We’ve put together this handy page just for you, focusing on UPSC Prelims Medieval History Previous Year Questions (PYQ) with Solutions. It’s like a treasure trove of the last 10 years’ questions, all answered and explained in detail.
We did this to help make your preparation journey a bit easier. So, dive in and let’s tackle those Medieval History Prelims questions!
2022
With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:
- The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
- During the reign of Ala-ud-dih Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
- Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 3 only
Show Answer
- A The best means of salvation was devotion.
- B Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
- C Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
- D Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
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The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
- Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
- A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
- Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
2021
Consider the following statements:
- It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
- It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
- 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?
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 3 only
- D 2 and 3 only
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With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
- The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanagara Empire.
- Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 3 only
Show Answer
2020
- A An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates
- B A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
- C A bill of exchange
- D An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
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2019
- A Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
- B Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
- C Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
- D Tansen invented many Ragas.
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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.
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
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?
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
2018
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
- White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
- Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
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
Show Answer
2017
2016
In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs :
| Term | Description | ||
| 1. | Eripatti | : | Land, revenue from which was set apart for the main-tenance of the village tank |
| 2. | Taniyurs | : | Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins |
| 3. | Ghatikas | : | Colleges generally attached to the temples |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 3 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1 and 3 only
Show Answer
- A bonded labour
- B land grants made to military officers
- C waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
- D wasteland converted to cultivated land
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With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements :
- Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
- Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
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
Show Answer
2015
- A a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
- B a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
- C a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India
- D a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
Show Answer
Kalamkari is a type of traditional Indian art that involves hand-painting or block-printing on cotton textiles, primarily produced in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “Kalam” means pen, and “Kari” means work, hence Kalamkari translates to artwork done using a pen. This form of art includes natural dyes applied to cloth with a bamboo pen used for freehand drawing of the subject and filling in the colors, an art form that has been practiced for centuries.
2014
- A military officers
- B village headmen
- C specialists in Vedic rituals
- D chiefs of craft guilds
Show Answer
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1, 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
Chanderi is a town in Madhya Pradesh, known for its Chanderi sarees. These sarees are made of silk or cotton and are known for their lightweight and sheer texture, with intricate designs and a glossy finish.
Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu is famous for its Kancheepuram or Kanjivaram silk sarees, noted for their rich texture and vibrant colors, with intricate designs and separately woven borders and pallu.
As for Bhadrachalam, it is having Ikat Cotton Saree Manufacturers, but it is not as widely recognized for saree production as Chanderi and Kancheepuram are. Karnal does not appear to be noted for traditional saree or fabric production.
With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:
- Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
- It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
- It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 2 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
- Sattriya is indeed a combination of music, dance, and drama. It is one of the eight classical dances of India that was introduced in the 15th century by the great Vaishnavite saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankardeva as a powerful medium for propagation of the Vaishnavite faith. The dance form has traditionally been a part of the Bhakti movement.
- It is a centuries-old living tradition of the Vaishnavites of Assam, specifically associated with the Sattras, which are monasteries of Assam. These monasteries hold a central place in the culture of Assam and have been nurturing this dance form for centuries.
- However, the third statement is not correct. Sattriya is not based on the classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir, and Mirabai. Instead, it is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by the saint-reformers of Assam such as Sankardeva and Madhavdeva. They created new ragas for the Sattriya music like Borgeet which are devotional songs.
With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs :
| Famous work of sculpture
|
Site
|
||
| 1. | A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below
|
: | Ajanta |
| 2. | A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock
|
: | Mount Abu |
| 3. | “Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders
|
: | Mamallapuram |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
- A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below is indeed found at Ajanta Caves. These caves in Maharashtra are famous for their Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE.
- “Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders is located at Mamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram), in Tamil Nadu. This is a magnificent relief carving that dates back to the Pallava dynasty.
- The huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Lord Vishnu is not located at Mount Abu. Instead, it is at Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh. Mount Abu is known for the Dilwara Temples, which are Jain temples with exquisite marble carvings.
- A 1 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
- Garba is a dance form that originates from Gujarat, typically performed during the Navaratri festival.
- Mohiniattam is actually a dance form from Kerala, not Odisha. Odisha is known for the classical dance form Odissi.
- Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of Karnataka that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, makeup, and stage techniques with a unique style and form.
- A It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
- B It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
- C It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
- D It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
Show Answer
Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art form originating from Kerala in South India. It is considered one of the oldest fighting systems in existence and is known for its unique combination of physical prowess, mental discipline, and spiritual enlightenment. Training in Kalaripayattu includes the practice of physical exercises, self-defense techniques, and weapons training, and it is also closely associated with Ayurvedic practices. It has influenced various art forms and is an important part of Kerala’s cultural heritage.
- A martial arts in North-East India
- B musical tradition in North-West India
- C classical vocal music in South India
- D pietra dura tradition in Central India
Show Answer
Manganiyars are a community of musicians predominantly found in the Rajasthan area of North-West India. They are known for their rich musical tradition that has been passed down through generations. Their music is very much a part of the cultural fabric of Rajasthan and often tells stories of the desert, its kings, and the heroic deeds of ancestors, all set to captivating melodies and rhythms.
- A the mosque for the use of 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
Show Answer
2013
With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut, architecture, consider the following statements :
- The caves at Badami are the ‘oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
- The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
- At Ellora, eaves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
- A 1 only
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Statement 1 in incorrect: Badami caves (7 AD) are not the oldest surviving rock cut caves in India, Barabara caves built in Mauryan era (322-185 BC) are the oldest surviving rock cut caves in India, Badami caves were made by Mangalesh I (598-610 AD).
Statement 2 is incorrect: The barabara rock-cut caves were not made for Ajivika sects, they were gifted to them later, Emperor Ashoka is attributed for the construction of Barabara caves.
Statement 3 is correct: Ellora is a multi-religious rock cut cave complex and has caves for the faiths of hinduism, buddhism and jainism.
- A One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
- B Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
- C Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
- D A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelhgs of love or eroticism
Show Answer
Tribhanga is a term used in Indian classical dance and sculpture to describe a pose where the body is deflected at the neck, waist, and knee, giving it a gentle “S” shape. It is a very dynamic and visually striking pose that has been depicted in Indian art over centuries, including in dance, sculpture, and painting. The term “Tribhanga” literally means “three parts break,” indicating the three bends in the body.
- A 1 only
- B 1 and 2 only
- C 1, 2 and 3
- D None
Show Answer
- Ajanta Caves are indeed known for their mural paintings. The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotion through gesture, pose and form.
- Lepakshi Temple, located in Andhra Pradesh, India, is known for its Vijayanagara style architecture and mural paintings of the Vijayanagara kings, dancers, and musicians, and of Hindu gods and goddesses.
- Sanchi Stupa, while famous for its Buddhist architecture and stonework, is not known for mural paintings.
With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:
- Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
- Sankhya holds that it is the self knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
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
Show Answer
- Statement 1 is incorrect. Sankhya philosophy does accept the theory of rebirth and transmigration of the soul (samsara).
- Statement 2 is correct. Sankhya believes that true knowledge of the distinction between soul (purusha) and matter (prakriti) leads to liberation, not any external agent or action.
