📘 SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)

(1 mark each)

  1. Who founded the Delhi Sultanate?
    A. Alauddin Khilji
    B. Prithviraj Chauhan
    C. Qutb-ud-din Aibak ✅
    D. Babur

  2. Which dynasty was NOT part of the Delhi Sultanate?
    A. Tughlaq
    B. Lodi
    C. Mughal ✅
    D. Khilji

  3. The Battle of Talikota led to the fall of which empire?
    A. Bahmani
    B. Mughal
    C. Vijayanagara ✅
    D. Maratha

  4. Which Mughal ruler reimposed the jizya tax?
    A. Babur
    B. Akbar
    C. Aurangzeb ✅
    D. Shah Jahan

  5. The Ahom kingdom was located in present-day:
    A. Punjab
    B. Gujarat
    C. Assam ✅
    D. Odisha

  6. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed during the reign of:
    A. Babur
    B. Akbar
    C. Aurangzeb ✅
    D. Jahangir

  7. What was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire?
    A. Madurai
    B. Hampi ✅
    C. Bijapur
    D. Calicut

  8. Alauddin Khilji called himself:
    A. Akbar the Great
    B. Ashoka the Brave
    C. Second Alexander ✅
    D. Iron Sultan

  9. The Bahmani Sultanate ruled over:
    A. Kashmir
    B. Bengal
    C. Deccan ✅
    D. Punjab

  10. What system required service in return for land rights in the Ahom kingdom?
    A. Iqta
    B. Jagir
    C. Paik ✅
    D. Zamindari

  11. Who compiled the Guru Granth Sahib?
    A. Guru Hargobind
    B. Guru Nanak
    C. Guru Arjan ✅
    D. Guru Tegh Bahadur

  12. Who built the Sun Temple at Konark?
    A. Harihara
    B. Narasimhadeva I ✅
    C. Rana Kumbha
    D. Krishnadevaraya

  13. The term "Mansabdari" relates to:
    A. Currency
    B. Land grants
    C. Military ranks ✅
    D. Agriculture

  14. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at which battle?
    A. Haldighati
    B. Khanwa
    C. Panipat (First Battle) ✅
    D. Talikota

  15. Krishnadevaraya wrote which famous Telugu work?
    A. Amuktamalyada ✅
    B. Mahabharata
    C. Bhagavad Gita
    D. Vinay Patrika

  1. Who defeated Ibrahim Lodi in 1526?
    A. Sher Shah Suri
    B. Akbar
    C. Babur ✅
    D. Humayun

  2. Which battle marked the end of the Vijayanagara Empire?
    A. Battle of Haldighati
    B. Battle of Talikota ✅
    C. First Battle of Panipat
    D. Battle of Saraighat

  3. What was the purpose of the iqta system?
    A. Promoting education
    B. Managing trade
    C. Tax collection and military control ✅
    D. Religious conversion

  4. Who introduced the mansabdari system?
    A. Sher Shah
    B. Babur
    C. Akbar ✅
    D. Aurangzeb

  5. Which kingdom was never conquered by the Delhi Sultanate?
    A. Gajapati
    B. Ahom ✅
    C. Marwar
    D. Bengal

  6. Which ruler moved the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
    A. Aurangzeb
    B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq ✅
    C. Alauddin Khilji
    D. Bahlul Lodi

  7. What was the main economic base of medieval India?
    A. Mining
    B. Fishing
    C. Agriculture ✅
    D. Industry

  8. Who built the Konark Sun Temple?
    A. Harshavardhana
    B. Narasimhadeva I ✅
    C. Krishnadevaraya
    D. Ashoka

  9. What was the role of Malik Kafur?
    A. Court poet
    B. Mughal emperor
    C. Slave general of Khilji ✅
    D. Tax collector

  10. Which Sikh Guru formed the Khalsa?
    A. Guru Nanak
    B. Guru Arjan
    C. Guru Hargobind
    D. Guru Gobind Singh ✅

  1. Which ruler introduced the idea of "Sulh-i-kul"?
    A. Humayun
    B. Akbar ✅
    C. Shah Jahan
    D. Aurangzeb

  2. Which ruler ordered the destruction of Hindu temples in 1669?
    A. Babur
    B. Akbar
    C. Jahangir
    D. Aurangzeb ✅

  3. What was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom?
    A. Golconda
    B. Garhgaon ✅
    C. Agra
    D. Bijapur

  4. Which Rajput ruler refused to accept Mughal suzerainty?
    A. Rana Sanga
    B. Maharana Pratap ✅
    C. Rana Kumbha
    D. Durga Das Rathore

  5. Which term referred to officers in Akbar’s army who were given rank?
    A. Paik
    B. Mansabdar ✅
    C. Nayaka
    D. Iqtadar

