NDA General Studies · History · 44 questions · 2017 to 2026
NDA Medieval India previous year questions with solutions
Medieval India is about one General Studies question in forty. Vijayanagara and the Bhakti saints lead, straight from NCERT's Class 12 Themes Part II; the Mughal chronicles have faded while travellers and new crops have risen. Every question UPSC has set on it since 2017, solved. Grouped by the method each needs, newest first; open a question for its answer and worked solution.
21.1 Early medieval India: the Rajput kingdoms, the Cholas and the south Indian guilds (6)21.2 The Delhi Sultanate; travellers and their accounts from Al-Biruni to Bernier (6)21.3 Vijayanagara and the Bahmani kingdoms (10)21.4 Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh traditions (8)21.5 The Mughal empire: rulers, chronicles, court and administration (8)21.6 Agrarian economy and the new crops; the powers of the eighteenth century (6)
21.1 Early medieval India: the Rajput kingdoms, the Cholas and the south Indian guilds
1. NDA 2025 (II)
Chola inscriptions mention several categories of lands. Which one of the following was meant for the maintenance of school?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Shalabhoga
Method. Chola land category for a school
Standard result (Chola inscriptions): shalabhoga was land for maintaining a school. Tirunamattukkani was for temples, vellanvagai belonged to non-Brahmana peasants, pallichchhandam to Jaina institutions.
2. NDA 2023 (II)
‘Sengol’, installed in the new Parliament building of India, was seen as a symbol of the path of service, duty and nation in which Empire of the past?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Chola Empire
Method. Sengol
Standard result: the sengol was a Chola symbol of transfer of authority and righteous rule; it was installed in the new Parliament building in 2023.
3. NDA 2023 (I)
Yashovarman was ruler of which one of the following kingdoms?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Kannauj
Method. Yashovarman's kingdom
Standard result: Yashovarman (c. 725-52) ruled Kannauj; he was Lalitaditya of Kashmir's contemporary and Vakpati's patron.
4. NDA 2022 (I)
The 13th Century text Lekhapaddhati gives us information on which one of the following topics?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Legal document
Method. Lekhapaddhati
Standard result: the 13th-century Lekhapaddhati from Gujarat is a collection of model documents, deeds, grants and letters, i.e. a formulary of legal and administrative documents.
5. NDA 2018 (II)
Consider the following statements about merchant guilds of South India:
1. Ayyavole merchant guild was originally established in Aihole.
2. Manigraman merchant guild was subordinated to the Anjuvannam merchant guild in the 13th century.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Ayyavole merchant guild was originally established in Aihole.
2. Manigraman merchant guild was subordinated to the Anjuvannam merchant guild in the 13th century.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 1 only
Method. Medieval South Indian merchant guilds
Statement 1 is correct: the Ayyavole (Ainnurruvar, the 500) guild originated at Aihole. Statement 2 is not the accepted relation: the Anjuvannam was an association of foreign west-coast merchants and was not the superior of the Manigramam. Standard result, not in NCERT Themes.
6. NDA 2018 (I)
Which of the following clans are included in the Agnikula Rajputs?
1. Pratiharas
2. Chaulukyas
3. Paramaras
4. Chahamanas
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
1. Pratiharas
2. Chaulukyas
3. Paramaras
4. Chahamanas
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Method. Agnikula Rajput clans
Standard result: the Agnikula (fire-born) legend of Mount Abu covers the Pratiharas, Chaulukyas (Solankis), Paramaras and Chahamanas (Chauhans). All four.
21.2 The Delhi Sultanate; travellers and their accounts from Al-Biruni to Bernier
7. NDA 2025 (II)
Arrange the following foreign travellers to India in chronological order, beginning with the earliest:
1. Peter Mundy
2. Antonio Monserrate
3. Afanasii Nikitich Nikitin
4. Ibn Battuta
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. Peter Mundy
2. Antonio Monserrate
3. Afanasii Nikitich Nikitin
4. Ibn Battuta
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 4-3-2-1
Method. Chronology of travellers
Standard chronology: Ibn Battuta (1333-47), Nikitin (1469-74), Monserrate (Akbar's court, 1580-83), Peter Mundy (1630s). Order 4-3-2-1.
