Medieval History Set 26 | MROY Class

Medieval History Questions & Answers (Set 26)

According to the text, the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia had been completely forgotten by the outside world and overtaken by the jungle until it was ‘discovered’ in 1860 by an explorer of which nationality? – French
The Arab military thrust towards Gujarat in AD 738 was decisively defeated by the ruler of which regional dynasty? – The Chalukyans of Gujarat
Following his victory over the Chola king Parantaka I in AD 949, the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III pressed down to which location to set up a pillar of victory and build a temple? – Rameshwaram
Amoghavarsha, the Rashtrakuta king who ruled for 64 years, preferred literature and religion to war. He is credited with writing the first book on poetics in which language? – Kannada
According to the text, what specific social reform was strongly advocated by the Lingayat (Vir Saiva) movement founded by Basava and Channabasava in the twelfth century? – Allowing the remarriage of widows
In the Chola empire, the adult men in the Brahman villages (agraharams) gathered in an assembly known as the mahasabha. How were the members of its executive committee typically chosen? – By drawing lots or by rotation among educated property owners
The growing geographical knowledge about Southeast Asia, including the peculiar features of their languages and dresses, was reflected in early Indian literature such as the Brihatkatha-kosh. Who was the author of this work? – Harisena
According to descriptions by Chinese chroniclers of the period, how large were the advanced Chinese ships operating in the Indian Ocean? – They carried 600 passengers apart from 400 soldiers.
The author of the Rajatarangini, written in Kashmir in the twelfth century, notes that while courtiers drank perfumed wine, ordinary people had to consume a bitter wild vegetable called: – Utpala-saka
The colossal, 18-meter-high statue of Gomateswara, depicting a saint practicing rigid austerities with snakes coiled around his feet, was cut out of granite rock and is located at: – Sravana Belgola
According to the text, the Arab astronomer Abu Maashir of Balkh spent ten years during the ninth century studying in which Indian center of learning? – Banaras
A notable contribution to the study of politics and political morality, which was highly popular among the nobility during the 800–1200 period, was a text known as: – Nitisara by Kamandaka
The Hindushahi rulers who initially held Peshawar and the Punjab and offered stout resistance to the Ghaznavids had their capital located at: – Udbhanda (Waihind)
The Shahi ruler who faced Mahmud of Ghazni in 1001, was defeated near Peshawar, and subsequently (according to later accounts) entered a funeral pyre out of disgrace, was: – Jayapala
To plunder the fabulously rich temple of Somnath in 1025, Mahmud of Ghazni marched with a regular cavalry of 30,000 using which specific route to create shock among the Rajputs? – Via Multan and Jaisalmer
Which Chauhan ruler is credited with establishing Ajmer (Ajayameru) as his capital, building a Sanskrit College, and creating the Anasager lake there? – Vigraharaj
During the Ghurid expansion in the mid-twelfth century, Sultan Alauddin ravaged and burnt Ghazni to the ground in revenge, earning him which infamous title? – Jahan-soz (World Burner)
Muizzuddin Muhammad bin Sam initiated his Indian campaigns by conquering Multan and Uchch. Through which mountain pass did his forces enter the region? – The Gomal pass
In 1204, Bakhtiyar Khalji launched a sudden attack on Nadia, the capital of the Sena ruler Lakshmana Sena. How did he disguise his approach to the palace to create confusion? – By pretending to be a horse-merchant
The Khokhars, who rose in rebellion and cut off communications between Lahore and Ghazni forcing Muizzuddin to lead his last campaign in 1206, were a warlike tribe located in which region? – Western Punjab
At the time of Iltutmish’s accession, which fellow slave of Qutbuddin Aibak had declared himself the independent ruler of Multan and seized Lahore? – Qubacha
Which person assumed independence in Bengal and Bihar during the early years of Iltutmish’s reign, taking the title of Sultan Ghiyasuddin? – Iwaz
Raziya’s elevation to the throne was strongly opposed by the wazir of Iltutmish, who subsequently backed a rebellion of nobles against her. Who was this wazir? – Nizam-ul-Mulk Junaidi
In 1253, a conspiracy of Turkish chiefs temporarily ousted Balban from his position as naib. Who was appointed to replace him? – Imaduddin Raihan
The Mongol leader Changez Khan destroyed the Khwarizmi empire in 1218. According to the text, what was the name of the Khwarizmi crown prince he aggressively pursued to the river Indus in 1221? – Jalaluddin
To awe the public and assert the supreme prestige of the monarchy, Balban introduced several ceremonies of Iranian origin that were considered un-Islamic. Which of the following ceremonies did he insist upon? – Sijada and paibos (prostration and kissing the monarch’s feet)
During the reign of Balban, the Mongols captured and held Lahore. Which Turkish noble and governor of Multan threw in his lot with the Mongols during this time? – Sher Khan
In 1292, an invading Mongol force of 1,50,000 horses was defeated by Jalaluddin Khalji near Tabarhinda. The Mongol commander, Abdullah, was the grandson of which prominent Mongol leader? – Halaku
Under Alauddin Khalji’s strict market control regulations, what was the fixed price for a man (about 15 kg) of good quality rice? – 5 jitals
The Italian traveler Nicolo Conti, who visited Vijayanagara in 1420, provided a vivid description of the city’s massive scale. He estimated the circumference of the city’s walls to be: – Sixty miles

MROY Class

Medieval History Set 26

🔍

📌 Architecture • Southeast Asia

Q.1) According to the text, the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia had been completely forgotten by the outside world and overtaken by the jungle until it was ‘discovered’ in 1860 by an explorer of which nationality?

Ans > French

Historical Masterpiece: Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world, originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Over time, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.
Architectural Significance: The magnificent structure is a stunning example of classical Khmer architecture, renowned for its extensive bas-reliefs and the harmonious design of its quincunx of towers. Although it was never completely abandoned by local monks, it remained largely unknown to the Western world for centuries.
The French Discovery: It was “discovered” for the European audience by the French naturalist and explorer Henri Mouhot in 1860, who was captivated by its grandeur hidden within the dense jungle. Mouhot’s detailed travelogues and sketches popularized the site globally, eventually leading to major restoration efforts. The temple complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a powerful symbol of Cambodia, prominently featured on its national flag.

📌 Regional Dynasties • Chalukyas

Q.2) The Arab military thrust towards Gujarat in AD 738 was decisively defeated by the ruler of which regional dynasty?

Ans > The Chalukyans of Gujarat

The Umayyad Expansion: The Arab invasions of India began in earnest during the early 8th century, primarily led by the Umayyad Caliphate. Following their conquest of Sindh by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD, the Arab forces attempted to expand further into the Indian subcontinent. In 738 AD, a massive Arab military thrust was directed towards Gujarat and the Malwa region.
The Rajput Confederacy: However, they were met with fierce resistance from a powerful confederacy of Indian rulers. The decisive victory against this formidable Arab army was achieved by the Chalukyan ruler of Gujarat, Avanijanashraya Pulakeshin, who fought alongside the Gurjara-Pratihara king Nagabhata I.
Historical Impact: Pulakeshin earned the titles ‘Avanijanashraya’ (refuge of the people of the earth) and ‘Repeller of the Unrepellable’ for his monumental success in halting the Islamic expansion into southern and western India. This crucial Battle of Rajasthan effectively thwarted the Umayyad campaigns in the region, preserving the political and cultural autonomy of these Hindu kingdoms for several more centuries.

