{"id":451,"date":"2025-12-05T00:59:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T19:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/?p=451"},"modified":"2025-12-05T01:10:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T19:40:18","slug":"medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/","title":{"rendered":"Medieval India: WBCS Prelims Q&amp;A"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2023\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2023<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2023\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2023<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2022\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2022<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2021\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2021<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2020\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2020<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2019\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2019<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2018\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2018<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2017\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2017<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2016\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2016<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2015\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2015<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2014\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2014<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2013\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2013<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2012\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2012<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2011\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2011<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2010\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2010<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2009\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2009<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2008\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2008<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2007\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2007<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2006\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2006<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2005\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2005<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2004\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2004<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2003\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2003<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2002\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2002<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2001\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2001<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/#WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2000\" >WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2000<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>42. Who built the Adina Mosque of Pandua?<\/strong><br>(A) Firuz-Tughluq<br>(B) Husain Shah<br>(C) Sikandar Shah<br>(D) Jain-ul-Abedin<br><strong>Answer: (C) Sikandar Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Built in the 14th century by the Ilyas Shahi ruler Sikandar Shah. It was among the largest medieval mosques of the subcontinent. The plan shows a hypostyle hall with a vaulted central nave. Style blends Bengal features with Turko-Persian elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>72. Who was the Tenth and Last Guru of the Sikhs?<\/strong><br>(A) Guru Ram Das<br>(B) Guru Hargobind<br>(C) Guru Govind<br>(D) Guru Tegh Bahadur<br><strong>Answer: (C) Guru Govind (Guru Gobind Singh)<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> He founded the Khalsa in 1699, militarizing the community. Declared the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru, ending the line of human Gurus. A key figure in late 17th-century Sikh consolidation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>90. Name the Sultan who first organised expeditions to conquer the Deccan.<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Khilji<br>(B) Balban<br>(C) Firuz Tughluq<br>(D) Md. Bin-Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (A) Alauddin Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Sent Malik Kafur to the Deccan (c. 1307\u20131311). Campaigns subdued Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai. Brought large tribute and widened Delhi Sultanate influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>101. Between whom was the First Battle of Panipat fought in 1526?<\/strong><br>(A) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi<br>(B) Babur and Rana Sanga<br>(C) Babur and Sher Khan<br>(D) Akbar and Himu<br><strong>Answer: (A) Babur and Ibrahim Lodi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Fight that toppled the Lodi Sultanate and opened the Mughal era. Babur\u2019s use of matchlocks and field artillery proved decisive. Ibrahim Lodi was killed on the battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>150. Who introduced \u2018Din-i-Ilahi\u2018 ?<\/strong><br>(A) Babur<br>(B) Akbar<br>(C) Jahangir<br>(D) Shahjahan<br><strong>Answer: (B) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Introduced in 1582 to promote Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace). An ethical order with selective practices; very limited following. Reflected Akbar\u2019s interest in interfaith dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>153. Which Mughal emperor was known as Alamgir I?<\/strong><br>(A) Akbar<br>(B) Jahangir<br>(C) Aurangzeb<br>(D) Bahadur Shah II<br><strong>Answer: (C) Aurangzeb<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> \u201cAlamgir\u201d means \u201cWorld Conqueror.\u201d Longest-reigning Mughal (1658\u20131707) who expanded territorially to the Deccan. His orthodox policies marked a shift from Akbar\u2019s inclusivism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>169. Who is known as the \u2018Parrot of India\u2018?<\/strong><br>(A) Jimutavahana<br>(B) Al-Beruni<br>(C) Ibn-Batutah<br>(D) Amir Khasrau<br><strong>Answer: (D) Amir Khasrau<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Called \u201cTuti-e-Hind\u201d for his eloquent Persian verse. A polymath\u2014poet, musician, courtier under several Delhi Sultans. Credited with innovations in Indo-Persian music and literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>182. Who was the last Sultan of Delhi?<\/strong><br>(A) Firuz-Tughluq<br>(B) Bahlul Khan Lodi<br>(C) Ibrahim Lodi<br>(D) Sikandar Lodi<br><strong>Answer: (C) Ibrahim Lodi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Final ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, defeated by Babur in 1526. His autocratic style alienated nobles. Death at Panipat marks the end of the Sultanate period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>184. Name the Sultan of Delhi who first introduced the north-west frontier policy.<\/strong><br>(A) Iltutmish<br>(B) Balban<br>(C) Raziya<br>(D) Alauddin Khilji<br><strong>Answer: (B) Balban<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Strengthened frontier forts and outposts against Mongols. Adopted a stern military posture and \u201cblood and iron\u201d policy. Reorganized defence lines along the north-west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>185. Who wrote the book \u2018Amuktamalyada\u2018?<\/strong><br>(A) Madhabacharya<br>(B) Ramanuj<br>(C) Krishnadevaray<br>(D) Maladhar Basu<br><strong>Answer: (C) Krishnadevaray<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A celebrated Telugu epic by the Vijayanagara emperor. Praises ideal kingship and Vaishnava devotion. Literary high point of the early 16th century in the south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2022\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2022<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>33. Choose the correct chronological order of the following dynasties of Delhi Sultanate:<\/strong><br>(A) Lodi, Ilbari Turks, Tughluq, Khilji<br>(B) Ilbari Turks, Khilji, Tughluq, Lodi<br>(C) Tughluq, Khilji, Lodi, Ilbari Turks<br>(D) Khilji, Lodi, Tughluq, Ilbari Turks<br><strong>Answer: (B) Ilbari Turks, Khilji, Tughluq, Lodi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Standard sequence from 1206 to 1526. Ilbari\/Mamluk (Slave) \u2192 Khilji \u2192 Tughluq \u2192 Lodi. Ends with Babur\u2019s conquest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>42. Who built Buland Darwaza?<\/strong><br>(A) Humayun<br>(B) Akbar<br>(C) Shah Jahan<br>(D) Aurangzeb<br><strong>Answer: (B) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Erected at Fatehpur Sikri (c. 1575) after Gujarat victory. Monumental gateway to the Jama Masjid complex. Signature of Akbar\u2019s imperial architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>48. Which among the Mughal princes assassinated Abul Fazl?<\/strong><br>(A) Khasru<br>(B) Selim<br>(C) Azimushhan<br>(D) Khurram<br><strong>Answer: (B) Selim (later Jahangir)<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Abul Fazl, Akbar\u2019s close confidant, was killed in 1602. Prince Salim ordered Bundela chief Bir Singh to eliminate him. Court politics and succession tensions lay behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>64. Which of the following pair do not match?<\/strong><br>(A) Jaunpur \u2013 Atala Masjid<br>(B) Malwa \u2013 Jahaz Mahal<br>(C) Ajmer \u2013 Kubbatul Islam<br>(D) Gaur \u2013 Bara Sona Masjid<br><strong>Answer: (C) Ajmer \u2013 Kubbatul Islam<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Quwwat-ul-Islam (Kubbatul Islam) Mosque is in Delhi\u2019s Qutb complex. Atala Masjid (Jaunpur) and Jahaz Mahal (Mandu, Malwa) are correct. Bara Sona Masjid belongs to Gaur (Bengal).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>125. Who wrote Humayunnamah?<\/strong><br>(A) Gulbadan Begum<br>(B) Humayun<br>(C) Birbal<br>(D) Abul Fazl<br><strong>Answer: (A) Gulbadan Begum<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Humayun\u2019s sister composed it in Persian. Offers rare female perspective on early Mughal court life. Valuable primary source for Humayun\u2013Akbar transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>140. Who used \u2018Tulghumah\u2019 as a military tactic for the first time in India? (21 April 1526, Haryana)<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Khilji<br>(B) Muhammad bin Tughluq<br>(C) Babur<br>(D) Akbar<br><strong>Answer: (C) Babur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Applied at Panipat I: composite tactics with carts (araba), matchlocks, and flanking. The maneuver enveloped Lodi\u2019s center. A turning point introducing gunpowder warfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>170. Chand Bibi ruled over which of the Deccan Sultanates?<\/strong><br>(A) Bijapur<br>(B) Berar<br>(C) Ahmednagar<br>(D) Golkonda<br><strong>Answer: (C) Ahmednagar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Regent of Ahmednagar famed for defending against the Mughals. Her leadership symbolized Deccan resistance. Died during the siege turmoil (1599).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>174. Who among the following Sultans organized Iqta, army, currency and other most important organs of Delhi Sultanate?<\/strong><br>(A) Shamsuddin Iltutmish<br>(B) Giyasuddin Balban<br>(C) Muhammad bin Tughluq<br>(D) Alauddin Khilji<br><strong>Answer: (A) Shamsuddin Iltutmish<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Consolidated the iqta assignment system and minted silver Tanka. Stabilized the Sultanate after Aibak. Laid administrative foundations for successors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>182. Who among the Mughal Emperors\/Courtiers made arrangement for translation of Upanisadas into Farsi?<\/strong><br>(A) Babur<br>(B) Akbar<br>(C) Shah Jahan<br>(D) Dara Sukoh<br><strong>Answer: (D) Dara Sukoh<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Prince Dara Shukoh supervised translations as \u201cSirr-e-Akbar.\u201d Aimed to find unity between Sufi and Vedantic thought. Landmark in Indo-Persian intellectual exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>197. Which of the following dynasties was designated as \u2018Balhar\u2019 by the Arab travellers?<\/strong><br>(A) Chalukya<br>(B) Chola<br>(C) Rashtrakuta<br>(D) Pandya<br><strong>Answer: (C) Rashtrakuta<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Arab geographers called the Rashtrakuta sovereign \u201cBalhara.