Early Muslim Rule in the Subcontinent (712–1206 AD)
Arab Conquest of Sindh
Q: Which dynasty ruled Sindh before the Chach Dynasty?
A: Rai Dynasty.
Q: Who was the last ruler of the Rai Dynasty?
A: Rai Sahasi II.
Q: Who founded the Brahman (Chach) Dynasty of Sindh?
A: Chach.
Q: Which book is the main source of the history of the Arab conquest of Sindh?
A: Chachnama.
Q: Who succeeded Chach after his death?
A: Chander.
Q: Who was the ruler of Sindh when Muhammad bin Qasim invaded?
A: Raja Dahir.
Q: Who was the Governor of Iraq who ordered the invasion of Sindh?
A: Hajjaj bin Yusuf.
Q: In which year did Muhammad bin Qasim invade Sindh?
A: 711 AD.
Q: Which was the first city conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim?
A: Debal (Daybul).
Q: Which catapult was used during the siege of Debal?
A: Manjanik (Al-Uroos).
Q: Which city was captured after Debal without major resistance?
A: Nerun (near present-day Hyderabad).
Q: In which battle was Raja Dahir defeated?
A: Battle of Aror (712 AD).
Q: Which city was called the “City of Gold” after its conquest?
A: Multan.
Q: What title was given to Multan after its conquest?
A: City of Gold.
Q: Who were the daughters of Raja Dahir?
A: Surya Devi and Parimal (Parmla) Devi.
Q: Which Caliph ordered the recall of Muhammad bin Qasim?
A: Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik.
Q: In which year did Muhammad bin Qasim die?
A: 715 AD.
Past Paper Favourite Questions
✔ First Muslim conqueror of Sindh → Muhammad bin Qasim
✔ First city conquered → Debal
✔ Book on conquest of Sindh → Chachnama
✔ Governor who sent Qasim → Hajjaj bin Yusuf
✔ Last Hindu ruler of Sindh → Raja Dahir
Ghaznavid Dynasty (977–1186 AD)
Q: Who founded the Ghaznavid Dynasty?
A: Sabuktigin.
Q: Who was the son of Sabuktigin?
A: Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi.
Q: What was the real name of Mahmud Ghaznavi?
A: Yamin-ud-Daula Abul Qasim Mahmud.
Q: When did Mahmud Ghaznavi rule?
A: 998–1030 AD.
Q: How many times did Mahmud Ghaznavi attack India?
A: Seventeen times.
Q: Whom did Mahmud defeat in the Battle of Peshawar (1001 AD)?
A: Raja Jayapala.
Q: Which famous scholar accompanied Mahmud Ghaznavi?
A: Al-Biruni.
Q: Which book was written by Al-Biruni about India?
A: Kitab-ul-Hind.
Q: Who was the first Muslim Governor of Lahore?
A: Malik Ayaz.
Q: Which famous Sufi saint settled in Lahore during the Ghaznavid period?
A: Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri.
Q: Which famous temple did Mahmud Ghaznavi attack in 1025 AD?
A: Somnath Temple.
Q: Against whom was Mahmud’s last campaign launched?
A: Jats of Sindh.
Q: When did Mahmud Ghaznavi die?
A: 1030 AD.
Frequently Asked MCQs
✔ Number of Mahmud’s invasions → 17
✔ Author of Kitab-ul-Hind → Al-Biruni
✔ First Muslim Governor of Lahore → Malik Ayaz
✔ Somnath expedition → 1025 AD
Ghurid Dynasty (1173–1206 AD)
Q: What was the real name of Muhammad Ghori?
A: Muizz-ud-Din Muhammad bin Sam.
Q: In which year was Muhammad Ghori born?
A: 1149 AD.
Q: Who defeated Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain?
A: Prithviraj Chauhan.
Q: When was the First Battle of Tarain fought?
A: 1191 AD.
Q: When was the Second Battle of Tarain fought?
A: 1192 AD.
Q: Who won the Second Battle of Tarain?
A: Muhammad Ghori.
Q: Why is the Second Battle of Tarain important?
A: It laid the foundation of Muslim rule in Northern India.
Q: When was Muhammad Ghori assassinated?
A: 15 March 1206.
Q: Where was Muhammad Ghori assassinated?
A: Near Dhamiak, Jhelum.
Past Paper Favourite MCQs
✔ Founder of Muslim rule in Northern India → Muhammad Ghori
✔ First Battle of Tarain → 1191 AD
✔ Second Battle of Tarain → 1192 AD
✔ Opponent of Ghori → Prithviraj Chauhan
One-Line Timeline (Most Important for Exams)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 632 AD | End of Rai Dynasty |
| 712 AD | Conquest of Sindh by Muhammad bin Qasim |
| 715 AD | Death of Muhammad bin Qasim |
| 977 AD | Foundation of Ghaznavid Dynasty |
| 998 AD | Mahmud Ghaznavi became ruler |
| 1001 AD | Battle of Peshawar (Jayapala defeated) |
| 1025 AD | Somnath Expedition |
| 1030 AD | Death of Mahmud Ghaznavi |
| 1173 AD | Rise of Muhammad Ghori |
| 1191 AD | First Battle of Tarain |
| 1192 AD | Second Battle of Tarain |
| 1206 AD | Death of Muhammad Ghori & beginning of Delhi Sultanate |
Super Important Repeated MCQs from CSS/PMS/FIA/PPSC
- First Muslim conqueror of Sindh → Muhammad bin Qasim.
- First city conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim → Debal.