📌 Dynastic Conflicts • Rashtrakutas

Q.3) Following his victory over the Chola king Parantaka I in AD 949, the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III pressed down to which location to set up a pillar of victory and build a temple?

Ans > Rameshwaram

The Rashtrakuta Hegemony: The Rashtrakuta dynasty was a formidable South Indian empire that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries. Krishna III was one of its most powerful and militarily successful rulers, reigning from 939 to 967 AD.
The Battle of Takkolam: His most celebrated military achievement was his decisive victory over the Chola king Parantaka I at the legendary Battle of Takkolam in 949 AD. This crushing defeat resulted in the death of the Chola crown prince Rajaditya and temporarily shattered the growing Chola hegemony in the south.
Conquest of the Deep South: Following this momentous victory, Krishna III marched his victorious army deep into the Tamil heartland, advancing all the way to Rameshwaram at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. To commemorate his unprecedented southern conquests and assert his imperial dominance, he erected a magnificent pillar of victory (Jayastambha) in Rameshwaram. Furthermore, he built the Krishneshwara temple and the Gandamartanditya temple, effectively extending the Rashtrakuta suzerainty over almost the entire South Indian region during his reign.

📌 Literature • Regional Languages

Q.4) Amoghavarsha, the Rashtrakuta king who ruled for 64 years, preferred literature and religion to war. He is credited with writing the first book on poetics in which language?

Ans > Kannada

A Pacifist Emperor: Amoghavarsha I was one of the greatest rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, reigning for an extraordinary 64 years from 814 to 878 AD. Unlike many of his predecessors and successors who focused primarily on military expansion, Amoghavarsha was deeply inclined towards religion, literature, and the arts, preferring peace to war. He is often compared to the legendary emperor Ashoka for his pacifist policies and cultural patronage.
The Kavirajamarga: A devout patron of Jainism and Hinduism, he was a distinguished scholar himself. Amoghavarsha is widely credited with authoring the “Kavirajamarga,” which holds the profound historical distinction of being the earliest known extant work on poetics, rhetoric, and grammar in the Kannada language.
Cultural Legacy: This monumental text played a crucial role in standardizing and elevating Kannada as a premier literary language, breaking the monopoly of Sanskrit. He also patronized eminent scholars like Jinasena, who authored the Sanskrit work ‘Adipurana’, and Mahaviracharya, a renowned mathematician, cementing his capital Manyakheta as a flourishing center of intellectual and cultural excellence.

📌 Religious Movements • Social Reform

Q.5) According to the text, what specific social reform was strongly advocated by the Lingayat (Vir Saiva) movement founded by Basava and Channabasava in the twelfth century?

Ans > Allowing the remarriage of widows

Origins of the Movement: The Lingayat or Vir Saiva movement emerged as a powerful socio-religious reform movement in 12th-century Karnataka, primarily led by the charismatic philosopher, statesman, and social reformer Basavanna (Basava), along with his nephew Channabasava and other prominent mystics like Akka Mahadevi.
Rejection of Orthodoxy: This highly egalitarian movement fiercely rejected the rigid, hierarchical Varna (caste) system, Brahmanical supremacy, and complex ritualistic traditions. Instead, it advocated for intense personal devotion to Lord Shiva, symbolized by the wearing of an ‘Ishtalinga’ (a personal linga) on the body.
Radical Social Justice: Beyond profound spiritual philosophy, the movement was intensely committed to radical social justice. They vehemently opposed discriminatory practices like untouchability and child marriage. Crucially, they strongly advocated for women’s rights and equality, actively supporting and allowing the remarriage of widows—a stance that was exceptionally progressive and radical for medieval Indian society. The Lingayats also dignified physical labor through the concept of ‘Kayaka’ (work is worship), fostering a robust community of artisans, farmers, and traders.

📌 Administration • Chola Empire

Q.6) In the Chola empire, the adult men in the Brahman villages (agraharams) gathered in an assembly known as the mahasabha. How were the members of its executive committee typically chosen?

Ans > By drawing lots or by rotation among educated property owners

Decentralized Administration: The Chola Empire, which dominated South India from the 9th to the 13th centuries, is highly celebrated for its remarkably sophisticated and decentralized system of local self-government. A key component of this administration was the ‘Mahasabha’ or simply ‘Sabha’, an exclusive assembly of adult male members functioning primarily in Brahman villages known as agraharams or brahmadeyas.
The Uttaramerur Inscriptions: The intricate details of this democratic functioning are brilliantly preserved in the famous Uttaramerur inscriptions from the reign of Parantaka I. According to these detailed records, the day-to-day affairs of the village—such as maintaining water tanks, managing temple endowments, and dispensing local justice—were handled by specialized executive committees (variyams).
The Kudavolai System: The selection process for these committee members was meticulously designed to prevent corruption and ensure merit. Eligible candidates, who had to be educated (versed in the Vedas) and property-owning residents, were chosen either by drawing lots (kudavolai system) or by a strict system of rotation. Candidates were actively disqualified if they failed to submit previous accounts or committed specific moral offenses.

📌 Literature • Early Texts

Q.7) The growing geographical knowledge about Southeast Asia, including the peculiar features of their languages and dresses, was reflected in early Indian literature such as the Brihatkatha-kosh. Who was the author of this work?

Ans > Harisena

Maritime Connections: During the medieval period, India maintained extensive maritime trade, cultural exchange, and political contacts with Southeast Asia, regions historically referred to in Indian texts as Suvarnabhumi (the Land of Gold) and Suvarnadvipa (the Island of Gold). This vibrant interaction deeply influenced the literary and intellectual landscape of the time.
Ethnographic Documentation: The growing geographical, commercial, and cultural knowledge regarding the distinct societies of Southeast Asia—including detailed observations on the peculiar features of their regional languages, unique traditional dresses, and diverse customs—was richly reflected in contemporary Indian literature.
The Brihatkatha-kosh: A prime example of this is the “Brihatkatha-kosh,” a monumental narrative text authored by the Jain scholar Harisena in the 10th century (specifically around 931 AD). This extensive compilation of didactic tales and folklore not only served religious and moral purposes but also acted as a vital repository of geographical and ethnographic information, illustrating how medieval Indian merchants, monks, and travelers actively engaged with and documented the broader world beyond the subcontinent’s shores.

📌 Maritime History • Trade

Q.8) According to descriptions by Chinese chroniclers of the period, how large were the advanced Chinese ships operating in the Indian Ocean?

Ans > They carried 600 passengers apart from 400 soldiers.

The Indian Ocean Network: The medieval Indian Ocean trade network was a bustling hub of international commerce, connecting the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and China. During periods such as the Song and later the Ming dynasties, China emerged as a dominant maritime power, constructing some of the most technologically advanced and massive wooden ships in the world, often referred to as junks.
Massive Naval Engineering: According to the detailed descriptions left by contemporary Chinese chroniclers and maritime records, these deep-sea vessels were extraordinary feats of naval engineering. They were multi-decked structures, literally several storeys high, designed for immense stability and massive cargo capacity across treacherous oceans.
Passenger and Military Capacity: Chroniclers heavily note that the largest of these sophisticated ships could carry a staggering number of personnel—up to 600 civilian passengers, including merchants and diplomats, alongside a heavily armed contingent of 400 soldiers to protect against rampant piracy. These formidable vessels, equipped with watertight compartments and advanced navigational tools like the magnetic compass, thoroughly outclassed many contemporary ships and heavily dominated the vital trade routes spanning from Guangzhou to the Malabar Coast.

