Published: 28 Dec, 2025
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Table of Contents
Ultimate SSC GD – Medieval Indian History Notes (2026 Batch)
These comprehensive SSC GD – Medieval Indian History Notes are designed specifically for the 2026 Constable examination. We focus on simple language and high-yield facts to ensure maximum retention.
SECTION 1: Detailed Theory – SSC GD Medieval Indian History
- Medieval Indian History generally spans from the 8th Century AD to the 18th Century AD.
- This period marks the transition from ancient kingdoms to the establishment of Islamic rule in India.
- These SSC GD – Medieval Indian History Notes cover all essential topics required by the syllabus.
Unit 1: Early Medieval India (750 AD – 1206 AD)
- The early medieval period saw the rise of many regional powers.
- The period is often characterized by the tripartite struggle between the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas.
Rise of Rajput Kingdoms
- Rajputs were powerful warrior clans who dominated Northern and Western India.
- Important Rajput dynasties included the Chauhans (Delhi/Ajmer), Solankis (Gujarat), and Rathores (Kannauj).
- The most famous Chauhan ruler was Prithviraj Chauhan III.
- He fought the First Battle of Tarain in 1191 AD against Muhammad Ghori and won.
- He lost the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 AD, which paved the way for Turkish rule.
Administration System
- The administration was decentralized, meaning power was spread among local chiefs (feudatories).
- The king was the supreme head, often assisted by a council of ministers.
- Land revenue (Bhaga) was the main source of income.
Unit 2 & 3: The Delhi Sultanate (1206 AD – 1526 AD)
- The Delhi Sultanate comprises five major dynasties that ruled from Delhi.
- This section is vital for your SSC GD – Medieval Indian History Notes.
Slave Dynasty (1206 – 1290 AD)
- Founded by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1206 AD.
- He was a slave of Muhammad Ghori.
- He started the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi.
- He died in 1210 AD while playing Chaugan (Polo).
- Iltutmish (1211–1236 AD) was the real consolidator of the Sultanate.
- He introduced the Iqta system and the silver tanka and copper jital coins.
- Raziya Sultan (1236–1240 AD) was the first and only female Muslim ruler of Delhi.
- Balban (1266–1287 AD) introduced the Persian customs of Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing the Sultan’s feet).
Khalji Dynasty (1290 – 1320 AD)
- Founded by Jalaluddin Khalji.
- The most powerful ruler was Alauddin Khalji (1296–1316 AD).
- He was the first Sultan to maintain a large permanent standing army.
- He introduced the system of Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers).
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320 – 1414 AD)
- Founded by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
- Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351 AD) was known as the ‘Man of Ideas’ but failed in execution.
- He transferred his capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad).
- He introduced token currency (copper and brass coins).
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388 AD) focused on public works.
- He built cities like Firozabad and Jaunpur.
- He established the department of charity, Diwan-i-Khairat.
Sayyid Dynasty (1414 – 1451 AD)
- Founded by Khizr Khan.
- This dynasty was relatively weak and short-lived.
Lodi Dynasty (1451 – 1526 AD)
- Founded by Bahlul Lodi.
- This was the first Afghan dynasty in India.
- Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517 AD) founded the city of Agra in 1504 AD and made it his capital.
- Ibrahim Lodi was the last ruler.
- He was defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 AD.
Unit 4: Administration of Delhi Sultanate
Iqta System
- The Iqta system was introduced by Iltutmish.
- It was a land assignment given to military officers instead of cash salary.
- The holder of the Iqta was called the Iqtadar or Muqti.
- The Iqtadar had to maintain troops for the Sultan.
Revenue System
- The main tax was Kharaj (land tax), usually 1/3rd of the produce.
- Jizya was a poll tax levied on non-Muslims.
- Zakat was a tax levied on Muslims for charity.
Market Control System
- Introduced by Alauddin Khalji.
- The aim was to maintain a large army at low cost.
- He fixed the prices of all essential commodities.
- The officer in charge of the market was called the Shahna-i-Mandi.
Unit 5: Bhakti and Sufi Movement
- These movements emphasized devotion to God and social equality.
Bhakti Movement
- It started in South India and spread to the North.
- It rejected rituals, caste distinctions, and idol worship.
- Important Bhakti Saints:
- Ramananda: Brought the movement to North India.
- Kabir: Preached Hindu-Muslim unity; his followers are called Kabirpanthis.
- Guru Nanak: Founder of Sikhism.
- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Popularized the Kirtan (singing God’s name) in Bengal.