- Last Hindu ruler of Sindh → Raja Dahir.
- Governor who sent Muhammad bin Qasim → Hajjaj bin Yusuf.
- Book on India written by Al-Biruni → Kitab-ul-Hind.
- Number of Mahmud Ghaznavi’s invasions → 17.
- First Muslim Governor of Lahore → Malik Ayaz.
- Famous saint of Lahore during Ghaznavid era → Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri.
- Opponent of Mahmud Ghaznavi in 1001 AD → Raja Jayapala.
- Opponent of Muhammad Ghori in Tarain → Prithviraj Chauhan.
- First Battle of Tarain → 1191 AD.
- Second Battle of Tarain → 1192 AD.
- Founder of Delhi Sultanate → Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
- First dynasty of Delhi Sultanate → Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty.
- Foundation of Muslim rule in India was laid by → Muhammad Ghori.
Your notes are largely useful, but for CSS, PMS, FIA, PPSC, Lecturer, and Screening Tests, some points need correction and some high-yield facts should be added. Below is a factually corrected and exam-oriented version.
Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 AD)
Foundation of the Delhi Sultanate
Q: Which Sufi saint is known as the founder of the Chishti Order in India?
A: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Q: Which famous Sufi saint is called the “Father of Punjabi Literature”?
A: Baba Farid Ganj Shakar
Q: Who was the founder of the Suhrawardi Order in Multan?
A: Bahauddin Zakariya
Q: Which famous saint is buried in Sehwan Sharif?
A: Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
Q: Whom did Muhammad Ghori appoint as his viceroy in India?
A: Qutb-ud-Din Aibak
Q: In which year was the Delhi Sultanate established?
A: 1206 AD.
Q: Which event marked the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate?
A: Death of Muhammad Ghori and accession of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
Dynasties of Delhi Sultanate
| Dynasty | Period |
|---|---|
| Mamluk (Slave) | 1206–1290 |
| Khilji | 1290–1320 |
| Tughlaq | 1320–1414 |
| Sayyid | 1414–1451 |
| Lodhi | 1451–1526 |
Frequently Asked MCQs
Q: Which was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate?
A: Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty.
Q: Which was the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate?
A: Lodhi Dynasty.
Q: Which dynasty was of Afghan origin?
A: Lodhi Dynasty.
Q: Who invaded India in 1398 AD and weakened the Delhi Sultanate?
A: Timur.
Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206–1290)
Qutb-ud-Din Aibak
Q: Who founded the Delhi Sultanate?
A: Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
Q: What was the title of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak?
A: Lakh Baksh (“Giver of Lakhs”).
Q: Which mosque was built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in Delhi?
A: Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.
Q: Who started the construction of Qutb Minar?
A: Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
Q: How did Qutb-ud-Din Aibak die?
A: He fell from a horse while playing Chaugan (Polo).
Q: Where is the tomb of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak located?
A: Lahore.
Iltutmish (1211–1236)
Q: Who was the real consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate?
A: Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish.
Q: Which Abbasid Caliph recognized Iltutmish as Sultan?
A: Caliph Al-Mustansir.
Q: Which coins were introduced by Iltutmish?
A: Silver Tanka and Copper Jital.
Q: During whose reign did Genghis Khan reach the Indus River?
A: Iltutmish.
Q: Which institution of forty nobles was organized under Iltutmish?
A: Chahalgani (Turkan-i-Chahalgani).
Razia Sultana
Q: Who was the first Muslim woman ruler of South Asia?
A: Razia Sultana.
Q: Who nominated Razia as his successor?
A: Iltutmish.
Q: Whom did Razia marry?
A: Malik Altunia.
Q: When did Razia rule Delhi?
A: 1236–1240 AD.
Balban
Q: What was the real name of Balban?
A: Ghiyas-ud-Din Balban.
Q: Which policy did Balban follow to strengthen monarchy?
A: Blood and Iron Policy.
Q: Which institution of nobles was crushed by Balban?
A: Chahalgani.
Q: Which court practices were introduced by Balban?
A: Sajda and Paibos.
Q: Which Persian festival was introduced at court by Balban?
A: Nauroz.
Q: Which famous poet flourished during Balban’s era?
A: Amir Khusrau.
Q: Who was the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty?
A: Muiz-ud-Din Qaiqabad.
Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)
Jalal-ud-Din Khilji
Q: Who founded the Khilji Dynasty?
A: Jalal-ud-Din Firoz Khilji.
Q: In which year did the Khilji Dynasty begin?
A: 1290 AD.
Q: How did Jalal-ud-Din Khilji die?
A: He was assassinated by Ala-ud-Din Khilji in 1296 AD.
Ala-ud-Din Khilji
Q: What was the real name of Ala-ud-Din Khilji?
A: Ali Gurshasp.
Q: Which title did Ala-ud-Din Khilji adopt?
A: Sikandar-i-Sani (Second Alexander).
Q: Which city did Ala-ud-Din raid before becoming Sultan?
A: Devagiri.
Q: Which general led the southern campaigns of Ala-ud-Din Khilji?
A: Malik Kafur.
Q: Who was known as “Hazar Dinari”?
A: Malik Kafur.
Q: Which Rajput fort was conquered in 1303 AD?
A: Chittor.
Q: What did Ala-ud-Din rename Chittor?
A: Khizrabad.
Q: Which reforms made Ala-ud-Din Khilji famous?
A: Market Control Reforms.
Q: Which officer supervised the markets?
A: Shahna-i-Mandi.