📌 Social History • Kashmir

Q.9) The author of the Rajatarangini, written in Kashmir in the twelfth century, notes that while courtiers drank perfumed wine, ordinary people had to consume a bitter wild vegetable called:

Ans > Utpala-saka

The Historical Chronicle: The “Rajatarangini” (The River of Kings) is an extraordinary historical chronicle of the north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly focusing on the kings of Kashmir. Composed in Sanskrit by the Kashmiri Brahman historian Kalhana in the 12th century (circa 1148–1149 AD), it stands out as one of the very few early Indian texts that demonstrates a genuinely historical approach, meticulously using inscriptions, coins, and earlier manuscripts to construct its narrative.
Documenting Social Disparities: While it details dynastic successions and political intrigues, Kalhana also provides invaluable insights into the stark socio-economic disparities of medieval Kashmiri society. He vividly contrasts the luxurious lifestyles of the ruling elite with the harsh realities of the commoners.
The Bitter Reality: According to Kalhana, while the wealthy courtiers excessively indulged in fried meats and cooled, heavily perfumed wines cooled with snow, the heavily taxed and impoverished ordinary people were forced to survive on meager rations of rice and ‘utpala-saka’—a wild, uncultivated vegetable known for its distinctly bitter taste. This specific detail highlights the severe economic inequalities that plagued the region during times of famine and political instability.

📌 Art & Architecture • Sculpture

Q.10) The colossal, 18-meter-high statue of Gomateswara, depicting a saint practicing rigid austerities with snakes coiled around his feet, was cut out of granite rock and is located at:

Ans > Sravana Belgola

Monolithic Marvel: The colossal statue of Gomateswara, also known as Lord Bahubali, is one of the most magnificent and iconic monolithic sculptures in the world, located at Sravana Belgola in Karnataka, India. Commissioned around 983 AD by Chavundaraya, a powerful minister and commander of the Western Ganga dynasty, it stands atop the Vindhyagiri Hill.
Depiction of Asceticism: Carved meticulously out of a single, massive block of pristine granite, the statue reaches an awe-inspiring height of approximately 18 meters (57 feet). It depicts Bahubali, the revered son of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, standing in the rigid ‘kayotsarga’ (standing in deep meditation) posture. The sculpture masterfully captures a state of absolute asceticism and profound inner peace.
Symbolic Details: To signify the extreme duration and intensity of his motionless penance, the sculptor intricately detailed creeping vines and anthills growing up his legs, with snakes coiled around his feet. This breathtaking monument is a major Jain pilgrimage site, most famous for the spectacular Mahamastakabhisheka festival held every 12 years, where the statue is ritually bathed in milk, saffron, and ghee.

📌 Education • Cross-Cultural Exchange

Q.11) According to the text, the Arab astronomer Abu Maashir of Balkh spent ten years during the ninth century studying in which Indian center of learning?

Ans > Banaras

India’s Scientific Prestige: During the early medieval period, India was highly renowned across the globe for its profound advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. This intellectual wealth attracted numerous foreign scholars, particularly from the rapidly expanding Islamic world, which was undergoing a Golden Age of translation and scientific inquiry.
The Scholar from Balkh: Banaras (Varanasi), one of the oldest living cities in the world, served as a premier center of traditional Hindu learning and Sanskrit scholarship. Recognizing the unparalleled expertise of Indian astronomers, the prominent Arab astronomer and astrologer Abu Maashir of Balkh (also known as Albumasar in the West) traveled to India in the 9th century.
Cross-Cultural Transmission: According to historical records, he resided and rigorously studied in Banaras for a full ten years, dedicating himself to mastering complex Indian astronomical texts and mathematical treatises, such as the works of Aryabhata and Brahmagupta. This crucial cross-cultural exchange significantly facilitated the transmission of advanced Indian scientific concepts, including the decimal system and planetary models, into the Islamic world, and eventually into medieval Europe.

📌 Literature • Political Theory

Q.12) A notable contribution to the study of politics and political morality, which was highly popular among the nobility during the 800–1200 period, was a text known as:

Ans > Nitisara by Kamandaka

Evolution of Statecraft Texts: In the realm of ancient and medieval Indian political thought, while Chanakya’s ‘Arthashastra’ is the most famous foundational text, the “Nitisara” (The Essence of Policy) by Kamandaka (also known as Kamandaki) holds a highly significant place. Composed roughly between the 4th and 8th centuries AD, the Nitisara serves as a sophisticated condensation, interpretation, and adaptation of the heavier, more complex Arthashastra, making it more accessible to the ruling elite.
A Manual for Nobility: The text became immensely popular among the nobility, kings, and administrators during the 800–1200 AD period as a highly practical manual for statecraft, diplomacy, and political morality. It systematically deals with a wide array of crucial subjects including the rigid duties of a king, the intricate structure of the state (the seven limbs or saptanga theory), and strategies for foreign policy (the mandala theory).
Philosophical Core: Furthermore, it explores the principles of warfare, and the vital importance of intelligence gathering. Kamandaka’s work strongly emphasized that a ruler’s primary duty was the strict protection and welfare of the subjects, deeply influencing the political philosophy and administrative frameworks of several regional medieval dynasties.

📌 Invasions • Ghaznavids

Q.13) The Hindushahi rulers who initially held Peshawar and the Punjab and offered stout resistance to the Ghaznavids had their capital located at:

Ans > Udbhanda (Waihind)

The Guardian Dynasty: The Hindu Shahi (or Kabul Shahi) dynasty was a powerful kingdom that ruled over the Kabul Valley, Gandhara, and western Punjab from the mid-9th century until the early 11th century. As the formidable Ghaznavid Empire began its aggressive eastward expansion from Afghanistan under Sabuktigin and his infamous son Mahmud of Ghazni, the Hindu Shahis served as the primary, staunch barrier protecting the Indian subcontinent.
The Strategic Capital: Their highly strategic capital was located at Udbhandapura, also known as Waihind or Hund, situated on the right bank of the mighty Indus River, approximately 15 miles above Attock in present-day Pakistan. This ancient city was a bustling commercial hub and a heavily fortified military stronghold guarding the crucial river crossings.
The Fall of Waihind: The Hindu Shahi kings, realizing the existential threat posed by the Turkic invaders from Ghazni, offered stout, desperate resistance for decades, organizing massive confederacies of Indian princes. However, the continuous, relentless pressure and superior cavalry tactics of the Ghaznavids ultimately led to the fall of Waihind, violently opening the gates of the Punjab and the Gangetic plains to subsequent devastating invasions.

