UPSC CSE EXAM

11 Years TOPIC - Wise

Prelims PYQs
(2014-2024)

ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL HISTORY

 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)

Scan the QR Code given below

for
Solutions & Discussion Video

Or

You can click on the link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 2
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
ANCIENT AND MEDIVIAL HISTORY
CHAPTER-1: PRE-HISTORY AND INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

1. Consider the following information: [UPSC 2024] 2. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched: [2021]
Archaeological State Description Historical Place Well-Known for
Site 1. Burzahom Rock-cut shrine
1 Chandraketugarh Odisha Trading Port 2. Chandraketugarh Terracotta art
town 3. Ganeshwar Copper artefacts
2 Inamgaon Maha- Chalcolithic (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
rashtra site (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only
3 Mangadu Kerala Megalithic
site 3. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known
4 Salihundam Andhra Rock-cut cave for its elaborate system of water harvesting and
Pradesh shrines management by building a series of dams and
In which of the above rows is given information channelising water into connected reservoirs? (UPSC
correctly matched? 2021)
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar

4. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

[UPSC 2019]
(a) Chanhudaro (b) Kot Diji
(c) Sohgaura (d) Desalpur

CHAPTER - 2: VEDIC CULTURE

1. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2024] 2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper
1. There are no parables in Upanishads. whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper
2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the and iron.
Puranas. 3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only people having been aware of this animal.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Select correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
2. With reference to the difference between the culture of (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only
Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the
following statements is/are correct? [UPSC 2017]
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and
helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus
Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of
using them.

CHAPTER-3: BUDDHISM AND JAINISM

1. With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha 2. In which one of the following regions was
was generally known by which of the following Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent
epithets? [UPSC 2024] Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?
1. Nayaputta [UPSC 2023]
2. Shakyamuni (a) Andhra
3. Tathagata
(b) Gandhara
Select correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) Kalinga
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Magadha
(d) None of the above are epithets of Gautama
Buddha

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 3
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
3. "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, 9. Consider the following: (2019)
but also of rocks, running water and many other natural 1. Deification of the Buddha
objects not looked on as living by other religious sects." 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs 3. Image worship and rituals
of which one of the following religious sects of Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of
ancient India? [UPSC 2023] Mahayana Buddhism?
(a) Buddhism (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(b) Jainism (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Shaivism
(d) Vaishnavism 10. With reference to Indian history, who among
following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the
4. Consider the following pairs: [UPSC 2023] world? [UPSC 2018]
Site Well Known for (a) Avalokiteshvara (b) Lokesvara
1. Besnagar Shaivite cave shrine (c) Maitreya (d) Padmapani
2. Bhaja Buddhist cave shrine
3. Sittanawasal Jain cave shrine 11. With reference to the religious practices in India, the
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to: [2018]
(a) Only one (b) Only two (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism
(c) All three (d) None (c) Vaishnavism (d) Shaivism

5. With reference to ancient India, consider the 12. With reference to the religious history of India,
following statements: [UPSC 2023] consider the following statements: [2017]
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 1. Sautrantika & Sammitiya were sects of Jainism.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 2. Sarvastivadin held that constituents of
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative phenomena were not wholly momentary, but
structure in Buddhist tradition. existed forever in a latent form.
How many of statements given above are correct? Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) All three (d) None (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

6. With reference to the cultural history of India, which 13. With reference to the cultural history of India, the
one of the following is the correct description of the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and
term ‘paramitas’? ( UPSC 2020) Epictales was the profession of who of the
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in following? [2016]
aphoristic (sutra) style (a) Shramana (b) Parivraajaka
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the (c) Agrahaarika (d) Magadha
authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to Bodhisattva 14. With reference to the religious history of India,
path consider the following statements : [UPSC 2016]
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the
South India Hinayana sect of Buddhism
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way
7. With reference to the cultural history of India, to enlightenment
consider the following pairs: [UPSC 2020] 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation
1. Parivrajaka – Renunciant and wanderer to help all sentient beings on their path to it
2. Shramana – Priest with a high status Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. Upasaka – Lay follower of Buddhism (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3only 15. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 the life of the Buddha? [UPSC 2014]
1. Avanti 2. Gandhara
8. With reference to the religious history of India, 3. Kosala 4. Magadha
consider the following statements: (2020) Select correct answer using the codes given below:
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 only
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of the (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 only
Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas
fostered Mahayana Buddhism
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 4
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
CHAPTER-4 : MAURYAN EMPIRE

1. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which of the 2. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects
following are correct? [UPSC 2022] through this inscription? [UPSC 2020]
1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other
punishment. sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with
2. If female slave bore master a son, she was the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures
legally free. his own sect very severely.”
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by (a) Ashoka (b) amudragupta
her master, the son was entitled to the legal (c) Harshavardhana (d) Krishnadeva Raya
status of the master’s son.
Which of the statements given above are correct? 3. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only of Emperor Ashoka? [UPSC 2016]
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) Georg Bilhler (b) James Prinsep
(c) Max Muller (d) William Jones

CHAPTER-5 : GUPTA AND POST GUPTA ERA

1. With reference to the history of India, the terms 2. The Paramaras of Malwa
“kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote: [UPSC 2020] 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
(a) measurement of land 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
(b) coins of different monetary value 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
(c) classification of urban land 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi [UPSC 2021]
(d) religious rituals Select correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5
2. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
during the Gupta period, which one of the following (c) 2, 3 and 4
statements is correct? [UPSC 2019] (d) 5 and 6
(a) It was considered a source of income for the
State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
4. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of
(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the
Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire. post-Harsha period? [UPSC 2020]
(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages. (a) An advisory issued by king to his subordinates
(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the (b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts
forced labourer.
(c) A bill of exchange
(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates
3. From decline of Guptas until rise of Harshavardhana
in the early seventh century, which of the following
kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
CHAPTER-6 : PERSONALITIES

1. Which one of the following is a work attributed to the 2. Sanghabhuti, Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to
playwright Bhasa? [UPSC 2024] China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the
(a) Kavyalankara author of a commentary on: [UPSC 2024]
(b) Natyashastra (a) Prajnaparamita Sutra
(c) Madhyama-vyayoga (b) Visuddhimagga
(d) Mahabhashya (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya
(d) Lalitavistara

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 5
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
3. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider 4. With reference to Indian history, consider the following
the following pairs: [UPSC 2023] pairs: [UPSC 2022]
Literary work Author Historical person Known as
1. Devichandragupta Bilhana 1. Aryadeva Jaina scholar
2. Hammira Mahakavya Nayachandra Suri 2. Dignaga Buddhist scholar
3. Milinda Panha Nagarjuna 3. Nathamuni Vaishnava scholar
4. Nitivakyamrita Somadeva Suri How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) None of the pairs (b) Only one pair
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only two pairs (d) All three pairs
(c) Only three (d) All four

CHAPTER-7 : MISCELLANEOUS – ANCIENT HISTORY

1. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, 5. With reference to the period of the Gupta dynasty in
Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and
(a) capital cities [UPSC 2023] Chaul were well known as: [UPSC 2020]
(b) ports (a) ports handling foreign trade
(c) centres of iron-and-steel making (b) capitals of powerful kingdoms
(d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras (c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture
(d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centres
2. Which of following explains ‘Vattakirutal' as
mentioned in Sangam poems? [UPSC 2023]
(a) Kings employing women bodyguards. 6. With reference to the Scholars/literatures of ancient
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to India, consider following statements: [UPSC 2020]
discuss religious and philosophical matters 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural 2. Amarsimha is associated with Harshavardhana
fields and driving away birds and animals 3. Kalidasa is associated with chandragupta-II
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual Which of the above given statements is/are correct?
suicide by starving himself to death
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
3. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of
(c) 3 only
the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2021)
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and
7. Which one of the following books of Ancient India
Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes.
has the love story of the son of the founder of the
2. In Mitakshara system, sons can claim right to Sunga Dynasty? [UPSC 2016]
property during lifetime of father, whereas in
(a) Swapnavasavadatta (b) Malvikagnimitra
Dayabhaga system, it is only after death of
father that sons can claim right to the property. (c) Meghadoota (d) Ratnavali
3. Mitakshara system deals with matters related
to property held only by male members of a 8. In the context of the history of India, consider the
family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals following pairs: [UPSC 2016]
with the matters related to the property held by Term Description
both male and female members of a family.
1. Eripatti Land, revenue from which was
Select the correct answer using the code given below: set apart for the maintenance of
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only the village tank
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only 2. Taniyurs Villages donated to a single
Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
4. With reference to the history of ancient India, 3. Ghatikas Colleges generally attached to
Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were the temples
famous: [UPSC 2021] Which pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) Jain monks (b) playwrights (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only
(c) temple architects (d) philosophers (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1and 3