Q: What was Dag?
A: Branding of horses.
Q: What was Huliya?
A: Descriptive record of soldiers.
Q: Which Mongol invasions were successfully repelled by Ala-ud-Din Khilji?
A: Multiple Mongol invasions between 1297 and 1308 AD.
Most Repeated MCQs from Past Papers
- Founder of Delhi Sultanate → Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
- Founder of Slave Dynasty → Qutb-ud-Din Aibak.
- Builder of Qutb Minar → Qutb-ud-Din Aibak (completed by Iltutmish).
- Introducer of Tanka and Jital → Iltutmish.
- First Muslim woman ruler → Razia Sultana.
- Blood and Iron Policy → Balban.
- Chahalgani was established by → Iltutmish.
- Chahalgani was crushed by → Balban.
- Founder of Khilji Dynasty → Jalal-ud-Din Khilji.
- Real name of Ala-ud-Din Khilji → Ali Gurshasp.
- Hazar Dinari → Malik Kafur.
- Market Reforms → Ala-ud-Din Khilji.
- Dag and Huliya system → Ala-ud-Din Khilji.
- Founder of Chishti Order in India → Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
- Tomb of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar → Sehwan Sharif.
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414 AD)
End of Khilji Dynasty
Q: Who was the famous general who led Alauddin Khilji’s southern expeditions?
A: Malik Kafur.
Q: Which famous diamond is traditionally associated with the conquest of Warangal?
A: Koh-i-Noor (though the exact historical chain of possession remains debated).
Q: Which title was adopted by Alauddin Khilji?
A: Sikandar-i-Sani (Second Alexander).
Q: Which fort and gateway were built by Alauddin Khilji?
A: Siri Fort and Alai Darwaza.
Q: Which department was established to recover revenue arrears?
A: Diwan-i-Mustakhraj.
Q: In which year did Alauddin Khilji die?
A: 1316 AD.
Q: Who was the last effective ruler of the Khilji Dynasty?
A: Qutb-ud-Din Mubarak Shah Khilji.
Q: Who founded the Tughlaq Dynasty?
A: Ghazi Malik (Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq).
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325)
Q: Who founded the Tughlaq Dynasty?
A: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
Q: What was his earlier title before becoming Sultan?
A: Ghazi Malik.
Q: Which city was founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
A: Tughlaqabad.
Q: Which system of agricultural assessment was encouraged during his reign?
A: Batai (crop-sharing) system.
Q: Who was sent to conquer Warangal?
A: Jauna Khan (Muhammad bin Tughlaq).
Q: How did Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq die?
A: In the collapse of a wooden pavilion at Afghanpur in 1325 AD.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351)
Most Repeated Topic in Competitive Exams
Q: What was the original name of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
A: Jauna Khan.
Q: Which Sultan is known as the “Wise Fool” of Indian History?
A: Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Q: Why is Muhammad bin Tughlaq famous in history?
A: For his ambitious but largely unsuccessful experiments.
Five Famous Experiments
1. Transfer of Capital
Q: Which Sultan shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
A: Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Q: What was the former name of Daulatabad?
A: Devagiri.
Q: Why was the capital shifted?
A: To control both North and South India and improve defense.
2. Token Currency
Q: Which Sultan introduced token currency?
A: Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Q: Which metals were used?
A: Copper and brass.
Q: Why did the scheme fail?
A: Counterfeit coins were widely produced.
3. Doab Taxation
Q: Which region faced excessive taxation under Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
A: Doab (between Ganga and Yamuna).
Q: What was the result?
A: Peasant revolts and economic hardship.
4. Khurasan Expedition
Q: Which Sultan planned to conquer Khurasan but never executed the plan?
A: Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
5. Qarachil Expedition
Q: Which military expedition failed in the Himalayan region?
A: Qarachil Expedition.
Other Important MCQs
Q: Which department was established for agricultural development?
A: Diwan-i-Amir Kohi.
Q: Which Moroccan traveler visited Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s court?
A: Ibn Battuta.
Q: Which famous book was written by Ibn Battuta?
A: Rihla.
Q: Where did Muhammad bin Tughlaq die?
A: Thatta, Sindh.
Q: In which year did Muhammad bin Tughlaq die?
A: 1351 AD.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)
Q: Who succeeded Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
A: Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Q: Which Sultan is famous for public welfare works?
A: Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Q: Who was his famous Prime Minister?
A: Khan-i-Jahan Maqbool.
Q: Which city was founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq?
A: Firozabad.
Q: Which other cities are associated with his reign?
A: Hissar, Fatehabad and Jaunpur.
Q: Which two Ashokan pillars were brought to Delhi?
A: From Topra and Meerut.
Welfare Departments
Q: Which department was established for slaves?
A: Diwan-i-Bandagan.
Q: Which department provided financial help for poor girls’ marriages?
A: Diwan-i-Khairat.
Q: Which hospital was established by Firoz Shah Tughlaq?
A: Dar-ul-Shifa.
Taxation
Q: Which tax was imposed separately on Brahmins during Firoz Shah’s reign?
A: Jizya.
Q: Which irrigation tax was introduced?
A: Haq-i-Sharb.
Q: What was Kharaj?
A: Land revenue tax.
Q: What was Zakat?
A: Tax on Muslim wealth.
Q: What was Jizya?
A: Tax on non-Muslims.
Q: What was Khums?
A: One-fifth share of war booty for the state.
Decline of Tughlaq Dynasty
Q: Which invasion greatly weakened the Tughlaq Dynasty?
