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Master Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire) for SSC CGL

Get comprehensive theory, expert shortcuts, and hand-picked practice questions for Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire) specifically designed for the SSC CGL 2025-26 pattern.

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50 min readDifficulty: HighGK Core Series

Medieval Indian History: Complete Exam Blueprint

Comprehensive study material on the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, administrative systems, battles, and key art/architecture landmarks for SSC CGL.

Medieval Indian History is heavily featured in the SSC CGL general awareness syllabus. High-scoring areas include the administrative posts of the Delhi Sultanate, the market control and land revenue systems of Alauddin Khalji and Akbar, battles of Panipat, and Mughal architectural terms.

Learning path

Delhi Sultanate Dynasties & Reforms
Sultanate Central Administration Terms
Mughal Empire Chronology & Key Battles
Mansabdari, Dahsala & Mughal Offices
20 Solved Practice Questions

1. The Delhi Sultanate (1206 - 1526 CE)

Five distinct dynasties ruled Delhi sequentially during this period. Let's trace their timelines and contributions:

Dynasty	Period	Founder	Key Rulers & Milestones
Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty	1206 - 1290 CE	Qutb-ud-din Aibak	Aibak: Built Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque & Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. Began Qutub Minar. Iltutmish: Real founder; introduced Silver Tanka & Copper Jital, Iqta system, and set up Chahalgani (group of 40 nobles). Razia Sultan: First & only female Muslim ruler of Delhi. Balban: Broke Chahalgani. Started Sajda & Paibos (prostration). Introduced Persian festival Nauroz. Followed 'Blood & Iron' policy.
Khalji Dynasty	1290 - 1320 CE	Jalal-ud-din Khalji	Alauddin Khalji: Built Alai Darwaza, Siri Fort, Hazar Sutun. Standardized land measurement (Biswa). Set up rigorous market control system with Shahna-i-Mandi (market superintendents). Started Dag (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive roll of soldiers) to reform the military.
Tughlaq Dynasty	1320 - 1414 CE	Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq	Muhammad bin Tughlaq (Mbt): Shifted capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad). Introduced token copper currency. Set up Diwan-i-Kohi (agriculture dept). Firoz Shah Tughlaq (Fst): Developed canal networks. Established departments: Diwan-i-Khairat (charity) and Diwan-i-Bundagan (slaves). Founded cities like Hisar, Jaunpur, Firozpur.
Sayyid Dynasty	1414 - 1451 CE	Khizr Khan	Only Shia dynasty of the Sultanate. Preceded the Lodis. Very short-lived, with minor administrative impact.
Lodi Dynasty	1451 - 1526 CE	Bahlul Lodi	Sikandar Lodi: Founded Agra city in 1504. Introduced Gaz-i-Sikandari (land measurement unit). Ibrahim Lodi: Last Sultan of Delhi. Defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526).

Central Departments under Delhi Sultanate:

Diwan-i-Wazarat
Finance Dept under Wazir

Diwan-i-Arz
Military Dept under Ariz-i-Mamalik

Diwan-i-Insha
State Correspondence Dept

Diwan-i-Rasalat
Foreign Affairs / Religious Dept

2. The Mughal Empire (1526 - 1707 CE)

The Mughals established a massive empire over the subcontinent. Key battles and specific administrative reforms are primary targets for SSC CGL questions.

Key Battles of the Mughal Era

1526: First Battle of Panipat - Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, using firearms/cannons (Rumi device).
1527: Battle of Khanwa - Babur defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar, declaring Jihad.
1539: Battle of Chausa - Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun, forcing him to flee.
1556: Second Battle of Panipat - Akbar (led by Bairam Khan) defeated Hemu (Hemchandra).
1576: Battle of Haldighati - Akbar's forces (led by Raja Man Singh) defeated Maharana Pratap of Mewar.

