Q. What was the capital of the Chola dynasty?
a). Kanchipuram
b). Thanjavur
c). Madurai
d). Hampi
Answer: b). Thanjavur
Q. Who is traditionally credited as the architect of the Rajarajeshvara Temple at Thanjavur?
a). Rajaraja I
b). Kunjaramallan Rajaraja Perunthachchan
c). Krishnadeva Raya
d). Vishwakarma
Answer: b). Kunjaramallan Rajaraja Perunthachchan
Explanation: Rajarajeshvara Temple at Thanjavur, built by King Rajaraja Chola.
Q. Match the following communities with their traditional occupations:
1. Saliya a). Bronze sculpture of gods and goddesses
2. Swamimalai b). Weaving, cloth and flags for the temple
Answer: b). 1–b, 2–a
Q. Which metals were primarily used in Chola bronze sculptures?
a). Iron and zinc
b). Copper and tin
c). Silver and gold only
d). Lead and mercury
Answer: b). Copper and tin
Q. The lost-wax technique used by Chola sculptors involves
a). Carving directly on stone
b). Making a wax model, covering it with clay, melting the wax, and pouring molten metal
c). Casting bronze in molds without wax
d). Hammering metal sheets into shape
Answer: b). Making a wax model, covering it with clay, melting the wax, and pouring molten meta
Q. Match the following temples with their respective states:
1. Bhillasvamin a). Andhra Pradesh
2. Somnath b). Gujarat
3. Tirupati c). Madhya Pradesh
Options:
a). 1–a, 2–b, 3–c
b). 1–c, 2–b, 3–a
c). 1–b, 2–a, 3–c
d). 1–c, 2–a, 3–b
Answer: b). 1–c, 2–b, 3–a
Q. Which of the following pilgrimage centres does NOT lie in Tamil Nadu?
a). Kanchipuram
b). Madurai
c). Tiruvannamalai
d). Vrindavan
Answer: d). Vrindavan
Explanation: Vrindavan is located in Uttar Pradesh, while Kanchipuram, Madurai, and Tiruvannamalai are all in Tamil Nadu.
Q. Administrative towns were mainly important because
a). They were farming centre
b). They served as headquarters for rulers and officials
c). Only temples were built there
d). No markets existed there
Correct Answer: b). They served as headquarters for rulers and officials
Q. Which city was the capital of the Chauhan dynasty?
a). Bidar
b). Ajmer
c). Masulipatnam
d). Surat
Answer: b). Ajmer
Explanation: Ajmer (Rajasthan) was the capital of the Chauhan kings in the twelfth century and later became the suba headquarters under the Mughals.
Q. Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, the famous Sufi saint, is associated with which city?
a). Ajmer
b). Delhi
c). Lucknow
d). Hyderabad
Answer: a). Ajmer
Q. Pushkar Lake, a sacred site famous for pilgrimage and fairs, is located in which state?
a). Rajasthan
b). Uttar Pradesh
c). Gujarat
d). Madhya Pradesh
Answer: a). Rajasthan
Explanation: Pushkar Lake is a holy lake in Rajasthan, associated with Lord Brahma, and hosts the famous Pushkar Camel Fair and religious festivals.
Q. Who were the Banjaras in the medieval period of India?
a). A group of temple priests
b). Nomadic traders transporting goods
c). Sailors working for the Mughals
d). Scholars in royal courts
Answer: b). Nomadic traders transporting goods
Explanation: Banjaras were nomadic traders who moved long distances transporting food grains and other goods.
Q. Which term was used for the Banjaras’ trading caravan?
a). Karwan
b). Tanda
c). Mandi
d). Hatti
Answer: b). Tanda
Explanation: A group of Banjaras traveling together with their carts was called a tanda
Q. Guilds were associations of
a). Farmers
b). Artisans and traders
c). Soldiers
d). Kings
Answer: b). Artisans and traders
Explanation: Guilds controlled trade, quality, and prices of goods.
