Agrarian and Economic Systems – UGC NET History – Practice Questions

Agriculture During Sultanate Period

1. Which of the following factors significantly contributed to the flourishing of agriculture during the Delhi Sultanate period?
A. Decline in iron technology
B. Reduction in irrigation systems
C. Closure of trade routes
D. Improvement in tools with increased use of iron

2. The Ganga–Yamuna Doab during the 12th–13th centuries was mainly characterized by:
A. Extensive forest cover and abundant uncultivated land
B. Complete urbanization
C. Permanent desertification
D. Absence of peasant settlements

3. Match List I with List II regarding irrigation works during the Delhi Sultanate.

A- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
B- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
C- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
D- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

4. Who mentioned that tigers harassed common people between Badaun and Delhi in the 12th century?
A. Ziauddin Barani
B. Ibn Battuta
C. Fawad al Fuad
D. Minhaj-us-Siraj

5. Assertion (A): Firuz Tughluq encouraged irrigation expansion through canals.
Reason (R): Irrigation helped cultivate both Rabi and Kharif crops in regions like Hisar.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is true but (R) is false
D. (A) is false but (R) is true

6. According to Nizami (1354), which of the following was necessary for a peasant to begin cultivation?
A. Royal permission only
B. Seeds, oxen, and agricultural tools
C. Urban market access
D. Military protection

7. Which historian stated that peasants fled to the Doab to escape state atrocities?
A. Afif
B. Moreland
C. Minhaj-us-Siraj
D. Ziauddin Barani

8. Match List I with List II regarding medieval agricultural references.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
D- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II

9. The most important source of irrigation during the Delhi Sultanate was:
A. Persian wheel only
B. Tanks
C. Wells
D. River diversion

10. Which among the following crops introduced in India after the Delhi Sultanate period?
A. Cotton
B. Gram
C. Wheat
D. Tobacco

11. Assertion (A): The Persian Wheel existed widely during the early Delhi Sultanate.
Reason (R): Babur described a primitive water-lifting device that later developed into the Persian Wheel.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) explains (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. (A) is true but (R) is false

12. According to Barani, which ruler first took canal construction as a royal project?
A. Firuz Tughluq
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq

13. Which of the following statements about villages in the Delhi Sultanate is correct?
A. Villages were entirely dependent on urban centers
B. Villages were largely self-sufficient
C. Villages had no occupational diversity
D. Villages lacked artisan groups

14. Match List I with List II regarding social categories in rural society.

A- A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
B- A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
C- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
D- A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

15. Which Sultan declared kismet-i-khoti illegal?
A. Balban
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Sikander Lodi
D. Ibrahim Lodi

16. According to Barani, after Alauddin Khalji’s reforms, the khots:
A. Became military nobles
B. Controlled state taxation fully
C. Suffered severe economic decline
D. Acquired zamindari rights permanently

17. Assertion (A): Khots were exempt from kharaj before Alauddin Khalji.
Reason (R): Alauddin Khalji wanted to weaken intermediary elites and strengthen revenue extraction.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is true but (R) is false
D. (A) is false but (R) is true

18. Which ruler repealed some harsh measures imposed on khots by Alauddin Khalji?
A. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B. Firuz Tughluq
C. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
D. Balban

19. The term ‘chaudhuri’ became commonly used during:
A. 12th century
B. 13th century
C. 14th century
D. 11th century

20. Match List I with List II regarding travellers and their observations.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
C- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
D- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III

21. Which fruit fetched the highest price according to Ibn Battuta?
A. Banana
B. Orange
C. Grapes
D. Mango

22. The ruler who encouraged cultivation of grapes and dates was:
A. Firuz Tughluq
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C. Sikander Lodi
D. Balban

23. Assertion (A): Bullocks formed a major part of cattle wealth during the Sultanate period.
Reason (R): Bullocks were extensively used for carrying goods.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

24. Which among the following silks are considered coarse silks in India?
A. Mulberry silk only
B. Chinese silk only
C. Persian silk only
D. Eri, Muga and Tussar