\u201d Reflects Deccan\u2019s prominence in trade and power. Period spans 8th\u201310th centuries chiefly from Manyakheta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>199. Which Chola king was known as Arumolivarman before his coronation?<\/strong><br>(A) Vira Rajendra<br>(B) Rajaraja I<br>(C) Kulottunga I<br>(D) None of them<br><strong>Answer: (B) Rajaraja I<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Pre-coronation name Arumolivarman (Aru-moli-Varman). As Rajaraja I, he expanded overseas and built Brihadisvara (Tanjore). Golden age of Chola power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>200. Who among the following was the contemporary ruler of Bengal during Chaitanyadeva\u2019s time?<\/strong><br>(A) Nusrat Shah<br>(B) Fatheh Shah<br>(C) Husein Shah Sharqi<br>(D) Alauddin Hussein Shah<br><strong>Answer: (A) Nusrat Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Son of Alauddin Husain Shah; ruled c. 1519\u20131533. Chaitanya\u2019s lifetime overlaps his reign in Bengal. Period noted for cultural patronage and Vaishnava spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2021\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2021<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>35. Ibn Batuta came to India during which ruler\u2019s reign?<\/strong><br>(A) Akbar<br>(B) Sher Shah<br>(C) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq<br>(D) Alauddin Khilji<br><strong>Answer: (C) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Arrived c. 1333; appointed Qazi of Delhi. His \u201cRihla\u201d records Tughluq administration and society. Travelled to Malabar and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>51. Which Sultan was not a slave before he ascended the throne?<\/strong><br>(A) Qutub-ud-din Aibak<br>(B) Iltutmish<br>(C) Alauddin Khilji<br>(D) Balban<br><strong>Answer: (C) Alauddin Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Aibak, Iltutmish, Balban were linked to the Mamluk (Slave) tradition. Khiljis were Turkic but not slave-origin rulers. He seized power after Jalaluddin Khilji.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>57. Mansab means<\/strong><br>(A) A rank or office<br>(B) A military general<br>(C) A grant of revenue free land<br>(D) A religious text<br><strong>Answer: (A) A rank or office<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Mughal graded service ranking fixing pay and cavalry quota. Two numbers: zat (personal rank) and sawar (horsemen). Key to imperial bureaucracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>77. Which Turkish Sultan introduced the Iqta system?<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Khilji<br>(B) Balban<br>(C) Iltutmish<br>(D) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (C) Iltutmish<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Regularized iqta land assignments to officers. Ensured revenue flow and provincial control. Became the backbone of Sultanate administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>87. Which Muslim general conquered Bengal in the thirteenth century? (1203)<\/strong><br>(A) Timur<br>(B) Iqtiaruddin Bin Baktiar Khilji<br>(C) Chenges Khan<br>(D) Abdur Rahim Khan i Khanan<br><strong>Answer: (B) Iqtiaruddin Bin Baktiar Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Captured Nadia (Nabadwip) and Lakhnauti. Associated with raids on Bihar including Nalanda\u2019s fall. Opened eastern India to Turkic rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>89. Who wrote Ramcharitmanas? (16th-century)<\/strong><br>(A) Harisena<br>(B) Harshavardhana<br>(C) Tulsidas<br>(D) Joydev<br><strong>Answer: (C) Tulsidas<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Awadhi retelling of the Ramayana for Bhakti audiences. Elevated Rama devotion across North India. Revered as a foundational devotional text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>91. Khutba was<\/strong><br>(A) a sermon read in the name of the ruler at Friday prayers.<br>(B) a royal order.<br>(C) a religious decree.<br>(D) a tax.<br><strong>Answer: (A) a sermon read in the name of the ruler at Friday prayers.<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Public acknowledgment of sovereignty and legitimacy. Coinage (sikka) and khutba symbolized authority. Key markers of political control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>115. Khajuraho \u2026 first referred in the 11th century CE by<\/strong><br>(A) Ibn Battuta<br>(B) Ibn Sina<br>(C) Abu Rihan Alberuni<br>(D) Omar Khayyam<br><strong>Answer: (C) Abu Rihan Alberuni<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> 11th-century polymath who documented India (Tahqiq-i-Hind). Mentions Khajuraho among cultural sites. His accounts aid medieval Indian geography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>120. Which Medieval ruler introduced Ain-i-Dahsala? (1580)<\/strong><br>(A) Balban<br>(B) Feroz Tughlaq<br>(C) Sher Shah<br>(D) Akbar<br><strong>Answer: (D) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Revenue system based on 10-year crop averages. Implemented by Raja Todar Mal. Standardized assessment across Subas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>132. Sandhyakar Nandi was the court poet of the (1084\u20131155, Ramacharitam)<\/strong><br>(A) Mauryas<br>(B) Senas<br>(C) Hussain Shahis<br>(D) Palas<br><strong>Answer: (D) Palas<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Authored \u201cRamacharitam,\u201d a political-didactic poem. Reflects late Pala-Kaivarta conflicts. Important for Bengal\u2019s medieval history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>135. Vikramsila Bihara was founded by<\/strong><br>(A) Devapala<br>(B) Dharmapala<br>(C) Rampala<br>(D) Sasanka<br><strong>Answer: (B) Dharmapala<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Major Buddhist university complementing Nalanda. Flourished under Pala patronage. Destroyed during late 12th-century invasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>138. Who wrote Amuktamalyada? (Telugu language)<\/strong><br>(A) Rajaraja Chola<br>(B) Harshavardhana<br>(C) Deva Raya<br>(D) Krishnadeva Raya<br><strong>Answer: (D) Krishnadeva Raya<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A Telugu mahakavya celebrating devotion and ideal kingship. Reflects Vijayanagara courtly culture. Linguistic and literary masterpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>169. The Nayankara system is associated with (military feudalism)<\/strong><br>(A) The Bahmani Kingdom<br>(B) The Chola Empire<br>(C) The Maratha Kingdom<br>(D) The Vijayanagara Empire<br><strong>Answer: (D) The Vijayanagara Empire<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Land grants to Nayakas for military service. Created a decentralized yet effective frontier defense. Shaped south Indian polity post-14th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2020\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2020<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>57. Who among the following built the Alai Darwaza? (1311, red sandstone, Qutb Minar)<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Khilji<br>(B) Akbar<br>(C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq<br>(D) Jahangir<br><strong>Answer: (A) Alauddin Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam complex. True horseshoe arch and dome construction. Marks a high point of Sultanate architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>68. Which among the following was the single biggest item of import to the Vijayanagar Empire<\/strong><br>(A) Pearl<br>(B) Precious stones<br>(C) Horses<br>(D) Silk<br><strong>Answer: (C) Horses<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Arabian\u2013Persian horses crucial for cavalry warfare. Imported via Goa and other west-coast ports. Trade controlled by foreign merchants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>70. Who wrote \u2018Rajatarangini\u2019? (12th century, Kashmir)<\/strong><br>(A) Megasthenes<br>(B) Kalhana<br>(C) Al-beruni<br>(D) Herodotus<br><strong>Answer: (B) Kalhana<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A Sanskrit chronicle of Kashmir\u2019s kings. Combines legend with careful chronology. Prime source for Himalayan medieval history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>113. When was the first battle of Tarain fought?<\/strong><br>(A) 1175 A.D.<br>(B) 1191 A.D.<br>(C) 1192 A.D.<br>(D) 1206 A.D.<br><strong>Answer: (B) 1191 A.D.<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Muhammad Ghori in Tarain I. Ghori returned to win Tarain II in 1192. Pivotal in Delhi Sultanate\u2019s rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>150. In the Mughal revenue system, \u2018Zabti\u2019 means (1580, Raja Todar Mal)<\/strong><br>(A) Estimate<br>(B) Yield per unit area<br>(C) Based on yield of crops<br>(D) 1\/3rd of total yield<br><strong>Answer: (C) Based on yield of crops<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Assessment on measured land using average produce\/yield. Implemented under Akbar\u2019s reforms. Central to standardized revenue collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>164. Which of the following clearly defines \u2018Mitakshara\u2019?<\/strong><br>(A) A work on astronomy.<br>(B) A treatise on ancient Hindu law of inheritance<br>(C) A text on aquaculture.<br>(D) A compendium on medicine<br><strong>Answer: (B) A treatise on ancient Hindu law of inheritance<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Commentary by Vijnaneshvara on Yajnavalkya Smriti. Influenced inheritance laws across most of India. Alongside Dayabhaga, it shaped medieval jurisprudence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>166. The commander of Alauddin Khilji\u2019s forces during his Deccan campaigns was<\/strong><br>(A) Aniul Mulk Multani<br>(B) Nusrat Khan<br>(C) Malik Kafur<br>(D) Ulugh Khan<br><strong>Answer: (C) Malik Kafur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Led expeditions to Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, Madurai. Amassed tribute and expanded influence southward. A key general of Khilji expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>172. In which of the following years did Akbar build the Ibadat Khana?<\/strong><br>(A) 1575 A.D.<br>(B) 1568 A.D.<br>(C) 1571 A.D.<br>(D) 1562 A.D.<br><strong>Answer: (A) 1575 A.D.<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Hall of religious debate at Fatehpur Sikri. Hosted scholars of multiple faiths. Central to Akbar\u2019s policy of intellectual-religious engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>181. Kabuliyat and Patta as instruments of settlement were introduced by<\/strong><br>(A) Sher Shah<br>(B) Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah<br>(C) Bahlul Khan Lodi<br>(D) Humayun<br><strong>Answer: (A) Sher Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Written agreements fixing peasant obligations and state dues. Part of Sher Shah\u2019s revenue and administrative reforms. Ensured accountability in agrarian settlements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2019\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2019<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>69. Who built the Ibadat-khana at Fatehpur Sikri? (1571, Agra District)<\/strong><br>(A) Shahjehan <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(B) Aurangzeb <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(C) Akbar<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (D) Jahangir<br><strong>Answer: (C) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Akbar set up the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 for inter-faith debates. Scholars from Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism participated. It reflects his policy of <strong>Sulh-i-Kul<\/strong> (universal peace).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>70. Malik Kafur was general of<\/strong><br>(A) Firuz Shah Tughlaq<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (B) Chandragupta Maurya <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(C) Bimbisara<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (D) Alauddin Khilji<br><strong>Answer: (D) Alauddin Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Malik Kafur led Khilji\u2019s Deccan campaigns (1307\u20131311) against Devagiri, Warangal, Dvarasamudra and Madurai. The expeditions brought huge tribute and extended Delhi Sultanate influence. He was one of the most trusted commanders of Alauddin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2018\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2018<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>27. Which Rajput ruler was not a contemporary of Akbar?