📌 Invasions • Shahi Dynasty

Q.14) The Shahi ruler who faced Mahmud of Ghazni in 1001, was defeated near Peshawar, and subsequently (according to later accounts) entered a funeral pyre out of disgrace, was:

Ans > Jayapala

The Shahi Resistance: Jayapala was a prominent and deeply valiant ruler of the Hindu Shahi dynasty, inheriting a kingdom that faced the brunt of the rising Islamic Ghaznavid threat from the west. After facing initial defeats against Sabuktigin, Jayapala faced a monumental challenge when Sabuktigin’s son, the ambitious and fierce Mahmud of Ghazni, ascended the throne.
The Battle of Peshawar: In the winter of 1001 AD, a massive and decisive battle took place near Peshawar. Despite marshaling a massive army that included tens of thousands of foot soldiers, cavalry, and formidable war elephants, Jayapala was disastrously defeated by Mahmud’s highly mobile and tactically superior Central Asian cavalry. Following this humiliating defeat, Jayapala was captured, ransomed for a massive sum, and forced to cede significant territory.
A Tragic End: In the medieval Rajput-Shahi warrior ethos, such a crushing defeat and imprisonment by a foreign invader was considered an unbearable stain on one’s personal honor. Unable to live with the profound disgrace, Jayapala abdicated his throne in favor of his son, Anandapala, and tragically immolated himself on a funeral pyre, demonstrating the intense pride and tragic fate of the dynasty.

📌 Military Campaigns • Mahmud of Ghazni

Q.15) To plunder the fabulously rich temple of Somnath in 1025, Mahmud of Ghazni marched with a regular cavalry of 30,000 using which specific route to create shock among the Rajputs?

Ans > Via Multan and Jaisalmer

The Target of Wealth: Mahmud of Ghazni, the notorious Turkic conqueror, launched a total of 17 devastating raids into the Indian subcontinent between 1000 and 1027 AD. His most famous and historically impactful expedition was the plundering of the incredibly wealthy Somnath temple in Gujarat in 1025 AD. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was renowned for its massive accumulated treasures of gold, silver, and precious jewels, which made it a prime target for Mahmud, who sought to finance his Central Asian campaigns.
The Element of Surprise: To achieve total strategic surprise and create maximum shock and awe among the powerful Rajput kingdoms, Mahmud deliberately avoided the heavily defended traditional routes through the Punjab. Instead, he meticulously planned a daring and perilous march departing from Multan.
The Desert Crossing: He led his elite regular cavalry of 30,000 veterans directly through the desolate and treacherous Thar Desert via Jaisalmer. This incredibly swift and unexpected desert crossing completely caught the regional defenders off guard, allowing his forces to swiftly sack the temple, smash its famous idol, loot its immense wealth, and retreat before massive Hindu counter-armies could successfully mobilize to intercept him.

📌 Regional Kingdoms • Chauhans

Q.16) Which Chauhan ruler is credited with establishing Ajmer (Ajayameru) as his capital, building a Sanskrit College, and creating the Anasager lake there?

Ans > Vigraharaj

The Chauhan Ascendancy: The Chahamana, or Chauhan, dynasty was one of the most powerful Rajput clans that dominated Rajasthan and parts of northern India during the medieval period. While Prithviraj Chauhan III is the most romanticized figure due to his battles with Muhammad Ghori, Vigraharaja IV (also known as Visaladeva) is widely considered by historians to be the greatest and most successful ruler of the dynasty.
Imperial Expansion: Reigning in the mid-12th century, Vigraharaja transformed the Chauhans from a regional power into a formidable empire. He successfully captured the strategic fortress of Chittor and significantly expanded his borders against the Chalukyas and the Tomaras of Delhi. A great patron of education and the arts, he established the city of Ajayameru (modern-day Ajmer) as his splendid capital.
Cultural Contributions: To promote learning, he commissioned the construction of a magnificent Sanskrit College in Ajmer, whose ruins were later unfortunately converted into the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque by the Delhi Sultans. He is also credited with the construction of the beautiful Anasagar Lake, demonstrating his keen interest in public works and urban development alongside his massive military conquests.

📌 Military History • Ghurids

Q.17) During the Ghurid expansion in the mid-twelfth century, Sultan Alauddin ravaged and burnt Ghazni to the ground in revenge, earning him which infamous title?

Ans > Jahan-soz (World Burner)

The Rise of the Ghurids: The Ghurid dynasty, originating from the mountainous region of Ghur in central Afghanistan, rose to prominence in the 12th century, eventually completely overshadowing their former overlords, the Ghaznavids. The bitter and bloody rivalry between the two dynasties reached its absolute peak under the Ghurid ruler Sultan Alauddin Husain.
A Vengeful Campaign: The conflict was deeply personal, ignited when the Ghaznavid ruler Bahram Shah treacherously murdered two of Alauddin’s brothers. Consumed by a furious desire for revenge, Alauddin launched a massive and merciless invasion against the Ghaznavid capital, Ghazni, which at the time was one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the Islamic world.
The Destruction of Ghazni: In 1151 AD, after defeating the Ghaznavid forces, Alauddin ordered his troops to utterly ravage, loot, and burn the city to the ground. The horrific destruction lasted for seven days, during which countless magnificent palaces, immense libraries, and grand mosques were reduced to ashes. For this act of unparalleled and terrifying vengeance, he earned the infamous Persian sobriquet “Jahan-soz,” which literally translates to “The World Burner,” cementing his terrifying legacy in medieval Islamic history.

📌 Invasions • Muizzuddin Muhammad

Q.18) Muizzuddin Muhammad bin Sam initiated his Indian campaigns by conquering Multan and Uchch. Through which mountain pass did his forces enter the region?

Ans > The Gomal pass

The Architect of Empire: Muizzuddin Muhammad bin Sam, widely known as Muhammad of Ghor (or Shihabuddin Muhammad Ghori), was the primary architect of the permanent Muslim empire in India. Unlike Mahmud of Ghazni, whose primary motive was plunder, Muizzuddin’s objective was aggressive territorial conquest and empire-building.
A Strategic Route: To initiate his Indian campaigns, he strategically bypassed the heavily fortified and highly perilous Khyber Pass, which was heavily guarded by the remnants of the Ghaznavid forces entrenched in Lahore. Instead, seeking an easier and more surprising route into the Indian plains, he chose the more southerly Gomal Pass.
Early Conquests: Proceeding through this treacherous mountainous route in 1175 AD, he launched a sudden and successful assault on Multan, defeating the local Ismaili Muslim rulers (the Karmatians). He swiftly followed this up by capturing the strategic fortress of Uchch. Securing these crucial footholds in the lower Indus valley provided Muizzuddin with a secure base of operations, allowing him to launch subsequent, more ambitious campaigns into Gujarat, Punjab, and eventually, against the powerful Rajput confederacy in the fertile Gangetic Doab.

📌 Military Strategy • Bakhtiyar Khalji

Q.19) In 1204, Bakhtiyar Khalji launched a sudden attack on Nadia, the capital of the Sena ruler Lakshmana Sena. How did he disguise his approach to the palace to create confusion?

Ans > By pretending to be a horse-merchant

The Eastern Expansion: Ikhtiyaruddin Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji was a daring and highly ambitious Turkish military general operating under the broad umbrella of the expanding Delhi Sultanate in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Tasked with expanding Islamic rule eastward, he quickly conquered Bihar, brutally destroying ancient Buddhist universities like Nalanda and Vikramashila.
The Audacious Plan: In 1204 AD, he set his sights on the wealthy province of Bengal, ruled by the aging Sena king, Lakshmana Sena. The Sena capital, Nadia, was heavily protected by rivers and dense geography. Employing an incredibly audacious and unconventional military strategy, Bakhtiyar Khalji did not lead a massive, slow-moving army. Instead, he marched incredibly fast with a highly elite cavalry unit.
The Deception at Nadia: To bypass the city’s guards and avoid raising alarms, he split his forces and approached the royal palace with just 18 of his best horsemen, cleverly disguising themselves as peaceful horse merchants from Central Asia. This brilliant deception allowed them to walk right up to the palace gates before suddenly drawing their weapons, creating massive panic and confusion. Believing a massive army was upon them, King Lakshmana Sena fled barefoot out the back door, allowing Bakhtiyar to easily capture the city and establish Muslim rule in Bengal.