25. Which work extensively mentioned silk production in Bengal in 1432?
A. Tarikh-i-Rashidi
B. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
C. Accounts of Ma Huan
D. Ain-i-Akbari

26. Match List I with List II regarding rural officials and categories.

A- A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
D- A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

27. According to medieval records, wasteland adjacent to villages promoted:
A. Silk production
B. Metallurgy
C. Cattle rearing
D. Maritime trade

28. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding Delhi Sultanate agriculture?
A. Irrigation canals expanded in the 14th century
B. Land reclamation increased cultivation
C. Peasants enjoyed complete property rights over land
D. Crop diversity expanded gradually

29. Assertion (A): Peasants during the Delhi Sultanate had absolute ownership rights over land.
Reason (R): Land was abundant and peasants feared dispossession by higher classes.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) explains (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) is true but (R) is false
D. (A) is false but (R) is true

30. Which of the following rivers supplied water to canals built by Firuz Tughluq?
A. Chambal
B. Yamuna
C. Son
D. Betwa

31. According to Afif, every village possessed:
A. Military barracks
B. Caravanserai
C. State granaries
D. Kharak or pasture land for cattle

32. Match List I with List II regarding crops and their characteristics.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
C- A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
D- A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

33. Which historian mentioned that the Doab became fully cultivated by the 16th century?
A. Ibn Battuta
B. Afif
C. Moreland
D. Minhaj-us-Siraj

34. The term kharaj during the Delhi Sultanate referred to:
A. Military tax
B. House tax
C. Grazing tax
D. Land revenue tax

35. Assertion (A): The demand for barley and jowar declined over time.
Reason (R): Higher-value crops like wheat and rice expanded on fertile lands.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) is true but (R) is false
D. (A) is false but (R) is true

36. Which among the following taxes was imposed on cattle during the Sultanate period?
A. Ushr
B. Zakat
C. Charai
D. Jizya

37. The merchant who referred to twenty-five crops around Delhi in 1290 was:
A. Ma Huan
B. Thakkera Pheru
C. Umari
D. Kalhana

38. Match List I with List II regarding rulers and policies.

A- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
B- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
C- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
D- A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II

39. Which of the following was generally cheaper than wheat around Delhi according to Afif?
A. Silk
B. Grapes
C. Barley and gram
D. Sugarcane

40. Which medieval source mentions abundant cattle in India and their low prices?
A. Ain-i-Akbari
B. Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi
C. Masalik al Absar
D. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri

41. Assertion (A): Villages under the Delhi Sultanate were fully monetized economies.
Reason (R): Villages were fairly self-sufficient units.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) explains (A)
B. (A) is true but (R) is false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

42. The term gharai referred to:
A. Military tax
B. House tax
C. Irrigation tax
D. Trade tax

43. Which crop was commonly cultivated using rainwater due to abundant land availability?
A. Sugarcane only
B. Tobacco only
C. Indigo only
D. Hardy rain-fed crops

44. Match List I with List II regarding medieval texts and information.

A- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
B- A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
C- A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
D- A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

45. Which among the following statements about Balahars is correct?
A. They were royal officers
B. They were military commanders
C. They were village priests
D. They represented ordinary/common peasants

46. By the 16th century, the term chaudhuri generally referred to:
A. Court poets
B. Hereditary zamindars or landlords
C. Urban merchants
D. Temple priests

47. Assertion (A): The Delhi Sultanate preserved parts of older rural hierarchies after conquest.
Reason (R): Existing chiefs were sometimes allowed to continue tax collection under tribute arrangements.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

48. Which social group was closest to semi-serfdom according to agrarian interpretations of the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Nobility
B. Zamindars
C. Peasants
D. Traders

49. Which ruler established around twelve hundred orchards near Delhi?
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Balban
C. Sikander Lodi
D. Firuz Tughluq

50. Which fruit production increased significantly under Firuz Tughluq?
A. Mango
B. Banana
C. Grapes
D. Coconut

51. Assertion (A): Wheat and sugarcane grown on irrigated land fetched higher prices under Alauddin Khalji.
Reason (R): Irrigated agriculture improved crop quality and productivity.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