Akbar's Administrative & Religious Policies

Mansabdari System: Military and civil administrative system. Ranked officers using Zat (personal rank/salary) and Sawar (number of cavalrymen required).
Dahsala System (Todar Mal's Bandobast): Land revenue system calculating average yield and prices over 10 years. Land classified into Polaj (cultivated annually), Parauti, Chachar, and Banjar.
Religious reforms: Abolished Jizya tax on non-Muslims (1564). Established Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri (1575) and promulgated **Din-i-Ilahi** (divine monotheism) in 1582.

Mughal Offices & Officers (CGL Cheat Sheet)

Mir Bakshi: Head of the Military Administration. In charge of intelligence and paymasters.

Sadr-us-Sudur: Head of the religious, charitable, and judicial departments.

Mir Saman: In charge of the royal household, store houses, and workshops (Karkhanas).

Kotwal: Head of police administration in towns.

3. 20 Practice Questions (Solved)

Question 01SSC CGL Pattern

Which of the following rulers of the Delhi Sultanate introduced the currency system of Silver Tanka and Copper Jital?

A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak

B) Shams-ud-din Iltutmish

C) Ghiyas-ud-din Balban

D) Alauddin Khalji

Correct answer: B) Shams-ud-din Iltutmish

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Iltutmish was the third ruler of the Mamluk/Slave dynasty.

->Step 2: He standardized the currency of the Delhi Sultanate by introducing the Silver Tanka and Copper Jital.

->Step 3: This standard coinage system endured for centuries.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 02SSC CGL Pattern

Under the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, the military department was known by which of the following terms?

A) Diwan-i-Wazarat

B) Diwan-i-Arz

C) Diwan-i-Insha

D) Diwan-i-Rasalat

Correct answer: B) Diwan-i-Arz

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Identify the portfolios: Diwan-i-Wazarat handled finance; Diwan-i-Insha dealt with state correspondence; Diwan-i-Rasalat handled foreign affairs/religion.

->Step 2: Diwan-i-Arz was the military department, created by Ghiyas-ud-din Balban to strengthen central control.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 03SSC CGL Pattern

Who among the following created 'Turkan-i-Chahalgani' (the famous group of forty Turkish nobles) in the early Sultanate period?

A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak

B) Iltutmish

C) Razia Sultan

D) Balban

Correct answer: B) Iltutmish

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Turkan-i-Chahalgani was a corps of 40 loyal Turkish slaves formed by Iltutmish to consolidate power against rival chiefs.

->Step 2: Note that Balban (who was himself a member of the Chahalgani) later completely destroyed the group to prevent them from challenging his absolute rule.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 04SSC CGL Pattern

Which sultan of the Delhi Sultanate introduced the restrictive military reforms of 'Dag' (branding of horses) and 'Chehra' (descriptive roll of soldiers)?

A) Ghiyas-ud-din Balban

B) Alauddin Khalji

C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq

D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Correct answer: B) Alauddin Khalji

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Alauddin Khalji introduced a standing army paid in cash.

->Step 2: To prevent corruption and the practice of replacing high-quality horses and soldiers, he initiated 'Dag' (branding horses with royal seal) and 'Chehra' (recording soldier descriptions).

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 05SSC CGL Pattern

The city of Agra was founded in 1504 by which of the following rulers of the Delhi Sultanate?

A) Bahlul Lodi

B) Sikandar Lodi

C) Ibrahim Lodi

D) Khizr Khan

Correct answer: B) Sikandar Lodi

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Sikandar Lodi established Agra in 1504 to maintain better administrative control over the Doab and trade routes.

->Step 2: He also shifted his capital to Agra in 1506.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 06SSC CGL Pattern

In the battle of Panipat (1526), Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi. Which of the following military tactics did Babur prominently employ in this battle?

A) Guerilla warfare

B) Tulughma and Araba (Rumi system)

C) Naval blockades

D) Siege engines

Correct answer: B) Tulughma and Araba (Rumi system)

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Babur defeated the numerically superior force of Ibrahim Lodi using gunpowder, cannons, and the Rumi device (cart system).

