the Mughal Empire?

1. Babar
2. Humayun
3. Sher Shah Suri
4. Jahangir

Answer: Sher Shah Suri

Sher Shah Suri's administration was highly efficient and became a model for Akbar. His revenue reforms and administrative organization were later adapted by the Mughal Empire.

Q6. Which of the following works was composed by the Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya and is renowned for its poetic richness and devotion to Lord Vishnu?

1. Ramacharitam
2. Amuktamalyada
3. Gita Govinda
4. Manimekalai

Answer: Amuktamalyada

Amuktamalyada was composed by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is a celebrated Telugu work known for its literary beauty and devotional theme.

Q7. The reign of Prithviraj Chauhan concluded in which year?

1. 1175 CE
2. 1192 CE
3. 1206 CE
4. 1210 CE

Answer: 1192 CE

Prithviraj Chauhan's reign ended after his defeat in the Second Battle of Tarain. This battle took place in 1192 CE, which is why that year is the correct answer.

Q8. Marco Polo, during his return from China, described the pepper trade in which region of India?

1. Konkan
2. Bengal
3. Malabar
4. Odisha

Answer: Malabar

Marco Polo described the pepper trade of the Malabar Coast, which was famous for spice production and export. The region on the southwestern coast of India was a major center of the pepper trade in medieval times.