📌 Rebellions • Tribes

Q.20) The Khokhars, who rose in rebellion and cut off communications between Lahore and Ghazni forcing Muizzuddin to lead his last campaign in 1206, were a warlike tribe located in which region?

Ans > Western Punjab

The Martial Tribe: The Khokhars were a fierce, warlike, and fiercely independent martial tribe native to the rugged terrain of Western Punjab, particularly around the Salt Range and the regions between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers. Throughout the early medieval period, they were a constant and formidable thorn in the side of various invading armies and centralized empires, stubbornly resisting subjugation.
The Great Rebellion: Following his momentous victories in India, Muizzuddin Muhammad of Ghor returned to Ghazni, leaving his Indian possessions in the hands of his trusted slave generals, notably Qutbuddin Aibak. Taking advantage of the Sultan’s absence and a temporary weakening of Ghurid authority due to military setbacks in Central Asia, the Khokhars rose in a massive, coordinated rebellion.
The Sultan’s Final March: They became so powerful that they successfully severed the vital communication and supply lines between the Ghurid capital of Lahore and their homeland of Ghazni. This critical disruption of the empire’s lifelines forced Muizzuddin to personally return to India in 1206 AD to violently crush the uprising. While he successfully subdued the Khokhars, it was on his return journey back to Ghazni that he was tragically assassinated while offering his evening prayers, an act often attributed by historians either to vengeful Khokhars or to rival Ismaili assassins.

📌 Delhi Sultanate • Early Rulers

Q.21) At the time of Iltutmish’s accession, which fellow slave of Qutbuddin Aibak had declared himself the independent ruler of Multan and seized Lahore?

Ans > Qubacha

Crisis of Succession: Following the sudden death of Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak in 1210 AD, the nascent and highly fragile Delhi Sultanate was immediately plunged into a severe succession crisis. The empire Aibak had briefly unified rapidly fractured as his powerful, ambitious fellow Turkish slave-generals (the Muizzi nobles) violently asserted their independence in their respective provinces.
The Rise of Qubacha: When Iltutmish, Aibak’s son-in-law and the governor of Badaun, ascended the throne in Delhi, he faced massive, existential internal threats. One of his most formidable rivals was Nasiruddin Qubacha, a prominent and highly capable former slave of Muizzuddin Muhammad Ghori. Capitalizing on the political chaos in Delhi, Qubacha boldly declared himself the sovereign, independent ruler of the Sindh and Multan regions.
Decades of Conflict: He further expanded his power aggressively by marching north and seizing complete control of Lahore and large swaths of the strategic Punjab region. For nearly two decades, Qubacha posed a massive, constant military threat to Iltutmish’s western frontiers. It took immense diplomatic skill and a series of brilliant military campaigns by Iltutmish to finally defeat Qubacha in 1228 AD, who ultimately drowned in the Indus River while desperately fleeing a siege, thereby permanently securing the Sultanate’s northwestern borders.

📌 Regional Revolts • Bengal

Q.22) Which person assumed independence in Bengal and Bihar during the early years of Iltutmish’s reign, taking the title of Sultan Ghiyasuddin?

Ans > Iwaz

The Rebellious East: The eastern province of Bengal, owing to its immense distance from the central authority in Delhi, its difficult riverine geography, and its fabulous agricultural wealth, was notoriously rebellious throughout the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Following the death of Qutbuddin Aibak, while the western frontiers were threatened by Qubacha, a massive crisis erupted in the east.
The Usurpation of Power: In Bengal and Bihar, a powerful local Khalji noble named Ali Mardan Khalji initially declared independence but was soon assassinated for his immense cruelty. In the ensuing power vacuum, another highly capable noble named Hisam-ud-din Iwaz Khalji seized absolute control. He completely threw off any nominal allegiance to Delhi, struck his own coins, had the Khutba read in his own name, and assumed the grand royal title of Sultan Ghiyasuddin.
Sultan Ghiyasuddin’s Reign: For over a decade, Iwaz ruled as a highly successful independent monarch, expanding his territory into Assam, Orissa, and Kamrup, and undertaking massive public works to prevent flooding. Iltutmish, deeply preoccupied with consolidating his power in the west and facing the Mongol threat, could only turn his attention to the rebellious Bengal much later, eventually defeating and executing Iwaz in 1227 AD to temporarily bring the wealthy province back under Delhi’s control.

📌 Political History • Raziya Sultan

Q.23) Raziya’s elevation to the throne was strongly opposed by the wazir of Iltutmish, who subsequently backed a rebellion of nobles against her. Who was this wazir?

Ans > Nizam-ul-Mulk Junaidi

An Unprecedented Succession: The ascension of Raziya Sultan to the throne of Delhi in 1236 AD was a monumental and unprecedented event in Islamic history, as she was the first and only female Muslim ruler of the subcontinent. Her father, Iltutmish, had nominated her over his sons, recognizing her superior intellect, military capability, and administrative acumen.
The Orthodox Backlash: However, her elevation was fiercely and bitterly opposed by the deeply entrenched, orthodox, and patriarchal Turkish nobility (the Chahalgani or “Group of Forty”). Leading this massive conservative backlash was none other than the highest civilian official in the empire, Iltutmish’s own powerful Prime Minister (wazir), Nizam-ul-Mulk Junaidi. Junaidi, representing the orthodox faction, absolutely refused to accept a woman as the sovereign head of state, believing it violated Islamic traditions and damaged the prestige of the Turkish elite.
Conspiracy and Downfall: He actively and dangerously conspired against her, backing and heavily financing a massive armed rebellion of powerful provincial governors aiming to dethrone her. Despite this overwhelming opposition, Raziya displayed extraordinary political brilliance and military courage, successfully exploiting jealousies among the rebel camps to temporarily break the coalition, forcing Junaidi to flee into the mountains where he eventually died in obscurity.

📌 Court Politics • Balban

Q.24) In 1253, a conspiracy of Turkish chiefs temporarily ousted Balban from his position as naib. Who was appointed to replace him?

Ans > Imaduddin Raihan

Balban’s Monopoly: During the reign of the weak Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud (1246–1266 AD), the actual political and military power of the Delhi Sultanate was tightly concentrated in the hands of his ambitious and ruthless father-in-law, Ghiyasuddin Balban, who held the powerful title of ‘Naib’ (Deputy). Balban, a staunch elitist, ruthlessly packed all high administrative and military positions exclusively with pure-blooded Turkish nobles, violently suppressing any Indian Muslims or non-Turks.
The Anti-Balban Conspiracy: This extreme racial discrimination bred massive resentment among the deeply marginalized Indian Muslim nobles (Hindostanis) and certain jealous Turkish factions. In 1253 AD, a powerful conspiracy was hatched to break Balban’s dictatorial grip on the empire. The Sultan, influenced by this coalition, successfully dismissed Balban from his position and exiled him to his provincial iqta.
The Rise of Imaduddin Raihan: To replace the powerful Turk, the coalition appointed Imaduddin Raihan, a highly capable Hindu convert and an Indian Muslim, to the crucial post of ‘Wakil-i-Dar’ (the de facto prime minister). This marked a very brief but highly significant period where Indian Muslims challenged the absolute Turkish monopoly on power. However, Raihan’s tenure was incredibly short-lived; the Turkish nobility, unable to stomach being ruled by an Indian convert, quickly united and forced the Sultan to dismiss Raihan and restore Balban to absolute power within a year.

