Books and Author MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Books and Author - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is ​Abul Fazl.

Key Points

• Abul Fazl 
  • He was the author of Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar’s reign in 3 volumes. Hence, Option 4 is correct.
  • The third volume of the above work is known as Ain-i-Akbari, which is the administrative report of Akbar’s reign.
  • Another important work of Abul Fazl was Ruqaat, which is a collection of letters to the princes of Akbar and other contemporaries.

Additional Information

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• Ziauddin Barani was a 14th-century historian and political thinker during the Delhi Sultanate period. Hence, option 2 is correct.
• He is best known for two major works:
  • Fatawa-i-Jahandari – A political treatise discussing ideal governance, the role of the Sultan, and Muslim polity.
  • Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi – A historical chronicle of the Delhi Sultans, especially Ghiyasuddin Balban and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Additional Information

• Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi → Written by Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi
• Zain-ul-Akhbar → Written by Abu Said Gardezi
• Tarikh-i-Muhammadi → Written by Muhammad Bihamad Khani

The correct answer is - The expansion of the Vijayanagar kingdom into Madurai territory

Key Points

• Maduravijayam
  • Maduravijayam is a historical text written in Sanskrit by Gangadevi, the wife of Vijayanagar ruler Kampana.
  • The work primarily documents the military expedition of Kampana against the Madurai Sultanate and the subsequent expansion of the Vijayanagar kingdom into the Madurai region.
  • The text is considered an important source for understanding the political and military strategies employed by the Vijayanagar empire.
• Purpose of Maduravijayam
  • The text was written to celebrate the victory of Kampana over the Madurai Sultanate.
  • It also emphasizes the restoration of Hindu temples and culture in the region following the defeat of the Sultanate.
  • The work showcases the Vijayanagar empire's commitment to preserving Hindu traditions amidst the challenges posed by invading forces.

Additional Information

• The Vijayanagar Empire
  • Founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I, the Vijayanagar Empire was a prominent South Indian kingdom.
  • It played a crucial role in resisting invasions by the Delhi Sultanate and other Islamic forces.
  • Known for its contributions to art, architecture, and culture, the empire left a lasting legacy, especially in the city of Hampi.
• The Madurai Sultanate
  • The Madurai Sultanate was established in the 14th century following the campaigns of Malik Kafur, a general of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • It ruled over parts of Tamil Nadu until it was defeated by Kampana’s forces under the Vijayanagar Empire.
  • The Sultanate's decline was marked by the restoration of Hindu rule in the region, as described in Maduravijayam.
• Religious and Cultural Context
  • The Vijayanagar empire actively worked to revive and protect Hindu practices and traditions.
  • Maduravijayam highlights the restoration of temples and religious institutions after the conquest of Madurai.
  • This cultural revival was seen as a way to unify South India against foreign invasions.

The correct answer is - Keshav Pandit

Key Points

• Keshav Pandit wrote the Dandaniti-prakaranam, a text that focuses on the principles and practices of governance and administration.
  • The term Dandaniti refers to the "science of punishment" or governance in ancient Indian political thought.
  • Keshav Pandit was known for his contributions to administrative literature and his expertise in political philosophy.
  • This work is considered a significant contribution to the understanding of statecraft and the role of law and order in society.
• It is essential to identify authors of historical texts for exams focusing on Indian history and political systems.

Additional Information

• Related Authors:
  • Gagabhatta was a scholar known for his contributions to religious and philosophical literature, particularly in the field of Vedanta.
  • Nischalapuri was a writer associated with ancient texts on spirituality and metaphysics, but not governance-related works.
  • Venkatadhvari was known for his poetic and philosophical works, primarily focusing on literary excellence rather than political or administrative themes.
• Significance of Dandaniti:
  • Dandaniti is an integral part of ancient Indian political philosophy, emphasizing justice, administration, and the ethical duties of rulers.
  • It forms the basis for understanding governance in texts like the Arthashastra, written by Kautilya, which further elaborates on similar principles.
• Exam Tip:
  • When studying authors, focus on their primary contributions and the historical context of their works.
  • Recognize keywords like Dandaniti for governance-related topics in ancient Indian history.

Answer: B) ii and iii are correct

🧠 Key Points:
Abul Fazl was Akbar’s court historian and advisor.

Not associated with Babur.

Authored Akbarnama (biography of Akbar) and Ain-i-Akbari (administrative record).

📌 Important Points:

Ain-i-Akbari includes details on crops, climate, irrigation, caste, military, administration.

Akbarnama is a 3-volume biography, third being Ain-i-Akbari.

📘 Additional Info:

He was part of Akbar's Navaratnas (Nine Jewels).

Killed by Bir Singh Bundela under Jahangir’s order due to rivalry.

The correct answer is Turkish.

Mistake Points

• Baburnama was written in Chagatai Turk language.
• Babur wrote his autobiography 'Tuzk-e-Babri' in the Turkish Language.
• Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana translated 'Tuzk-e-Babri' into Persian Language.
• Babur established the Mughal empire in India by defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat in the year 1526.​
• Babur had to move east and conquer northern India in 1526; he died in Agra in 1530. Throughout his years in the flat, dusty plains of India he missed his home country and thus wished to be buried in Kabul. His body was transferred to Bagh-e Babur by his widow around 1544. 

