Medieval Indian History

Firoz Shah Tughlaq brought Ashokan pillars to Delhi and installed them. For exams, also connect him with preservation of old monuments.

The Sayyid dynasty came after the Tughlaq dynasty. For exams, remember the sequence of Delhi Sultanate dynasties.

Bahlol Lodi founded the Lodi dynasty. For exams, remember the Lodi dynasty as the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

Sikandar Lodi developed Agra. For exams, also connect Agra with the later Mughal capital.

The Battle of Khanwa was fought between Babur and Rana Sanga. For exams, remember it with (1527) CE.

Humayun regained Delhi in 1555, after a long period of defeat and exile. He had lost his kingdom to Sher Shah Suri in 1540 and spent years away from northern India. With Persian support and renewed military strength, he returned and defeated the Sur rulers. His restoration in Delhi in 1555 briefly re-established Mughal rule before his death in 1556. Hence, option C is correct.

The year 1526 belongs to Babur’s victory at the First Battle of Panipat, which began Mughal rule in India. The year 1540 marks Humayun’s defeat and loss of Delhi, not his return. The year 1605 marks Akbar’s death and Jahangir’s accession. Linking Humayun’s exile with his restoration makes 1555 easier to remember.

Humayunama, also known as the Humayun-nama or The Life of Humayun, was written by Gulbadan Begum. She was a Mughal princess, the daughter of Babur and the half-sister of Humayun. Her account is valuable because it describes the Mughal royal family and important events connected with Humayun from a close historical perspective. Therefore, option B is correct.

The other women listed were important historical figures, but they were not the author of this work. Nur Jahan was a powerful Mughal empress associated with Jahangir's reign. Jahanara was the daughter of Shah Jahan, and Mumtaz Mahal was Shah Jahan's wife. Remembering the author as Gulbadan Begum also highlights the importance of women's participation in Mughal historical writing. The title links the book with Humayun, while its authorship belongs to his sister, not to Humayun himself.

Sher Shah Suri gave the rupee a systematic form. For exams, also connect him with revenue and road reforms.

Sher Shah Suri strengthened the Grand Trunk Road. For exams, connect roads with trade and administration.

Akbar built the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri. For exams, connect it with religious discussions.

The Mansabdari system was a key part of Akbar's administration. For exams, remember the terms Zat and Sawar.

Tansen was a famous musician in Akbar's court. For exams, connect him with Akbar's Navratnas.

Birbal was among the famous Navratnas of Akbar's court. For exams, remember court personalities with their rulers.

Din-i Ilahi was a religious idea associated with Akbar. For exams, remember it among his religious experiments.

Nur Jahan was Jahangir's wife and was influential in court. For exams, connect her with Mughal politics.

Sir Thomas Roe came to Jahangir's court. For exams, connect him with English trading contacts.

Moti Masjid in Agra Fort is associated with Shah Jahan. For exams, connect Shah Jahan with marble architecture.

The Jama Masjid of Delhi was built by Shah Jahan. For exams, also connect it with Shahjahanabad.

Aurangzeb adopted the title ‘Alamgir’ when he became the Mughal emperor; it is commonly understood as ‘conqueror of the world’. Therefore, option A is correct. ‘Lakh Baksh’ is associated with Qutb-ud-din Aibak, while ‘Ghazi Malik’ is associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Exam tip: Revise medieval rulers together with their well-known titles.

Aurangzeb's Deccan campaigns continued for a long time. For exams, connect them with pressure on Mughal power.