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 6
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
CHAPTER-8 : EARLY MEDIVIAL INDIA

1. Consider the following pairs: [UPSC 2022] 2. Consider the following events in the history of India :
King Dynasty 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
1. Nannuka Chandela 2. Establishment of Pallava power under
2. Jayashakti Paramara Mahendravarman – I
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka I
3. Nagabhata II Gurjara-Pratihara
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala[UPSC 2020]
4. Bhoja Rashtrakuta
What is the correct chronological order of the above
How many given pairs are correctly matched? events, starting from the earliest time?
(a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (a) 2-1-4-3 (b) 3-1-4-2
(c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs (c) 2-4-1-3 (d) 3-4-1-2

CHAPTER-9: DELHI SULTANATE

1. With reference to Indian history, consider the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
following statements: [UPSC 2022] (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3
during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one
Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and 3. With reference to medieval India, which of is the
besieged the city. correct sequence in ascending order in terms of size?
3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost (a) Paragana – Sarkar – Suba
portions of north-west of his kingdom to (b) Sarkar – Paragana – Suba
Mongols. (c) Suba – Sarkar – Paragana
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(d) Paragana – Suba – Sarkar [UPSC 2021]
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
4. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2019]
1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate,
2. Consider the following statements: [UPSC 2021] the in-charge of revenue collection was known
1. It was during the reign of Iltumish that Chengiz as ‘Amil’.
Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive 2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an
Khwarezm prince. ancient indigenous institution.
2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin 3. The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence
Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.
crossed the Indus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama
reached the coast of Kerala. (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

CHAPTER-10: VIJAYNAGAR EMPIRE

1. Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave (a) Devaraya I (b) Malikarjuna
permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at (c) Vin Vijaya (d) Virupaksha
Bhatkal? [UPSC 2024]
(a) Krishnadevaraya (b) Narsimha Saluva 3. According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in
(c) Muhammad Shah III (d) Yusuf Adil Shah the Vijayanagara empire were expert in which of the
following areas? [UPSC 2021]
1. Wrestling 2. Astrology
2. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara
Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra 3. Accounting 4. Soothsaying
River and canalcum-aqueduct several kilometres Select correct answer using the code given below:
long from the river to the capital city? [UPSC 2023] (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 7
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
4. Building ‘Kalyana Mandapas’ was a notable feature 6. Who of the following founded a new city on the
in temple construction in kingdom of [UPSC 2019] south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and
(a) Chalukya undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a
(b) Chandela deity to whom allthe land south of the river Krishna
was supposed to belong? [UPSC 2015]
(c) Rashtrakuta
(a) Amoghavarsha I
(d) Vijaynagara
(b) Ballala II
(c) Harihara I
5. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the
(d) Prataparudra II
ruler of Vijayanagar, consider following statements:
1. Tax rate on land was fixed depending on the
quality of the land. [UPSC 2016]
2. Private owners of workshops paid industry tax.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

CHAPTER-11 : MUGHAL EMPIRE

1. “Yogavãsistha” was translated into Persian by 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making
Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of: [UPSC 2022] Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
(a) Akbar Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(b) Humayun (a) 1 only
(c) Shahjahan
(b) 2 only
(d) Aurangzeb
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted (d) Neither 1 nor 2
emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to the album
and individual portrait? [UPSC 2019] 5. Consider the following: The arrival of Babur into
(a) Humayun India led to the: [UPSC 2015]
(b) Akbar 1. Introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
(c) Jahangir 2. Introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s
(d) Shah Jahan architecture
3. Establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
3. With reference to Mughal India, what are Select the correct answer using the code given below.
differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? (a) 1 and 2 only
1. Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in (b) 3 only
lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas
(c) 1 and 3 only
Zamindars were holders of revenue rights
(d) 1,, 2 and 3
without obligation to perform any duty other
than revenue collection. [UPSC 2019]
2. Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary & 6. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was: [UPSC 2014]
revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary. (a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (b) Akbar’s private chamber prayer
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 scholars of various religions.
(d) the room in which the nobles belonging to
4. With reference to the cultural history of India, different religions gathered to discuss religious
consider the following statements: [UPSC 2018] affairs
1. White marble was used in making Buland
Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 8
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
CHAPTER-12 : BHAKTI AND SUFI MOVEMENTS