8. NDA 2024 (I)
Which of the following were features of the postal system of India as described by Ibn Battuta?
1. The foot post carries a ringing bell in one hand.
2. The horse post is called uluq, stationed at a distance of every four miles.
3. The foot post or dawa has one station at every four kos of distance.
4. The foot post is quicker than horse post.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. The foot post carries a ringing bell in one hand.
2. The horse post is called uluq, stationed at a distance of every four miles.
3. The foot post or dawa has one station at every four kos of distance.
4. The foot post is quicker than horse post.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4
Method. Ibn Battuta on the postal system
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 5: the foot-post runner carries a staff with copper bells; the horse-post uluq has stations every four miles; the foot-post dawa has three stations per mile (a third of a mile), not one per four kos; and the foot-post is quicker than the horse-post. So 1, 2 and 4.
9. NDA 2022 (II)
Who among the following has described the medieval Indian postal system as of two kinds—the horse-post called ‘Uluq’ and the foot-post called ‘Dawa’?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Ibn Battuta
Method. Uluq and Dawa postal system
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 5: Ibn Battuta describes the Indian postal system as the horse-post (uluq) and the foot-post (dawa).
10. NDA 2019 (II)
Which one of the following pairs of travellers and their nationality is not correctly matched?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Jean Baptiste Tavernier – Dutch
Method. Traveller and nationality, not matched
Standard result: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was French, not Dutch. Ibn Battuta was Moroccan, Barbosa Portuguese, Manucci Venetian.
11. NDA 2018 (I)
Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
Traveller — Country from
1. Marco Polo — Italy
2. Ibn Battuta — Morocco
3. Nikitin — Russia
4. Seydi Ali Reis — Turkey
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Traveller — Country from
1. Marco Polo — Italy
2. Ibn Battuta — Morocco
3. Nikitin — Russia
4. Seydi Ali Reis — Turkey
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Method. Match traveller with country
Standard result: Marco Polo was Italian (Venice); Ibn Battuta was from Tangier, Morocco; Afanasy Nikitin was a Russian merchant of Tver; Seydi Ali Reis was an Ottoman Turkish admiral. All four pairs are correct.
12. NDA 2017 (II)
Which one of the following travelogues has given an insight on the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Ibn Battuta's Rihla
Method. Travelogue on Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign
Standard result: Ibn Battuta's Rihla describes his years at Muhammad bin Tughlaq's court (1333-42). Bernier, Manucci and Tavernier belong to the 17th-century Mughal period.
21.3 Vijayanagara and the Bahmani kingdoms
13. NDA 2024 (II)
Vijayanagara rulers claimed that they were ruling on behalf of
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Shri Virupaksha
Method. Vijayanagara rulers' overlord
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 7: the rulers claimed to rule on behalf of the god Virupaksha (Shiva), signing orders 'Shri Virupaksha' and calling themselves 'Hindu suratrana'.
14. NDA 2024 (II)
Domingo Paes describes a king in these words: ‘Of medium height, and of fair complexion and good figure, rather fat than thin; he has on his face signs of smallpox’. Identify the king from the options given below.
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Krishnadeva Raya
Method. Paes's description of the king
Standard result (Domingo Paes, chronicle of Vijayanagara): this description, including the smallpox marks, is of Krishnadeva Raya, whom Paes saw at court in the 1520s.
15. NDA 2024 (I)
Which of the following statements about Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya’s expeditions are correct?
1. In the early years of his reign he marched against the ruler of Orissa.
2. In 1520 CE, he captured the fort of Raichur from Ismail Adil Khan.
3. Krishnadevaraya restored Sultan Mahmud Shah to power and assumed the title of Yavana-rajya-sthapan-acharya.
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. In the early years of his reign he marched against the ruler of Orissa.
2. In 1520 CE, he captured the fort of Raichur from Ismail Adil Khan.
3. Krishnadevaraya restored Sultan Mahmud Shah to power and assumed the title of Yavana-rajya-sthapan-acharya.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Method. Krishnadevaraya's campaigns
Standard result: early in his reign he attacked Orissa (Gajapati) and took Udayagiri; in 1520 he captured Raichur from Ismail Adil Shah; he restored the Bahmani Sultan Mahmud and took the title Yavanarajya-sthapanacharya. All three correct.