📌 Mongol Invasions • Changez Khan

Q.25) The Mongol leader Changez Khan destroyed the Khwarizmi empire in 1218. According to the text, what was the name of the Khwarizmi crown prince he aggressively pursued to the river Indus in 1221?

Ans > Jalaluddin

The Mongol Juggernaut: In the early 13th century, the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia was utterly violently transformed by the explosive rise of the Mongol Empire under the terrifying leadership of Genghis Khan (Changez Khan). The Mongols ruthlessly obliterated the massive Khwarazmian Empire, which stretched from modern-day Iran to Central Asia. By 1220 AD, the Khwarazmian Shah fled and died in despair.
The Defiant Prince: His courageous and exceptionally skilled son, the crown prince Jalaluddin Mingburnu, refused to surrender. Refusing to yield, he gathered the remnants of his father’s shattered armies and fought a brilliant but ultimately doomed guerrilla war against the advancing Mongol hordes. Genghis Khan, recognizing the threat, aggressively and personally pursued Jalaluddin across Afghanistan.
The Battle of the Indus: In the winter of 1221 AD, the pursuit culminated in a desperate and spectacular battle right on the banks of the mighty Indus River. Surrounded and facing total annihilation, Jalaluddin fought with legendary bravery before making a stunning escape; he dramatically spurred his horse off a high cliff directly into the raging waters of the Indus and swam to safety on the Indian side, deeply impressing even Genghis Khan himself with his incredible courage. This event brought the devastating Mongol threat directly to the doorstep of the nascent Delhi Sultanate.

📌 Kingship Practices • Balban

Q.26) To awe the public and assert the supreme prestige of the monarchy, Balban introduced several ceremonies of Iranian origin that were considered un-Islamic. Which of the following ceremonies did he insist upon?

Ans > Sijada and paibos (prostration and kissing the monarch’s feet)

Restoring Imperial Prestige: When Ghiyasuddin Balban ascended the throne of the Delhi Sultanate in 1266 AD, the prestige and authority of the monarchy had been severely degraded by decades of bitter infighting, assassinations, and the overweening power of the arrogant Turkish nobility (the Chahalgani). To permanently break the power of his former peers and restore absolute awe and fear of the Crown, Balban instituted a highly calculated and theatrical policy of “Blood and Iron.”
Persian Court Etiquette: He deliberately modeled his court on the legendary, despotic traditions of ancient Persian (Sassanid) emperors, actively claiming descent from the mythical Iranian hero Afrasiyab. To visually and physically enforce the massive inequality between the Sultan and his nobles, Balban introduced heavily elaborate, non-Islamic Persian court etiquettes.
Sijada and Paibos: The most controversial and deeply resented of these were the strict requirements of ‘Sijada’ (complete prostration before the monarch, touching the forehead to the ground) and ‘Paibos’ (kissing the monarch’s feet). Orthodox Islamic scholars vehemently opposed these practices, arguing they were highly un-Islamic as such absolute submission is reserved solely for God. However, Balban ruthlessly enforced these humiliating rituals through sheer terror to definitively crush the rebellious spirit of the nobility and elevate the Sultan to the status of ‘Zill-i-Ilahi’ (Shadow of God on Earth).

📌 Nobility • Mongol Relations

Q.27) During the reign of Balban, the Mongols captured and held Lahore. Which Turkish noble and governor of Multan threw in his lot with the Mongols during this time?

Ans > Sher Khan

The Frontier Threat: Throughout the 13th century, the Delhi Sultanate faced a massive, existential, and continuous threat from the highly destructive Mongol invasions emanating from Central Asia. During the reign of Balban, the Mongols aggressively escalated their raids, frequently penetrating deep into the Punjab region and successfully capturing and holding the vital city of Lahore on several occasions.
The Guardian of the Marches: Defending the vulnerable northwestern frontier required highly capable and fiercely loyal military commanders. Balban had initially appointed his own cousin, the legendary and fearsome warrior Sher Khan Sunqar, as the powerful governor of the strategic frontier provinces of Bhatinda, Dipalpur, and Multan. Sher Khan was an incredibly massive obstacle for the Mongols, repelling numerous devastating invasions.
Alienation and Defection: However, the immense stress of the frontier, combined with Balban’s highly paranoid and increasingly centralized, ruthless administration, alienated many powerful nobles. In a shocking turn of events, even the staunch defender Sher Khan, fearing for his own life from Balban’s suspicious nature, allegedly threw in his lot with the Mongol invaders for a period, highlighting the extreme political fragility and the incredibly high-stakes, treacherous nature of frontier politics during the Delhi Sultanate. Balban eventually had the overly powerful Sher Khan poisoned to eliminate the threat he posed.

📌 Mongol Threats • Khalji Dynasty

Q.28) In 1292, an invading Mongol force of 1,50,000 horses was defeated by Jalaluddin Khalji near Tabarhinda. The Mongol commander, Abdullah, was the grandson of which prominent Mongol leader?

Ans > Halaku

The Ilkhanate Threat: The Khalji dynasty, specifically under its founder Jalaluddin Firuz Khalji, faced immense pressure from the Mongols, who had established a massive presence in Central Asia and the Middle East. Halaku Khan (Hulagu), the grandson of Genghis Khan, had previously founded the incredibly powerful Ilkhanate in Persia and infamously destroyed Baghdad in 1258. His descendants continued the aggressive Mongol policy of raiding the Indian subcontinent.
The Invasion of 1292: In the year 1292 AD, a massive and terrifying Mongol invasion force, allegedly numbering an incredible 150,000 cavalrymen, crossed the Indus River and advanced deeply into the Sultanate’s territory, reaching as far as Tabarhinda (modern-day Bathinda). This massive army was directly commanded by Abdullah, a direct grandson of the formidable Halaku Khan.
Khalji Victory and the ‘New Muslims’: Despite his advanced age, Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji demonstrated remarkable military courage and strategic brilliance. He personally led the Sultanate’s army to meet the invaders. In a massive and highly decisive engagement near Tabarhinda, the Delhi forces achieved a stunning victory, severely defeating the Mongol vanguard. Following the battle, Jalaluddin negotiated a strategic truce with the defeated Mongols. While Abdullah retreated, thousands of Mongols chose to stay behind, converting to Islam and settling in specific quarters of Delhi (subsequently known as Mughalpura), where they became known as “New Muslims.”

📌 Economic Policies • Alauddin Khalji

Q.29) Under Alauddin Khalji’s strict market control regulations, what was the fixed price for a man (about 15 kg) of good quality rice?