Q. Guilds ensured
a). High taxes for farmers
b). Protection, training, and fair trade for members
c). Only foreign trade
d). Political power for kings
Answer: b). Protection, training, and fair trade for members
Explanation: Guilds functioned as early trade unions and regulatory bodies.
Q. Manigramam and Nanadesi were famous as.
a). Buddhist monasteries
b). Merchant guilds in South India
c). Military groups controlling ports
d). Temple construction workers
Answer: b). Merchant guilds in South India
Explanation: Manigramam and Nanadesi were powerful and influential merchant guilds traded extensively both within the peninsula and with Southeast Asia and China.
Q. Who were the Chettiars and Marwari Oswal?
a). A pastoral community from Kashmir
b). A trading goups
c). A group of temple sculptors
d). Royal poets from Vijayanagara
Answer: b). A trading goups
Q. Gujarati traders such as Hindu Baniyas and Muslim Bohras traded extensively with…
a). East Asia only
b). West Asia and Southeast Asia
c). Central Africa only
d). North America
Answer: b). West Asia and Southeast Asia
Explanation: Gujarati traders built strong trade links with ports in West Asia and Southeast Asia across the Indian Ocean.
Q. The famous craft from Bidar in Karnataka is known as…
a). Kalamkari
b). Bidri
c). Zardozi
d). Meenakari
Answer: b). Bidri
Explanation: Bidriware is the renowned metal inlay work made in Bidar, using a blackened alloy with silver designs.
Q. According to Jean‑Baptiste Tavernier, the annual value of the horse trade at Kabul on the Silk Route was approximately…
a). Rs 10,000
b). Rs 20,000
c). Rs 30,000
d). Rs 50,000
Answer: c). Rs 30,000
Q. Craft communities like Panchalas and Vishwakarma were important because…
a). They controlled sea routes
b). They helped create economic prosperity through skilled production
c). They avoided all trade networks
d). They focused only on religious rituals
Answer: b).
Explanation: Their artistic and technological skills boosted manufacturing and commercial activities in medieval India.
Q. Why were weaver groups such as Saliyar and Kaikkolars respected in towns?
a). For military achievements
b). For maintaining public gardens
c). For their significant role in trade and urban growth
d). For working as royal tax collectors
Answer: c). For their significant role in trade and urban growth
Explanation: The textile industry they supported helped towns prosper and develop strong trade links.
Q. Hampi is located in which river basin?
a). Ganga basin
b). Krishna basin
c). Tungabhadra basin
d). Godavari basin
Answer: c). Tungabhadra basin
Explanation: Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is situated in the Tungabhadra river basin in Karnataka.
Q. The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in…
a). 1206
b). 1336
c). 1526
d). 1453
Answer: b). 1336
Explanation: The Vijayanagara Empire was established in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I in the Deccan region.
Q. The walls in Vijayanagara fortifications were constructed using which technique?
a). Mortar and clay only
b). Stones wedged together by interlocking
c). Bamboo and wood
d). Bricks with lime plaster
Answer: b). Stones wedged together by interlocking
Q. Who were the “Moors” during the Vijayanagar Empire?
a). Muslim merchants
b). Chinese sailors
c). Persian missionaries
d). Portuguese soldiers
Answer: a). Muslim merchants
Q. Who were the Chettis during the Vijayanagar Empire?
a). Local chieftains who collected land revenue
b). Merchants and trading communities
c). Temple priests serving royal shrines
d). Military commanders of cavalry forces
Answer: b). Merchants and trading communities
Q. Which Portuguese traveller described the city of Hampi during the Vijayanagar Empire?
a). Marco Polo
b). Domingo Paes
c). Ibn Battuta
d). Al-Biruni
Answer: b). Domingo Paes
Explanation: Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller, visited the Vijayanagar Empire in the early 16th century and provided a detailed description of the capital city Hampi, including its markets, temples, and festivals.
Q. Virupaksha Temple is located in…
a). Madurai
b). Hampi
c). Warangal
d). Badami
Answer: b).