52. Match List I with List II regarding medieval agrarian terms.

A- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
B- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
C- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

53. Which ruler’s Bengal expedition of 1353 mentions maliks, muqaddams and mafrozis as zamindars?
A. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C. Firuz Tughluq
D. Sher Shah

54. According to Mahru, peasants generally:
A. Paid taxes willingly
B. Avoided agriculture
C. Refused irrigation
D. Paid taxes only when compelled

55. Assertion (A): The term ‘zamindar’ became a blanket category for rural aristocracy.
Reason (R): Medieval agrarian administration increasingly standardized tax collection structures.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
D. (A) false, (R) true

56. Which ruling period saw the resurgence of regional rural aristocracies like the Khokhars and Khanzadas?
A. 13th century
B. 15th century
C. Early 14th century
D. Reign of Alauddin Khalji only

57. The Khanzadas were associated primarily with:
A. Punjab
B. Bihar
C. Gwalior
D. Mewar

58. Match List I with List II regarding regional elites.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
C- A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

59. Sher Shah’s successors criticized rural aristocrats mainly for:
A. Religious intolerance
B. Foreign trade
C. Military weakness
D. Tax evasion and peasant exploitation

60. Which of the following best explains the long-term significance of agricultural expansion during the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Decline of non-agrarian economy
B. Elimination of caste divisions
C. Creation of an economic base for successive empires
D. Replacement of land revenue by trade taxes

61. Assertion (A): Extensive forest clearing contributed to agricultural expansion during the Delhi Sultanate.
Reason (R): Newly exposed fertile land increased agricultural productivity.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) is true but (R) is false
D. (A) is false but (R) is true

62. Which among the following taxes was arbitrarily imposed by khots on peasants before Alauddin Khalji’s reforms?
A. Charai
B. Ushr
C. Kismet-i-khoti
D. Gharai

63. The Arabic work Masalik al Absar is important for understanding:
A. Urban architecture
B. Cattle abundance and prices in India
C. Temple administration
D. Maritime warfare

64. Match List I with List II regarding medieval social hierarchy.

A- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
B- A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
C- A-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II
D- A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

65. According to Barani, which crops saw increased prices in the 14th century due to irrigated cultivation?
A. Tobacco and maize
B. Indigo and chilli
C. Gram, wheat, and barley
D. Potato and tomato

66. Which among the following is NOT associated with Firuz Tughluq’s irrigation projects?
A. Rajab-wah Canal
B. Ulugh Khani Canal
C. Canal from Sutlej River
D. Grand Trunk Canal

67. Assertion (A): Bullocks were more important than carts in transportation during the Sultanate period.
Reason (R): Carts were relatively less common for transport.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

68. Which source mentions that some villages in Hisar had forty to fifty kharaks?
A. Ibn Battuta
B. Minhaj-us-Siraj
C. Sirajus Afif
D. Moreland

69. The Araghattai method of raising water involved:
A. Windmills
B. Underground tunnels
C. Steam technology
D. Pots fixed with strings used for lifting water

70. Which ruler expanded canals carrying water from the Yamuna to Hisar?
A. Ghiyasuddin Balban
B. Sikander Lodi
C. Firuz Tughluq
D. Ibrahim Lodi

71. Assertion (A): Silk production in Bengal is clearly mentioned by Ibn Battuta.
Reason (R): Ma Huan later described Bengal’s silk production in detail.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

72. Match List I with List II regarding medieval historians and observations.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

73. Which among the following best describes medieval Indian villages during the Sultanate period?
A. Fully urbanized settlements
B. Military camps only
C. Largely self-sufficient agrarian units
D. Temporary tribal settlements

74. The term Balahar in rural society referred to:
A. Revenue collectors
B. Village priests
C. Common peasants/lower rural groups
D. Horse traders

75. Assertion (A): Peasants during the Delhi Sultanate could sell produce in markets.
Reason (R): Revenue was sometimes demanded in cash.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

76. Which among the following crops replaced barley and jowar in fertile lands during the later phase of the Sultanate?
A. Cotton and gram
B. Tobacco and potato
C. Wheat and rice
D. Sugarcane and indigo