Additional Information

• Babur was the first emperor of the Mughal Empire.
• Babur conquered the first battle of Panipat by defeating Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 AD.
• Ibrahim Lodi was the last ruler of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Babur defeated Rana Sanga of Mewar in the Battle of Khanwa in the year 1527 AD.
• Humayun was his son and Akbar was his grandson.
• On December 26, 1530, AD, Mughal emperor Babur died in Agra,
• Initially, he was buried in Agra against his wishes.

The correct answer is Mahabharata.

Key Points

There are two major Sanskrit epics:-

1. Mahabharata:-
   •  Mahabharata was written by Maharishi Ved Vyas.
   • There are one lakh verses and 18 parvas in Mahabharata.
   • Mahabharata is also called Jaisamhita and Satasahasri Samhita.
   • Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide Lord Krishna. Chapter 23-40 of the 6th book of Mahabharata contains Bhagavad Gita.
2. Ramayana:-
   • Ramayana was written by Valmiki.
   • There are 24,000 verses and 7 Kanda in Ramayana.
   • It is also known as Adi Kavya.

• Arthashastra is a book dealing with principles of economics and it is written by Chanakya also known as Vishnugupta or Kautilya.
  • Chandragupta Maurya the ruler of the Maurya dynasty with the help of Chanakya overthrew the Nanda dynasty and established the Maurya dynasty.
  • The book Arthashastra was written in the Sanskrit Language.
• Rigveda is the oldest text in the world composed in 1700 BC.
  • It contains 1028 hymns and 10 mandalas.
  • It contains Purushsukta which contains four varnas they are as follows:-
    • Brahmans born from the mouth
    • Kshatriya born from arms
    • Vaishya born from thighs
    • Shudra born from the feet
  • of the creator Brahma.
• The third Mandal of Rigveda contains Gayatri Mantra by Vishwamitra.
• It also describes the battle of ten kings and king Sudas near Purushini (Ravi) river and KIng Surdas won it.
• In Rigveda, Saraswati is the deity river.

The correct answer is Sister.

Key Points

• Gulbadan Begum (1523 - 7 February 1603) was a Mughal princess and the daughter of Emperor Babur who was the founder of the Mughal Empire.
• Gulbadan Begum was the sister of Humayun.
• She wrote the Humayun-Nama at the request of her nephew, Emperor Akbar.
• Gulbadan's recollection of Babur is brief, but she gives a refreshing account of Humayun's household and provides a rare material regarding his confrontation with her half-brother, Kamran Mirza.

Key Points

Some important Dynasties of India and their founders:

• Haryankas - Bimbisara
• Shishunaga - Shishunaga 
• Gupta - Shri Gupta
• Chola - Vijayachola
• Kushan - Kajula Kadaphis
• Chalukya - Pulakeshin 1

The correct answer is Gulbadan Begum.

• Gulbadan Begum was a Mughal princess and the daughter of Emperor Babur and sister of Humayun.
• She is best known as the author of Humayun Nama.

Important Points

The correct answer is Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana.

• Babur has written his biography i.e. Baburnama which is also known as Tuzk-e Babri.

Key Points

• Babur and Jahangir are the only two emperors of the Mughal Empire who wrote their own biographies.
• Baburnama is also known to be the first true autobiography in Islamic literature.
• Baburnama was written in Chagatai Turkic, which was Babur’s mother tongue.
• It was translated into Persian by Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana.
• He was son of Bairam khan.​

Important Points

Mughals:

• The Mughals were descendants of two lineages of rulers.
• From their mother’s side, they were descendants of Genghis Khan (died 1227), the Mongol ruler who ruled over parts of China and Central Asia.
• From their father’s side, they were the successors of Timur (died 1404), the ruler of Iran, Iraq and modern-day Turkey.
• However, the Mughals did not like to be called Mughal or Mongol. This was because Genghis Khan’s memory was associated with the massacre of innumerable people.
• It was also linked with the Uzbeks, their Mongol competitors.

The correct answer is Al-Biruni.

Key Points

• Al-Biruni was an Iranian scholar.
• He is considered the father of modern geodesy.
• Kitab-ul-Hind is an Arabic book authored by Al-Biruni in the 11th century.
  • Kitab-ul-Hind is also known by the name of Tarikh-ul-Hind.
  • The book deals with the “caste system” in India.
  • He extensively compared the Indian culture with other cultures in this book.

Important Points

• Al-Biruni called Kerala as Malabar.
• Kitab al-Tafhim is the book authored by Al-Biruni in both Persian and Arabic languages.
• He traveled to the Indian subcontinent in 1017.
• Notable work of Al-Biruni are: 
  • The Remaining Signs of Past Centuries.
  • Gems.
  • The Mas'udi Canon.
  • Understanding Astrology.