  6. Who introduced land surveys and crop-based revenue collection?
    A. Akbar
    B. Todar Mal ✅
    C. Sher Shah Suri
    D. Aurangzeb

  7. The Sikh empire was unified by:
    A. Guru Nanak
    B. Guru Gobind Singh
    C. Maharaja Ranjit Singh ✅
    D. Guru Tegh Bahadur

  8. What was the primary reason for the fall of the Mughal Empire?
    A. Foreign invasions
    B. Aurangzeb’s long wars ✅
    C. Weak administration
    D. Rajput alliances

  9. Which empire did the Musunuri Nayakas resist?
    A. Mughal Empire
    B. Bahmani Sultanate
    C. Delhi Sultanate ✅
    D. Vijayanagara Empire

  10. What is the significance of Fatehpur Sikri?
    A. Birthplace of Akbar
    B. Akbar’s capital and site of house of translation ✅
    C. Site of a famous battle
    D. Built by Aurangzeb

  1. What does "mansab" mean in the Mughal system?
    A. Land
    B. Rank ✅
    C. Tax
    D. Temple

  2. Which Portuguese traveller gave a detailed account of Vijayanagara?
    A. Ibn Battuta
    B. Domingo Paes ✅
    C. Marco Polo
    D. Megasthenes

  3. Which title did Aurangzeb assume upon becoming emperor?
    A. Shahenshah
    B. Alamgir ✅
    C. Badshah
    D. Hindukiller

  4. What happened to Daulatabad during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign?
    A. Became capital ✅
    B. Became trade centre
    C. Was attacked by Timur
    D. Became Mughal stronghold

  5. Which group supported Maharana Pratap with archery and terrain knowledge?
    A. Ahoms
    B. Marathas
    C. Bhils ✅
    D. Sikhs

  6. Who built the five-storey Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri?
    A. Babur
    B. Akbar ✅
    C. Shah Jahan
    D. Aurangzeb

  7. Which ruler’s son-in-law fought in the Battle of Talikota?
    A. Narasimhadeva
    B. Alauddin Khilji
    C. Krishnadevaraya ✅
    D. Sher Shah Suri

  8. Who repelled multiple Mongol invasions?
    A. Muhammad Ghori
    B. Sher Shah Suri
    C. Alauddin Khilji ✅
    D. Babur

  9. Who led the Ahom forces in the Battle of Saraighat?
    A. Ram Singh
    B. Lachit Borphukan ✅
    C. Guru Tegh Bahadur
    D. Rani Durgavati

  10. Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal?
    A. Akbar
    B. Babur
    C. Shah Jahan ✅
    D. Jahangir

📘 100 MCQs with Answers

Chapter 2 – Reshaping India’s Political Map (Class 8)

A. Delhi Sultanate & Foreign Invasions (1–20)

  1. The Delhi Sultanate was established in:
    a) 1192 CE
    b) 1206 CE
    c) 1336 CE
    d) 1526 CE
    Ans: b) 1206 CE

  2. Who defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192 CE?
    a) Babur
    b) Timur
    c) Muhammad Ghori
    d) Ala-ud-din Khilji
    Ans: c) Muhammad Ghori

  3. The first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate was:
    a) Khilji
    b) Tughlaq
    c) Mamluk
    d) Lodi
    Ans: c) Mamluk

  4. How many dynasties ruled the Delhi Sultanate?
    a) 3
    b) 4
    c) 5
    d) 6
    Ans: c) 5

  5. Qutub Minar was started by:
    a) Balban
    b) Qutub-ud-din Aibak
    c) Ala-ud-din Khilji
    d) Iltutmish
    Ans: b) Qutub-ud-din Aibak

  6. Ala-ud-din Khilji called himself:
    a) Alamgir
    b) Sikander Sani
    c) Shahenshah
    d) Narapati
    Ans: b) Sikander Sani

  7. Who was Malik Kafur?
    a) Poet
    b) General of Ala-ud-din Khilji
    c) Ruler of Vijayanagara
    d) Rajput king
    Ans: b) General of Ala-ud-din Khilji

  8. Who introduced token currency in copper?
    a) Akbar
    b) Ala-ud-din Khilji
    c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
    d) Sher Shah Suri
    Ans: c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq

  9. Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital to:
    a) Agra
    b) Daulatabad
    c) Lahore
    d) Multan
    Ans: b) Daulatabad

  10. Who invaded Delhi in 1398?
    a) Babur
    b) Timur
    c) Ghazni
    d) Nadir Shah
    Ans: b) Timur

  11. The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate was:
    a) Tughlaq
    b) Khilji
    c) Lodi
    d) Sayyid
    Ans: c) Lodi