- Tulsidas: Wrote the Ramcharitmanas.
Sufi Movement
- Sufism was the mystical branch of Islam.
- Sufis believed in intense devotion and love for God.
- Important Sufi Orders (Silsilahs):
- Chishti Order: Founded in India by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti (Ajmer).
- Suhrawardi Order: Active in Punjab and Multan.
Unit 6: Mughal Empire (1526 AD – 1857 AD)
- The Mughal Empire was founded after the First Battle of Panipat.
- These are crucial facts for your SSC GD – Medieval Indian History Notes.
Babur (1526 – 1530 AD)
- Founder of the Mughal Empire.
- Defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 AD.
- His autobiography is the Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Baburnama), written in Turki.
Humayun (1530 – 1540 AD & 1555 – 1556 AD)
- Was defeated by Sher Shah Suri at the Battle of Chausa (1539 AD).
- He regained his throne in 1555 AD.
Akbar (1556 – 1605 AD)
- Considered the greatest Mughal Emperor.
- Defeated Hemu in the Second Battle of Panipat in 1556 AD.
- Abolished the Jizya tax in 1564 AD.
- Introduced the Mansabdari System.
- Built the Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri.
- Propounded the religious path called Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith).
Jahangir (1605 – 1627 AD)
- Known for his love of justice and chain of justice (Zanjir-i-Adl).
- His reign is considered the peak of Mughal painting.
- He executed the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev.
Shah Jahan (1628 – 1658 AD)
- His reign is known as the ‘Golden Age of Mughal Architecture’.
- Built the Taj Mahal in Agra for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Built the Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi.
Aurangzeb (1658 – 1707 AD)
- Known as Alamgir (Conqueror of the World).
- He was a strict orthodox Muslim ruler.
- He reimposed the Jizya tax.
- He executed the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- His long Deccan campaigns led to the decline of the empire.
Unit 7: Mughal Administration and Culture
Mansabdari System
- Introduced by Akbar.
- It was a grading system used to fix the rank, salary, and military responsibilities of officers.
- Mansabdar had two ranks: Zat (personal rank/salary) and Sawar (cavalry contingent).
Revenue System
- The most famous system was the Zabti System (or Dahsala System), introduced by Raja Todar Mal.
- Land was measured, and the average produce of the last ten years was used to fix the revenue.
Art and Architecture
- Mughal architecture is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Turkish styles.
- Humayun’s Tomb was the first building to use the double dome.
- Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture.
- Pietra Dura (inlay work using semi-precious stones) was widely used, especially under Shah Jahan.
Unit 8: Important Medieval Architecture
| Monument | Builder | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qutub Minar | Started by Qutbuddin Aibak, completed by Iltutmish | Delhi | Tallest brick minaret in the world. |
| Alai Darwaza | Alauddin Khalji | Delhi | Entrance to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. |
| Red Fort (Lal Qila) | Shah Jahan | Delhi | Built of red sandstone; houses the Diwan-i-Aam. |
| Taj Mahal | Shah Jahan | Agra | Built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Akbar | Agra | Known as the ‘City of Victory’; houses the Buland Darwaza. |
| Purana Qila | Sher Shah Suri | Delhi | Built on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha. |
SECTION 2: 50 SSC GD Previous Year Questions (2000-2025)
These questions are frequently asked in the SSC GD exam and are essential for mastering SSC GD – Medieval Indian History Notes.