16. NDA 2023 (II)
Consider the following statements regarding the royal center in Vijayanagara Empire:
1. The royal center was located in the south-western part of the settlement
2. It included over 60 temples
3. About 30 building complexes at the site have been identified as palaces
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. The royal center was located in the south-western part of the settlement
2. It included over 60 temples
3. About 30 building complexes at the site have been identified as palaces
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Method. Royal centre at Vijayanagara
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 7: the royal centre lay in the south-western part of the settlement, had over 60 temples, and about 30 building complexes have been identified as palaces. All three correct.
17. NDA 2023 (I)
Which one of the following kingdoms was founded by the two brothers Harihar and Bukka?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Vijayanagara
Method. Kingdom of Harihar and Bukka
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 7: Harihara and Bukka founded the Vijayanagara kingdom (Sangama dynasty) in 1336.
18. NDA 2022 (II)
Who among the following laid the foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Harihara and Bukka
Method. Founders of Vijayanagara
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 7: Harihara and Bukka founded the empire about 1336. Krishnadeva Raya (Tuluva) and Rama Raya (Aravidu) came much later.
19. NDA 2021 (I)
Consider the following statements about the Mahanavami Dibba:
1. It was the name of a giant box of sweets distributed at the Mahanavami festival.
2. It was the name of a massive platform with a base covered with relief carvings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. It was the name of a giant box of sweets distributed at the Mahanavami festival.
2. It was the name of a massive platform with a base covered with relief carvings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) 2 only
Method. Mahanavami Dibba
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 7: the Mahanavami dibba at Vijayanagara is a massive platform with a base covered in relief carvings, used at the Mahanavami festival. It is not a box of sweets, so only 2.
20. NDA 2019 (II)
The ruins of Vijayanagara (Hampi) were brought to public light in the year 1800 by the following British surveyor and engineer:
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Colin Mackenzie
Method. Surveyor who publicised Hampi in 1800
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 7: Colin Mackenzie, an engineer and antiquarian of the East India Company, brought the Hampi ruins to light in 1800.
21. NDA 2018 (II)
Who among the following travellers was from Italy and visited Vijayanagar Kingdom in the fifteenth century?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Nicolo Conti
Method. Italian traveller to Vijayanagara in the 15th century
Standard result: Nicolo de' Conti, a Venetian, visited Vijayanagara about 1420 in Devaraya I's reign. Nikitin was Russian, Fa-Hien Chinese (5th century), Bernier French (17th century).
22. NDA 2017 (I)
Which one of the following statements regarding King Krishnadevaraya is NOT correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) He wrote his magnum opus Amuktamalyada in Sanskrit.
Method. Spot the false statement on Krishnadevaraya
Standard result (NCERT Themes Part II, ch 7): Krishnadevaraya wrote the Telugu work Amuktamalyada, not in Sanskrit, so (d) is wrong. (a) he was a scholar of Telugu and Sanskrit; (b) Paes and Nuniz were Portuguese visitors to Vijayanagara; (c) Barbosa praised the justice and religious freedom of the realm.
21.4 Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh traditions
23. NDA 2025 (II)
Who among the following Sikh Gurus laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Guru Gobind Singh
Method. Founder of the Khalsa
Standard result: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, founded the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur in 1699.
24. NDA 2025 (I)
Which of the following statements about Srimanta Shankardeva is/are correct?
1. In the late fifteenth century Shankardeva emerged as one of the leading proponents of Vaishnavism in Assam
2. He was the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism
3. His teachings are known as Bhagavati Dharma
4. He encouraged the establishment of satra and naam ghar
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. In the late fifteenth century Shankardeva emerged as one of the leading proponents of Vaishnavism in Assam
2. He was the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism
3. His teachings are known as Bhagavati Dharma
4. He encouraged the establishment of satra and naam ghar
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Method. Srimanta Shankardeva
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 6: Shankardeva was a leading Vaishnava in Assam in the late 15th century; his teachings are Bhagavati dharma; he founded satras and naam ghars. He was not the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism (Chaitanya, Bengal), so 2 is false: 1, 3 and 4.