  12. The Sun Temple of Konark was built by:
    a) Narasimhadeva I
    b) Harihara
    c) Bukka
    d) Krishnadevaraya
    Ans: a) Narasimhadeva I

  13. The Hoysalas ruled mainly in:
    a) Rajasthan
    b) Karnataka
    c) Odisha
    d) Bengal
    Ans: b) Karnataka

  14. The Hoysalas’ emblem is based on:
    a) A lion
    b) A horse
    c) A bull
    d) An elephant
    Ans: a) A lion (Sala killing a lion)

  15. The Bahmani Sultanate was founded in:
    a) 1336 CE
    b) 1347 CE
    c) 1398 CE
    d) 1400 CE
    Ans: b) 1347 CE

  16. The Bahmani Sultanate later split into:
    a) 3 states
    b) 4 states
    c) 5 states
    d) 6 states
    Ans: c) 5 states

  17. The Deccan Sultanates included all except:
    a) Bijapur
    b) Golconda
    c) Bidar
    d) Mewar
    Ans: d) Mewar

  18. Jizya was a:
    a) Trade tax
    b) Land tax
    c) Tax on non-Muslims
    d) Water tax
    Ans: c) Tax on non-Muslims

  19. The Eastern Ganga ruler who resisted the Sultanate was:
    a) Narasimhadeva I
    b) Rana Pratap
    c) Rana Kumbha
    d) Harihara
    Ans: a) Narasimhadeva I

  20. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by:
    a) Rana Sanga
    b) Rana Pratap
    c) Rana Kumbha
    d) Rana Hammir
    Ans: c) Rana Kumbha

B. Vijayanagara Empire (21–40)

  1. Vijayanagara Empire was founded by:
    a) Harihara & Bukka
    b) Krishnadevaraya
    c) Narasimhadeva
    d) Balban
    Ans: a) Harihara & Bukka

  2. Vijayanagara’s capital was at:
    a) Bidar
    b) Hampi
    c) Bijapur
    d) Kanchipuram
    Ans: b) Hampi

  3. The Bahmani Sultanate broke into:
    a) Rajput states
    b) Deccan Sultanates
    c) Mughal provinces
    d) Ahom states
    Ans: b) Deccan Sultanates

  4. The Deccan Sultanates were how many?
    a) 3
    b) 5
    c) 7
    d) 2
    Ans: b) 5

  5. The most famous ruler of Vijayanagara was:
    a) Harihara
    b) Krishnadevaraya
    c) Bukka
    d) Narasimhadeva I
    Ans: b) Krishnadevaraya

  6. Krishnadevaraya composed the Telugu epic:
    a) Manimekalai
    b) Amuktamalyada
    c) Silappadikaram
    d) Rajatarangini
    Ans: b) Amuktamalyada

  7. Which temple is famous for musical pillars?
    a) Vitthala Temple, Hampi
    b) Jagannath Temple
    c) Brihadeshwara Temple
    d) Konark Temple
    Ans: a) Vitthala Temple, Hampi

  8. Which empire declined after the Battle of Talikota (1565)?
    a) Mughal
    b) Vijayanagara
    c) Maratha
    d) Bahmani
    Ans: b) Vijayanagara

  9. The Battle of Talikota was fought in:
    a) 1526 CE
    b) 1556 CE
    c) 1565 CE
    d) 1671 CE
    Ans: c) 1565 CE

  10. Foreign travellers, like Domingo Paes, visited:
    a) Vijayanagara
    b) Delhi
    c) Agra
    d) Lahore
    Ans: a) Vijayanagara

  11. Krishnadevaraya patronised which languages?
    a) Sanskrit & Hindi
    b) Sanskrit, Telugu & Kannada
    c) Tamil & Pali
    d) Persian & Arabic
    Ans: b) Sanskrit, Telugu & Kannada

  12. The empire of Vijayanagara ended in:
    a) 1565 CE
    b) Mid-17th century
    c) 1600 CE
    d) 1707 CE
    Ans: b) Mid-17th century

  13. Who was defeated in the Battle of Talikota?
    a) Ramaraya
    b) Krishnadevaraya
    c) Babur
    d) Akbar
    Ans: a) Ramaraya

  14. The ruins of Hampi are part of:
    a) Gujarat
    b) Karnataka
    c) Odisha
    d) Tamil Nadu
    Ans: b) Karnataka

  15. The Deccan Sultanates mainly fought against:
    a) Ahoms
    b) Vijayanagara
    c) Sikhs
    d) Rajputs
    Ans: b) Vijayanagara

  16. Which title meant ‘lord of elephants’?
    a) Narapati
    b) Ashwapati
    c) Gajapati
    d) Chhatrapati
    Ans: c) Gajapati

  17. The Bahmani Sultanate rival of Vijayanagara was located in:
    a) Bengal
    b) Deccan
    c) Punjab
    d) Assam
    Ans: b) Deccan