->Step 2: The flanking tactic of 'Tulughma' allowed encirclement, while the 'Araba' provided defensive cover for gunners.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 07SSC CGL Pattern

Who was the chief officer in charge of the military administration and payment of troops under the Mughal administrative setup?

A) Diwan

B) Mir Bakshi

C) Sadr-us-Sudur

D) Mir Saman

Correct answer: B) Mir Bakshi

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: The Diwan was in charge of finance and revenue.

->Step 2: The Mir Bakshi was the head of the military department, who checked the Mansabdars' troops and recommended appointments/promotions.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 08SSC CGL Pattern

In the land revenue reforms of Akbar, known as the Dahsala System, what term was used for land that was cultivated continuously every year and never left fallow?

A) Polaj

B) Parauti

C) Chachar

D) Banjar

Correct answer: A) Polaj

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Under Todar Mal's classification: Polaj was land cultivated annually for each harvest.

->Step 2: Parauti was left fallow for a year or two. Chachar was left fallow for 3 to 4 years. Banjar lay uncultivated for 5 years or more.

->Conclusion: Option A.

Question 09SSC CGL Pattern

At which of the following battles was Humayun decisively defeated by Sher Shah Suri, forcing him into exile in Persia?

A) Battle of Khanwa

B) Battle of Ghaghra

C) Battle of Chausa

D) Battle of Haldighati

Correct answer: C) Battle of Chausa

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in the Battle of Chausa in 1539.

->Step 2: A subsequent defeat at the Battle of Kannauj (Bilgram) in 1540 forced Humayun to flee India for 15 years.

->Conclusion: Option C.

Question 10SSC CGL Pattern

Which Mughal emperor established the 'Ibadat Khana' (House of Worship) at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 to discuss religious matters?

A) Babur

B) Humayun

C) Akbar

D) Shah Jahan

Correct answer: C) Akbar

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Akbar built the Ibadat Khana in 1575.

->Step 2: Initially it was open only to Sunni theologians, but later in 1578, it was opened to scholars of all religions (Hindus, Christians, Zoroastrians, Jains) to debate philosophy.

->Conclusion: Option C.

Question 11SSC CGL Pattern

Under the Mughal administration, what did the terms 'Zat' and 'Sawar' represent in the Mansabdari System?

A) Administrative province and village tax

B) Personal rank/salary and size of cavalry department

C) Religious tax and trade toll

D) Infantry weapons and artillery size

Correct answer: B) Personal rank/salary and size of cavalry department

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Akbar introduced the Mansabdari system to organize his military and civil staff.

->Step 2: 'Zat' determined the personal status, position in the hierarchy, and salary of the Mansabdar.

->Step 3: 'Sawar' indicated the exact number of cavalrymen (cavalry department) the Mansabdar had to maintain.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 12SSC CGL Pattern

Who was the Hindu commander of the Mughal forces who led Akbar's army against Maharana Pratap in the Battle of Haldighati (1576)?

A) Raja Todar Mal

B) Raja Birbal

C) Raja Man Singh

D) Raja Bharmal

Correct answer: C) Raja Man Singh

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: In 1576, the Mughal army was commanded by Raja Man Singh of Amber.

->Step 2: They faced the forces of Maharana Pratap at Haldighati, near Udaipur.

->Conclusion: Option C.

Question 13SSC CGL Pattern

Which department was created by Muhammad bin Tughlaq specifically to manage and promote agriculture?

A) Diwan-i-Mustakhraj

B) Diwan-i-Kohi

C) Diwan-i-Khairat

D) Diwan-i-Insha

Correct answer: B) Diwan-i-Kohi

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Muhammad bin Tughlaq wanted to increase agricultural output by extending cultivation.

->Step 2: He created 'Diwan-i-Amir-i-Kohi' (often shortened to Diwan-i-Kohi) to extend state loans (Sondhar) to farmers.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 14SSC CGL Pattern

Who was the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate?