77. According to medieval records, which commodity remained lucrative enough for merchants to maintain many slaves?
A. Cotton
B. Wheat
C. Silk
D. Ghee

78. Match List I with List II regarding taxes and levies.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
C- A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

79. Which of the following rulers encouraged peasants to grow grapes and dates?
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C. Firuz Shah Bahmani
D. Sher Shah

80. The term pargana became common by the reign of:
A. Balban
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Sikander Lodi

81. Assertion (A): Khots occupied a position between ordinary peasants and aristocracy.
Reason (R): Their fortunes depended on the strength of central authority.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

82. Which among the following crops was NOT grown around Delhi according to Thakkera Pheru’s account?
A. Gram
B. Cotton
C. Wheat
D. Maize

83. Who among the following described the price of grapes becoming significantly cheaper due to increased production?
A. Minhaj-us-Siraj
B. Ibn Battuta
C. Sirajus Afif
D. Umari

84. Match List I with List II regarding silk references.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

85. Which among the following best describes the condition of landless laborers?
A. Politically influential
B. Wealthy landholders
C. Socially oppressed due to caste hierarchy
D. State-supported military peasants

86. According to Barani, peasants fled villages mainly because of:
A. Religious persecution
B. Foreign invasions
C. Drought conditions
D. Extortion by maliks and officials

87. Assertion (A): The Delhi Sultanate state ignored agricultural productivity.
Reason (R): Land revenue was the principal source of state income.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

88. Which of the following statements about rural aristocracy is correct?
A. It was entirely uniform throughout India
B. It consisted of varied groups like Rais, Ranas, and Rawats
C. It disappeared completely under the Sultanate
D. It had no role in tax collection

89. During Firuz Tughluq’s reign, one canal joined the Kali River with:
A. Chambal
B. Betwa
C. Ghaghara
D. Yamuna

90. Match List I with List II regarding regional powers of the 15th century.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
C- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
D- A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I

91. Assertion (A): Irrigation canals became increasingly important in North India during the 14th century.
Reason (R): Canal technology was introduced from Central Asia and adopted by new rulers.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) is true but (R) is false
D. (A) is false but (R) is true

92. Which among the following medieval sources mentions that peasants needed seeds, oxen, and tools to begin cultivation?
A. Tarikh-i-Rashidi
B. Ain-i-Akbari
C. Nizami (1354)
D. Masalik al Absar

93. Which among the following best explains the rise of non-agricultural production during the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Religious taxation
B. Urban migration alone
C. Military conquest only
D. Agricultural surplus production

94. Match List I with List II regarding agrarian classes and functions.

A- A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
B- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
C- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
D- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II

95. According to Barani, which ruler imposed strict fiscal measures against khots?
A. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
B. Firuz Tughluq
C. Balban
D. Alauddin Khalji

96. Which crop category generally fetched lower prices than Rabi crops?
A. Plantation crops
B. Commercial crops
C. Kharif crops
D. Export crops

97. Assertion (A): Cotton and gram continued to be cultivated in fertile regions despite changes in crop preference.
Reason (R): Their market demand remained relatively stable over time.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

98. Which among the following statements about wells in the Delhi Sultanate is correct?
A. Stone wells predominated everywhere
B. Brick wells were more common than mud wells
C. Most wells were kuccha (mud wells)
D. Wells had little role in irrigation

99. Which medieval ruler is credited with establishing irrigation that enabled double-cropping in Hisar?
A. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Firuz Tughluq
D. Sikander Lodi

100. Match List I with List II regarding crops introduced into India later than the Sultanate period.

A- A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
B- A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
C- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
D- A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

101. The replacement of barley and jowar by wheat and rice in fertile regions suggests:
A. Religious transformation
B. Military decline
C. Agricultural commercialization and higher-value cultivation
D. Decline in irrigation

102. According to medieval records, ordinary sugar was often priced close to:
A. Cotton
B. Rice
C. Silk
D. Wheat

103. Assertion (A): High-grade sugar was cheaper in 1310 than in 1595.
Reason (R): Sugar production expanded significantly over time.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) may be true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