  18. Which empire absorbed the Hoysalas?
    a) Bahmani
    b) Vijayanagara
    c) Mughal
    d) Maratha
    Ans: b) Vijayanagara

  19. Hampi became capital after an omen involving:
    a) A lion
    b) A hare chasing hounds
    c) A comet in the sky
    d) A snake on a throne
    Ans: b) A hare chasing hounds

  20. Which European traders were welcomed for horse trade?
    a) Dutch
    b) Portuguese
    c) French
    d) English
    Ans: b) Portuguese

C. Mughal Empire (41–60)

  1. The Mughal Empire was founded in:
    a) 1526 CE
    b) 1556 CE
    c) 1398 CE
    d) 1605 CE
    Ans: a) 1526 CE

  2. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in:
    a) First Battle of Panipat
    b) Second Battle of Panipat
    c) Battle of Khanwa
    d) Battle of Haldighati
    Ans: a) First Battle of Panipat

  3. Babur was a descendant of:
    a) Chengiz Khan
    b) Timur
    c) Both
    d) None
    Ans: c) Both

  4. The Baburnama was:
    a) Poetry book
    b) Autobiography of Babur
    c) Novel
    d) Religious text
    Ans: b) Autobiography of Babur

  5. Who introduced gunpowder warfare in India?
    a) Babur
    b) Timur
    c) Akbar
    d) Aurangzeb
    Ans: a) Babur

  6. The Sur Empire was founded by:
    a) Sher Shah Suri
    b) Hemu
    c) Humayun
    d) Bairam Khan
    Ans: a) Sher Shah Suri

  7. Hemu was defeated in:
    a) Battle of Khanwa
    b) First Battle of Panipat
    c) Second Battle of Panipat
    d) Battle of Haldighati
    Ans: c) Second Battle of Panipat

  8. Akbar became emperor at the age of:
    a) 10
    b) 13
    c) 15
    d) 18
    Ans: b) 13

  9. Akbar abolished which tax?
    a) Land tax
    b) Jizya
    c) Trade tax
    d) Salt tax
    Ans: b) Jizya

  10. The policy of ‘sulh-i-kul’ meant:
    a) War against all
    b) Peace with all
    c) War with Hindus
    d) Trade monopoly
    Ans: b) Peace with all

  11. Who translated Mahabharata into Persian (Razmnama)?
    a) Jahangir
    b) Abul Fazl
    c) Akbar’s court
    d) Dara Shikoh
    Ans: c) Akbar’s court

  12. Fatehpur Sikri was built by:
    a) Humayun
    b) Akbar
    c) Jahangir
    d) Aurangzeb
    Ans: b) Akbar

  13. The Taj Mahal was built by:
    a) Akbar
    b) Jahangir
    c) Shah Jahan
    d) Aurangzeb
    Ans: c) Shah Jahan

  14. Who imprisoned Shah Jahan?
    a) Aurangzeb
    b) Dara Shikoh
    c) Babur
    d) Akbar
    Ans: a) Aurangzeb

  15. Aurangzeb’s title was:
    a) Sikander Sani
    b) Alamgir
    c) Ghazi
    d) Shahenshah
    Ans: b) Alamgir

  16. Aurangzeb ruled for:
    a) 30 years
    b) 40 years
    c) 49 years
    d) 25 years
    Ans: c) 49 years

  17. Aurangzeb reimposed:
    a) Salt tax
    b) Jizya tax
    c) Land tax
    d) Water tax
    Ans: b) Jizya tax

  18. Which Mughal ruler promoted art & architecture most?
    a) Shah Jahan
    b) Aurangzeb
    c) Babur
    d) Humayun
    Ans: a) Shah Jahan

  19. The Mughal Empire reached maximum expansion under:
    a) Akbar
    b) Shah Jahan
    c) Aurangzeb
    d) Jahangir
    Ans: c) Aurangzeb

  20. Who was Dara Shikoh?
    a) Poet
    b) Akbar’s son
    c) Shah Jahan’s son
    d) Aurangzeb’s rival brother
    Ans: d) Aurangzeb’s rival brother

D. Resistance & Regional Powers (61–80)

  1. Rani Durgavati ruled the:
    a) Gajapati Kingdom
    b) Garha Kingdom
    c) Ahoms
    d) Rajputs
    Ans: b) Garha Kingdom

  2. Rani Durgavati died in:
    a) Prison
    b) Battle against Akbar’s general
    c) Battle of Khanwa
    d) Battle of Haldighati
    Ans: b) Battle against Akbar’s general

  3. Rana Sanga was defeated by Babur in:
    a) Battle of Khanwa
    b) Battle of Talikota
    c) Battle of Panipat
    d) Battle of Haldighati
    Ans: a) Battle of Khanwa