A: The invasion of Timur in 1398 AD.
Q: Which dynasty succeeded the Tughlaqs?
A: Sayyid Dynasty.
Q: In which year did the Tughlaq Dynasty end?
A: 1414 AD.
Most Repeated Past Paper MCQs (Must Memorize)
- Founder of Tughlaq Dynasty → Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
- Founder of Tughlaqabad → Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
- Original name of Muhammad bin Tughlaq → Jauna Khan.
- Capital shifted to → Daulatabad.
- Token Currency introduced by → Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
- Department for agriculture → Diwan-i-Amir Kohi.
- Traveler in Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s court → Ibn Battuta.
- Author of Rihla → Ibn Battuta.
- Successor of Muhammad bin Tughlaq → Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
- Department for slaves → Diwan-i-Bandagan.
- Department for poor girls → Diwan-i-Khairat.
- Hospital established by Firoz Shah → Dar-ul-Shifa.
- Tax imposed on Brahmins → Jizya.
- Ashokan pillars brought from → Topra and Meerut.
- Invader of Delhi in 1398 → Timur.
This portion is very important for CSS, PMS, FIA, PPSC, ASF, Lecturer, and Screening Tests. A few facts need refinement, and I’ve highlighted the questions that are most often repeated in past papers.
Late Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodhi, Early Mughals & Suri Dynasty
Timur’s Invasion (1398 AD)
Q: Which Tughlaq ruler was ruling Delhi during Timur’s invasion?
A: Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughlaq.
Q: Who invaded India in 1398 AD?
A: Timur.
Q: Why did Timur invade India?
A: Wealth, expansion, and religious justification against non-Muslims.
Q: Which city suffered the most during Timur’s invasion?
A: Delhi.
Q: Whom did Timur appoint as governor before leaving India?
A: Khizr Khan.
Q: In which year did Timur leave India?
A: 1399 AD.
Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
Q: Who founded the Sayyid Dynasty?
A: Khizr Khan.
Q: In which year was the Sayyid Dynasty established?
A: 1414 AD.
Q: Which title did Khizr Khan use instead of Sultan?
A: Rayat-i-Ala.
Q: Which ruler founded Mubarakabad?
A: Mubarak Shah.
Q: Who wrote Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi?
A: Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi.
Q: Who was the last ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty?
A: Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah.
Q: In which year did the Sayyid Dynasty end?
A: 1451 AD.
Lodhi Dynasty (1451–1526)
Frequently Asked in Competitive Exams
Q: Which was the first Afghan dynasty to rule Delhi?
A: Lodhi Dynasty.
Q: Who founded the Lodhi Dynasty?
A: Bahlul Lodhi.
Q: Which kingdom was annexed by Bahlul Lodhi?
A: Jaunpur.
Sikandar Lodhi
Q: Who succeeded Bahlul Lodhi?
A: Sikandar Lodhi.
Q: What was the original name of Sikandar Lodhi?
A: Nizam Khan.
Q: Which city was founded by Sikandar Lodhi?
A: Agra.
Q: Under which pen name did Sikandar Lodhi write poetry?
A: Gulrukh.
Q: Who is considered the greatest Lodhi ruler?
A: Sikandar Lodhi.
Ibrahim Lodhi
Q: Who was the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate?
A: Ibrahim Lodhi.
Q: In which battle was Ibrahim Lodhi defeated?
A: First Battle of Panipat.
Q: On which date was the First Battle of Panipat fought?
A: 21 April 1526.
Q: Who defeated Ibrahim Lodhi?
A: Babur.
Early Mughal Empire
Babur (1526–1530)
Most Important Section
Q: Who founded the Mughal Empire in India?
A: Babur.
Q: What was Babur’s full name?
A: Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babur.
Q: Where was Babur born?
A: Fergana Valley.
Q: In which year was Babur born?
A: 1483 AD.
Q: Babur was descended from whom?
A: Timur (father’s side) and Genghis Khan (mother’s side).
Q: Which battle established Mughal rule in India?
A: First Battle of Panipat (1526).
Q: Which Rajput ruler was defeated in the Battle of Khanwa?
A: Rana Sanga.
Q: When was the Battle of Khanwa fought?
A: 1527 AD.
Q: Which ruler was defeated in the Battle of Chanderi?
A: Medini Rai.
Q: Which battle secured Babur’s eastern frontier?
A: Battle of Ghaghra (1529).
Q: Which autobiography was written by Babur?
A: Baburnama (Tuzk-e-Babri).
Q: Where is Babur buried?
A: Kabul.
Humayun (1530–1540, 1555–1556)
Q: Who succeeded Babur?
A: Humayun.
Q: What was Humayun’s full name?
A: Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad Humayun.
Q: Which city did Humayun build?
A: Dinpanah.
Q: In which battle did Humayun lose to Sher Shah Suri in 1539?
A: Battle of Chausa.
Q: In which battle did Humayun lose his empire in 1540?
A: Battle of Kannauj (Bilgram).
Q: Whom did Humayun marry during exile?
A: Hamida Banu Begum.
Q: Who was the mother of Akbar?
A: Hamida Banu Begum.
Q: Who wrote Humayun Nama?
A: Gulbadan Begum.
Suri Dynasty (1540–1555)
Extremely Important for Exams
Q: What was the real name of Sher Shah Suri?
A: Farid Khan.
Q: Why was he called Sher Khan?
A: Because he killed a tiger.
Q: Who founded the Suri Dynasty?
A: Sher Shah Suri.