104. Which among the following medieval social groups had authority to collect taxes after annexation under the Sultanate?
A. Buddhist monks
B. Urban merchants
C. Rais and Ranas
D. Temple dancers

105. Which term was increasingly used as a blanket category for landed intermediaries by the 14th century?
A. Balahar
B. Rawat
C. Dahaqin
D. Zamindar

106. Match List I with List II regarding regional administration.

A- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
B- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
C- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

107. Which ruler exempted khots again from kharaj, charai, and gharai after Alauddin Khalji?
A. Firuz Tughluq
B. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Ibrahim Lodi

108. According to medieval accounts, which profession became highly profitable in Ajodhan?
A. Silk weaving
B. Horse trading
C. Ghee trading
D. Weapon manufacturing

109. Assertion (A): The caste system limited upward social mobility for lower peasants.
Reason (R): Landless rural populations often performed menial labor for upper castes.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

110. Which medieval ruler’s policies are linked with the growth of orchards around Delhi?
A. Balban
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Firuz Tughluq
D. Sikander Lodi

111. Which among the following best describes the position of peasants under Delhi Sultanate agrarian relations?
A. Completely free landowners
B. Independent merchants
C. Semi-serf-like cultivators under pressure from elites
D. Full state officials

112. Match List I with List II regarding medieval historians and chronology.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
C- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

113. The term rawat generally referred to:
A. Temple manager
B. Urban trader
C. Military retainers/cavalry under local chiefs
D. Irrigation officer

114. Which of the following rulers saw independent regional units re-emerge within the former Sultanate territories?
A. Alauddin Khalji’s reign
B. Early 13th century only
C. Balban’s reign
D. 15th century regional phase

115. Assertion (A): Mahru believed peasants readily paid taxes to the state.
Reason (R): Tax evasion among peasants was common.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

116. Which among the following best explains why markets became viable during the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Decline in crop production
B. Agricultural produce could easily reach markets
C. Elimination of roads
D. Reduced peasant output

117. According to the passage, one important precursor of the Persian Wheel was:
A. Water tunnel system
B. Steam-driven pulley
C. Bamboo siphon method
D. Araghattai using earthen pots

118. Match List I with List II regarding medieval rural hierarchy.

A- A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
B- A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
C- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
D- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II

119. Which among the following best explains the state’s concern for agricultural productivity?
A. Religious pressure only
B. Trade monopoly
C. Foreign investment
D. Dependence on land revenue

120. Which category of crops generally fetched higher prices during Alauddin Khalji’s reign?
A. Rain-fed barley only
B. Irrigated wheat and sugarcane
C. Dry jowar crops only
D. Forest produce only

121. Assertion (A): Agricultural prosperity under the Delhi Sultanate contributed to the economic strength of later empires.
Reason (R): Surplus agricultural production encouraged non-agrarian sectors of the economy.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

122. Which among the following regions was heavily forested during the 12th–13th centuries and later fully cultivated?
A. Malwa Plateau
B. Deccan Plateau
C. Ganga–Yamuna Doab
D. Kashmir Valley

123. According to Barani, what happened to the women of khots after Alauddin Khalji’s harsh measures?
A. They joined royal service
B. They migrated to towns
C. They received tax exemptions
D. They had to work for survival

124. Match List I with List II regarding medieval crops and pricing.

A- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
B- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
C- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

125. The term mutasarrif used by Ibn Battuta referred to:
A. Local military commander
B. Village priest
C. Tax collector
D. Land surveyor

126. Which ruler expanded the irrigation network through multiple canals from rivers like Yamuna, Sutlej and Ghaggar?
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Balban
C. Sikander Lodi
D. Firuz Tughluq

127. Assertion (A): Medieval agrarian tools remained broadly similar to those used in the 19th century.
Reason (R): The major difference lay in the amount of iron used in tools.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

128. Which among the following statements about mulberry silk is correct?
A. It was absent in medieval India
B. It began only in the Mughal period
C. It was produced in India during the 14th–15th centuries
D. It replaced cotton cultivation entirely

