Administration is important part of Medieval Indian History and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Administration during Medieval India
.
UPSC PYQ on Administration during Medieval India
Q- With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: (2022)
- The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
- During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
- Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: The first Mongol invasion of India occurred during the reign of Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish.
Statement 2: Alauddin Khilji established a large permanent army to fulfill his ambitions of conquest and to defend the country from Mongol attacks.
Statement 3: The subsequent significant Mongol invasion took place after the Tughlaq dynasty replaced the Khiljis in the Sultanate. In 1327, the Chagatai Mongols, led by Tarmashirin, sacked Lamghan and Multan before besieging Delhi. The Tughlaq ruler paid a hefty ransom to prevent further devastation. Muhammad bin Tughluq sought an alliance with Ilkhan Abu Sa’id against Tarmashirin, who had invaded Khorasan. However, no attack materialized. Tarmashirin, initially a Buddhist, later embraced Islam, and religious tensions within the Chagatai Khanate were a significant factor dividing the Mongols.
Q- “Yogavāsistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of: (2022)
(a) Akbar
(b) Humayun
(c) Shahjahan
(d) Aurangzeb
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Yogavasistha was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during Akbar’s reign at instance of Prince Jahangir.
Q- According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in the Vijayanagara empire were expert in which of the following areas? (2022)
(1) Wrestling
(2) Astrology
(3) Accounting
(4) Soothsaying
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Women held a significant position in Vijayanagara society, actively participating in political, social, and literary spheres. They were trained not only in wrestling, swordsmanship, and music but also received literary education. According to Nuniz, the king of Vijayanagar had women skilled in various roles such as wrestling, astrology, accounting, and administration. Women were also proficient in music, playing instruments, and singing. Even the king’s wives were accomplished in music. Additionally, women served as judges, bailiffs, and palace guards, highlighting their diverse roles and responsibilities within the kingdom.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2022)
(1) It was during the reign of Iltumish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
(2) It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
(3) It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: Correct – During Iltutmish’s rule, Chenghiz Khan defeated Jalal al-Din near the banks of the Indus River.
Statement 2: Incorrect – Muhammad Bin Tughluq was indeed the sultan of Delhi from 1325 to 1351 AD, Timur invading India in 1398 AD and ravaging Multan and Punjab.
Statement 3: Incorrect – Deva Raya II reigned over the Vijayanagara empire from 1422 to 1446 AD. However, the statement suggesting Vasco Da Gama’s arrival on the Kerala coast in 1498.
Q- With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2022)
(1) The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad state.
(2) The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of the Vijayanagara empire.
(3) Rohilkhand kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: The Nizamat of Carnatic (Arcot) was initially under the jurisdiction of the Nizam of Hyderabad, but later gained independence from Hyderabad.
Statement 2: The Mysore kingdom, predominantly governed by the Hindu Wodeyar family, was initially a subordinate state of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Statement 3: Incorrect – The Kingdom of Rohilkhand emerged during the decline of the Mughal Empire in 1721 and lasted until 1774, when British annexation led to its transformation into the Princely State of Rampur with significantly reduced territory.
Q- With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar? (2019)
(1) Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.
(2) Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(e) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
The Jagirdari system was an administrative arrangement where land revenue was granted in the form of a jagir, instead of a salary. This system did not impact the hereditary privileges of intermediaries, collectively known as zamindars. Jagirdars did not inherit land assignments, and these assignments could be transferred to other jagirs. Zamindars held their own hereditary land rights and were also entitled to collect land revenue. Local judicial and policing responsibilities were carried out by zamindars, while Jagirdars were allocated land assignments in exchange for military services. Mughal emperors assigned jagirs to mansabdars, who then arranged for revenue collection independently.
Q- Consider the following events in the history of India: (2020)
- Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
- Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
- Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I
- Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?
(a) 2-1-4-3
(b) 3-1-4-2
(c) 2-4-1-3
(d) 3-4-1-2
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Pallavas rose to prominence under the rule of Mahendravarman I (571–630 CE).
The Pala dynasty was established by Gopala in CE 750 and continued to rule until the 770s CE.
King Bhoja of the Pratihara dynasty reigned from 836 to 885 CE.
Parantaka I was a ruler of the Chola dynasty from 907 to 953 CE.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2019)
(1) In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
(2) The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
(3) The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: Correct – Amils were officials responsible for revenue collection during the sultanate era in North India. Akbar instructed Amils to provide loans to peasants in times of need and encourage the use of high-quality seeds.
Statement 2: Incorrect – The Iqta System, introduced by Delhi sultans, involved dividing the empire’s land into tracts known as Iqtas, which were then assigned to soldiers, officers, and nobles. Contrary to the statement, the Iqta System was not an ancient indigenous institution but originated from Central Asian and West Asian practices.
Statement 3: Incorrect – The office of Mir Bakshi was indeed established during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Mir Bakshi served as the head of the Mughal army, overseeing records of soldiers, their salaries, promotions, and distribution of grants and lands based on performance. The office continued until the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century.
Q- Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to the album and individual portrait? (2019)
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Jahangir changed the focus of Mughal art from illustrated manuscripts to individual portraits and albums. The Mughal School of painting began during Akbar’s reign around 1560 A.D., and its themes encompassed battles, hunting scenes, wildlife, and portraits, among others.
Q- Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom? (2017)
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Motupalli served as the renowned trading seaport of the Kakatiya dynasty. Marco Polo, the renowned Venetian traveler, visited the Kakatiya kingdom through this port and documented the region’s prosperity and influence in Andhra Desha in his travelogue. Machilipatnam port functioned as the primary seaport of the Golconda Kingdom.
Learn how to structure your answer properly from here.
Q- Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements : (2016)
(1) The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
(2) Private owners of workshops paid an 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
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The taxation policy of the Vijayanagara rulers was characterized by various types of taxes imposed based on the nature of lands and economic activities. Villages were classified into eight categories for tax purposes:
- Brahmadeya villages
- Devadana villages
- Mathapura villages
- Sarvamanya villages
- Kodagi lands
- Rakta-kodagal lands
- Guttagi lands
- Other villages or lands
The first four types existed before the Vijayanagara period. Additionally, private landowners were subject to industry taxes. Merchant guilds were granted authority to impose taxes on goods produced, sold, or transported within the empire.
Q- The arrival of Babur into India led to the (2015)
(1) introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
(2) introduction of the arch and dome in the region’s architecture
(3) establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: Incorrect – Gunpowder technology was introduced to India earlier than the Mughal invasion, likely through Mongol invasions around the mid-13th century, thus predating the arrival of the Mughals.
Statement 2: Incorrect – The introduction of arches and domes in the region’s architecture occurred after the invasion of Muhammad Ghori by the Turks, not by Babur or the Timurids.
Statement 3: Correct – Babur, a descendant of the Timurid dynasty, established the Timurid dynasty in India, following the lineage of the Turco-Mongol warlord Timur.
Q- With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential elements of the feudal system? (2015)
(1) A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
(2) Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
(3) Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: Incorrect – The feudal system does not necessarily weaken local political authority; instead, it disperses and balances power between the king and nobles.
Statement 2: Correct – Feudalism is indeed characterized by a political structure where power is dispersed and balanced between the king and nobles, primarily through lord-vassal relationships based on landholding.
Statement 3: Correct – The Zamindari system, often likened to feudalism, is an administrative structure centered on land control and possession. It was initially introduced to collect taxes from peasants during the pre-colonial period and continued into the colonial British rule.
Also Read about UPSC PYQ on Indus Valley Civilization and Buddhism and Jainism.