Q: Which famous coin was introduced by Sher Shah Suri?
A: Rupiya (Rupee).
Q: Which road was rebuilt and extended by Sher Shah Suri?
A: Grand Trunk Road.
Q: Which postal system was introduced by Sher Shah Suri?
A: Dak Chowki (postal relay system).
Q: Into which administrative units was the empire divided?
A: Sarkars and Parganas.
Q: Which revenue documents were introduced by Sher Shah?
A: Patta and Qabuliyat.
Q: What was the state’s share of agricultural produce under Sher Shah?
A: One-third.
Q: In which year did Sher Shah Suri die?
A: 1545 AD.
Q: How did Sher Shah Suri die?
A: Explosion of gunpowder during the siege of Kalinjar Fort.
Top 20 Repeated MCQs from Past Papers
- Founder of Sayyid Dynasty → Khizr Khan.
- Founder of Lodhi Dynasty → Bahlul Lodhi.
- Greatest Lodhi ruler → Sikandar Lodhi.
- Founder of Agra → Sikandar Lodhi.
- Last Sultan of Delhi Sultanate → Ibrahim Lodhi.
- First Battle of Panipat → 1526.
- Founder of Mughal Empire → Babur.
- Babur’s autobiography → Baburnama.
- Battle of Khanwa → 1527.
- Opponent of Babur at Khanwa → Rana Sanga.
- Successor of Babur → Humayun.
- Founder of Dinpanah → Humayun.
- Battle of Chausa → 1539.
- Battle of Kannauj → 1540.
- Mother of Akbar → Hamida Banu Begum.
- Author of Humayun Nama → Gulbadan Begum.
- Real name of Sher Shah Suri → Farid Khan.
- Coin introduced by Sher Shah → Rupiya.
- Revenue documents → Patta and Qabuliyat.
- Rebuilder of Grand Trunk Road → Sher Shah Suri.
This section is among the most important parts of Pakistan Affairs, Indo-Pak History, CSS, PMS, FIA, PPSC, Lecturer, and Screening Tests. Most of your notes are correct, but a few details require refinement. Below is the exam-focused corrected version.
Mughal Golden Age (1556–1707 AD)
Emperor Akbar (1556–1605)
Frequently Repeated MCQs
Q: What was the full name of Akbar?
A: Akbar (Jalal-ud-Din Muhammad Akbar).
Q: Where was Akbar born?
A: Umerkot.
Q: In which year was Akbar born?
A: 1542 AD.
Q: At what age did Akbar become Emperor?
A: Approximately 13–14 years old (1556 AD).
Q: Who served as Akbar’s regent?
A: Bairam Khan.
Q: Which battle secured Akbar’s throne?
A: Second Battle of Panipat (1556).
Q: Who was defeated in the Second Battle of Panipat?
A: Hemu.
Administrative Reforms
Q: Which tax on pilgrims was abolished by Akbar?
A: Pilgrim Tax (1563).
Q: Which tax on non-Muslims was abolished by Akbar?
A: Jizya (1564).
Q: Which administrative system was introduced by Akbar?
A: Mansabdari System.
Q: Who developed Akbar’s revenue system?
A: Raja Todar Mal.
Q: Which revenue settlement became famous during Akbar’s reign?
A: Dahsala System.
Religion & Culture
Q: Which building was constructed for religious discussions?
A: Ibadat Khana.
Q: Where was Ibadat Khana built?
A: Fatehpur Sikri.
Q: Which religious philosophy was introduced by Akbar?
A: Din-i-Ilahi.
Q: Who was the only prominent Hindu courtier associated with Din-i-Ilahi?
A: Raja Birbal.
Literature
Q: Who wrote Akbarnama?
A: Abul Fazl.
Q: Who wrote Ain-i-Akbari?
A: Abul Fazl.
Q: Who was Faizi?
A: Poet Laureate and brother of Abul Fazl.
Q: Who translated Baburnama into Persian?
A: Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana.
Architecture
Q: Which city was founded by Akbar?
A: Fatehpur Sikri.
Q: Which famous gateway did Akbar build?
A: Buland Darwaza.
Q: Which forts are associated with Akbar?
A: Agra Fort and Allahabad Fort.
Q: Which famous battle was fought in 1576?
A: Battle of Haldighati.
Q: Who fought Akbar in the Battle of Haldighati?
A: Maharana Pratap.
Emperor Jahangir (1605–1627)
Very Important MCQs
Q: What was Jahangir’s original name?
A: Salim.
Q: Who succeeded Akbar?
A: Jahangir.
Q: What was Jahangir’s most famous symbol of justice?
A: Chain of Justice (Zanjir-i-Adl).
Q: Whom did Jahangir marry in 1611?
A: Nur Jahan (Mehr-un-Nissa).
Q: Which Mughal empress exercised extraordinary political influence?
A: Nur Jahan.
Q: What autobiography was written by Jahangir?
A: Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri.
Q: Where is Jahangir buried?
A: Tomb of Jahangir.
Emperor Shah Jahan (1628–1658)
Most Repeated Questions
Q: What was Shah Jahan’s original name?
A: Khurram.
Q: Why is Shah Jahan’s reign called the Golden Age of Mughal Architecture?
A: Because of unparalleled architectural achievements.
Q: Which monument was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal?
A: Taj Mahal.
Q: Who was Mumtaz Mahal?
A: Shah Jahan’s beloved wife.
Q: Which city did Shah Jahan establish?
A: Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).
Q: Which fort was built by Shah Jahan?
A: Red Fort.