Additional Information

• Al-Bukhari was a Persian Islamic scholar who was born in Bukhara.
• Al-Khwarizmi was a Muslim mathematician who introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals and the concepts of algebra into European mathematics.
• Al-Kindi is popularly called “the philosopher of the Arabs.”

The correct answer is Mahabharata.

Key Points

There are two major Sanskrit epics:-

1. Mahabharata:-
   •  Mahabharata was written by Maharishi Ved Vyas.
   • There are one lakh verses and 18 parvas in Mahabharata.
   • Mahabharata is also called Jaisamhita and Satasahasri Samhita.
   • Bhagavad Gita a dialogue between Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide Lord Krishna. Chapter 23-40 of the 6th book of Mahabharata contains Bhagavad Gita.
2. Ramayana:-
   • Ramayana was written by Valmiki.
   • There are 24,000 verses and 7 Kanda in Ramayana.
   • Its composition was started in the fifth century BC and ended in the twelfth century AD.
   • It is also known as Adi Kavya.

• Arthashastra is a book dealing with principles of economics, political science and it is written by Chanakya also known as Vishnugupta or Kautilya.
  • Chandragupta Maurya the ruler of the Maurya dynasty with the help of Chanakya overthrew the Nanda dynasty and established the Maurya dynasty.
  • The book Arthashastra was written in the Sanskrit Language.
• Rigveda is the oldest text in the world composed in 1700 BC.
  • It contains 1028 hymns and 10 mandalas.
  • It contains Purushsukta which contains four varnas they are as follows:-
    • Brahmans born from the mouth
    • Kshatriya born from arms
    • Vaishya born from thighs
    • Shudra born from the feet
  • of the creator Brahma.
• The third Mandal of Rigveda contains Gayatri Mantra by Vishwamitra dedicated to Savitri the Solar Deity.
• It also describes the battle of ten kings and king Surdas near Purushini (Ravi) river and KIng Surdas won it.
• In Rigveda, Saraswati is the deity river.

The correct answer is Events of Akbar’s reign.

Key Points

• The second volume describes the detailed history of the reign of Akbar till the year 1602 and records the events during Akbar's reign.
• The Akbarnama, which translates to the Book of Akbar (1556-1605), the 3rd Mughal Emperor, was written by his court historian and biographer, Abul Fazl. It is believed it took seven years for the book to be completed.
• It was written in Persian originally, which was the court language of the Mughals.
• The book includes vivid and detailed descriptions of his life and times during the reign of Akbar.
• The first volume of the book deals with the birth of Akbar, the history of Timur's family and the reigns of Babur and Humayun, and the Suri sultans of Delhi.
• It also throws light on how Bairam Khan and Akbar won the second Battle of Panipat (1556) against Hemu.
• The third volume of the Akbarnama describes the administrative system of the Empire. It also deals with Akbar's household, army, revenues, and geography of the Mughal Empire

Additional Information

• Abul Fazl
  • Abul Fazl was the grand courtier of the Mughal emperor Akbar.
  • He was the author of the Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar's reign
  • Apart from Akbarnama, Abul Fazl also wrote the Persian translation of the Bible.
• Nine Jewels of Akbar
  • ​Raja Birbal- He was a noble who won Akbar's appreciation for his wits.
  • Miyan Tansen-He was the musician in Akbar's court
  • Abul Fazal- He was the chief advisor in the court of Akbar. Faizi- Faizi was a poet who was famous for his work Nal U Daman.
  • Raja Man Singh- He was the General in the court of Akbar.
  • Raja Todar Mal- He was the Finance minister in the court of Akbar
  • Mullah Do Piazza- Home Minister of Akbar.
  • Fakir Aziao-Din-Religious Minister of Akbar.
  • Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana- Defence Minister of Akbar and a renowned poet

The correct answer is Vishnu Sharma.

Key Points

• Vishnu Sharma is the author of 'Panchatantra'.
• Panchatantra refers to the ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables and was originally written in the Sanskrit language.
• It was written around 200 BCE and is one of the oldest surviving texts.
• Panchatantra was translated into other languages like Persian, Syrian, and Arabic languages.
• Vishnu Sharma was an Indian scholar.

Additional Information

• Kalidas was a Sanskrit writer whose famous works include Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghaduta, Raghuvamsa, etc.
• Valmiki was one of the most celebrated writers and his most famous works include Ramayana.
• Sri Harsha was a Sanskrit poet and philosopher of the 12th century and his famous works include Naishadha Charita, etc.

The correct answer is Al-Biruni.

Key Points

• Abu Rayhan al-Biruni was an Iranian scholar.
• He has been variously called as the:-
  • Founder of Indology
  • Father of Comparative Religion
  • Father of modern geodesy
  • The first anthropologist
• He wrote the book Kitab-ul-Hind.
• Alberuni (Abu Raynham Beruni) was a Persian scholar who came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni in 1017.
• He commented on Indian sciences, Hindu religious beliefs, customs, and social organization.

Additional Information

• Al-Masudi's Book - The Meadows of Gold
• Sulaiman's Book - Ancient Accounts of India and China
• Firdausi's Book - Shahnameh