A) Sikandar Lodi

B) Bahlul Lodi

C) Ibrahim Lodi

D) Daulat Khan Lodi

Correct answer: C) Ibrahim Lodi

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Ibrahim Lodi ruled from 1517 to 1526.

->Step 2: His defeat at the First Battle of Panipat ended the Lodi dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate.

->Conclusion: Option C.

Question 15SSC CGL Pattern

Which monument was built by Alauddin Khalji as an entrance door to the Qutub Minar complex?

A) Buland Darwaza

B) Alai Darwaza

C) Siri Fort

D) Gol Gumbaz

Correct answer: B) Alai Darwaza

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Alauddin Khalji built the Alai Darwaza in 1311.

->Step 2: It is one of the earliest examples of scientific Islamic arch construction in India.

->Step 3: Buland Darwaza was built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 16SSC CGL Pattern

During the reign of which Mughal emperor was the Jizya tax reintroduced, having been previously abolished by Akbar?

A) Jahangir

B) Shah Jahan

C) Aurangzeb

D) Bahadur Shah I

Correct answer: C) Aurangzeb

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Akbar abolished Jizya in 1564.

->Step 2: Aurangzeb, following a policy of orthodox Islamic rule, reintroduced Jizya on non-Muslim subjects in 1679.

->Conclusion: Option C.

Question 17SSC CGL Pattern

Which Sultanate ruler was known for his vast public works, establishing the department of slaves (Diwan-i-Bundagan) and multiple new cities like Jaunpur?

A) Alauddin Khalji

B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq

C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq

D) Balban

Correct answer: C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Firoz Shah Tughlaq had a keen interest in administrative welfare, canals, and charity.

->Step 2: He established the Diwan-i-Bundagan to look after his large collection of slaves (about 180,000).

->Conclusion: Option C.

Question 18SSC CGL Pattern

Which famous historian and court chronicler of Akbar wrote 'Akbarnama' and 'Ain-i-Akbari'?

A) Badayuni

B) Abul Fazl

C) Faizi

D) Amir Khusrau

Correct answer: B) Abul Fazl

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Abul Fazl was one of the Navaratnas in Akbar's court.

->Step 2: He authored 'Akbarnama', which documents the history of the Mughal dynasty in three volumes, the third volume being 'Ain-i-Akbari' (administration details).

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 19SSC CGL Pattern

Who was the ruler of Delhi during the transition period between Humayun's escape and his eventual return, who introduced the Silver Rupia?

A) Islam Shah Suri

B) Sher Shah Suri

C) Hemu

D) Ibrahim Suri

Correct answer: B) Sher Shah Suri

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Sher Shah Suri ruled from 1540 to 1545 after defeating Humayun.

->Step 2: He introduced the silver currency coin 'Rupia', which became the ancestor of the modern Rupee.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Question 20SSC CGL Pattern

The festival of 'Nauroz' (Persian New Year) was introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by which ruler?

A) Qutb-ud-din Aibak

B) Ghiyas-ud-din Balban

C) Alauddin Khalji

D) Sikandar Lodi

Correct answer: B) Ghiyas-ud-din Balban

Step-by-Step Explanation

->Step 1: Balban sought to elevate the prestige and absolute authority of the crown.

->Step 2: He adopted Persian court etiquette, including the practices of Sajda, Paibos, and the annual celebration of Nauroz.

->Conclusion: Option B.

Strategic Exam Tips to Keep in Mind

Chronology of Sultanate

Memorize the exact order of the dynasties: Slave -> Khalji -> Tughlaq -> Sayyid -> Lodi. CGL frequently asks questions that require ordering rulers or dynasties chronologically.

Mughal Offices vs. Sultanate Offices

Don't confuse the portfolios. Mir Bakshi is military in the Mughal system, while Ariz-i-Mamalik (head of Diwan-i-Arz) is military in the Delhi Sultanate. Double-check the era prefix in your question options.

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