Q: Which famous mosque was built by Shah Jahan?
A: Jama Masjid, Delhi.
Q: What was the name of Shah Jahan’s famous throne?
A: Peacock Throne (Takht-i-Taus).
Q: How did Shah Jahan lose power?
A: He was overthrown by Aurangzeb during the War of Succession.
Aurangzeb Alamgir (1658–1707)
Highest-Yield Area for Exams
Q: What title did Aurangzeb adopt?
A: Alamgir.
Q: Which battle secured Aurangzeb’s victory over Dara Shikoh?
A: Battle of Samugarh (1658).
Q: Who was Aurangzeb’s main rival for the throne?
A: Dara Shikoh.
Q: Which tax did Aurangzeb reimpose in 1679?
A: Jizya.
Q: Which festival was abolished by Aurangzeb?
A: Nauroz celebrations at court.
Q: Which famous mosque was built by Aurangzeb in Lahore?
A: Badshahi Mosque.
Q: Which monument is known as the “Taj of the Deccan”?
A: Bibi Ka Maqbara.
Q: Which regional power became Aurangzeb’s greatest challenge?
A: The Marathas.
Q: Who led the Maratha resistance?
A: Shivaji.
Q: What policy consumed the last decades of Aurangzeb’s reign?
A: Deccan Policy.
Q: In which year did Aurangzeb die?
A: 1707 AD.
Super Important Past Paper MCQs
- Birthplace of Akbar → Umerkot.
- Regent of Akbar → Bairam Khan.
- Second Battle of Panipat → 1556.
- Founder of Din-i-Ilahi → Akbar.
- Author of Akbarnama → Abul Fazl.
- Revenue Minister of Akbar → Raja Todar Mal.
- Founder of Fatehpur Sikri → Akbar.
- Original name of Jahangir → Salim.
- Chain of Justice → Jahangir.
- Wife of Jahangir → Nur Jahan.
- Author of Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri → Jahangir.
- Original name of Shah Jahan → Khurram.
- Builder of Taj Mahal → Shah Jahan.
- Builder of Red Fort → Shah Jahan.
- Builder of Badshahi Mosque → Aurangzeb.
- Title of Aurangzeb → Alamgir.
- Tax reimposed by Aurangzeb → Jizya.
- Main opponent of Aurangzeb → Shivaji and the Marathas.
- Deccan Policy → Aurangzeb.
- Last Great Mughal Emperor → Aurangzeb Alamgir.
Quick Timeline (Must Memorize)
| Emperor | Reign |
|---|---|
| Akbar | 1556–1605 |
| Jahangir | 1605–1627 |
| Shah Jahan | 1628–1658 |
| Aurangzeb Alamgir | 1658–1707 |
Decline of Mughals & British Expansion in India – MCQs
Q1. Who was the son and successor of Aurangzeb?
A. Jahandar Shah
B. Bahadur Shah I ✅
C. Farrukhsiyar
D. Muhammad Shah
Q2. Aurangzeb died in:
A. 1705
B. 1706
C. 1707 ✅
D. 1708
Q3. The decline of the Mughal Empire began after the death of:
A. Akbar
B. Shah Jahan
C. Aurangzeb ✅
D. Bahadur Shah I
Q4. Who was the last Mughal Emperor?
A. Akbar II
B. Shah Alam II
C. Bahadur Shah I
D. Bahadur Shah II (Zafar) ✅
Q5. Bahadur Shah Zafar died in exile at:
A. Calcutta
B. Delhi
C. Rangoon ✅
D. Lahore
Q6. Bahadur Shah Zafar was famous as a:
A. Soldier
B. Poet ✅
C. Reformer
D. General
Q7. The Mughal Empire officially ended in:
A. 1849
B. 1856
C. 1857 ✅
D. 1858
Causes of Mughal Decline
Q8. Which was NOT a cause of Mughal decline?
A. Wars of succession
B. Financial mismanagement
C. Military indiscipline
D. Industrial Revolution ✅
Q9. One major cause of Mughal decline was:
A. Strong central administration
B. Luxurious lifestyle of rulers ✅
C. Military modernization
D. Industrial development
Q10. Continuous wars of succession led to:
A. Stability
B. Expansion
C. Political instability ✅
D. Economic growth
Advent of European Powers
Q11. Which European nation first reached India by sea?