  4. Maharana Pratap fought the Battle of Haldighati in:
    a) 1526 CE
    b) 1556 CE
    c) 1565 CE
    d) 1576 CE
    Ans: d) 1576 CE

  5. Maharana Pratap used:
    a) Guerrilla warfare
    b) Heavy cavalry
    c) War elephants only
    d) Firearms
    Ans: a) Guerrilla warfare

  6. The Bhils supported:
    a) Timur
    b) Aurangzeb
    c) Maharana Pratap
    d) Babur
    Ans: c) Maharana Pratap

  7. The Ahoms migrated from:
    a) Tibet
    b) Myanmar
    c) Nepal
    d) Bhutan
    Ans: b) Myanmar

  8. The Ahoms’ labour system was called:
    a) Jagir
    b) Paik system
    c) Iqta system
    d) Zamindari
    Ans: b) Paik system

  9. The Ahoms defeated the Mughals at:
    a) Battle of Haldighati
    b) Battle of Khanwa
    c) Battle of Saraighat
    d) Battle of Talikota
    Ans: c) Battle of Saraighat

  10. The Ahom commander at Saraighat was:
    a) Lachit Borphukan
    b) Durga Das Rathore
    c) Rana Pratap
    d) Rani Durgavati
    Ans: a) Lachit Borphukan

  11. Guru Nanak preached:
    a) Idol worship
    b) Oneness of God
    c) Polytheism
    d) Atheism
    Ans: b) Oneness of God

  12. Guru Arjan was executed by:
    a) Akbar
    b) Jahangir
    c) Shah Jahan
    d) Aurangzeb
    Ans: b) Jahangir

  13. The Guru Granth Sahib was compiled by:
    a) Guru Nanak
    b) Guru Arjan
    c) Guru Gobind Singh
    d) Guru Tegh Bahadur
    Ans: b) Guru Arjan

  14. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in:
    a) Agra
    b) Lahore
    c) Chandni Chowk, Delhi
    d) Amritsar
    Ans: c) Chandni Chowk, Delhi

  15. Guru Gobind Singh founded the:
    a) Khalsa
    b) Akal Takht
    c) Granth Sahib
    d) Maratha Empire
    Ans: a) Khalsa

  16. The Khalsa was established in:
    a) 1498 CE
    b) 1576 CE
    c) 1675 CE
    d) 1699 CE
    Ans: d) 1699 CE

  17. Maharaja Ranjit Singh established:
    a) Sikh Empire
    b) Maratha Empire
    c) Mughal Empire
    d) Ahom Kingdom
    Ans: a) Sikh Empire

  18. The Sikh Empire was founded in:
    a) 1799 CE
    b) 1707 CE
    c) 1671 CE
    d) 1565 CE
    Ans: a) 1799 CE

  19. Which Rajput ruler resisted Aurangzeb in Marwar?
    a) Rana Sanga
    b) Durga Das Rathore
    c) Rana Pratap
    d) Rana Kumbha
    Ans: b) Durga Das Rathore

  20. The Ahoms preserved their independence till:
    a) Mughal rule
    b) British conquest
    c) Maratha invasion
    d) Sikh Empire
    Ans: b) British conquest

E. Administration, Economy & Society (81–100)

  1. Under the Sultanate, land grants were called:
    a) Iqta
    b) Jagir
    c) Paik
    d) Mansab
    Ans: a) Iqta

  2. Iqta holders were called:
    a) Jagirdars
    b) Zamindars
    c) Iqtadars
    d) Paiks
    Ans: c) Iqtadars

  3. Akbar’s finance minister was:
    a) Abul Fazl
    b) Todar Mal
    c) Bairam Khan
    d) Birbal
    Ans: b) Todar Mal

  4. The Mansabdari system was introduced by:
    a) Babur
    b) Humayun
    c) Akbar
    d) Aurangzeb
    Ans: c) Akbar

  5. Mansabdars were assigned:
    a) Temples
    b) Jagirs
    c) Ports
    d) Forts
    Ans: b) Jagirs

  6. The official record of Akbar’s administration was:
    a) Baburnama
    b) Ain-i-Akbari
    c) Razmnama
    d) Shah Jahan Nama

You said:
Rest pls
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Great 🙂 Let’s complete the remaining MCQs (87–100) from the Administration, Economy, Society & Culture section of the chapter Reshaping India’s Political Map.