Explanation: The temple is situated in Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Q. The Mahanavami festival was first celebrated in…
a). Delhi Sultanate
b). Vijayanagara Empire
c). Mughal Empire
d). Chola Empire
Answer: b). Vijayanagara Empire
Explanation: The Mahanavami festival was a royal celebration first organized by the Vijayanagara rulers to mark their victories and showcase grandeur.
Q. Who defeated the Vijayanagara Empire in the Battle of Talikota?
a). Delhi Sultanate
b). Bahmani Sultanates
c). Deccan Sultanates alliance
d). Portuguese invaders
Answer: c). Deccan Sultanates alliance
Explanation: An alliance of five Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar) defeated Vijayanagara in 1565.
Q. What is an emporium?
a). A religious shrine
b). A commercial center or marketplace
c). A military camp
d). A royal palace
Answer: b). A commercial center or marketplace
Explanation: An emporium is a center of trade where merchants gather to buy and sell goods.
Q. Surat was known as the gateway to
a). South India
b). The Mughal Empire
c). The West Asia
d). The Himalayas
Answer: c). The West Asia via Gulf of Ormuz.
Q. Which port town was called the “gateway for pilgrimage to Mecca”?
a). Hampi
b). Masulipatnam
c). Surat
d). Calicut
Answer: c). Surat
Explanation: Ships carried pilgrims from Surat to Mecca.
Q. Surat was famous for its
a). Bronze idols
b). Cotton textiles
c). Coal mining
d). Sugar industry
Answer: b). Cotton textiles
Explanation: It was known for fine cotton cloth and zari (gold lace borders) embroidery.
Q. Which European traders established their factory in Surat?
a). British, Dutch and Portuguese
b). French only
c). Romans
d). Russians
Answer: a). British, Dutch and Portuguese
Explanation: They competed for control of trade in Surat
Q. Which English chronicler wrote about the port of Surat?
a). John Milton
b). Ovington
c). William Hawkins
d). Robert Clive
Answer: b). Ovington
Explanation: Ovington, an English traveler, documented Surat as a thriving Mughal port in the early 18th century.
Q. Who were the Kathiawad Seths?
a). Local rulers of Kathiawad
b). Merchant and banking families from the Kathiawad region
c). Temple priests
d). Farmers and herders
Answer: b). Merchant and banking families from the Kathiawad region
Explanation: Kathiawad Seths or Mahajans were influential merchant and banking families from the Kathiawad region of Gujarat, involved in trade and finance.
Q. What is a Hundi?
a). A type of ship
b). A financial instrument or bill of exchange
c). A tax on crops
d). A religious offering
Answer: b). A financial instrument or bill of exchange
Explanation: Hundi is a note recording a deposit made by a person. The amount deposited can be claimed in another place by presenting the record of the deposit.
Q. Surat Hundis were mainly used by…
a). Farmers
b). Merchants and traders
c). Soldiers
d). Temple priests
Answer: b). Merchants and traders
Explanation: Merchants in Surat used hundis to conduct long-distance trade safely without carrying large sums of money. Surat hundis were honoured in the far-off markets of Cairo in Egypt, Basra in Iraq and Antwerp in Belgium.
Q. The town of Masulipatnam is located on which delta?
a). Ganga delta
b). Krishna delta
c). Mahanadi delta
d). Cauvery delta
Answer: b). Krishna delta
Explanation: Masulipatnam or Machlipatnam (literally, fish port town) is situated on the Krishna delta on the east coast of India, making it fertile and suitable for trade and settlement.