<\/strong><br>(a) Man Singh <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(b) Amar Singh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (c) Udai Singh <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(d) Jaswant Singh<br><strong>Answer: (d) Jaswant Singh<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Jaswant Singh of Marwar (r. 1638\u20131678) belonged to the post-Akbar era. Man Singh, Udai Singh and Amar Singh all overlapped with Akbar\u2019s lifetime (1556\u20131605). Hence Jaswant Singh is the outlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>32. Who assumed the title of \u2018Haindava Dharmoddharak\u2019 (Protector of the Hindu faith)? (1670)<\/strong><br>(a) Guru Ramdas<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (b) Shivaji<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (c) Baji Rao I <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(d) Balaji Baji Rao<br><strong>Answer: (b) Shivaji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> After his coronation (1674) and earlier victories, Shivaji styled himself guardian of Hindu dharma. The title underlined his political-religious leadership in the Deccan. It supported mobilization against Mughal-Adil Shahi power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>46. Who founded the \u2018Khalsa\u2019? (1699)<\/strong><br>(a) Guru Tegh Bahadur<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (b) Guru Nanak<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (c) Guru Govind Singh<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (d) Guru Hargovind<br><strong>Answer: (c) Guru Govind Singh<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> In 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, he created the Khalsa, initiating the Panj Pyare. The Khalsa emphasized equality, discipline and martial spirit. He declared the <strong>Guru Granth Sahib<\/strong> the eternal Guru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>144. Who wrote <em>Kitab-ul-Hind<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(a) Al-Masudi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (b) Al-Biruni<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (c) Sulaiman <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(d) Firdausi<br><strong>Answer: (b) Al-Biruni<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Al-Biruni\u2019s 11th-century Arabic treatise analyzes India\u2019s religions, sciences and society. Based on rigorous observation and Sanskrit sources. A foundational text for early Indology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>167. Who assumed the title of \u2018Gangaikondachola\u2019?<\/strong><br>(a) Rajendra I<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> (b) Rajaraja I <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(c) Rajadhiraja I <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(d) Kulotunga I<br><strong>Answer: (a) Rajendra I<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> After his Ganga-to-sea campaigns, Rajendra I took the title \u201cGangaikondachola.\u201d He founded <strong>Gangaikondacholapuram<\/strong> as a new capital. His reign marks Chola naval and imperial zenith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>174. Who broke the power of \u2018Chahalgani\u2019 nobles?<\/strong><br>(a) Ghiyasuddin Balban (b) Iltutmish (c) Alauddin Khalji (d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (a) Ghiyasuddin Balban<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Turkish \u201cGroup of Forty\u201d rose under Iltutmish, but Balban curbed and dismantled their influence. He centralized authority through a stern \u201cblood and iron\u201d policy. This strengthened the Sultan\u2019s position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>178. Who introduced Market Control Policy?<\/strong><br>(a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (c) Alauddin Khalji (d) Sikandar Lodi<br><strong>Answer: (c) Alauddin Khalji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Alauddin fixed prices (grain, cloth, horses, etc.) and set up strict regulation and rationing. Officers like <strong>shahana-i-mandi<\/strong> enforced compliance. Aimed to supply the army affordably and curb hoarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>186. Who among the following Hindus first joined Din-i-Ilahi \/ Tauhid-i-Ilahi?<\/strong><br>(a) Man Singh (b) Todarmal (c) Bhagwant Das (d) Birbal<br><strong>Answer: (d) Birbal<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Birbal is noted as the only prominent Hindu to accept Akbar\u2019s eclectic ethical order. Membership was limited and symbolic. It reflected Akbar\u2019s experiment in inter-faith ethics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>191. \u2018Sati\u2019 of Hindu women was prohibited during the reign of which Mughal emperor? (1582)<\/strong><br>(a) Jahangir (b) Shah Jahan (c) Akbar (d) Aurangzeb<br><strong>Answer: (c) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Akbar forbade <strong>compulsion<\/strong> in sati (and tried to dissuade it) through farmans. Later rulers reinforced restrictions. His measures were part of wider social reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>197. Who completed the Qutab Minar?<\/strong><br>(a) Qutab-ud-Din Bakhtiyar Kaki (b) Nasiruddin Qubacha (c) Iltutmish (d) Qutbuddin Aibak<br><strong>Answer: (c) Iltutmish<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Aibak began the minar; Iltutmish completed major storeys. Firoz Tughlaq later repaired and added to it. The tower honored the sufi Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2017\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2017<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>79. The Delhi Sultan who transferred the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devagiri) was<\/strong><br>(A) Qutubuddin Aibak (B) Iltutmish (C) Muhammad-bin Tughlaq (D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (C) Muhammad-bin Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> He ordered the controversial shift (c. 1327) seeking strategic control over the Deccan. The move caused hardship and was later reversed. A hallmark of his ambitious but impractical policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>80. Which historian is famous for his research on Mughal History?<\/strong><br>(A) Sumit Sarkar (B) Jadunath Sarkar (C) Subhobhan Chandra Sarkar (D) S. Gopal<br><strong>Answer: (B) Jadunath Sarkar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Sir Jadunath Sarkar authored authoritative works on Aurangzeb and the Mughal decline. Renowned for archival rigor and narrative clarity. A seminal figure in Indian historiography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>81. Which Mughal emperor wrote his own autobiography?<\/strong><br>(A) Babur (B) Akbar (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangazeb<br><strong>Answer: (A) Babur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The <strong>Baburnama<\/strong> (Tuzuk-i-Baburi) details his life, battles and reflections. Originally in Chagatai Turkic, later translated into Persian. A unique first-person royal memoir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>82. <em>Sulh-i-Kul<\/em> was a policy introduced by (universal peace)<\/strong><br>(A) Akbar (B) Aurangazeb (C) Jahandar Shah (D) Mohammed Shah<br><strong>Answer: (A) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> It promoted religious tolerance and equal justice for all subjects. Shaped imperial administration and debates at the Ibadat Khana. Cornerstone of Akbar\u2019s statecraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>83. Rana Pratap belonged to the Rajput Dynasty of (Mewar, Rajasthan)<\/strong><br>(A) Kachwa (B) Sisodiya (C) Solanki (D) Paramara<br><strong>Answer: (B) Sisodiya<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Maharana Pratap (r. 1572\u20131597) led Mewar\u2019s resistance to the Mughals. The Sisodias ruled from Chittor\/Udaipur. The Haldighati battle (1576) is central to his legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>84. \u2018Ashtadiggajas\u2019 were patronised by<\/strong><br>(A) Deva Raya I (B) Deva Raya II (C) Vira Narasimha (D) Krishna Deva Raya<br><strong>Answer: (D) Krishna Deva Raya<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The \u201ceight elephants of the directions\u201d were eminent Telugu poets. They flourished at Vijayanagara\u2019s court (Tuluva dynasty). Works include Allasani Peddana\u2019s <em>Manucharitramu<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>92. The Sikh Guru executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb was (1675)<\/strong><br>(A) Tegh Bahadur (B) Nanak (C) Govind Singh (D) Arjun Dev<br><strong>Answer: (A) Tegh Bahadur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in Delhi for defending religious freedom. His martyrdom profoundly shaped Sikh identity. Followed by the militarization under Guru Gobind Singh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>93. The Satnami rebellion took place during the reign of Mughal emperor (1672, Haryana)<\/strong><br>(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangazeb<br><strong>Answer: (D) Aurangazeb<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Satnamis, a peasant-artisan group near Narnaul, revolted against abuses. They were suppressed by imperial forces. Reflects agrarian tensions in late-Mughal rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>98. \u2018Razmnama\u2019 was a Persian translation of (Persian language)<\/strong><br>(A) Upanishad (B) Ramayana (C) Geeta (D) Mahabharata<br><strong>Answer: (D) Mahabharata<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Commissioned by Akbar and translated by a scholarly team. Illustrated manuscripts blended Persianate and Indic styles. A landmark of cultural synthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>99. The author of \u2018Ain-i-Akbari\u2019 was<\/strong><br>(A) Badayuni (B) Abul Fazl (C) Shaikh Mubarak (D) Faizi<br><strong>Answer: (B) Abul Fazl<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Part of the <strong>Akbarnama<\/strong>, it details Akbar\u2019s administration, revenue, army, and culture. Abul Fazl was Akbar\u2019s close confidant. A premier primary source for the Mughal state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2016\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2016<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>34. Which of the following gives an account of Balban period? (Ziauddin Barani)<\/strong><br>(A) Tahqiq-i-Hind (B) Shahnama (C) Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi (D) None of the above<br><strong>Answer: (C) <em>Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi<\/em><\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Barani\u2019s chronicle covers the Sultanate up to Firoz Tughlaq, including Balban. Valuable for court politics and administration. A key Persian source for 13th\u201314th centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>37. India\u2019s earliest contact with Islam came through (629, Kerala)<\/strong><br>(A) Arab invasion of Sindh in the seventh century<br>(B) Turkish invasions of the 11th\u201312th centuries<br>(C) Arab merchants of the Malabar coast<br>(D) Sufi saints and Arab travellers<br><strong>Answer: (C) Arab merchants of the Malabar coast<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Trade links brought Arab Muslims to Kerala by the 7th century. Coastal communities like the Mappilas emerged. Political invasions came much later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>44. The first Muslim incursions on Deccan occurred during the reign of (Yadava dynasty)<\/strong><br>(A) Balban (B) Raziya (C) Jalaluddin Khalji (D) Firoz Tughluq<br><strong>Answer: (C) Jalaluddin Khalji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> In 1294, <strong>Alauddin<\/strong> (then Jalaluddin\u2019s nephew\/general) raided Devagiri while Jalaluddin reigned at Delhi. Full-scale Deccan conquests followed under Alauddin as Sultan. The raid marked the opening of sustained northern incursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>47. The remains of the Vijayanagar Empire can be found in (1336\u20131646, Karnataka)<\/strong><br>(A) Bijapur (B) Golconda (C) Hampi (D) Baroda<br><strong>Answer: (C) Hampi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Hampi\u2019s ruins (UNESCO) preserve temples, bazaars and royal enclosures. It was the imperial capital on the Tungabhadra. Peak under Krishnadeva Raya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>31. Which King founded the Vikramasila University?<\/strong><br>(A) Dharmapala (B) Dhruva (C) Devapala (D) Ballal Sen<br><strong>Answer: (A) Dharmapala<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Pala king Dharmapala established Vikramashila as a major Buddhist seat. It complemented Nalanda in Bihar. Flourished until late-12th-century invasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>40. Who were the participants in the tripartite struggle in northern India (8th\u201310th c.)