E. Administration, Economy & Society (87–100)

  1. Abul Fazl wrote which important book?
    a) Baburnama
    b) Ain-i-Akbari
    c) Shah Jahan Nama
    d) Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
    Ans: b) Ain-i-Akbari

  2. The system of revenue survey under Akbar was organised by:
    a) Todar Mal
    b) Abul Fazl
    c) Sher Shah Suri
    d) Aurangzeb
    Ans: a) Todar Mal

  3. The Delhi Sultanate’s revenue system often burdened:
    a) Nobles
    b) Peasants
    c) Soldiers
    d) Traders
    Ans: b) Peasants

  4. The main source of revenue in medieval India was:
    a) Trade duty
    b) Land revenue
    c) Jizya tax
    d) Pilgrimage tax
    Ans: b) Land revenue

  5. The ‘hundi’ system was related to:
    a) Banking & credit
    b) Irrigation
    c) Military service
    d) Agriculture
    Ans: a) Banking & credit

  6. Which crop was non-food but important for textiles?
    a) Rice
    b) Wheat
    c) Cotton
    d) Barley
    Ans: c) Cotton

  7. Which cities were major trading ports of medieval India?
    a) Delhi & Agra
    b) Surat, Calicut, Masulipatnam, Hooghly
    c) Gwalior & Warangal
    d) Lahore & Multan
    Ans: b) Surat, Calicut, Masulipatnam, Hooghly

  8. Which water-lifting device was commonly used for irrigation?
    a) Step well
    b) Tank
    c) Persian wheel
    d) Canal
    Ans: c) Persian wheel

  9. Temples in medieval India also acted as:
    a) Only worship centres
    b) Schools only
    c) Economic hubs & credit institutions
    d) Fortresses
    Ans: c) Economic hubs & credit institutions

  10. Which social groups were known for trading across regimes?
    a) Bhils
    b) Marwaris
    c) Paiks
    d) Mansabdars
    Ans: b) Marwaris

  11. Average land revenue share taken from peasants was:
    a) 1/10th
    b) 1/5th
    c) 1/2
    d) 3/4
    Ans: b) 1/5th (sometimes raised to 1/2)

  12. Which art form flourished most during Mughal rule?
    a) Temple architecture
    b) Miniature painting & calligraphy
    c) Cave paintings
    d) Bronze sculptures
    Ans: b) Miniature painting & calligraphy

  13. Who built Humayun’s tomb in Delhi?
    a) Akbar
    b) Sher Shah Suri
    c) Humayun’s wife Haji Begum
    d) Shah Jahan
    Ans: c) Humayun’s wife Haji Begum

  14. The overall feature of 13th–17th century India was:
    a) Political stability and economic decline
    b) Political instability but economic & cultural vitality
    c) Complete isolation from the world
    d) Uniform religious tolerance
    Ans: b) Political instability but economic & cultural vitality

📙 SECTION B: VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(1–2 sentences)

  1. Who founded the Mughal Empire in India?
    Ans: Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat.

  2. What is ‘jizya’?
    Ans: Jizya was a tax imposed on non-Muslims for protection and exemption from military service.

  3. Who were the Bhils and what role did they play?
    Ans: The Bhils were tribal warriors who supported Rajput rulers like Maharana Pratap during wars against the Mughals.

  4. What is a 'hundi'?
    Ans: A hundi was a financial instrument that allowed merchants to transfer funds without physically carrying currency.

  5. Name two dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate.
    Ans: Tughlaq and Khilji dynasties.

  6. What does the word ‘pati’ in Gajapati or Narapati signify?
    Ans: It means ‘lord’ or ‘master’.

  7. Who were the Musunuri Nayakas?
    Ans: Telugu chieftains who resisted the Delhi Sultanate and expelled its forces from Warangal.

  8. What is ‘jauhar’?
    Ans: A practice where women self-immolated to avoid capture during enemy invasions.

  9. What caused the downfall of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s economic reforms?
    Ans: His introduction of token currency led to counterfeiting and economic chaos.

  10. Which temple is known for ‘musical pillars’?
    Ans: The Vitthala temple in Vijayanagara (Hampi).

  1. What was the function of the 'House of Translation' under Akbar?
    Ans: It translated important Indian texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Persian.

  2. Why did Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s token currency fail?
    Ans: People started counterfeiting copper coins, leading to confusion and economic collapse.

  3. What is iconoclasm?
    Ans: The deliberate destruction of religious images or icons considered heretical or idolatrous.

  4. What led to the decline of Mughal power after Aurangzeb?
    Ans: Constant warfare, economic strain, and revolts weakened the Mughal Empire after his death.

  5. Who was Domingo Paes?
    Ans: A Portuguese traveller who wrote about the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.

  1. What was the Bahmani Sultanate?
    Ans: It was a breakaway Muslim kingdom in the Deccan, formed in the mid-14th century.

  2. What is meant by ‘Jagir’?
    Ans: A piece of land granted to mansabdars as salary instead of direct cash.

  3. Who built the Kumbhalgarh Fort?
    Ans: Rana Kumbha of Mewar.

  4. What made Babur stay in India?
    Ans: India’s wealth, fertile land, and strategic potential for empire-building.

  5. What was the main occupation of people during this period?
    Ans: Agriculture.

  1. What was the main purpose of the iqta system?
    Ans: To manage land revenue collection and support the army through local nobles.