A. British
B. Dutch
C. Portuguese ✅
D. French
Q12. Vasco da Gama arrived in India in:
A. 1492
B. 1498 ✅
C. 1505
D. 1510
Q13. The British East India Company was established in:
A. 1498
B. 1600 ✅
C. 1602
D. 1664
Q14. The Dutch East India Company was established in:
A. 1600
B. 1602 ✅
C. 1612
D. 1664
Q15. The French East India Company was established in:
A. 1600
B. 1602
C. 1664 ✅
D. 1707
Q16. The three motives of European expansion are known as:
A. 3Ds
B. 3Ps
C. 3Gs ✅
D. 3Ws
Q17. The 3Gs stand for:
A. Gold, God, Glory ✅
B. Gold, Growth, Government
C. Glory, Governance, Gain
D. God, Government, Gain
Bengal and British Rise
Q18. Battle of Plassey was fought in:
A. 1756
B. 1757 ✅
C. 1761
D. 1764
Q19. Battle of Plassey was fought on:
A. 23 June 1757 ✅
B. 12 July 1757
C. 20 June 1756
D. 10 January 1758
Q20. Nawab of Bengal at the Battle of Plassey was:
A. Mir Qasim
B. Siraj-ud-Daulah ✅
C. Mir Jafar
D. Shuja-ud-Daulah
Q21. The British commander at Plassey was:
A. Warren Hastings
B. Robert Clive ✅
C. Cornwallis
D. Wellesley
Q22. The betrayal at Plassey was committed by:
A. Mir Sadiq
B. Mir Jafar ✅
C. Jagat Seth
D. Mir Madan
Q23. Battle of Buxar was fought in:
A. 1757
B. 1761
C. 1764 ✅
D. 1765
Q24. Battle of Buxar consolidated British control over:
A. Punjab
B. Bengal ✅
C. Sindh
D. Mysore
Mysore and Tipu Sultan
Q25. Founder of Mysore’s military power was:
A. Tipu Sultan
B. Haider Ali ✅
C. Mir Sadiq
D. Nizam-ul-Mulk
Q26. Tipu Sultan was the son of:
A. Mir Qasim
B. Haider Ali ✅
C. Shah Alam II
D. Ranjit Singh
Q27. First Anglo-Mysore War was fought during:
A. 1767–1769 ✅
B. 1775–1782
C. 1780–1784
D. 1790–1792
Q28. Second Anglo-Mysore War was fought during:
A. 1767–1769
B. 1780–1784 ✅
C. 1790–1792
D. 1799
Q29. Third Anglo-Mysore War was fought during:
A. 1767–1769
B. 1780–1784
C. 1790–1792 ✅
D. 1799
Q30. Tipu Sultan was martyred in:
A. 1792
B. 1795
C. 1799 ✅
D. 1805
Q31. Which person is remembered as the traitor in Tipu Sultan’s ranks?
A. Mir Jafar
B. Mir Qasim
C. Mir Sadiq ✅
D. Ghulam Muhammad
Marathas and Panipat
Q32. Founder of the Maratha Empire was:
A. Shivaji ✅
B. Baji Rao
C. Nana Sahib
D. Scindia
Q33. Third Battle of Panipat was fought in:
A. 1757
B. 1761 ✅
C. 1764
D. 1775
Q34. The Marathas were defeated at Panipat by:
A. Nadir Shah
B. Ahmad Shah Abdali ✅
C. Ranjit Singh
D. Haider Ali
Foreign Invasions
Q35. Battle of Karnal was fought in:
A. 1739 ✅
B. 1748
C. 1757
D. 1761
Q36. Nadir Shah defeated the Mughals at:
A. Panipat
B. Karnal ✅
C. Buxar
D. Plassey
Q37. After defeating the Mughals, Nadir Shah sacked:
A. Lahore
B. Agra
C. Delhi ✅
D. Multan
Q38. Battle of Manupur was fought in:
A. 1739
B. 1748 ✅
C. 1757
D. 1761
Q39. Ahmed Shah Abdali belonged to:
A. Persia
B. Afghanistan ✅
C. Turkey
D. Arabia
Carnatic Wars
Q40. Carnatic Wars were fought between:
A. British and Portuguese
B. British and Dutch
C. British and French ✅
D. Dutch and French
Q41. Carnatic Wars lasted from:
A. 1739–1748
B. 1746–1763 ✅
C. 1757–1764
D. 1767–1784
Sikh Empire
Q42. Founder of the Sikh Empire was:
A. Banda Singh Bahadur
B. Gulab Singh
C. Ranjit Singh ✅
D. Kharak Singh
Q43. Ranjit Singh captured all except:
A. Lahore
B. Kashmir
C. Peshawar
D. Delhi ✅
Q44. Treaty of Amritsar was signed in:
A. 1805
B. 1809 ✅
C. 1818
D. 1839
Q45. Treaty of Amritsar fixed which river as boundary?
A. Ravi
B. Chenab
C. Jhelum
D. Sutlej ✅
Q46. Ranjit Singh died in:
A. 1818
B. 1839 ✅
C. 1845
D. 1849
Q47. First Anglo-Sikh War was fought in:
A. 1839
B. 1845–46 ✅
C. 1848
D. 1849
Q48. Second Anglo-Sikh War ended in:
A. 1845
B. 1846
C. 1848
D. 1849 ✅
Q49. Punjab was annexed by the British in:
A. 1843
B. 1845
C. 1849 ✅
D. 1857
Annexation of Territories
Q50. Sindh was annexed by the British in:
A. 1839
B. 1843 ✅
C. 1845
D. 1849
Q51. Sindh was annexed from the:
A. Mughals
B. Sikhs
C. Talpur Amirs ✅
D. Marathas
Q52. Oudh (Awadh) was annexed in:
A. 1849
B. 1856 ✅
C. 1857
D. 1858
Q53. Oudh was annexed on the pretext of:
A. Military weakness
B. Financial crisis
C. Misgovernance ✅
D. Religious conflict
Most Repeated Exam MCQs
- Last Mughal Emperor → Bahadur Shah Zafar
- Battle of Plassey → 1757
- Battle of Buxar → 1764
- Traitor at Plassey → Mir Jafar
- Traitor of Tipu Sultan → Mir Sadiq
- Tipu Sultan died → 1799
- Third Battle of Panipat → 1761
- Nadir Shah invaded India → 1739
- Treaty of Amritsar → 1809
- Punjab annexed → 1849
- Sindh annexed → 1843
- Oudh annexed → 1856
- Portuguese arrived → 1498
- British East India Company established → 1600
- Carnatic Wars → 1746–1763
Your MCQs are mostly correct, but a few need historical corrections. For competitive exams (CSS, PMS, FIA, PPSC, NTS, Lecturer, etc.), use the corrected version below.