129. According to Afif, irrigation in Hisar enabled cultivation of:
A. Only cash crops
B. Forest products only
C. Only Rabi crops
D. Both Rabi and Kharif crops

130. Match List I with List II regarding medieval observers and economic details.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
C- A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
D- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

131. Which among the following social categories likely represented the landless rural population?
A. Zamindars
B. Khots
C. Menial laborers tied to caste occupations
D. Revenue officers

132. Which ruler’s successors criticized zamindars for exploitation and tax evasion?
A. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B. Firuz Tughluq
C. Sher Shah
D. Balban

133. Assertion (A): Villages during the Delhi Sultanate were entirely isolated from markets.
Reason (R): Agricultural produce often moved to markets, making crop cultivation commercially viable.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

134. The major source of state revenue during the Delhi Sultanate was:
A. Maritime customs
B. Religious taxes
C. Mining tax
D. Land revenue

135. Which among the following statements regarding rural aristocracy is most accurate?
A. All rural elites were equal in rank
B. Rural aristocracy had multiple layers and categories
C. The Sultanate abolished intermediary elites entirely
D. Rural chiefs had no role in tax collection

136. Match List I with List II regarding medieval terminology.

A- A-I, B-II, C-IV, D-III
B- A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
C- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
D- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II

137. The replacement of sadi by pargana reflects:
A. Religious reform
B. Administrative evolution in revenue organization
C. Military decentralization
D. Abolition of villages

138. According to medieval evidence, what made cattle rearing particularly popular?
A. State subsidies only
B. Urban demand alone
C. Religious restrictions
D. Large stretches of wasteland near villages

139. Assertion (A): Firuz Tughluq’s irrigation policy improved agricultural diversification.
Reason (R): Canal irrigation enabled cultivation in previously dry regions like Hisar.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

140. Which among the following medieval sources mentions silk production in Bengal in the 15th century?
A. Ibn Battuta
B. Kalhana
C. Ma Huan
D. Minhaj-us-Siraj

141. Which ruler’s reign saw the common use of pargana as an administrative term?
A. Balban
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Ibrahim Lodi

142. Match List I with List II regarding medieval agricultural developments.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
C- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

143. Which of the following best characterizes the status of khots after Ghiyasuddin Tughluq’s reforms?
A. Fully independent nobles
B. Tax-privileged intermediaries with reduced arbitrary powers
C. Ordinary laborers
D. Military governors

144. Which among the following statements about mango cultivation is correct?
A. Mangoes were imported from Central Asia
B. Mangoes had low market value
C. Mangoes were highly valued and mostly seed-grown
D. Mango cultivation began under the Mughals only

145. Assertion (A): Rural aristocrats were entirely removed after Sultanate conquests.
Reason (R): Existing chiefs often continued local tax collection under state supervision.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

146. Which among the following best explains the prosperity of ghee merchants?
A. Decline in cattle population
B. Reduced dairy consumption
C. Abundant cattle wealth and strong demand for ghee
D. State monopoly over milk trade

147. According to the passage, which category of peasants likely lived comfortably with ornaments and grain reserves?
A. Landless laborers
B. Middle or upper strata peasants
C. Bonded workers only
D. Temple servants

148. Match List I with List II regarding regional aristocracies.

A- A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
D- A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II

149. Which among the following was a major characteristic of Delhi Sultanate agriculture?
A. Complete dependence on imported grain
B. Expansion through reclamation of cultivable land
C. Elimination of irrigation
D. Absence of market exchange

150. The condition of the lower landless class remained poor primarily because of:
A. Climatic instability
B. Weak military support
C. Foreign invasions
D. Caste stratification and social inequality

151. Assertion (A): The Delhi Sultanate laid foundations for later economic expansion in India.
Reason (R): Agricultural prosperity generated surplus and strengthened state revenue systems.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

152. Which among the following medieval sources suggests that some land around Delhi produced crops in two seasons?
A. Afif
B. Ibn Battuta
C. Moreland
D. Kalhana

153. Which among the following best explains the popularity of rain-fed cultivation during the Sultanate period?
A. Lack of peasants
B. State prohibition on irrigation
C. Abundance of cultivable land and dependence on rainfall
D. Ban on canal construction