1. The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of 2. Consider the following statements:[UPSC 2019]
Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of 1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the 2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh
following statements correctly represents the Ahmad Sirhindi.
teachings of Ramanuja? [UPSC 2022]
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
authoritative.
(c) Logical arguments were meant for the highest
bliss.
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through
meditation.

CHAPTER-13 : MEDIVIAL INDIA TERMINOLOGIES

1. In medieval India, the term “Fanam” referred to: 4. Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history
[UPSC 2022] were generally: [UPSC 2016]
(a) Clothing (b) Coins (a) Agriculturists (b) Warriors
(c) Ornaments (d) Weapons (c) Weavers (d) Traders

2. With reference to Indian history, who of the following 5. In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and
were known as “Kulah-Daran” ? (UPSC 2022) ‘Pattakila’ were used for: [UPSC 2014]
(a) Arab Merchants (b) Qalanders (a) military officers
(c) Persian Calligraphists (d) Sayyids (b) village headmen
(c) specialists in Vedic rituals
3. With reference to the history of India consider the (d) chiefs of craft guilds
following pairs: [UPSC 2020] 6. With reference to the economic history of medieval
1. Aurang In-charge of treasury of the state India, the term Araghatta’ refers to: [UPSC 2016]
2. Banian Indian agent of East India Co. (a) bonded labour
3. Mirasidar Designated revenue payer to state (b) land grants made to military officers
Which of the pairs above is/are correct? (c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (d) wasteland and converted to cultivated land
(c) 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3 only

CHAPTER-14 : MISCELLANEOUS – MEDIVIAL HISTORY

1. Consider the following dynasties: [UPSC 2023] 2. Who among the following rulers of mediaeval Gujarat
1. Hoysala surrendered Diu to the Portuguese? [UPSC 2023]
2. Gahadavala (a) Ahmad Shah (b) Mahmud Begarha
3. Kakatiya (c) Bahadur Shah (d) Muhammad Shah
4. Yadava
How many of the above dynasties established their 3. With reference to Indian history, which of the
kingdoms in early eighth century AD? following statements is/are correct? [UPSC 2021]
(a) Only one 1. Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad.
(b) Only two 2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of the
Vijayanagara empire.
(c) Only three
3. Rohilkhand kingdom was formed out of the
(d) None
territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 9
 PRELIMS PYQs - (Ancient and Medivial History)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 8. With reference to Indian history, which of the
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only following is/are essential elements of feudal system?
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only 1. A very strong centralized political authority and
very weak provincial or local political authority
4. With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the 2. Emergence of administrative structure based on
following statements is not correct? [UPSC 2019] control and possession of land
(a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor 3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the
Akbar. feudal lord and his overlord [UPSC 2015]
(b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and Select the correct answer using the code given below.
goddesses. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons. (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Tansen invented many Ragas.
9. Consider the following pairs: [UPSC 2015]
5. Which one of the following foreign travellers Medieval Indian Present Region
elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond State
mines of India? [UPSC 2018]
1. Champaka Central India
(a) Francois Bernier
2. Durgura Jammu
(b) Jean Baptiste Tavernier
3. Kuluta Malabar
(c) Jean de Thevenot
Which of the above pairs is / are correctly matched?
(d) Abbe Barthel Carre
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
6. Which one of the following was a very important
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 Only
seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom? [UPSC 2017]
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru

7. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India,

consider the following statements: [UPSC 2016]
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were
monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the
theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

******

Please click on the link for discussion video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSdyQ1UP5qc | 8279688595 Page. 10