?<\/strong><br>(A) Palas, Cholas, Pallavas<br>(B) Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas<br>(C) Cholas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas<br>(D) Palas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas<br><strong>Answer: (B) Palas, Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> They fought for control over <strong>Kannauj<\/strong> and the Ganga plains. The balance of power shifted repeatedly. Shaped early-medieval north Indian politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>51. Who became a member of the Din-i Ilahi? (1582)<\/strong><br>(A) Raja Man Singh (B) Todarmal (C) Tansen (D) Raja Birbal<br><strong>Answer: (D) Raja Birbal<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Birbal was the most noted adherent of Akbar\u2019s ethical order. The fellowship was small and elite. It symbolized Akbar\u2019s ecumenical experiments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>54. What was \u2018Taccavi\u2019? (Muhammad bin Tughluq)<\/strong><br>(A) Loans to the Peasants (B) A fertile category of land (C) A tax on the Hindus (D) Barren land<br><strong>Answer: (A) Loans to the Peasants<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> <em>Taccavi<\/em> were state loans\/advances for cultivation or distress relief. Granted especially during famines or to expand agriculture. Later used by Mughals and British as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>58. The official language of the Mughal empire was\u2014<\/strong><br>(A) Urdu (B) Persian (C) Persian and the local language (D) Turkish<br><strong>Answer: (B) Persian<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Persian served as the administrative and court language. Records, farmans, and chronicles were maintained in Persian. Regional languages thrived alongside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>61. Who introduced the Duh-Aspah Sih-Aspah system?<\/strong><br>(A) Shah Jahan (B) Akbar (C) Jahangir (D) Aurangzeb<br><strong>Answer: (B) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> It required select mansabdars to maintain double\/one-and-a-half cavalry quotas. Strengthened the imperial cavalry arm. Introduced in the 1590s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>64. Todarmal is associated with the revenue system known as\u2014<\/strong><br>(A) Nasaq (B) Ghalla Bakshi (C) Zabti (D) Kankut<br><strong>Answer: (C) Zabti<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Under Akbar, Todar Mal standardized <strong>zabti<\/strong> assessment using measured land and average yields. Enabled predictable revenue. A pillar of Mughal finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2015\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2015<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>26. Identify the Mughal painter not mentioned by Abul Fazl.<\/strong><br>(A) Farooq (B) Mushkin (C) Mansur (D) Mukund<br><strong>Answer: (A) Farooq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Abul Fazl praised artists like Daswanth, Basawan, Miskin (Mushkin), and Mukund. Ustad Mansur rose to fame under Jahangir. \u201cFarooq\u201d is not among Abul Fazl\u2019s listed masters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>196. Which sultan of the Slave dynasty was not a slave? (1236\u201340)<\/strong><br>(A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak (B) Iltutmish (C) Raziya (D) Balban<br><strong>Answer: (C) Raziya<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Aibak, Iltutmish and Balban were slave-origin nobles who rose to the throne. Raziya Sultan, Iltutmish\u2019s daughter, was not a slave. She was the first female Sultan of Delhi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>199. During whose rule was the <em>Zabti<\/em> system of revenue settlement introduced? (Todar Mal)<\/strong><br>(A) Ala-ud-din Khilji (B) Sher Shah (C) Akbar (D) Shah Jahan<br><strong>Answer: (C) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Implemented by Todar Mal (from 1580), using ten-year crop averages. It rationalized assessment and record-keeping. Became the Mughal standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2014\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2014<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>43. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died in (22 Jan, Agra Fort)<\/strong><br>(A) 1658 A.D. (B) 1659 A.D. (C) 1666 A.D. (D) 1670 A.D.<br><strong>Answer: (C) 1666 A.D.<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Deposed by Aurangzeb in 1658, Shah Jahan lived in confinement at Agra Fort. He died on 22 January 1666. Buried beside Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>126. Who was the founder of the Bahmani dynasty? (1347, Gulbarga)<\/strong><br>(A) Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah (B) Muhammad Shah I (C) Firoz Shah (D) Ahmad Shah<br><strong>Answer: (A) Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> He established the first major Deccan sultanate, initially at Gulbarga. The Bahmanis later shifted to Bidar. They shaped Deccan politics for two centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>147. Sufism reached India in the<\/strong><br>(A) Eleventh century (B) Twelfth century (C) Fourteenth century (D) Thirteenth century<br><strong>Answer: (B) Twelfth century<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Orders like the <strong>Chishti<\/strong> took root in North India from the late 12th\u2013early 13th c. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is central to this spread. Khanqahs became spiritual-social centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>152. In which year was the Second Battle of Panipat fought?<\/strong><br>(A) 1605 AD (B) 1707 AD (C) 1757 AD (D) 1556 AD<br><strong>Answer: (D) 1556 AD<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Fought between Akbar\u2019s forces (Bairam Khan) and Hemu. Mughal victory re-established control after Humayun\u2019s death. It secured Akbar\u2019s succession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>181. Who was the founder of the \u2018Delhi Sultanate\u2019? (1206)<\/strong><br>(A) Muhammad Ghori (B) Qutubuddin Aibak (C) Iltutmish (D) Ghiyasuddin Balban<br><strong>Answer: (B) Qutubuddin Aibak<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> After Ghori\u2019s death, Aibak declared sovereignty (1206) and founded the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty. He began Qutb complex works. Succeeded by Iltutmish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>193. Where is the tomb of Jahangir situated?<\/strong><br>(A) Agra (B) Delhi (C) Lahore (D) Srinagar<br><strong>Answer: (C) Lahore<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Jahangir\u2019s mausoleum stands at Shahdara Bagh, Lahore. It features lavish pietra dura and gardens. Built by his widow, Nur Jahan\u2019s family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>196. Name the Maratha leader who put forward the idea of founding Hindu Empire before the Marathas (Hindu Pad Padshahi).<\/strong><br>(A) Shivaji (B) Balaji Viswanath (C) Baji Rao I (D) Baji Rao II<br><strong>Answer: (C) Baji Rao I<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Baji Rao I (Peshwa, 1720\u20131740) vigorously advanced the concept of <strong>Hindu Pad-Padshahi<\/strong>. He expanded Maratha influence in the north. Ideology framed Maratha imperial ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2013\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2013<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>94. In which year did Muhammad-bin-Qasim conquer Sind? (Battle of Aror)<\/strong><br>(A) 712 AD (B) 715 AD (C) 718 AD (D) 721 AD<br><strong>Answer: (A) 712 AD<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Umayyad general Muhammad bin Qasim captured Sind via the Indus delta. The victory at Aror established Arab rule in lower Indus. It opened lasting trade-cultural links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>98. How many times did Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni (1002\u20131030) invade India?<\/strong><br>(A) 12 (B) 17 (C) 5 (D) 20<br><strong>Answer: (B) 17<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> His raids targeted wealth and strategic control over the northwest. Famous sackings include the Somnath temple (1025). They impacted regional politics and economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>105. Who introduced <em>Kaulinya<\/em> system in Bengal? (1160\u201379)<\/strong><br>(A) Gopala (B) Ballal Sen (C) Lakshmana Sen (D) Dharmapala<br><strong>Answer: (B) Ballal Sen<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The <em>Kaulinya<\/em> reforms reorganized Brahminical social ranks and marriage alliances. Documented in Sena inscriptions and texts. It reshaped medieval Bengal\u2019s social order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>110. Who was the founder of the Slave dynasty?<\/strong><br>(A) Iltutmish (B) Balban (C) Nasiruddin (D) Qutb-ud-din Aibak<br><strong>Answer: (D) Qutb-ud-din Aibak<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Aibak, a former slave and Ghori\u2019s general, became Sultan in 1206. He laid the Sultanate\u2019s foundations at Delhi\/Lahore. His successors consolidated the realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>116. Who was Jalaluddin Mangabarni? (1220\u20131231)<\/strong><br>(A) Ruler of Afghanistan (B) Ruler of Persia (C) Ruler of Mongolia (D) Ruler of Khwarizm or Khiva<br><strong>Answer: (D) Ruler of Khwarizm or Khiva<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The last Khwarazmian prince resisted the Mongols after Genghis Khan\u2019s invasion. He fought across Transoxiana, Iran and into India\u2019s northwest. Noted for his guerilla resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>120. Who invited Babur to invade India?<\/strong><br>(A) Ibrahim Lodi (B) Sikandar Lodi (C) Daulat Khan Lodi (D) Sher Khan<br><strong>Answer: (C) Daulat Khan Lodi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Punjab governor, alienated from Ibrahim Lodi, sought Babur\u2019s aid. Internal dissension enabled Babur\u2019s 1526 conquest. Rana Sanga also encouraged Babur separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>125. Who of the following became a member of the \u2018Din-i-Ilahi\u2019?<\/strong><br>(A) Raja Man Singh (B) Todarmal (C) Tansen (D) Raja Birbal<br><strong>Answer: (D) Raja Birbal<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Birbal is the most prominent documented adherent. The order was elite and limited in number. It symbolized Akbar\u2019s moral-eclectic vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>129. What was the \u2018Dam\u2019?<\/strong><br>(A) Copper coin introduced by Sher Shah<br>(B) Copper coin introduced by Akbar<br>(C) Copper coin introduced by Shah Jahan<br>(D) Copper coin introduced by Aurangzeb<br><strong>Answer: (B) Copper coin introduced by Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The <strong>dam<\/strong> complemented the silver <strong>rupee<\/strong> and gold <strong>mohur<\/strong>. It stabilized tri-metallic currency under Akbar. Widely used in market transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>135. Which Mughal emperor subdued the Portuguese in Bengal? (1631, Qasim Khan, Hugli)<\/strong><br>(A) Akbar (B) Jahangir (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb<br><strong>Answer: (C) Shah Jahan<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> In 1632, Mughal forces under Qasim Khan expelled the Portuguese from <strong>Hugli<\/strong>. The action followed complaints of piracy and slave-trading. It reasserted imperial control over the Hooghly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>139. When did Siraj-ud-Daullah ascend the throne?