25. NDA 2025 (I)
Which one of the following terms is associated with the practice of Sufism?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Murid
Method. Sufi term
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: murid is the disciple of a Sufi pir (shaikh). Jizya is a tax, ijma legal consensus, muqaddam a village headman.
26. NDA 2023 (II)
Which one of the following statements about the Bhakti movement is NOT correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) The Bhakti movement avoided traditions that promoted diversity
Method. Bhakti: spot the false statement
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: bhakti accommodated diversity of belief and practice, so (a) is false. Rama and Krishna worship dominated north India; saguna and nirguna devotion both existed (Tulsidas vs Kabir).
27. NDA 2021 (I)
Which of the following statements about Saguna bhakti traditions is/are correct?
1. Saguna bhakti traditions focus on the worship of specific deities such as Vishnu or his avatars.
2. In Saguna bhakti traditions, Gods and Goddesses are conceptualised in anthropomorphic forms.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Saguna bhakti traditions focus on the worship of specific deities such as Vishnu or his avatars.
2. In Saguna bhakti traditions, Gods and Goddesses are conceptualised in anthropomorphic forms.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Method. Saguna bhakti
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: saguna traditions worship specific deities (Vishnu and his avatars, Shiva, the Goddess) conceived in anthropomorphic form. Both statements correct.
28. NDA 2021 (I)
Who among the following was considered to be the preceptor of Mirabai?
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Raidas
Method. Mirabai's preceptor
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: tradition holds Mirabai took Raidas (Ravidas), a saint of a leather-working caste, as her guru.
29. NDA 2019 (II)
Consider the following statements related to the Virashaiva tradition in Karnataka:
1. The Virashaiva movement was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna, a minister in the court of the Kalachuri ruler in the twelfth century.
2. The Virashaivas encouraged practices, approved by the Dharmashastras, like post-puberty marriages and remarriage of widows.
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?
1. The Virashaiva movement was led by a Brahmana named Basavanna, a minister in the court of the Kalachuri ruler in the twelfth century.
2. The Virashaivas encouraged practices, approved by the Dharmashastras, like post-puberty marriages and remarriage of widows.
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 1 only
Method. Virashaiva tradition
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: Basavanna, a Brahmana minister at the Kalachuri court in the 12th century, led the movement (1 true). The Virashaivas encouraged post-puberty marriage and widow remarriage, which the Dharmashastras did not sanction (2 false).
30. NDA 2018 (II)
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Bhakti Saint: Philosophy
Bhakti Saint: Philosophy
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Ramanuja: Vishishtadvaita
Method. Bhakti saint and philosophy
Standard result: Ramanuja propounded Vishishtadvaita (qualified monism). Shankara is Advaita, Ramananda a Vaishnava bhakti saint (not Kevaladvaita), Chaitanya Achintya-bhedabheda.
21.5 The Mughal empire: rulers, chronicles, court and administration
31. NDA 2023 (I)
Which one among the following statements about the Mansabdari system is correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Position and salary of mansabdars were indicated by a numerical designation called zat.
Method. Mansabdari system
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 9: a mansabdar's rank and pay were set by a numerical rank, zat. Not all troopers held mansabs, appointments rested on merit and service, and many were paid in cash.
32. NDA 2021 (I)
Which one of the following statements about the Ain-i-Akbari is not correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) It was later revised by Sadullah Khan on the orders of Shah Jahan.
Method. Ain-i-Akbari: spot the false statement
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 9: the Ain-i-Akbari, by Abul Fazl, is the third volume of the Akbar Nama and portrays a diverse, composite empire. No revision by Sadullah Khan under Shah Jahan is recorded (he was Shah Jahan's wazir), so (d) is incorrect.
33. NDA 2019 (I)
Statement I: Abul Fazl shaped, represented and articulated the ideas associated with the reign of Akbar
Statement II: The qualities of Abul Fazl impressed Akbar who found the former suitable as an adviser and spokesperson for his policies
Statement II: The qualities of Abul Fazl impressed Akbar who found the former suitable as an adviser and spokesperson for his policies
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
Method. Abul Fazl as Akbar's spokesman
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 9: Abul Fazl, Akbar's friend and adviser, shaped the ideology of the reign (Akbar Nama, Ain-i-Akbari). Statement II gives why: Akbar was impressed by his qualities and chose him as adviser and spokesman. Both true and II explains I.