154. Match List I with List II regarding rulers and agrarian developments.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
C- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

155. Which among the following crops was generally considered a higher-value crop in fertile lands?
A. Jowar
B. Barley
C. Rice
D. Millets

156. According to medieval evidence, which class of rural people was most vulnerable to exploitation?
A. Khots
B. Zamindars
C. Revenue officials
D. Landless laborers and lower peasants

157. Assertion (A): The term ‘chaudhuri’ is absent in most 13th-century Persian accounts.
Reason (R): The office gained prominence only in the 14th century.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

158. Which among the following rivers was associated with Firuz Tughluq’s canal projects?
A. Brahmaputra
B. Narmada
C. Ghaggar
D. Tapi

159. Which among the following statements regarding medieval cattle wealth is correct?
A. Bullocks had little utility
B. Cattle were extremely expensive
C. Ghee had little commercial value
D. Bullocks formed a substantial part of livestock economy

160. Match List I with List II regarding medieval agrarian conditions.

A- A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
B- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
C- A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
D- A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

161. According to Afif, the price of barley and gram around Delhi was approximately:
A. Equal to wheat
B. Double wheat prices
C. Half the price of wheat
D. Four times wheat prices

162. Which among the following best describes the agrarian structure of Bihar during Sikander Lodi’s reign?
A. Only zamindari villages existed
B. Only peasant villages existed
C. No intermediary elites existed
D. Villages existed under both peasants/muqaddams and zamindars

163. Assertion (A): Irrigated land produced more commercially valuable crops under Alauddin Khalji.
Reason (R): Irrigation increased productivity and market value of crops like wheat and sugarcane.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true

164. Which among the following medieval works refers to silk evidence completed in 1547?
A. Ain-i-Akbari
B. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
C. Tarikh-i-Rashidi
D. Masalik al Absar

165. Which of the following statements about peasants is most accurate?
A. They enjoyed complete legal ownership of land
B. They possessed tools, cattle, and seeds but faced elite pressures
C. They never participated in market exchange
D. They paid no taxes

166. Match List I with List II regarding medieval taxation.

A- A-II, B-I, C-III, D-IV
B- A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
C- A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
D- A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

167. Which among the following was an important feature of Delhi Sultanate villages?
A. Dependence entirely on imports
B. No occupational specialization
C. Relative self-sufficiency in economic life
D. Total absence of markets

168. According to the passage, one major result of agricultural growth was:
A. Decline in trade routes
B. End of caste divisions
C. Reduced political centralization
D. Expansion of non-agrarian production

169. Assertion (A): Older rural aristocracies completely disappeared by the 15th century.
Reason (R): Regional powers like Khokhars and Khanzadas regained influence.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true
B. (A) true, (R) false
C. (A) is false but (R) is true
D. Both (A) and (R) are false

170. Which among the following best explains the emergence of intermediary elites like chaudhuris?
A. Religious reforms only
B. Military invasions alone
C. Temple administration
D. Need for efficient and timely revenue collection

171. Which among the following best reflects the long-term agricultural transformation of the Sultanate period?
A. Complete end of forest cover everywhere
B. Elimination of cattle economy
C. Expansion of cultivation supported by irrigation and reclamation
D. Abolition of land taxes

172. Match List I with List II regarding agricultural products and observations.

A- A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
B- A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
C- A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
D- A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

173. Which among the following rulers was associated with the first royal initiative in canal construction according to Barani?
A. Firuz Tughluq
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C. Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
D. Balban

174. Which among the following best summarizes the condition of lower rural groups under the Delhi Sultanate?
A. Universal prosperity and equality
B. Strong political representation
C. Complete freedom from taxation
D. Persistent hardship shaped by caste and agrarian hierarchy

175. Assertion (A): The agrarian economy of the Delhi Sultanate sustained successive imperial systems.
Reason (R): Expansion of cultivation, irrigation, and surplus production strengthened economic foundations.

A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation
C. (A) true, (R) false
D. (A) false, (R) true