<\/strong><br>(A) 1707 (B) 1739 (C) 1756 (D) 1757<br><strong>Answer: (C) 1756<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Siraj succeeded Alivardi Khan in April 1756 as Nawab of Bengal. His brief reign ended after the Battle of Plassey (1757). A pivotal moment in British ascendancy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2012\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2012<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>93. Who was the Kaivartta chief who rebelled against the Pala ruler Mahipala II of Bengal? (1075\u20131082, Mahipala II)<\/strong><br>(A) Dhekata (B) Gandhata (C) Divya (D) Mayuraddhwaja<br><strong>Answer: (C) Divya<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Divya (Divvoka) led the Kaivarta uprising in Varendra, overthrowing Mahipala II. The revolt created a Kaivarta regime for some years. It exposed late-Pala weaknesses and reshaped power in north Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>118. The Khalimpur Copper Plate informs us about the military exploits of Pala ruler<\/strong><br>(A) Devapala (B) Rampala (C) Dharampala (D) Mahipala<br><strong>Answer: (A) Devapala<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Khalimpur (Khalimpura) copperplate eulogizes Devapala\u2019s victories. It lists conquests across eastern and northern India. A key inscription for early Pala imperial expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>126. Who was the author of the book \u2018Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi\u2019? (Balban to Firuz Shah)<\/strong><br>(A) Abdul Fazl (B) Minhaj-us-Siraj (C) Ziauddin Barani (D) Al Biruni<br><strong>Answer: (C) Ziauddin Barani<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Barani\u2019s Persian chronicle covers Delhi Sultanate politics and institutions up to Firuz Tughluq. Critical of court factions, it\u2019s invaluable for Balban\u2013Muhammad bin Tughluq\u2013Firuz periods. A principal primary source for the 13th\u201314th centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>143. Who was Todar Mal? (Zabti &amp; Dahsala system)<\/strong><br>(A) A Minister of Sher Shah (B) A revenue expert in Akbar\u2019s court<br>(C) A Prince of Mewar (D) An officer in Jahangir\u2019s army<br><strong>Answer: (B) A revenue expert in Akbar\u2019s court<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Raja Todar Mal standardized land measurement and assessment. He implemented <strong>zabti<\/strong> and <strong>dahsala<\/strong> (ten-year averages) from 1580. His reforms stabilized Mughal finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>147. Who was the last ruler of Delhi Sultanate? (1517\u201326)<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Alam Shah (B) Ibrahim Lodi (C) Bahlul Lodi (D) Sikander Lodi<br><strong>Answer: (B) Ibrahim Lodi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The final Sultan before Babur\u2019s conquest, defeated at Panipat (1526). His centralizing style alienated nobles. His death ended the Sultanate era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>152. Who was Nasiruddin Chirag? (Sufi poet \u2013 Persian)<\/strong><br>(A) A Sultan of the Khilji dynasty (B) A Sufi Saint<br>(C) A minister of Ghiyasuddin Balban (D) A military officer in Alauddin Khilji\u2019s army<br><strong>Answer: (B) A Sufi Saint<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Delhi was a leading <strong>Chishti<\/strong> saint. Disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, he guided Delhi\u2019s spiritual life. His <em>maktubat<\/em> and verses are in Persian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>160. Who was Babur\u2019s main adversary in the Battle of Khanwa? (1527)<\/strong><br>(A) Mahmud Lodi (B) Himu (C) Rana Sanga (D) None of them<br><strong>Answer: (C) Rana Sanga<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Mewar confederacy under Rana Sanga challenged Babur post-Panipat. Babur\u2019s artillery and field tactics prevailed at Khanwa (1527). It cemented Mughal control in North India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>164. Who among the following visited Jahangir\u2019s Court? (1615\u201319)<\/strong><br>(A) Niccol\u00f2 Conti (B) Francois Bernier (C) Sir Thomas Roe (D) Athanasius Nikitin<br><strong>Answer: (C) Sir Thomas Roe<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Roe, James I\u2019s ambassador, stayed at Jahangir\u2019s court (Ajmer\/Agra). His journal details Mughal protocol and trade negotiations. It laid ground for English commercial privileges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>170. Which Mughal Emperor transferred the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi? (1638)<\/strong><br>(A) Jahangir (B) Aurangzeb (C) Shah Jahan (D) Bahadur Shah<br><strong>Answer: (C) Shah Jahan<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Shah Jahan founded <strong>Shahjahanabad<\/strong> (Old Delhi) with the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. The shift signaled imperial grandeur and strategic focus. Delhi became the ceremonial heart again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>176. Who was the Mughal Emperor during whose reign Nadir Shah invaded India? (1739)<\/strong><br>(A) Farrukhsiyar (B) Bahadur Shah (C) Muhammad Shah (D) Shah Alam<br><strong>Answer: (C) Muhammad Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Nadir Shah sacked Delhi after the battle of Karnal (1739). The Peacock Throne and immense loot were carried off. It exposed the Mughal Empire\u2019s decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2011\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2011<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>61. \u2018Baburnama\u2019 was written by<\/strong><br>(A) Abul Fazal (B) Firdousi (C) Afif (D) Babur<br><strong>Answer: (D) Babur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The <strong>Tuzuk-i-Baburi<\/strong> is Babur\u2019s candid autobiography. Originally in Chagatai Turkic, later rendered in Persian. It blends memoir, ethnography, and military narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>74. Who introduced \u201cDin-i-Ilahi\u201d? (1582)<\/strong><br>(A) Firuz Shah Tughlaq (B) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (C) Kabir (D) Akbar<br><strong>Answer: (D) Akbar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A small ethical fellowship promoting <strong>Sulh-i-Kul<\/strong> (universal peace). Drew selected practices from diverse faiths. Limited membership; more symbolic than popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>96. Who wrote <em>Tahqiq-i-Hind<\/em>? (Kitab-ul-Hind, 1017\u201331)<\/strong><br>(A) Al-Biruni (B) Al-Biladhuri (C) Sulaiman (D) Al-Masudi<br><strong>Answer: (A) Al-Biruni<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A scientific-religious study of India in Arabic. Based on Sanskrit texts and observation. Foundational for comparative religion and Indology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>111. Who was the last independent Sultan of Bengal? (1533\u201338)<\/strong><br>(A) Husain Shah (B) Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah (C) Nusrat Shah (D) Ilyas Shah<br><strong>Answer: (B) Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The final Husain Shahi ruler before Sher Shah\u2019s conquest. His reign ended with the Mughal-Afghan upheavals. Marked the close of late medieval independent Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>112. Which Delhi Sultan set up a separate department of Slaves (Diwan-i-Bandagan)?<\/strong><br>(A) Iltutmish (B) Balban (C) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (D) Firuz Shah Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (D) Firuz Shah Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Firuz organized state slaves for public works and administration. He expanded welfare and infrastructural agencies. A hallmark of his paternalistic rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>132. During whose reign did Chinghiz Khan invade India? (Battle of the Indus, 1221)<\/strong><br>(A) Iltutmish (B) Alauddin Khilji (C) Ghiyasuddin Balban (D) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (A) Iltutmish<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Pursuing Jalaluddin Mangbarni, Mongols reached the Indus frontier. Iltutmish avoided direct conflict and preserved Delhi. It was an early brush with the Mongol threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>139. During whose reign did Ibn Batuta come to India? (1333\u201342)<\/strong><br>(A) Akbar (B) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (C) Iltutmish (D) Alauddin Khilji<br><strong>Answer: (B) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Appointed Qazi of Delhi, Ibn Batuta traveled across India. His <strong>Rihla<\/strong> records administration, trade and society. Key source for 14th-century India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>142. Which Indian state could Akbar not annex?<\/strong><br>(A) Kashmir (B) Bengal (C) Bihar (D) Assam<br><strong>Answer: (D) Assam<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Despite campaigns in the northeast, Mughal control in Assam remained limited. The Ahoms resisted successfully, notably later at Saraighat (1671). Assam retained autonomy far longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>143. The Bahmani Kingdom and Vijayanagara Empire clashed frequently over<\/strong><br>(A) Madurai (B) Warangal (C) Malabar (D) Raichur Doab<br><strong>Answer: (D) Raichur Doab<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The fertile tract between <strong>Krishna<\/strong> and <strong>Tungabhadra<\/strong> rivers. Control changed hands repeatedly. It was strategic for revenue and defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>144. Who started building Qutb Minar in Delhi? (1192)<\/strong><br>(A) Qutbuddin Aibak (B) Iltutmish (C) Balban (D) Alauddin Khilji<br><strong>Answer: (A) Qutbuddin Aibak<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Aibak began construction near Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Iltutmish added storeys; later repairs by Firuz Tughluq. Named in honor of saint Qutb al-Din Bakhtiyar Kaki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>151. To which place did Murshid Quli Khan transfer his capital from Dacca?<\/strong><br>(A) Monghyr (B) Murshidabad (C) Gaur (D) Pandua<br><strong>Answer: (B) Murshidabad<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> As Bengal\u2019s diwan and later Nawab, he reorganized revenue. Murshidabad emerged as a rich commercial-administrative center. It stayed the Bengal capital till British reorganization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>160. Gopala was the founder of<\/strong><br>(A) Pala dynasty (B) Pallava dynasty (C) Pratihara dynasty (D) Chalukya dynasty<br><strong>Answer: (A) Pala dynasty<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Elected by chiefs in Bengal c. 8th century to end disorder. Laid the base for Pala power expanded by Dharmapala and Devapala. Promoted Buddhism and monastic centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>174. During whose reign did the East India Company establish their first factory in India? (Surat, 1613)<\/strong><br>(A) Jahangir (B) Shahjahan (C) Aurangzeb (D) Bahadur Shah-I<br><strong>Answer: (A) Jahangir<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> After Captain Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe\u2019s missions, the English gained farmans. Surat became their primary port. It began sustained English trade in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>180. Which Sultan of Delhi brought one Asokan Pillar to Delhi?<\/strong><br>(A) Iltutmish (B) Alauddin Khilji (C) Md. Bin Tughlaq (D) Firuz Shah Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (D) Firuz Shah Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> He transported Ashokan pillars to Delhi (Topra\/Meerut pillars). Erected them at Firoz Shah Kotla. Shows his antiquarian interests and engineering works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>186. Which Muslim invader conquered Bengal during Lakshmanasena\u2019s time? (1203)<\/strong><br>(A) Muhammad Ghori (B) Bakhtiyar Khilji (C) Qutbuddin Aibak (D) Iltutmish<br><strong>Answer: (B) Bakhtiyar Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Seized Nadia (Nabadwip) and Lakhnauti, ending Sena rule. His campaigns extended Turkic control into eastern India. Notorious for the sack of Nalanda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2010\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2010<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>33. Which Sultan wanted to become the Second Alexander (Sikandar-i-Sani)?<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Khilji (B) Ghiyasuddin Balban (C) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (D) None of them<br><strong>Answer: (A) Alauddin Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Assumed grand titles and pursued expansionist policies. Market control and military reforms strengthened his rule. Deccan raids under Malik Kafur showcased ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>49. What did <em>Iqta<\/em> mean during the Sultanate period?<\/strong><br>(A) A form of salutation (B) An important official<br>(C) The grant of land revenue from a territory (D) None of the above<br><strong>Answer: (C) The grant of land revenue from a territory<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Assigned to officers (muqtis) in lieu of cash salary. The holder collected revenue for maintenance and remitted balance. Backbone of Sultanate administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>65. What is the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri?<\/strong><br>(A) Residence (B) House for inter-religious discourses (C) Dining hall (D) None<br><strong>Answer: (B) House for inter-religious discourses<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Founded by Akbar to host debates among scholars of many faiths. Informed his policy of <strong>Sulh-i-Kul<\/strong>. Central to his intellectual-religious experiments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>79. Nadir Shah invaded India in the year<\/strong><br>(A) 1738 A.D. (B) 1739 A.D. (C) 1740 A.D. (D) 1741 A.D.<br><strong>Answer: (B) 1739 A.D.<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Defeated the Mughals at Karnal and sacked Delhi. Carried away the Peacock Throne and treasure. A decisive blow to Mughal prestige.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>86. Who was the author of <em>Rajatarangini<\/em>? (12th century, Sanskrit)<\/strong><br>(A) Kautilya (B) Megasthenes (C) Kalhana (D) None of the above<br><strong>Answer: (C) Kalhana<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A chronicle of Kashmir\u2019s kings combining legend and history. Provides rare continuous regional history. Key source for medieval Kashmir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>127. When did Chingiz Khan invade India? (Battle of the Indus)<\/strong><br>(A) 1211 A.D. (B) 1221 A.D. (C) 1399 A.D. (D) 1526 A.D.<br><strong>Answer: (B) 1221 A.D.<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Pursued Jalaluddin Mangbarni to the Indus frontier. Did not penetrate the Gangetic heartland. Early Mongol pressure on the northwest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>134. What is <em>Adi Granth<\/em>? (Guru Arjan, 1604)<\/strong><br>(A) A religious book of the Sikhs (B) A code of conduct<br>(C) A guide for medieval rulers (D) None<br><strong>Answer: (A) A religious book of the Sikhs<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Compiled by Guru Arjan at Amritsar. Later enshrined as <strong>Guru Granth Sahib<\/strong> by Guru Gobind Singh. Central scripture of Sikhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>141. Shivaji\u2019s coronation took place in the year<\/strong><br>(A) 1672 (B) 1673 (C) 1674 (D) 1675<br><strong>Answer: (C) 1674<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Coronated at Raigad as <em>Chhatrapati<\/em>. Established formal sovereignty and Hindu kingship rituals. Marked Maratha assertion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>158. Which officer was called <em>Bakshi<\/em> during Akbar\u2019s rule?<\/strong><br>(A) Town administration (B) Military organization<br>(C) Executive administration (D) None<br><strong>Answer: (B) Officer in charge of military organization<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The <em>Mir Bakshi<\/em> handled mansabs, pay, and muster of troops. Key link between emperor and army. Oversaw recruitment and jagir postings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>172. What was <em>Khutba<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(A) Sermon in the ruler\u2019s name at Friday prayers (B) Royal order<br>(C) Punishment (D) None<br><strong>Answer: (A) Sermon in the ruler\u2019s name at Friday prayers<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Along with coinage (<em>sikka<\/em>), khutba signified sovereignty. Reading it in a ruler\u2019s name acknowledged authority. Political-religious symbol of rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>181. Who conquered territory in India and founded an empire in the name of his ancestors?<\/strong><br>(A) Humayun (B) Sher Shah (C) Babur (D) None<br><strong>Answer: (C) Babur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A Timurid-Chagatai prince who established the Mughal Empire (1526). Victories at Panipat and Khanwa secured his realm. Claimed ancestry from Timur and Chinghiz (via mother).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2009\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2009<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>135. When did Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khalji invade Bengal?<\/strong><br>(A) 1194 (B) 1199 (C) 1202 (D) 1206<br><strong>Answer: (C) 1202 A.D.<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Nadia (Nabadwip) raid is often dated 1202\u201303. Opened Turkic control in Bengal. Preceded the capture of Lakhnauti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>139. Name the famous poet of the Delhi Sultanate titled \u2018Parrot of Hindustan\u2019.<\/strong><br>(A) Ziauddin Barani (B) Utbi (C) Alberuni (D) Amir Khusrau<br><strong>Answer: (D) Amir Khusrau<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> <em>Tuti-e-Hind<\/em> for his fluent Persian verse and musical innovations. Court poet to several Sultans. Pioneered Indo-Persian literary culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>146. The Battle of Tarain was fought between Muhammad Ghori and<\/strong><br>(A) Rana Sanga (B) Rana Pratap (C) Prithviraj Chauhan (D) Rana Hambirdeva<br><strong>Answer: (C) Prithviraj Chauhan<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Two battles (1191 and 1192). Ghori lost the first, won decisively in the second. The 1192 victory paved the way for Delhi Sultanate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>150. Who introduced the Iqta system?<\/strong><br>(A) Muhammad Ghori (B) Qutubuddin Aibak (C) Iltutmish (D) Ghiyasuddin Balban<br><strong>Answer: (C) Iltutmish<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Regularized revenue assignments to officers (muqtis). Ensured provincial control and army maintenance. Became core to Sultanate governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>155. Who built the famous Adina Mosque in Bengal?<\/strong><br>(A) Iliyas Shah (B) Sikandar Shah (C) Azam Shah (D) Hamza Shah<br><strong>Answer: (B) Sikandar Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Ilyas Shahi ruler built it at Pandua in the 14th century. One of South Asia\u2019s largest medieval mosques. Shows Bengali-Turko-Persian synthesis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>160. Name the Bengali poet conferred with the title \u2018Gunaraj Khan\u2019 in the Sultanate period.<\/strong><br>(A) Jnanadas (B) Govindadas (C) Maladhar Basu (D) Chandidas<br><strong>Answer: (C) Maladhar Basu<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Author of <em>Sri Krishna Vijay<\/em>. Patronized by Husain Shah, earning the title. Blended Vaishnava devotion with courtly style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>167. Who wrote <em>Humayun-nama<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(A) Abul Fazl (B) Faizi (C) Badauni (D) Gulbadan Begum<br><strong>Answer: (D) Gulbadan Begum<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Humayun\u2019s sister penned this Persian biography. Offers intimate court details. A rare female-authored Mughal source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>172. Who introduced \u2018Qabuliyat\u2019 and \u2018Patta\u2019?<\/strong><br>(A) Babur (B) Sher Shah (C) Akbar (D) Shah Jahan<br><strong>Answer: (B) Sher Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Written agreements between cultivators and state fixed dues. Standardized settlement and accountability. Influenced later Mughal\/British practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>176. Who was called \u2018Zinda Pir\u2019 (Living Saint) in Mughal India?<\/strong><br>(A) Babur (B) Akbar (C) Shah Jahan (D) Aurangzeb<br><strong>Answer: (D) Aurangzeb<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Admired by orthodox Sunnis for strict piety. Emphasized Islamic law and personal austerity. Title reflected contemporary perceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>182. Name the Sultan who introduced the Rationing System in India.<\/strong><br>(A) Ghiyasuddin Balban (B) Alauddin Khalji (C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (D) Firuz Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (B) Alauddin Khalji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> His <strong>market control<\/strong> and grain regulation ensured army supply. Fixed prices and enforced stocks via shahana-i-mandi. Aimed to curb hoarding and inflation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2008\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2008<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>28. Who wrote \u2018Ramcharita\u2019? (Pala dynasty)<\/strong><br>(A) Banabhatta (B) Kalidasa (C) Sandhyakara Nandi (D) Tulsidas<br><strong>Answer: (C) Sandhyakara Nandi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> <em>Ramacharitam<\/em> is a political-didactic poem of the Pala era. Reflects court politics and Kaivarta conflicts. Important for Bengal\u2019s medieval history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>29. Who was defeated at Kanauj by Sher Shah in 1540?<\/strong><br>(A) Babur (B) Akbar (C) Humayun (D) Jahangir<br><strong>Answer: (C) Humayun<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Battle of Kanauj (Bilgram) forced Humayun\u2019s exile. Sher Shah established the Sur Empire. Initiated sweeping administrative reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>31. Amir Khusrau was the court poet of<\/strong><br>(A) Balban (B) Alauddin Khalji (C) Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (D) Akbar<br><strong>Answer: (B) Alauddin Khalji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Though he served multiple sultans, his peak patronage was under Alauddin. Produced seminal Persian poetry and musical genres. Key cultural architect of the Sultanate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>32. The Vikramasila Vihara was founded by<\/strong><br>(A) Mahipala I (B) Devapala (C) Surapala (D) Dharmapala<br><strong>Answer: (D) Dharmapala<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Major Buddhist monastery complementing Nalanda. Became a premier scholastic center. Destroyed during late-12th-century incursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>33. The founder of the Bahmani kingdom was<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Mujahid Shah (B) Ahmad Shah (C) Alauddin Bahman Shah (D) Tajuddin Firuz Shah<br><strong>Answer: (C) Alauddin Bahman Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Established in 1347 with capital at Gulbarga. Later shifted to Bidar. A dominant Deccan power for two centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>35. Who was the last independent Nawab of Bengal?<\/strong><br>(A) Siraj-ud-Daula (B) Mir Jafar (C) Mir Qasim (D) Najm-ud-Daula<br><strong>Answer: (C) Mir Qasim<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Ruled 1760\u20131763; resisted Company privileges. Defeated at Buxar (1764) after alliance with Shuja-ud-Daula and Shah Alam II. Marked decisive Company ascendancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>48. Sulapani was a famous artist of the<\/strong><br>(A) Kushana (B) Gupta (C) Pala (D) Sena<br><strong>Answer: (C) Pala Period<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Noted for metal\/bronze artistry under Pala patronage. Pala art fused Buddhist iconography with refined casting. Influenced Southeast Asian styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>55. The Gurmukhi script was introduced by<\/strong><br>(A) Guru Amardas (B) Guru Ramdas (C) Guru Angad (D) Guru Nanak<br><strong>Answer: (C) Guru Angad<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Standardized the script for Punjabi to record Sikh hymns. Facilitated transmission of the Gurus\u2019 teachings. A cornerstone for Sikh scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2007\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2007<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>66. Which Chola king conquered Bengal?<\/strong><br>(A) Rajaraja (B) Rajendra Chola I (C) Rajendra Chola II (D) Rajadhiraja<br><strong>Answer: (B) Rajendra Chola I<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Led a northern expedition reaching the Ganga, earning the title <strong>Gangaikondachola<\/strong>. Demonstrated Chola far-reaching power. Commemorated by founding Gangaikondacholapuram.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>77. Which Maratha Peshwa followed the ideal of \u201cHindupadapadshahi\u201d?<\/strong><br>(A) Baji Rao I (B) Balaji Viswanath (C) Narayana Rao (D) Madhav Rao<br><strong>Answer: (A) Baji Rao I<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Expanded Maratha influence into Malwa and the north. Ideology framed imperial ambition beyond the Deccan. A brilliant cavalry commander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>78. Who founded Sikhism?<\/strong><br>(A) Gobind Singh (B) Ramdas (C) Nanak (D) Hargovind<br><strong>Answer: (C) Guru Nanak<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Preached devotion to one God and social equality. Founded <strong>Kartarpur<\/strong> commune and the Guru lineage. Laid the basis of Sikh scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>97. Who founded the independent Sultanate of Bengal?