Basic Quiz – 28 October 2026 | Modern History

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Harihara I and Bukka Raya I established the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 CE. They belonged to the Sangama Dynasty.

Statement 2: Correct. Krishnadevaraya was the most celebrated ruler of the Tuluva Dynasty. He ruled from 1509 to 1529 CE.

Statement 3: Correct. The Battle of Talikota took place in 1565 CE between Vijayanagara forces and an alliance of Deccan Sultanates. The defeat severely weakened the empire.

Statement 4: Incorrect. Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka, not the Krishna River.

Remember for Prelims:

• Vijayanagara Empire: Founded in 1336 CE.
• Founders: Harihara I and Bukka Raya I.
• First ruling dynasty: Sangama.
• Krishnadevaraya: Tuluva Dynasty.
• Amuktamalyada: Telugu literary work written by Krishnadevaraya.
• Battle of Talikota: 1565 CE.
• Hampi: UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka.
• Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz: Portuguese travellers who described Vijayanagara.

Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Kabir was associated with the Nirguna Bhakti tradition, which emphasised devotion to a formless God. He criticised ritualism, caste discrimination and religious divisions.

Statement 2: Correct. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, preached belief in one God, equality, honest work and service to humanity.

Statement 3: Correct. The Chishti order emphasised love, compassion, devotion and service. It became influential in India through saints such as Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Nizamuddin Auliya.

Statement 4: Incorrect. Mirabai was a prominent devotee of Lord Krishna. Her devotional compositions are associated with the Saguna Bhakti tradition.

Remember for Prelims:

• Kabir: Nirguna Bhakti tradition.
• Mirabai: Krishna devotion.
• Guru Nanak: Founder of Sikhism.
• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti: Ajmer.
• Nizamuddin Auliya: Delhi.
• Amir Khusrau: Poet and musician associated with Nizamuddin Auliya.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Krishna Bhakti movement.

Correct Answer: (c) Only three

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, establishing Mughal rule in northern India.

Statement 2: Correct. Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri at Kannauj (Bilgram) in 1540, forcing him into exile.

Statement 3: Correct. Akbar introduced Din-i-Ilahi, also known as Tauhid-i-Ilahi, in 1582. It was an ethical and spiritual order associated with his policy of religious tolerance.

Statement 4: Incorrect. Buland Darwaza was constructed during Akbar’s reign to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.

Remember for Prelims:

• 1526: First Battle of Panipat — Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi.
• 1527: Battle of Khanwa — Babur defeated Rana Sanga.
• 1540: Battle of Kannauj — Sher Shah defeated Humayun.
• 1556: Second Battle of Panipat — Akbar’s forces defeated Hemu.
• 1576: Battle of Haldighati — Mughal forces fought Maharana Pratap’s forces.
• Akbar: Associated with Sulh-i-Kul, Mansabdari and Din-i-Ilahi.

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Alauddin Khalji introduced price-control measures covering food grains, cloth, horses and other essential commodities. These regulations helped support his large army.

Statement 2: Correct. The Diwan-i-Riyasat supervised market regulations, while the Shahana-i-Mandi was associated with market administration.

Statement 3: Incorrect. The Mansabdari system was introduced under the Mughal emperor Akbar. It classified officials according to their ranks and military obligations.

Statement 4: Correct. Alauddin Khalji maintained a large standing army and introduced the Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive records of soldiers) systems.

Remember for Prelims:

• Alauddin Khalji ruled from 1296 to 1316 CE.
• Diwan-i-Riyasat: Department associated with market control.
• Dagh: Branding of horses.
• Chehra: Descriptive records of soldiers.
• Malik Kafur: Military commander associated with Khalji’s Deccan campaigns.
• Siri: Fortified city developed under Alauddin Khalji.

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct. Qutb-ud-din Aibak established the Mamluk Dynasty in 1206 CE following the death of Muhammad Ghori. It was the first ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

Statement 2: Correct. Iltutmish standardised the silver tanka and copper jital, strengthening the monetary system of the Delhi Sultanate.

Statement 3: Incorrect. Razia Sultan was the daughter of Iltutmish. She ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE and was the first and only woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate in her own right.

Statement 4: Correct. Balban promoted an exalted conception of kingship, emphasising royal dignity, strict court discipline and the divine sanction of monarchy.

Remember for Prelims:

• Qutb-ud-din Aibak: Founder of the Mamluk Dynasty.
• Iltutmish: Consolidated the Delhi Sultanate and organised the Iqta system.
• Razia Sultan: Ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE.
• Balban: Followed the policy of Blood and Iron.
• The Mamluk Dynasty ruled from 1206 to 1290 CE.