| Q No. | Question | Year (SSC GD) | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who was the founder of the Slave Dynasty? | 2018 | Qutbuddin Aibak |
| 2 | The First Battle of Panipat was fought in which year? | 2015 | 1526 AD |
| 3 | Who introduced the Mansabdari System? | 2023 | Akbar |
| 4 | Who was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate? | 2013 | Raziya Sultan |
| 5 | The famous traveler Ibn Battuta came from which country? | 2021 | Morocco |
| 6 | Ibn Battuta visited India during the reign of which Sultan? | 2019 | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| 7 | Who built the Qutub Minar? | 2017 | Started by Aibak, completed by Iltutmish |
| 8 | Which Mughal Emperor was known as ‘Zinda Pir’ (Living Saint)? | 2022 | Aurangzeb |
| 9 | The Second Battle of Panipat was fought between Akbar and whom? | 2016 | Hemu |
| 10 | Who wrote the ‘Akbarnama’? | 2020 | Abul Fazl |
| 11 | Which Sultan transferred his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad? | 2014 | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| 12 | The city of Agra was founded by whom? | 2018 | Sikandar Lodi |
| 13 | The system of ‘Dagh’ (branding of horses) was introduced by? | 2023 | Alauddin Khalji |
| 14 | Who was the founder of the Lodi Dynasty? | 2019 | Bahlul Lodi |
| 15 | Who introduced the Iqta system? | 2021 | Iltutmish |
| 16 | The Battle of Tarain (Second) was fought in which year? | 2017 | 1192 AD |
| 17 | Who built the Taj Mahal? | 2015 | Shah Jahan |
| 18 | Which Mughal Emperor’s reign is called the Golden Age of Architecture? | 2022 | Shah Jahan |
| 19 | Who was the author of ‘Humayunama’? | 2016 | Gulbadan Begum |
| 20 | The term ‘Zat’ and ‘Sawar’ are related to which system? | 2020 | Mansabdari System |
| 21 | Which ruler abolished the Jizya tax in 1564? | 2018 | Akbar |
| 22 | Who was the famous court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan? | 2023 | Chand Bardai |
| 23 | The famous poet Amir Khusrau was associated with the court of which Sultan? | 2019 | Alauddin Khalji |
| 24 | Who introduced the custom of Sijda and Paibos? | 2021 | Balban |
| 25 | The First Battle of Panipat was fought between Babur and whom? | 2017 | Ibrahim Lodi |
| 26 | Who was the founder of the Mughal Empire? | 2015 | Babur |
| 27 | Which Mughal Emperor died after falling from the stairs of his library? | 2022 | Humayun |
| 28 | The Buland Darwaza was built by Akbar to commemorate his victory over which region? | 2016 | Gujarat |
| 29 | Who was the revenue minister of Akbar? | 2020 | Raja Todar Mal |
| 30 | The Diwan-i-Khairat (Department of Charity) was established by whom? | 2018 | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
| 31 | Which Sikh Guru was executed by Jahangir? | 2023 | Guru Arjan Dev |
| 32 | The capital of the Mughal Empire was shifted from Agra to Delhi by whom? | 2019 | Shah Jahan |
| 33 | What was the name of the land revenue system introduced by Todar Mal? | 2021 | Zabti or Dahsala |
| 34 | Who was the founder of the Chishti Sufi order in India? | 2017 | Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti |
| 35 | The Battle of Khanwa (1527) was fought between Babur and whom? | 2015 | Rana Sanga |
| 36 | Which dynasty ruled for the shortest period in the Delhi Sultanate? | 2022 | Khalji Dynasty |
| 37 | Which Sultan introduced token currency? | 2016 | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| 38 | The term ‘Shahna-i-Mandi’ refers to the officer in charge of what? | 2020 | Market Control |
| 39 | Who was the last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty? | 2018 | Ibrahim Lodi |
| 40 | The famous poet Tulsidas wrote which epic? | 2023 | Ramcharitmanas |
| 41 | Which Mughal Emperor banned music and dancing in his court? | 2019 | Aurangzeb |
| 42 | The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by Akbar at which place? | 2021 | Fatehpur Sikri |
| 43 | The system of ‘Chehra’ (descriptive roll) was introduced by? | 2017 | Alauddin Khalji |
| 44 | Who was the founder of the Sayyid Dynasty? | 2015 | Khizr Khan |
| 45 | The autobiography ‘Tuzuk-i-Baburi’ was written in which language? | 2022 | Turki |
| 46 | Who was the first ruler to levy irrigation tax (Haqq-i-Sharb)? | 2016 | Firoz Shah Tughlaq |
| 47 | The famous Peacock Throne (Takht-i-Taus) was associated with which ruler? | 2020 | Shah Jahan |
| 48 | Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to receive recognition from the Caliph of Baghdad? | 2018 | Iltutmish |
| 49 | The Battle of Chausa (1539) was fought between Humayun and whom? | 2023 | Sher Shah Suri |
| 50 | The term ‘Kharaj’ in the Sultanate period referred to what? | 2019 | Land Tax |
SECTION 3: 50 Important Practice MCQs for 2026
These practice questions are designed based on the pattern of SSC GD – Medieval Indian History Notes and are highly probable for the 2026 exam.