<\/strong><br>(A) Ilyas Shah (B) Murshid Quli Khan (C) Hussain Shah (D) Alivardi Khan<br><strong>Answer: (A) Ilyas Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> United Bengal (c. 1352) and founded the Ilyas Shahi dynasty. Capital at Pandua\/Gaur. Initiated Bengal\u2019s long independent sultanate era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>102. Who was the General of Sher Shah?<\/strong><br>(A) Brahmajit Gaur (B) Dilir Khan (C) Shayesta Khan (D) Jaising<br><strong>Answer: (A) Brahmajit Gaur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A principal commander under Sher Shah Suri. Helped consolidate Afghan power post-Humayun. Assisted in administrative-military consolidation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>115. Which Hindu saint had both Hindu and Muslim disciples?<\/strong><br>(A) Sri Chaitanya (B) Ramanuja (C) Ravidas (D) Namdev<br><strong>Answer: (D) Namdev<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Bhakti saint from Maharashtra with inclusive following. His abhangas are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. Stressed devotion beyond caste\/creed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>126. Who was known as \u201cthe Parrot of Hindustan\u201d?<\/strong><br>(A) Amir Khusrau (B) Malik Muhammad Jayasi (C) Roy Vanmal (D) Purandar Khan<br><strong>Answer: (A) Amir Khusrau<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Renowned for witty, melodious Persian verse. Innovated in music (qawwali, tarana). Icon of Indo-Persian culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>136. Which Mughal emperor was \u201cZinda Pir\u201d to Sunnis?<\/strong><br>(A) Aurangzeb (B) Akbar (C) Babur (D) Humayun<br><strong>Answer: (A) Aurangzeb<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Revered for piety and enforcement of Islamic law. Personally austere and orthodox. Earned saintly epithet among followers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>141. Who wrote \u201cAkbarnama\u201d?<\/strong><br>(A) Abul Fazl (B) Faizi (C) Shaikh Mubarak (D) Tansen<br><strong>Answer: (A) Abul Fazl<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Official chronicle of Akbar\u2019s reign in three volumes. Third part, <strong>Ain-i-Akbari<\/strong>, details administration. Abul Fazl was Akbar\u2019s close confidant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>142. Who was called \u201cthe Akbar of Kashmir\u201d? (1420\u20131470)<\/strong><br>(A) Zain-ul-Abidin (B) Hussain Shah (C) Balban (D) Suja-ud-Daula<br><strong>Answer: (A) Zain-ul-Abidin<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Promoted tolerance, crafts, and Persianate culture. Recalled exiles and encouraged Hindu-Muslim harmony. Kashmir\u2019s cultural renaissance flourished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>147. Which Muslim general conquered Bengal in the 13th century?<\/strong><br>(A) Afzal Khan (B) Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji (C) Chenghiz Khan (D) Temuchin<br><strong>Answer: (B) Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Captured Nadia and Lakhnauti, ending Sena rule. Opened eastern India to Turkic control. Key figure in early Sultanate expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>158. Who converted Sikhs into a martial race?<\/strong><br>(A) Arjun Dev (B) Gobind Singh (C) Hargovind (D) Teg Bahadur<br><strong>Answer: (B) Guru Gobind Singh<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Founded the <strong>Khalsa<\/strong> in 1699, arming the Panth. Instituted the 5 Ks and martial discipline. Transformed Sikh identity and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>177. Which Sikh Guru was slaughtered by Aurangzeb?<\/strong><br>(A) Ramdas (B) Teg Bahadur (C) Arjun Dev (D) Gobind Singh<br><strong>Answer: (B) Guru Teg Bahadur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Martyred in 1675 at Delhi defending religious freedom. His sacrifice galvanized the community. Preceded Khalsa creation by his son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>181. Who was the first \u2018real king\u2019 of the Sultanate?<\/strong><br>(A) Qutbuddin (B) Iltutmish (C) Balban (D) Alauddin<br><strong>Answer: (B) Iltutmish<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Consolidated the Mamluk state after Aibak. Organized the iqta and coinage (silver <strong>tanka<\/strong>). Put the Sultanate on firm footing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>183. Who has been described as \u201cthe Akbar of the Sultanate\u201d?<\/strong><br>(A) Iltutmish (B) Balban (C) Alauddin Khilji (D) Firoz Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (D) Firoz Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Known for welfare works, canals, gardens, and public projects. His paternalism, building zeal and codification invite the comparison. Though militarily less aggressive than Alauddin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2006\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2006<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>182. Sandhyakar Nandi was<\/strong> <em>(Pala dynasty)<\/em><br>(a) Writer of \u2018Ramcharita Kavya\u2019 (b) Court poet of Chandra Gupta II (c) Writer of Doha (d) Medical practitioner<br><strong>Answer: (a) Writer of \u2018Ramcharita Kavya\u2019<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Sandhy\u0101kara Nandi authored <em>Ramacharitam<\/em>, a political-didactic poem. It reflects late Pala\u2013Kaivarta conflicts and Pala court life. A prime source for 11th\u201312th c. Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>186. The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between<\/strong><br>(a) Marathas and Afghans (b) British and Rohillas (c) Sikhs and Jats (d) Pathans and Satnamis<br><strong>Answer: (a) Marathas and Afghans<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Fought in 1761 between the Maratha confederacy and Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali). Massive casualties weakened Maratha power. A turning point before British ascendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>188. The First Battle of Panipat took place in<\/strong><br>(a) 1500 (b) 1510 (c) 1520 (d) 1526<br><strong>Answer: (d) 1526<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi using matchlocks and field artillery. Collapse of the Lodi Sultanate followed. It inaugurated the Mughal Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>191. \u2018Babarnama\u2019 was written by<\/strong><br>(a) Abul Fazl (b) Firdousi (c) Afif (d) Babar<br><strong>Answer: (d) Babar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The <em>Tuzuk-i-Baburi<\/em> is Babur\u2019s autobiography in Chagatai Turkic. Vivid on campaigns, people, and places. Later translated into Persian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>192. Shivaji was succeeded by<\/strong><br>(a) Shambhuji (b) Shivaji II (c) Raja Ram (c) Tara Bai<br><strong>Answer: (a) Shambhuji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Sambhaji (r. 1680\u20131689) faced Mughal onslaughts under Aurangzeb. After his execution, Rajaram continued resistance. Maratha power eventually resurged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>196. The author of <em>Futuh-us-Salatin<\/em> is<\/strong> <em>(1311)<\/em><br>(a) Barin (b) Isami (c) Nasru (d) Batutha<br><strong>Answer: (b) Isami<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> \u2018Isami\u2019 (Abdul Malik Isami) composed this Persian chronicle at Gulbarga. It narrates Delhi Sultanate events up to the early Bahmani age. Valuable for 14th-century Deccan\/North India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>197. The opponent of Akbar at the Second Battle of Panipat was<\/strong><br>(a) Abdul Lohani (b) Himu (c) Jainhand (d) Daulat Khan<br><strong>Answer: (b) Himu<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> In 1556, Akbar\u2019s army (Bairam Khan) defeated Hemu Vikramaditya. Victory secured Akbar\u2019s succession after Humayun. Re-established Mughal control in the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>200. Who introduced the \u2018Dokani\u2019 (token) currency?<\/strong><br>(a) Balban (b) Iltutmish (c) Raziya (d) Md-bin-Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (d) Md-bin-Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Experimented with base-metal token coins (copper\/bronze). Counterfeiting and poor controls doomed the reform. Eventually withdrawn, causing fiscal turmoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2005\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2005<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>45. In which year was the Battle of Talikota fought?<\/strong><br>(a) 1556 (b) 1565 (c) 1571 (d) 1581<br><strong>Answer: (b) 1565<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Deccan sultanates defeated Vijayanagara near Rakshasa-Tangadi. Hampi was sacked; the empire declined rapidly. A watershed in south Indian history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>62. Who wrote <em>Kitab-ur-Rehla<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(a) Ibn Batuta (b) Al Beruni (c) Hasan Nizami (d) Abul Fazl<br><strong>Answer: (a) Ibn Batuta<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> His travelogue (<em>Rihla<\/em>) records journeys across Afro-Eurasia. Indian section covers Muhammad bin Tughluq\u2019s court. A key 14th-century source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>87. Who first introduced the rationing system?<\/strong><br>(a) Iltutmish (b) Alauddin Khalji (c) Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (d) Ibrahim Lodi<br><strong>Answer: (b) Alauddin Khalji<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> His market-control (price-fixing) and grain regulation ensured army supplies. Offices like <em>shahana-i-mandi<\/em> enforced compliance. Curbed hoarding and inflation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>95. <em>Lilavati<\/em> was translated into Persian by<\/strong> <em>(1587, Akbar)<\/em><br>(a) Faizi (b) Abul Fazl (c) Dara (d) Abu Talib Kalim<br><strong>Answer: (a) Faizi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Mathematical classic of Bhaskara II rendered into Persian. Part of Akbar\u2019s cultural-translations program. Popularized Sanskrit sciences at court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>121. Who wrote <em>Amukta Malyada<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(a) Bukka (b) Harihara II (c) Krishnadev Ray (d) Bir Narasingha<br><strong>Answer: (c) Krishnadev Ray<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A Telugu mahakavya by Vijayanagara\u2019s greatest ruler. Celebrates devotion and ideal statecraft. Literary high point of the Tuluva phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>122. Under whose orders was the <em>Mahabharata<\/em> translated into Bengali?<\/strong><br>(a) Alauddin Hossain Shah (b) Jalaluddin (c) Nusrat Shah (d) Haji Iliyas<br><strong>Answer: (a) Alauddin Hossain Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Patronized Krittivasa\u2019s Bengali <em>Mahabharata<\/em>. His court fostered vernacular literature. Marked a cultural flowering in Bengal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2004\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2004<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>56. Which Mughal emperor granted Diwani to the English East India Company?<\/strong><br>(A) Bahadur Shah II (B) Shah Alam II (C) Farrukhsiyar (D) Zehander Shah<br><strong>Answer: (B) Shah Alam II<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> In 1765 the Company received Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa. The Allahabad Treaty formalized revenue rights. It transformed Company power in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>93. Who described the <em>Din-i-Ilahi<\/em> as \u201cthe monument of Akbar\u2019s folly\u201d?<\/strong><br>(A) V. A. Smith (B) Elliot (C) Badaoni (D) Faizy<br><strong>Answer: (A) V. A. Smith<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The colonial historian downplayed its significance. Contemporary Badauni criticized it, but this exact phrase is Smith\u2019s. Modern scholars see it as an ethical fellowship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>96. \u201cRam Rahim ek hai, nam dhara hai do\u201d \u2014 who preached this during the Sultanate?<\/strong><br>(A) Sri Chaitanya (B) Kabir (C) Nanak (D) Dadu<br><strong>Answer: (B) Kabir<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Kabir\u2019s nirguna bhakti emphasized unity of God beyond sect. His dohas cut across Hindu\u2013Muslim divides. Influential on later bhakti-sufi syntheses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>158. Ibn Batuta came to India during which ruler\u2019s reign?