Ans > 5 jitals

The Need for Reform: Alauddin Khalji, one of the most powerful and ruthlessly efficient rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, is historically renowned for his incredibly extensive, complex, and draconian economic and market reforms. To maintain a massive, constantly mobilized standing army (essential for defending against the Mongols and for his rapid expansion into South India) without completely bankrupting the state treasury, he realized he had to strictly control the cost of living for his soldiers.
The Market System: He implemented a highly sophisticated system of price controls, establishing three distinct, heavily regulated markets in Delhi for food grains, expensive cloth, and common items like slaves, horses, and cattle. Each market was strictly supervised by high-ranking officials like the ‘Shahna-i-Mandi’.
Fixed Prices and Punishments: The prices of virtually all essential commodities were fixed at incredibly low rates by imperial decree, and any merchant caught cheating or hoarding faced terrifying physical punishments. Under this strict regime, the price of a ‘man’ (a medieval weight measurement roughly equivalent to 15 kilograms) of wheat was fixed at 7.5 jitals, barley at 4 jitals, and good quality rice was strictly capped at exactly 5 jitals. This massive economic intervention successfully artificially lowered inflation, allowing Alauddin to pay his soldiers incredibly low salaries while maintaining overwhelming military superiority.

📌 Foreign Accounts • Vijayanagara

Q.30) The Italian traveler Nicolo Conti, who visited Vijayanagara in 1420, provided a vivid description of the city’s massive scale. He estimated the circumference of the city’s walls to be:

Ans > Sixty miles

The Magnificence of Vijayanagara: The Vijayanagara Empire, situated in the Deccan Plateau, was one of the most fabulously wealthy, culturally vibrant, and militarily powerful Hindu empires in Indian history. At its absolute zenith, its magnificent capital city (also named Vijayanagara, meaning “City of Victory”) attracted numerous awe-struck foreign travelers, merchants, and ambassadors from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The Venetian Explorer: One of the most famous of these early visitors was the Venetian merchant and explorer Nicolo de’ Conti, who visited the bustling capital in 1420 AD during the reign of King Deva Raya I. Conti was utterly staggered by the sheer monumental scale, population density, and incredible wealth of the city.
Impregnable Fortifications: In his detailed travel accounts, which provided Europe with its first real glimpse of the empire, he provided vivid descriptions of the city’s massive, multi-layered defensive fortifications. Recognizing the highly militarized nature of the state, Conti famously estimated that the massive circumference of the city’s outer protective walls measured an astonishing sixty miles, noting how these massive stone ramparts cleverly incorporated the natural, rugged topography of giant boulders and hills to create an impregnable fortress that protected a vast urban landscape filled with magnificent temples, palaces, and sprawling markets.

📌 Quick Summary — Medieval History Set 26

Architecture: Angkor Wat ‘discovered’ by a French explorer in 1860.
Dynasties: Arab thrust defeated by the Chalukyans of Gujarat (AD 738).
Rashtrakutas: Krishna III set up a victory pillar and temple at Rameshwaram.
Literature: Amoghavarsha wrote the first book on poetics in Kannada.
Social Reform: Lingayat movement advocated allowing the remarriage of widows.
Administration: Mahasabha members were chosen by drawing lots or rotation.
Early Texts: Brihatkatha-kosh was authored by Harisena.
Trade: Chinese ships carried 600 passengers and 400 soldiers.
Social Life: Rajatarangini noted ordinary people ate the bitter vegetable Utpala-saka.
Sculpture: Gomateswara statue is carved out of granite at Sravana Belgola.
Education: Abu Maashir of Balkh studied at Banaras for ten years.
Political Theory: Nitisara by Kamandaka was popular among nobility.
Ghaznavids: Hindushahi rulers held their capital at Udbhanda (Waihind).
Defeats: Shahi ruler Jayapala entered a funeral pyre out of disgrace.
Invasions: Mahmud of Ghazni marched via Multan and Jaisalmer to Somnath.
Chauhans: Vigraharaj established Ajmer and built a Sanskrit college.
Ghurids: Sultan Alauddin earned the title Jahan-soz (World Burner).
Campaigns: Muizzuddin Muhammad bin Sam conquered Multan via the Gomal pass.
Military Tactics: Bakhtiyar Khalji disguised as a horse-merchant to attack Nadia.
Rebellions: The warlike Khokhars were located in Western Punjab.
Delhi Sultanate: Qubacha seized Lahore and declared independence in Multan.
Bengal: Iwaz assumed independence taking the title Sultan Ghiyasuddin.
Politics: Wazir Nizam-ul-Mulk Junaidi backed nobles against Raziya Sultan.
Conspiracies: Balban was temporarily replaced as naib by Imaduddin Raihan.
Mongols: Khwarizmi crown prince pursued by Changez Khan was Jalaluddin.
Kingship: Balban insisted on the un-Islamic ceremonies of Sijada and paibos.
Nobility: Turkish noble Sher Khan aligned with the Mongols at Lahore.
Khaljis vs Mongols: Mongol commander Abdullah was a grandson of Halaku.
Market Controls: Under Alauddin, good quality rice was fixed at 5 jitals.
Foreign Accounts: Nicolo Conti estimated Vijayanagara’s walls at sixty miles.

Timer ⏳

20:00

Progress (0/30)

Click any card to flip and reveal the summarized answer!

Smart Review: Questions you got wrong appear here for focused study.

Navigation Menu

Medieval History Set 26

Q.1) According to the text, the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia had been completely forgotten by the outside world and overtaken by the jungle until it was ‘discovered’ in 1860 by an explorer of which nationality?

Q.2) The Arab military thrust towards Gujarat in AD 738 was decisively defeated by the ruler of which regional dynasty?

Q.3) Following his victory over the Chola king Parantaka I in AD 949, the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III pressed down to which location to set up a pillar of victory and build a temple?

Q.4) Amoghavarsha, the Rashtrakuta king who ruled for 64 years, preferred literature and religion to war. He is credited with writing the first book on poetics in which language?

Q.5) According to the text, what specific social reform was strongly advocated by the Lingayat (Vir Saiva) movement founded by Basava and Channabasava in the twelfth century?

Q.6) In the Chola empire, the adult men in the Brahman villages (agraharams) gathered in an assembly known as the mahasabha. How were the members of its executive committee typically chosen?

Q.7) The growing geographical knowledge about Southeast Asia, including the peculiar features of their languages and dresses, was reflected in early Indian literature such as the Brihatkatha-kosh. Who was the author of this work?

Q.8) According to descriptions by Chinese chroniclers of the period, how large were the advanced Chinese ships operating in the Indian Ocean?

Q.9) The author of the Rajatarangini, written in Kashmir in the twelfth century, notes that while courtiers drank perfumed wine, ordinary people had to consume a bitter wild vegetable called:

Q.10) The colossal, 18-meter-high statue of Gomateswara, depicting a saint practicing rigid austerities with snakes coiled around his feet, was cut out of granite rock and is located at:

Q.11) According to the text, the Arab astronomer Abu Maashir of Balkh spent ten years during the ninth century studying in which Indian center of learning?

Q.12) A notable contribution to the study of politics and political morality, which was highly popular among the nobility during the 800–1200 period, was a text known as:

Q.13) The Hindushahi rulers who initially held Peshawar and the Punjab and offered stout resistance to the Ghaznavids had their capital located at:

Q.14) The Shahi ruler who faced Mahmud of Ghazni in 1001, was defeated near Peshawar, and subsequently (according to later accounts) entered a funeral pyre out of disgrace, was:

Q.15) To plunder the fabulously rich temple of Somnath in 1025, Mahmud of Ghazni marched with a regular cavalry of 30,000 using which specific route to create shock among the Rajputs?

Q.16) Which Chauhan ruler is credited with establishing Ajmer (Ajayameru) as his capital, building a Sanskrit College, and creating the Anasager lake there?