| Q No. | Question | Options (A, B, C, D) | Correct Answer & Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Which Sultan adopted the title ‘Zill-i-Ilahi’ (Shadow of God)? | A) Iltutmish, B) Balban, C) Alauddin Khalji, D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq | B) Balban. Logic: Balban emphasized the divine nature of kingship to restore the prestige of the crown. |
| 2 | The Diwan-i-Kohi, a department of agriculture, was created by: | A) Balban, B) Alauddin Khalji, C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq, D) Sikandar Lodi | C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Logic: He established this department to improve cultivation in the Doab region. |
| 3 | Which structure is known as the ‘Second Taj Mahal’ or ‘Poor Man’s Taj Mahal’? | A) Jama Masjid, B) Bibi Ka Maqbara, C) Humayun’s Tomb, D) Safdarjung’s Tomb | B) Bibi Ka Maqbara. Logic: Built by Aurangzeb’s son in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum, resembling the Taj Mahal. |
| 4 | The term ‘Peshwa’ was originally used by the Mughals for: | A) Military Commander, B) Prime Minister, C) Revenue Collector, D) Spy | B) Prime Minister. Logic: The term was later famously adopted by the Marathas. |
| 5 | Who was the ruler of Chittor when Alauddin Khalji attacked in 1303 AD? | A) Rana Sanga, B) Rana Kumbha, C) Rana Ratan Singh, D) Hammir Dev | C) Rana Ratan Singh. Logic: This event is linked to the story of Rani Padmini. |
| 6 | The famous poet Amir Khusrau is often called the ‘Parrot of India’ or: | A) Tota-i-Hind, B) Shahnama, C) Qawwali-i-Hind, D) Sultan-ul-Hind | A) Tota-i-Hind. Logic: He was a prolific poet and musician who served several Sultans. |
| 7 | Which Mughal Emperor granted the British East India Company the right to trade duty-free (Farman)? | A) Akbar, B) Jahangir, C) Shah Jahan, D) Aurangzeb | B) Jahangir. Logic: Sir Thomas Roe secured this permission from Jahangir. |
| 8 | The Vijayanagara Empire was founded during the reign of which Delhi Sultan? | A) Firoz Shah Tughlaq, B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq, C) Balban, D) Ibrahim Lodi | B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Logic: Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336 AD. |
| 9 | The term ‘Jital’ and ‘Tanka’ were the coins introduced by: | A) Qutbuddin Aibak, B) Iltutmish, C) Balban, D) Alauddin Khalji | B) Iltutmish. Logic: Tanka was silver, and Jital was copper. |
| 10 | Which Bhakti saint was a contemporary of Akbar? | A) Guru Nanak, B) Ramanuja, C) Tulsidas, D) Chaitanya | C) Tulsidas. Logic: Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas during Akbar’s reign. |
| 11 | The Battle of Haldighati (1576) was fought between Akbar’s forces and: | A) Hemu, B) Rana Sanga, C) Maharana Pratap, D) Sher Shah Suri | C) Maharana Pratap. Logic: Akbar’s army was led by Raja Man Singh. |
| 12 | The system of ‘Pietra Dura’ was prominently used in the construction of: | A) Qutub Minar, B) Red Fort, C) Taj Mahal, D) Purana Qila | C) Taj Mahal. Logic: It is the inlay technique using colored stones, perfected under Shah Jahan. |
| 13 | Who was the founder of the city of Jaunpur? | A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq, C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq, D) Bahlul Lodi | C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Logic: He founded it in memory of his cousin, Muhammad bin Tughlaq (Juna Khan). |
| 14 | The official language of the Delhi Sultanate was: | A) Urdu, B) Hindi, C) Persian, D) Arabic | C) Persian. Logic: Persian was the court language for both the Sultanate and the Mughals. |
| 15 | Who was the first Mughal ruler to adopt the title ‘Padshah’? | A) Humayun, B) Akbar, C) Babur, D) Jahangir | C) Babur. Logic: He adopted this title after capturing Kabul. |
| 16 | The ‘Din-i-Ilahi’ was primarily an attempt to: | A) Establish a new religion, B) Promote Hindu-Muslim unity, C) Create a common spiritual order, D) Abolish Jizya | C) Create a common spiritual order. Logic: It was a socio-religious path, not a religion, based on universal peace. |
| 17 | Which Sultan is known for his extreme generosity and was called ‘Lakh Bakhsh’ (Giver of Lakhs)? | A) Iltutmish, B) Qutbuddin Aibak, C) Balban, D) Alauddin Khalji | B) Qutbuddin Aibak. Logic: Due to his immense generosity. |