34. NDA 2018 (I)
Who gifted the Badshah Nama to King George in 1799?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Nawab of Awadh
Method. Gift of the Badshah Nama to George III
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 9: the Windsor Castle Padshahnama manuscript was presented to King George III in 1799 by the Nawab of Awadh. Lahori and Abul Fazl were authors, not donors.
35. NDA 2018 (I)
What is the name of the award given to meritorious men in the Mughal Court in the form of a robe of honour that was once worn by the Emperor?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Khilat
Method. Khilat, robe of honour once worn by the emperor
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 9: among Mughal honours was the khilat, a robe of honour previously worn by the emperor and so imbued with his blessing. Sarapa ('head to foot') is a different robe of honour, patka a sash, padma murassa a jewelled lotus ornament.
36. NDA 2018 (I)
Who among the following was the author of Humayun Nama?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Gulbadan Begum
Method. Author of Humayun Nama
Standard result: Gulbadan Begum, Babur's daughter and Humayun's sister, wrote the Humayun Nama at Akbar's request.
37. NDA 2017 (I)
Who among the following was the author of the Badshah Nama?
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) Abdul Hamid Lahori
Method. Author of the Badshah Nama
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 9: the Badshah Nama (Padshahnama), the official chronicle of Shah Jahan's reign, was written by Abdul Hamid Lahori. Abul Fazl wrote the Akbar Nama; Shah Jahan was its patron.
38. NDA 2017 (I)
Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi.
Method. Fatehpur Sikri: spot the false statement
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 9: Fatehpur Sikri lay on the direct road to Ajmer; Akbar built the marble tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti beside the Friday mosque; the Buland Darwaza recalls the Gujarat victory. The capital moved in 1585 to Lahore (not Delhi), so (d) is incorrect.
21.6 Agrarian economy and the new crops; the powers of the eighteenth century
39. NDA 2025 (I)
Maize (makka) was introduced into India in the seventeenth century via
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Africa and Spain
Method. Introduction of maize in the 17th century
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: maize reached India via Africa and Spain in the 17th century.
40. NDA 2024 (II)
Maize (makka) was introduced into India via
Answer and solution
Answer: (b) Africa and Spain
Method. Introduction of maize
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: maize came to India from America via Africa and Spain, becoming important in the 17th century.
41. NDA 2024 (I)
Consider the following statements about the arrival of tobacco in India:
1. Tobacco plant arrived first in the Deccan.
2. Tobacco spread to northern India in the early years of the seventeenth century.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Tobacco plant arrived first in the Deccan.
2. Tobacco spread to northern India in the early years of the seventeenth century.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Method. Arrival of tobacco
NCERT Themes Part II, ch 8: tobacco reached the Deccan first (late 16th century) and spread to northern India in the early 17th century. Both correct.
42. NDA 2023 (I)
Which of the following statements about Lachit Borphukan is/are correct?
1. He was a General of the Ahom Force.
2. He is known for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat.
3. Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. He was a General of the Ahom Force.
2. He is known for his leadership in the Battle of Saraighat.
3. Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is given to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer and solution
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Method. Lachit Borphukan
Standard result: Lachit Borphukan was an Ahom general who led the Ahoms to victory over the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat (1671). The Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal goes to the best cadet at the NDA. All three correct.
43. NDA 2019 (II)
Which one of the following statements is not true about Ijarah system?
Answer and solution
Answer: (c) Under this system, land revenue was fixed for the peasant.
Method. Ijarah revenue farming
Standard result (Mughal agrarian system): under ijarah the state farmed revenue to an ijaradar, who paid a fixed sum and extracted what he could from peasants through middlemen. The peasant's demand was not fixed, so (c) is untrue.
44. NDA 2018 (II)
Which one of the following crops was introduced by the Portuguese in India?
Answer and solution
Answer: (d) Chili
Method. Crops introduced by the Portuguese
Standard result: chilli came to India with the Portuguese (with maize, potato, tobacco, pineapple, papaya). Opium and betel leaf were known in India earlier; coffee came through Baba Budan from Yemen.