Q.17) During the Ghurid expansion in the mid-twelfth century, Sultan Alauddin ravaged and burnt Ghazni to the ground in revenge, earning him which infamous title?

Q.18) Muizzuddin Muhammad bin Sam initiated his Indian campaigns by conquering Multan and Uchch. Through which mountain pass did his forces enter the region?

Q.19) In 1204, Bakhtiyar Khalji launched a sudden attack on Nadia, the capital of the Sena ruler Lakshmana Sena. How did he disguise his approach to the palace to create confusion?

Q.20) The Khokhars, who rose in rebellion and cut off communications between Lahore and Ghazni forcing Muizzuddin to lead his last campaign in 1206, were a warlike tribe located in which region?

Q.21) At the time of Iltutmish’s accession, which fellow slave of Qutbuddin Aibak had declared himself the independent ruler of Multan and seized Lahore?

Q.22) Which person assumed independence in Bengal and Bihar during the early years of Iltutmish’s reign, taking the title of Sultan Ghiyasuddin?

Q.23) Raziya’s elevation to the throne was strongly opposed by the wazir of Iltutmish, who subsequently backed a rebellion of nobles against her. Who was this wazir?

Q.24) In 1253, a conspiracy of Turkish chiefs temporarily ousted Balban from his position as naib. Who was appointed to replace him?

Q.25) The Mongol leader Changez Khan destroyed the Khwarizmi empire in 1218. According to the text, what was the name of the Khwarizmi crown prince he aggressively pursued to the river Indus in 1221?

Q.26) To awe the public and assert the supreme prestige of the monarchy, Balban introduced several ceremonies of Iranian origin that were considered un-Islamic. Which of the following ceremonies did he insist upon?

Q.27) During the reign of Balban, the Mongols captured and held Lahore. Which Turkish noble and governor of Multan threw in his lot with the Mongols during this time?

Q.28) In 1292, an invading Mongol force of 1,50,000 horses was defeated by Jalaluddin Khalji near Tabarhinda. The Mongol commander, Abdullah, was the grandson of which prominent Mongol leader?

Q.29) Under Alauddin Khalji’s strict market control regulations, what was the fixed price for a man (about 15 kg) of good quality rice?

Q.30) The Italian traveler Nicolo Conti, who visited Vijayanagara in 1420, provided a vivid description of the city’s massive scale. He estimated the circumference of the city’s walls to be:

📌 Quick Summary — Medieval History Set 26

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Q.1) According to the text, the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia had been completely forgotten by the outside world and overtaken by the jungle until it was ‘discovered’ in 1860 by an explorer of which nationality?

Q.2) The Arab military thrust towards Gujarat in AD 738 was decisively defeated by the ruler of which regional dynasty?

Q.3) Following his victory over the Chola king Parantaka I in AD 949, the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III pressed down to which location to set up a pillar of victory and build a temple?

Q.4) Amoghavarsha, the Rashtrakuta king who ruled for 64 years, preferred literature and religion to war. He is credited with writing the first book on poetics in which language?

Q.5) According to the text, what specific social reform was strongly advocated by the Lingayat (Vir Saiva) movement founded by Basava and Channabasava in the twelfth century?

Q.6) In the Chola empire, the adult men in the Brahman villages (agraharams) gathered in an assembly known as the mahasabha. How were the members of its executive committee typically chosen?

Q.7) The growing geographical knowledge about Southeast Asia, including the peculiar features of their languages and dresses, was reflected in early Indian literature such as the Brihatkatha-kosh. Who was the author of this work?

Q.8) According to descriptions by Chinese chroniclers of the period, how large were the advanced Chinese ships operating in the Indian Ocean?

Q.9) The author of the Rajatarangini, written in Kashmir in the twelfth century, notes that while courtiers drank perfumed wine, ordinary people had to consume a bitter wild vegetable called:

Q.10) The colossal, 18-meter-high statue of Gomateswara, depicting a saint practicing rigid austerities with snakes coiled around his feet, was cut out of granite rock and is located at:

Q.11) According to the text, the Arab astronomer Abu Maashir of Balkh spent ten years during the ninth century studying in which Indian center of learning?

Q.12) A notable contribution to the study of politics and political morality, which was highly popular among the nobility during the 800–1200 period, was a text known as:

Q.13) The Hindushahi rulers who initially held Peshawar and the Punjab and offered stout resistance to the Ghaznavids had their capital located at:

Q.14) The Shahi ruler who faced Mahmud of Ghazni in 1001, was defeated near Peshawar, and subsequently (according to later accounts) entered a funeral pyre out of disgrace, was:

Q.15) To plunder the fabulously rich temple of Somnath in 1025, Mahmud of Ghazni marched with a regular cavalry of 30,000 using which specific route to create shock among the Rajputs?

Q.16) Which Chauhan ruler is credited with establishing Ajmer (Ajayameru) as his capital, building a Sanskrit College, and creating the Anasager lake there?

Q.17) During the Ghurid expansion in the mid-twelfth century, Sultan Alauddin ravaged and burnt Ghazni to the ground in revenge, earning him which infamous title?

Q.18) Muizzuddin Muhammad bin Sam initiated his Indian campaigns by conquering Multan and Uchch. Through which mountain pass did his forces enter the region?

Q.19) In 1204, Bakhtiyar Khalji launched a sudden attack on Nadia, the capital of the Sena ruler Lakshmana Sena. How did he disguise his approach to the palace to create confusion?

Q.20) The Khokhars, who rose in rebellion and cut off communications between Lahore and Ghazni forcing Muizzuddin to lead his last campaign in 1206, were a warlike tribe located in which region?

Q.21) At the time of Iltutmish’s accession, which fellow slave of Qutbuddin Aibak had declared himself the independent ruler of Multan and seized Lahore?

Q.22) Which person assumed independence in Bengal and Bihar during the early years of Iltutmish’s reign, taking the title of Sultan Ghiyasuddin?

Q.23) Raziya’s elevation to the throne was strongly opposed by the wazir of Iltutmish, who subsequently backed a rebellion of nobles against her. Who was this wazir?

Q.24) In 1253, a conspiracy of Turkish chiefs temporarily ousted Balban from his position as naib. Who was appointed to replace him?

Q.25) The Mongol leader Changez Khan destroyed the Khwarizmi empire in 1218. According to the text, what was the name of the Khwarizmi crown prince he aggressively pursued to the river Indus in 1221?

Q.26) To awe the public and assert the supreme prestige of the monarchy, Balban introduced several ceremonies of Iranian origin that were considered un-Islamic. Which of the following ceremonies did he insist upon?

Q.27) During the reign of Balban, the Mongols captured and held Lahore. Which Turkish noble and governor of Multan threw in his lot with the Mongols during this time?

Q.28) In 1292, an invading Mongol force of 1,50,000 horses was defeated by Jalaluddin Khalji near Tabarhinda. The Mongol commander, Abdullah, was the grandson of which prominent Mongol leader?

Q.29) Under Alauddin Khalji’s strict market control regulations, what was the fixed price for a man (about 15 kg) of good quality rice?

Q.30) The Italian traveler Nicolo Conti, who visited Vijayanagara in 1420, provided a vivid description of the city’s massive scale. He estimated the circumference of the city’s walls to be:

📌 Quick Summary — Medieval History Set 26

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Current Affairs

Month wise Current Affairs