| 18 | The revenue system ‘Dahsala’ was introduced in which year? | A) 1570, B) 1580, C) 1590, D) 1600 | B) 1580. Logic: Introduced by Raja Todar Mal during Akbar’s reign. |
| 19 | Which Sufi saint’s Dargah is located in Ajmer? | A) Nizamuddin Auliya, B) Muinuddin Chishti, C) Salim Chishti, D) Bakhtiyar Kaki | B) Muinuddin Chishti. Logic: He established the Chishti order in India. |
| 20 | The term ‘Diwan-i-Arz’ in the Sultanate administration refers to the department of: | A) Finance, B) Military, C) Justice, D) Royal Correspondence | B) Military. Logic: Established by Balban to reorganize the army. |
| 21 | Who was the only ruler of the Delhi Sultanate to die in battle? | A) Balban, B) Alauddin Khalji, C) Ibrahim Lodi, D) Sikandar Lodi | C) Ibrahim Lodi. Logic: He died fighting Babur at Panipat. |
| 22 | The famous ‘Chain of Justice’ (Zanjir-i-Adl) was installed by: | A) Akbar, B) Jahangir, C) Shah Jahan, D) Aurangzeb | B) Jahangir. Logic: He installed it outside his palace for petitioners. |
| 23 | The ‘Qutub Minar’ was named after which Sufi saint? | A) Muinuddin Chishti, B) Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, C) Nizamuddin Auliya, D) Fariduddin Ganjshakar | B) Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. Logic: Aibak dedicated the tower to his spiritual teacher. |
| 24 | Which Mughal Emperor spent the last 25 years of his life fighting in the Deccan? | A) Shah Jahan, B) Jahangir, C) Aurangzeb, D) Akbar | C) Aurangzeb. Logic: His Deccan policy drained the Mughal treasury. |
| 25 | The term ‘Khams’ in the Sultanate period referred to: | A) Land tax, B) Tax on trade, C) War booty, D) Irrigation tax | C) War booty. Logic: It was the share of the state from the spoils of war. |
| 26 | The ‘Battle of Chanderi’ (1528) was fought between Babur and the Rajputs of: | A) Mewar, B) Malwa, C) Bundelkhand, D) Gujarat | B) Malwa. Logic: Babur defeated Medini Rai of Malwa. |
| 27 | Which ruler of the Delhi Sultanate was known for building the largest network of canals? | A) Iltutmish, B) Alauddin Khalji, C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq, D) Sikandar Lodi | C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Logic: He focused heavily on public works and irrigation. |
| 28 | The ‘Diwan-i-Wizarat’ in the Mughal administration dealt with: | A) Military, B) Revenue and Finance, C) Judiciary, D) Religious affairs | B) Revenue and Finance. Logic: Headed by the Wazir or Diwan. |
| 29 | Which Mughal structure is famous for the ‘Moti Masjid’ (Pearl Mosque) built within its complex? | A) Agra Fort, B) Lahore Fort, C) Red Fort, D) Fatehpur Sikri | A) Agra Fort. Logic: The Moti Masjid in Agra Fort was built by Shah Jahan. |
| 30 | The founder of the independent Bahmani Kingdom (Deccan) was: | A) Harihara I, B) Hasan Gangu, C) Krishnadevaraya, D) Malik Ambar | B) Hasan Gangu. Logic: He founded the kingdom in 1347 AD. |
| 31 | Who was the first Sultan to pay his soldiers in cash instead of Iqtas? | A) Iltutmish, B) Balban, C) Alauddin Khalji, D) Muhammad bin Tughlaq | C) Alauddin Khalji. Logic: Part of his market control and military reforms. |
| 32 | The famous ‘Gol Gumbaz’ (second largest dome in the world) is located in: | A) Hyderabad, B) Bijapur, C) Gulbarga, D) Bidar | B) Bijapur. Logic: It is the tomb of Muhammad Adil Shah. |
| 33 | Which ruler was responsible for the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur? | A) Jahangir, B) Shah Jahan, C) Aurangzeb, D) Bahadur Shah Zafar | C) Aurangzeb. Logic: Due to religious intolerance and refusal to convert. |
| 34 | The ‘Chahalgani’ or ‘Corps of Forty’ was a group of Turkish nobles created by: | A) Qutbuddin Aibak, B) Iltutmish, C) Balban, D) Raziya Sultan | B) Iltutmish. Logic: Balban later destroyed this group. |
| 35 | The Mughal painting reached its zenith during the reign of: | A) Akbar, B) Humayun, C) Jahangir, D) Shah Jahan | C) Jahangir. Logic: He was a great patron and connoisseur of painting. |
| 36 | Who was the last recognized ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty? | A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, B) Firoz Shah Tughlaq, C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
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