<\/strong><br>(A) Akbar (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (C) Iltutmish (D) Alauddin Khilji<br><strong>Answer: (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Arrived c.1333, served as Qazi of Delhi. His <em>Rihla<\/em> is a vivid 14th-century account. Describes administration, trade, and society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2003\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2003<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>48. Women of which region performed the rite of <em>Jauhar<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(A) Malwa (B) Gujarat (C) Rajputana (D) Bengal<br><strong>Answer: (C) Rajputana<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> In extreme crises, Rajput women performed johar to avoid capture. Noted at Chittor and other forts. A tragic symbol of Rajput resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>68. Who was defeated by Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of Tarain (1192)?<\/strong><br>(A) Prithviraj Chauhan (B) Jaichand (C) Dahir (D) Pulakesin II<br><strong>Answer: (A) Prithviraj Chauhan<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> After losing in 1191, Ghori returned to win decisively in 1192. Established pathways for Turkic rule. Precursor to the Delhi Sultanate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>88. In 1498 Vasco da Gama landed at the port of<\/strong><br>(A) Calicut (B) Surat (C) Masulipatam (D) Cochin<br><strong>Answer: (A) Calicut<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Received by the Zamorin, opening the Cape route to India. Portuguese foothold reshaped Indian Ocean trade. Cochin later became their early base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>98. Which ruler was a slave in his early life?<\/strong><br>(A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (C) Ghiyasuddin Balban (D) Firuzshah Tughlaq<br><strong>Answer: (C) Ghiyasuddin Balban<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A former slave who rose to become Sultan (1266\u20131287). Known for stern \u201cblood and iron\u201d policy. Centralized authority and crushed nobles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>108. <em>Shri Krishna Vijaya<\/em> Kavya was composed by (1500)<\/strong><br>(A) Chandidas (B) Vidyapati (C) Maladhar Basu (D) Jayadeva<br><strong>Answer: (C) Maladhar Basu<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A Bengali Vaishnava work patronized by Husain Shah. Earned the title \u201cGunaraj Khan.\u201d Important in medieval Bengali literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>168. The meaning of the word \u2018Mansab\u2019 is<\/strong><br>(A) Rank (B) Proprietorship of land (C) Possession of army personnel (D) Land revenue<br><strong>Answer: (A) Rank<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Mughal graded service rank with <em>zat<\/em> and <em>sawar<\/em> numbers. Determined pay and cavalry quota. Backbone of Mughal bureaucracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2002\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2002<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>52. What does the word \u2018Iqta\u2019 stand for?<\/strong><br>(A) Law of Primogeniture (B) Crown lands donated to army officers<br>(C) State\u2019s share of 1\/3 war booty (D) Grant of revenue from a territory in lieu of salary<br><strong>Answer: (D) Grant of revenue from a territory in lieu of salary<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Assigned to <em>muqtis<\/em> to maintain troops and remit surplus. Ensured provincial control and payment. Central to Sultanate administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>75. The Sultanate coins Jital, Shashgani and Tanka were made of<\/strong><br>(A) Copper, Silver, Silver (B) Gold, Copper, Lead<br>(C) Silver, Gold, Copper (D) Silver, Gold, Silver<br><strong>Answer: (A) Copper, Silver, Silver<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> <em>Jital<\/em> was typically a copper coin; <em>tanka<\/em> a standard silver coin. <em>Shashgani<\/em> circulated as a higher-value silver denomination. Reflects tri-metallic currency usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>85. Who said, \u201cLet us strike at the trunk of the withering tree and the branches will fall by themselves\u201d?<\/strong><br>(A) Baji Rao I (B) Shivaji (C) Balaji Viswanath (D) Nana Phadnavis<br><strong>Answer: (A) Baji Rao I<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Referring to the weakening Mughal power as the \u201ctrunk.\u201d Advocated bold northern expansion. Hallmark of Maratha imperial strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>170. Abdur Razzaq visited the kingdom of (Vijayanagara in 1440)<\/strong><br>(A) Muhammad-bin-Tughluq (B) Alauddin Khalji (C) Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah (D) Devaraya II<br><strong>Answer: (D) Devaraya II<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Timurid envoy described Hampi\u2019s wealth and court. His account is vital for 15th-c. Vijayanagara. Notes trade, administration, and urban life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>171. Krishnadeva Raya wrote his famous work <em>Amuktamalyada<\/em> in<\/strong><br>(A) Telugu (B) Kannada (C) Tamil (D) Malayalam<br><strong>Answer: (A) Telugu<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> A devotional-royalist epic of the Tuluva court. Showcases literary brilliance and statecraft ideals. Cornerstone of Telugu literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>172. With whom did Shivaji sign the Treaty of Purandar in 1665 A.D.?<\/strong><br>(A) Shaista Khan (B) Afzal Khan (C) Jaisingh (D) Prince Muazzam<br><strong>Answer: (C) Jaisingh<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Signed with Raja Jai Singh I, Aurangzeb\u2019s general. Shivaji ceded forts but preserved core power. A tactical pause in the Mughal\u2013Maratha struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2001\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2001<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>29. Sher Shah died while attacking<\/strong><br>(A) Mandu (B) Raisin (C) Marwar (D) Kalinjar<br><strong>Answer: (D) Kalinjar<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Died in 1545 from a gunpowder explosion during the Kalinjar siege. His Sur empire continued briefly under Islam Shah. Renowned for administrative reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>73. Among the Turks, who made the first attack on India?<\/strong><br>(A) Mahmud Ghaznavi (B) Sabuktagin (C) Alptigin (D) Abdul Wahid<br><strong>Answer: (B) Sabuktagin<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Fought Hindu Shahi ruler Jayapala in the northwest (late 10th c.). Preceded Mahmud\u2019s famous raids. Opened the path for Ghaznavid incursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>86. Which historian described Mahmud Ghaznavi\u2019s invasions as <em>jihads<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(A) Al-Beruni (B) Henry Elliot (C) Jafar (D) Utbi<br><strong>Answer: (D) Utbi<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Court historian Al-Utbi in <em>Tarikh-i-Yamini<\/em> glorified Mahmud\u2019s raids. Cast them in religious terms. A key primary source for Ghaznavid history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>103. Lodi Sultans of Delhi were<\/strong><br>(A) Turks (B) Persians (C) Arabs (D) Afghans<br><strong>Answer: (D) Afghans<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Lodi dynasty (1451\u20131526) was Afghan in origin. Last of the Delhi Sultanate dynasties. Ended with Ibrahim Lodi\u2019s defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>109. The ruler who entered into a matrimonial alliance with Akbar was from<\/strong><br>(A) Jaipur (B) Ranthambhor (C) Marwar (D) Mewar<br><strong>Answer: (A) Jaipur<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Alliance with Raja Bharmal of Amber (Jaipur); Harkha Bai married Akbar. Strengthened Rajput\u2013Mughal ties. A model for later alliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>123. To which Sufi order did Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag-i-Delhi belong?<\/strong><br>(A) Chishti (B) Suhrawardi (C) Qadiri (D) Naqshbandi<br><strong>Answer: (A) Chishti<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Successor to Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi. Emphasized love, tolerance, and service. Greatly revered across communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>133. What did the Sikhs mean by <em>Misl<\/em>?<\/strong><br>(A) A tax (B) An area conquered (C) A political unit (D) A book<br><strong>Answer: (C) A political unit<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Confederated Sikh warrior bands (18th c.) were organized as <em>misls<\/em>. Each had its own territory and leadership. United later under Ranjit Singh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"WBCS_Preliminary_%E2%80%93_2000\"><\/span>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2000<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>82. The Muslim saint of medieval India worshipped by Hindus &amp; Muslims was<\/strong><br>(A) Kabira (B) Nijamuddin Aulia (C) Salim Chisti (D) Shaik Qutubaddin<br><strong>Answer: (B) Nijamuddin Aulia<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> The Chishti master of Delhi drew wide, interfaith reverence. His dargah remains a major pilgrimage site. Emblematic of Sufi inclusiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>83. \u201cA triumph without result\u201d is the epithet for<\/strong><br>(A) Arab conquest of Sind (B) Muslim conquest of Bengal<br><strong>Answer: (A) Arab conquest of Sind<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Despite initial success (712 CE), Arab rule remained limited. Lasting political control didn\u2019t spread inland. Cultural contacts, however, deepened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>84. Who said, \u201cHindus &amp; Muslims are pots of the same clay\u201d?<\/strong><br>(A) Nanak (B) Kabir (C) Chaitanya (D) Tulsidas<br><strong>Answer: (B) Kabir<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Kabir\u2019s dohas stress divine unity and social equality. He rejected sectarian labels. Inspired Bhakti and Sufi traditions alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>**87. Which Muslim Sultan was regarded by Hindus as \u2018Jagadguru\u2019? <em>(Bijapur)<\/em><br>(A) Akbar (B) Ibrahim Adil Shah (C) Jainal abedin (D) Hussain Shah<br><strong>Answer: (B) Ibrahim Adil Shah<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Ibrahim Adil Shah II promoted music, arts, and religious harmony. His <em>Kitab-i-Navras<\/em> praised deities and Sufi saints alike. Earned syncretic epithets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>88. Who was called \u2018grandfather of Andhra Poetry\u2019?<\/strong><br>(A) Peddana (B) Arbidu (C) Krishnadeva Rao (D) Bhaskar Pandit<br><strong>Answer: (A) Peddana<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> Allasani Peddana, one of the <em>Ashtadiggajas<\/em>, was titled <em>Andhra Kavita Pitamaha<\/em>. Flourished under Krishnadeva Raya. Authored <em>Manucharitramu<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>90. What is the \u2018Dastak\u2019?<\/strong><br>(A) A book by Clive (B) A free pass (C) Permission to trade without tax (D) Donation by the Mughal emperors<br><strong>Answer: (C) Permission to trade without tax<\/strong><br><em>Explanation:<\/em> <em>Dastak<\/em> were duty-free passes used by Company servants. Abused to evade customs, harming local revenues. Triggered conflicts with Indian rulers (e.g., Mir Qasim).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WBCS Preliminary \u2013 2023 42. Who built the Adina Mosque of Pandua?(A) Firuz-Tughluq(B) Husain Shah(C) Sikandar Shah(D) Jain-ul-AbedinAnswer: (C) Sikandar ShahExplanation: Built in the 14th century by the Ilyas Shahi ruler Sikandar Shah. It was among the largest medieval mosques of the subcontinent. The plan shows a hypostyle hall with a vaulted central nave. Style &#8230; <a title=\"Medieval India: WBCS Prelims Q&amp;A\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/indian-history\/history-of-medieval-india\/medieval-mcq\/medieval-india-wbcs-prelims-qa\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Medieval India: WBCS Prelims Q&amp;A\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medieval-mcq"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=451"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":918,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/451\/revisions\/918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earningvista.com\/exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}