  2. What did Aurangzeb ban in his court as un-Islamic?
    Ans: Music and dance.

  3. What was the primary occupation of Indian people during the medieval period?
    Ans: Agriculture.

  4. Name one contribution of Abul Fazl.
    Ans: He wrote the Ain-i-Akbari, detailing Akbar’s administration.

  5. What was the Sikh response to Mughal oppression under Aurangzeb?
    Ans: Formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh.

📗 SECTION C: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

(50–80 words)

  1. Describe the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate.
    Ans: The Sultan held absolute authority assisted by a council of ministers. The iqta system was used to collect revenue. Nobles known as iqtadars managed land and remitted taxes to the Sultan. The system was non-hereditary and often led to corruption and heavy taxation on peasants.

  2. How did Akbar promote religious tolerance?
    Ans: Akbar abolished the jizya, included Hindus in administration, conducted interfaith dialogues, and translated Sanskrit texts into Persian. His idea of "Sulh-i-Kul" promoted peaceful coexistence of all religions.

  3. Why is Krishnadevaraya considered a great ruler?
    Ans: He expanded the Vijayanagara Empire, promoted art and literature, wrote the epic Āmuktamālyada in Telugu, and supported temple building and trade. His reign marked the cultural zenith of southern India.

  4. Explain the paik system of the Ahoms.
    Ans: It was a labour-based system where every able-bodied male provided service — military or administrative — in exchange for land rights, helping maintain public works and defense without a standing army.

  5. Why did the Vijayanagara Empire fall?
    Ans: In 1565, the Deccan Sultanates allied and defeated the Vijayanagara Empire at the Battle of Talikota. The capital was plundered, and the empire fragmented into smaller Nayaka-controlled territories.

  1. How did geography help the Ahoms resist invasions?
    Ans: The Ahoms used the Brahmaputra River, dense forests, and hills to launch guerrilla attacks. Their knowledge of local terrain allowed them to ambush Mughal forces and regain control, especially during the Battle of Saraighat. This natural protection and tactical advantage ensured their survival and independence.

  2. What made the Vijayanagara Empire culturally rich?
    Ans: The Vijayanagara Empire, especially under Krishnadevaraya, promoted literature in Sanskrit, Telugu, and Kannada. Grand temples like the Vitthala Temple were built. Art, music, and architecture flourished. The rulers patronised poets, scholars, and temple activities, creating a golden era in South Indian culture.

  1. What was the iqta system?
    Ans: The iqta system was introduced under the Delhi Sultanate, where land was granted to nobles (iqtadars) to collect taxes. They retained a portion for expenses and sent the rest to the Sultan. This helped in revenue generation and military maintenance but often led to corruption and exploitation.

  2. How did Aurangzeb’s policies differ from Akbar’s?
    Ans: While Akbar promoted tolerance and abolished jizya, Aurangzeb reimposed it, banned music and dance, and destroyed temples. Akbar sought harmony through sulh-i-kul, but Aurangzeb emphasized orthodoxy and military expansion, leading to rebellions.

  1. How did temples function as economic centers?
    Ans: Temples received land and wealth from rulers, provided loans to merchants, employed artisans, and supported community infrastructure like irrigation and dharamshalas. They served as banks, trade centers, and places of social activity.

  2. How did the Mughal administration differ from the Delhi Sultanate?
    Ans: The Delhi Sultanate relied on iqtadars and central authority, often violent and unstable. The Mughals under Akbar used a structured system of mansabdars, ministers, and provinces with checks and balances. Mughals also integrated local traditions and administration.

📕 SECTION D: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

(100–150 words)

  1. Describe the rise and fall of the Delhi Sultanate.
    Ans: The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan. It was ruled by five dynasties — Mamluks, Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis. While they expanded territory through military campaigns, frequent rebellions, poor administration, and economic stress weakened it. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s failed policies and Timur’s invasion in 1398 further destabilised it. Eventually, Babur’s victory in 1526 ended the Sultanate and ushered in Mughal rule.

  2. How did foreign invasions shape India’s political map during the medieval period?
    Ans: Invasions by Turks, Afghans, and Mughals led to the fall of local dynasties and emergence of empires like the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals. These invaders brought new military tactics, religions, and administrative systems. Resistance from kingdoms like the Ahoms, Rajputs, and Vijayanagara added complexity, while alliances and warfare continuously redrew boundaries. The invasions also influenced trade, art, and society deeply.