Decline of Mughal Empire (Important Corrected MCQs)
Q1. Which Mughal emperor died in 1707, marking the beginning of Mughal decline?
A) Akbar
B) Shah Jahan
C) Aurangzeb Alamgir
D) Bahadur Shah I
Answer: C
Q2. Who was the last Mughal Emperor?
A) Akbar II
B) Bahadur Shah I
C) Bahadur Shah Zafar
D) Jahandar Shah
Answer: C
Q3. In which year was Bahadur Shah Zafar exiled to Rangoon?
A) 1856
B) 1857
C) 1858
D) 1862
Answer: C
Q4. Who founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad?
A) Mir Jafar
B) Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah
C) Ali Vardi Khan
D) Haider Ali
Answer: B
Q5. Which ruler established the Sikh Empire in Punjab?
A) Banda Singh Bahadur
B) Duleep Singh
C) Ranjit Singh
D) Gulab Singh
Answer: C
Advent of Europeans (Very Important)
Q6. Who discovered the sea route to India?
A) Columbus
B) Vasco da Gama
C) Magellan
D) Dupleix
Answer: B
Q7. Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in:
A) 1492
B) 1498
C) 1500
D) 1510
Answer: B
Q8. The British East India Company was established in:
A) 1498
B) 1600
C) 1602
D) 1668
Answer: B
Q9. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was established in:
A) 1600
B) 1602
C) 1664
D) 1700
Answer: B
Q10. The French East India Company was established in:
A) 1602
B) 1664
C) 1707
D) 1757
Answer: B
Q11. What were the “Three Gs” of European expansion?
A) Gold, God, Glory
B) Growth, Goods, Government
C) Gold, Guns, Government
D) God, Guns, Growth
Answer: A
Bengal, Plassey & Buxar (Most Repeated)
Q12. Who was the Nawab of Bengal at the time of the Battle of Plassey?
A) Mir Jafar
B) Siraj-ud-Daulah
C) Mir Qasim
D) Ali Vardi Khan
Answer: B
Q13. Battle of Plassey was fought on:
A) 22 October 1764
B) 23 June 1757
C) 14 January 1761
D) 30 March 1849
Answer: B
Q14. Who betrayed Siraj-ud-Daulah at Plassey?
A) Mir Qasim
B) Mir Jafar
C) Shuja-ud-Daulah
D) Clive
Answer: B
Q15. Battle of Buxar was fought on:
A) 1757
B) 1761
C) 1764
D) 1775
Answer: C
Q16. Who commanded the British forces at the Battle of Plassey?
A) Warren Hastings
B) Robert Clive
C) Cornwallis
D) Dalhousie
Answer: B
Q17. Which battle established British political supremacy in India?
A) Panipat
B) Plassey
C) Buxar
D) Seringapatam
Answer: C
Mysore & Anglo-Mysore Wars
Q18. Who was known as the “Tiger of Mysore”?
A) Haider Ali
B) Tipu Sultan
C) Nizam-ul-Mulk
D) Mir Qasim
Answer: B
Q19. Tipu Sultan died in:
A) 1782
B) 1792
C) 1799
D) 1803
Answer: C
Q20. Which treaty ended the Second Anglo-Mysore War?
A) Treaty of Madras
B) Treaty of Mangalore
C) Treaty of Salbai
D) Treaty of Amritsar
Answer: B
Q21. Which Governor-General defeated Tipu Sultan?
A) Warren Hastings
B) Lord Wellesley
C) Cornwallis
D) Dalhousie
Answer: B
Marathas (Highly Important)
Q22. Third Battle of Panipat was fought in:
A) 1757
B) 1761
C) 1764
D) 1775
Answer: B
Q23. Third Battle of Panipat was fought between:
A) British and Marathas
B) Sikhs and Afghans
C) Ahmad Shah Abdali and Marathas
D) British and Mysore
Answer: C
Q24. Treaty of Salbai ended:
A) First Anglo-Mysore War
B) First Anglo-Maratha War
C) Second Anglo-Maratha War
D) Third Anglo-Maratha War
Answer: B
Sikh Empire (Frequently Asked)
Q25. Maharaja Ranjit Singh became Maharaja of Punjab in:
A) 1799
B) 1801
C) 1809
D) 1839
Answer: B
Q26. Treaty of Amritsar between Ranjit Singh and the British was signed in:
A) 1801
B) 1805
C) 1809
D) 1818
Answer: C
Q27. The First Anglo-Sikh War was fought during the reign of:
A) Ranjit Singh
B) Sher Singh
C) Duleep Singh
D) Kharak Singh
Answer: C
Q28. Punjab was annexed by the British in:
A) 1843
B) 1845
C) 1848
D) 1849
Answer: D
Sindh & Oudh (Very Important)
Q29. Who conquered Sindh for the British?
A) Lord Dalhousie
B) Charles Napier
C) Robert Clive
D) Wellesley
Answer: B
Q30. Sindh was annexed in:
A) 1839
B) 1843
C) 1849
D) 1856
Answer: B
Q31. Which Governor-General annexed Oudh in 1856?
A) Cornwallis
B) Wellesley
C) Dalhousie
D) Hastings
Answer: C
Q32. Who was the last Nawab of Oudh?
A) Shuja-ud-Daulah
B) Sadat Khan
C) Wajid Ali Shah
D) Asaf-ud-Daulah
Answer: C