Q. The fort of Masulipatnam was built by which European company?
a). Dutch East India Company
b). English East India Company
c). French East India Company
d). Portuguese East India Company
Answer: a). Dutch East India Company
Q. Who were factors in medieval trade?
a). Soldiers guarding forts
b). Village headmen
c). Temple priests
d). Official merchant of the East India Company
Answer: d). Official merchant of the East India Company
Q. Which English factor described the port town of Masulipatnam?
a). William Hawkins
b). Ovington
c). Thomas Roe
d). Williams Methold
Answer: d). Williams Methold
Q. Which dynasty imposed royal monopolies on the sale of textiles and spices in Masulipatnam?
a). Mughal dynasty
b). Qutb Shahi dynasty
c). Vijayanagara dynasty
d). Chola dynasty
Answer: b). Qutb Shahi dynasty
Explanation: The Qutb Shahi rulers of Golconda controlled trade in Masulipatnam by imposing royal monopolies on valuable goods like textiles and spices.
Q. Which Mughal emperor annexed Golconda?
a). Akbar
b). Aurangzeb
c). Shah Jahan
d). Jahangir
Answer: b). Aurangzeb
Explanation: Aurangzeb annexed the Golconda Sultanate in 1686- 67.
Q. Who were Mulla Abdul Ghaffur and Virji Vora?
a). Mughal court poets in Shah Jahan’s reign
b). Prominent merchants engaged in overseas trade
c). Portuguese missionaries in Surat
d). Governors of the English East India Company
Answer: b). Prominent merchants engaged in overseas trade
Explanation: Mulla Abdul Ghaffur and Virji Vora were powerful Indian merchants who dominated trade networks in Surat and other coastal regions, dealing especially in textiles and overseas commerce. They owned large number of ships.
Q. Why were Black and White Towns created by the British?
a). To promote cultural exchange between British and Indians
b). To separate Europeans from the Indian population socially and politically
c). To encourage Indian settlement in coastal cities
d). To increase tourism and revenue
Answer: b). To separate Europeans from the Indian population socially and politically
Explanation: Segregation allowed the British to maintain control, avoid cultural mingling, and ensure security.
Q. In which present-day Indian city is Fort St. William located?
a). Chennai
b). Mumbai
c). Kolkata
d). Visakhapatnam
Answer: c). Kolkata
Explanation: Fort St. William became the centre of British power in Bengal and is located in Kolkata.
Q. Fort St. George is located in which Indian city?
a). Mumbai
b). Chennai
c). Kolkata
d). Puducherry
Answer: b). Chennai
Explanation: Fort St. George is situated in Chennai, served as the headquarters of the Madras Presidency during British rule.
Q. Consider the following statements related to Vasco da Gama:
1. Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498 during the reign of Zamorin.
2. He was the first European to discover the sea route to India from Europe.
3. His arrival marked the beginning of Portuguese power in India.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a). 1 and 2 only
b). 2 and 3 only
c). 1, 2 and 3
d). 1 only
Answer: c). 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All statements are correct. Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498, discovered a new maritime link between Europe and India, and began Portugal’s colonial presence.
Q. During Vasco da Gama’s first voyage to India, how many ships and men were lost?
a). 1 ship and about 50 men
b). 2 ships and about 116 men
c). 3 ships and about 20 men
d). All ships and crew returned safely
Answer: b). 2 ships and about 116 men
Explanation: Vasco da Gama began his first expedition with 4 ships and around 170 crew members. Only 2 ships returned to Portugal and nearly 54 men survived.
Q. Christopher Columbus first landed in which region in 1492?
a). North America
b). West Indies
c). Brazil
d). Calicut
Answer: b). West Indies
Q. Columbus referred to the native people he met as “Indians” because:
a). They looked similar to Indian traders
b). He believed he had reached India
c). The Spanish court instructed him to do so
d). They introduced him to Indian spices
Answer: b). He believed he had reached India
Explanation: Columbus thought the Caribbean islands were the Indies in Asia, so he called the locals “Indians”.
Q. Fill in the blanks:
(a) The Rajarajeshvara temple was built in —.
(b) Ajmer is associated with the Sufi saint —.
(c) Hampi was the capital of the ———— Empire.
(d) The Dutch established a settlement at ———— in Andhra Pradesh.
Answer:
(a) Thanjavur
(b) Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
(c) Vijayanagar
(d) Masulipatnam