  3. Compare the administrative systems of the Sultanate and Mughal empires.
    Ans: Both centralised power around the ruler but differed in structure. The Sultanate used the iqta system with iqtadars collecting taxes, often exploiting peasants. The Mughals, especially under Akbar, established a more efficient system with ministers handling different portfolios, and the mansabdari system for military organisation. Todar Mal’s revenue reforms under Akbar improved tax assessment. While the Sultanate had a more exploitative system, the Mughals aimed at longer-term governance and inclusion.

  1. What were the causes and consequences of Timur’s invasion of Delhi?
    Ans: Timur, a Turkic-Mongol ruler, invaded Delhi in 1398 with the aim of gaining wealth and waging war against ‘infidels.’ His army massacred civilians, destroyed temples and cities, and took thousands of people as slaves. Delhi was left in ruins, its economy and political structure shattered. This invasion greatly weakened the Delhi Sultanate, leading to its eventual fall and paving the way for new powers to emerge.

  2. How did resistance movements shape India during this period?
    Ans: Regional resistance by the Rajputs, Ahoms, Sikhs, Gajapatis, and others slowed down or reversed imperial expansions. Figures like Rani Durgavati and Maharana Pratap became symbols of defiance. These movements protected local cultures and traditions and prevented total political centralization, preserving India’s diversity. The failure of absolute domination allowed for rich regional expressions in art, language, religion, and governance.

  1. Discuss the role of women in resisting invasions, with examples.
    Ans: Women played courageous roles in resisting foreign invasions. Rani Durgavati, queen of the Garha kingdom, led her army against Akbar’s forces and chose death over capture. Rajput women committed jauhar at Chittorgarh to uphold honour. These acts reflected immense bravery, sacrifice, and leadership, becoming symbols of resistance and inspiration in Indian history.

  2. How did trade and economy flourish despite political instability?
    Ans: Even amid warfare, India's trade networks remained active. Towns like Surat and Calicut thrived on exports like spices, textiles, and gems. The hundi system protected traders from looting. Temple-based economies supported artisans and merchants. Agricultural productivity, thanks to irrigation and land grants, ensured continued wealth generation despite unstable politics.

  1. What were the main reasons for resistance to the Delhi Sultanate in different regions?
    Ans: Many regional kingdoms like the Hoysalas, Eastern Gangas, and Ahoms resisted the Sultanate due to invasions, high taxes, destruction of temples, and forced conversions. Local rulers like Narasimhadeva I and the Musunuri Nayakas used strong armies and alliances to protect their regions. Geography and community support also played major roles. Such resistance prevented total domination and preserved regional identities.

  2. How did Akbar combine military strength and diplomacy to expand his empire?
    Ans: Akbar used early conquests like the siege of Chittorgarh to show his military might. Later, he employed diplomatic strategies like marriage alliances with Rajput princesses, abolishing jizya, inviting Hindu nobles to court, and promoting religious dialogue. He stabilised administration using the mansabdari system and encouraged Persian translations of Indian texts to foster cultural integration.

⭐ SECTION E: VALUE-BASED QUESTIONS

(Answer in 80–100 words)

  1. What values do we learn from Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom?
    Ans: Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for religious freedom teaches us courage, tolerance, and moral conviction. He stood up for the oppressed and refused to convert under threat. His example encourages modern societies to respect diversity, uphold human rights, and protect the right to practice one’s faith freely.

  2. What can we learn from the multicultural policies of Akbar?
    Ans: Akbar’s promotion of Sulh-i-kul (peace with all) teaches respect for pluralism. His inclusion of Hindus in governance, abolition of discriminatory taxes, and interest in different religions show that inclusive policies strengthen unity and governance. In today’s world, such tolerance remains crucial for peaceful coexistence.

  1. How does the Sikh principle of “Seva” (selfless service) inspire modern society?
    Ans: The Sikh value of seva promotes community service, compassion, and equality. In today’s world, it inspires disaster relief, feeding the poor (e.g., langars), blood donation drives, and healthcare support. It teaches us to rise above selfish interests and work toward the welfare of all.

  2. What lessons can we learn from the Ahom resistance at the Battle of Saraighat?
    Ans: The Ahoms, despite being outnumbered, used strategy, unity, and terrain knowledge to defeat the Mughals. This teaches us that intelligence, teamwork, and local wisdom can overcome brute strength. It’s a lesson in resilience and defending one’s freedom against oppression.

  1. What values are shown by Rani Durgavati’s resistance?
    Ans: Courage, leadership, patriotism, and sacrifice. She chose to die rather than surrender, inspiring future generations with her bravery and commitment to independence.

  2. What can be learned from Vijayanagara’s prosperity despite external threats?
    Ans: Good governance, cultural investment, trade promotion, and infrastructure development can create a flourishing society even during politically unstable times. Leadership like that of Krishnadevaraya balanced military strength with cultural patronage.


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