BPSC Medieval History Mock Test 2027: Chapter-Wise Online Test Series (Hindi & English)
This page focuses exclusively on Medieval Indian History and Bihar's medieval dynasties (1206 AD to 1707 AD). Complete your preparation with our [BPSC Ancient History Mock Test] covering the Magadha Empire and Mauryas, or proceed to our [BPSC Modern History & Freedom Struggle Test] for the 1857 Revolt and national freedom movements.
Medieval History regularly contributes 4 to 8 high-yield questions in the 150-mark BPSC Preliminary General Studies paper. While ancient history covers early empires and modern history covers freedom movements, the medieval section tests your knowledge of administrative systems, tax mechanisms, battle chronologies, and regional dynasties in Bihar.
Many candidates make the mistake of reading national history textbooks that mention only Delhi and Agra. When they sit for the real preliminary examination, specific questions on the Karnat Dynasty of Mithila, the regional governors of the Tughlaq period in Tirhut, or the Sufi orders of Maner Sharif catch them unprepared.
The BPSC Medieval History Mock Test 2027 platform provides a realistic, timed testing environment built around the actual exam pattern. You solve chapter-by-chapter question sets, practice under the standard 1/3rd negative marking penalty, and identify your weak chapters before exam day.
SECTION 1: Quick Test Launcher (Interactive Practice Console)
Use our interactive test console to launch topic-specific drills or attempt full 150-question sectional sets:
✍️ Why I Built This Mock Test Series
Founder's NoteI'm Shubham Kumar Sah, founder of SarkariMockTest.com. Every Medieval History question bank I've reviewed — Testbook, Adda247, half a dozen others — covers the same ground: Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, maybe a line on Vijayanagara. Not one of them properly covers what BPSC actually asks about Bihar.
The Karnat Dynasty of Mithila, Bakhtiyar Khilji's invasion of Nalanda, Sher Shah Suri's own administrative base in Sasaram, the Sufi saints of Maner Sharif — these aren't footnotes in a BPSC paper. They're recurring, high-yield questions that generic national-level content simply skips.
This series is built around that gap, module by module, with a dedicated Bihar Medieval History section that most competitors don't have at all. Every test here follows the real 1/3rd negative marking rule and the 4-option format BPSC actually uses, not an outdated pattern recycled from years ago.
A large part of the series stays free. Knowing whether your weak spot is Mughal administration or Bihar's own medieval rulers shouldn't cost you money before you even start.
As I keep building and updating tests for Bihar government exam aspirants, I check everything on this site against one question: will this really help someone walk into their BPSC 2027 Medieval History section better prepared? If it won't, it doesn't get included.
SECTION 2: BPSC Medieval History Weightage & Question Trends (66th to 71st BPSC)
Studying past examination trends reveals how the commission distributes questions across the medieval period:
| BPSC Exam Edition | Medieval History Questions | Dominant Topic Area | Observed Question Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68th BPSC Prelims | 6 Questions | Sher Shah Suri & Mughal Administration | Shifted to conceptual statements; negative marking introduced |
| 69th BPSC Prelims | 5 Questions | Delhi Sultanate Architecture & Inscriptions | Tested specific architectural terminology and chroniclers |
| 70th BPSC Prelims | 7 Questions | Bihar Karnat Dynasty & Sufism in Maner | Deep focus on regional dynasties and saint literature |
| 71st/72nd Target | 6–8 Questions Expected | Administrative Terms & Regional Dynasties | Multi-statement questions evaluating revenue and military terms |
SECTION 3: Topic-Wise Mock Test Modules (Complete Micro-Syllabus)
To build a solid foundation, study each medieval period topic by topic. This syllabus covers every area tested by the BPSC:
Module 1: Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 AD)
The Sultanate period established the administrative vocabulary used across northern India for three centuries:
The Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Rulers, 1206–1290 AD): Qutb-ud-din Aibak (construction of Qutub Minar, title of Lakhbaksh), Iltutmish (real founder of the Sultanate, introduction of silver Tanka and copper Jital, formation of Turkan-i-Chahalgani or the Group of Forty), Razia Sultan (first female monarch of Delhi, court resistance), and Ghiyas-ud-din Balban (policy of Blood and Iron, introduction of Persian court rituals of Sijda and Paibos, establishment of the dedicated military department Diwan-i-Arz, destruction of the Chahalgani).
The Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320 AD): Jalal-ud-din Khilji, Alauddin Khilji's military campaigns (Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, and Malik Kafur's southern expeditions to Devagiri, Warangal, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai), price control and market regulation system (Shahna-i-Mandi, Diwan-i-Riyasat), measurement of land based on standard yield (Biswa), and army reforms (Dagh or branding of horses, and Chehra or descriptive roll of soldiers).
The Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414 AD): Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq (founder of Tughlaqabad), Muhammad bin Tughlaq's controversial administrative experiments (taxation in the Doab region, transfer of the imperial capital to Daulatabad/Devagiri, token currency of bronze/copper coins, Khurasan and Qarachil military expeditions, establishment of the agriculture department Diwan-i-Kohi), Firoz Shah Tughlaq's civil administration (creation of employment bureau, charitable hospital Dar-ul-Shifa, department of public works, welfare department Diwan-i-Khairat, department of slaves Diwan-i-Bandagan, imposition of Jizya as a separate tax, and excavation of canal irrigation networks).
Sayyid & Lodi Dynasties (1414–1526 AD): Khizr Khan, Bahlul Lodi, Sikandar Lodi (foundation of Agra city in 1504, introduction of the measurement standard Gaz-i-Sikandari), and Ibrahim Lodi (conflict with Afghan nobles and defeat by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat on 21 April 1526).
Sultanate Administrative Terminology: Diwan-i-Wazarat (Finance department headed by the Wazir), Diwan-i-Arz (Military department), Diwan-i-Insha (Royal correspondence and state records), Diwan-i-Risalat (Appeals, foreign affairs, and religious endowments), Barid-i-Mumalik (Head of state intelligence and espionage network), and the functioning of the Iqta revenue assignment system (Muqti/Iqtadar obligations).
Module 2: The Mughal Empire & Imperial Administration (1526–1707 AD)
The Mughal administrative framework created an integrated revenue and military hierarchy:
Establishment & Early Struggles (1526–1556 AD): Babur's campaigns (First Battle of Panipat 1526 using the Tulghuma tactical formation and artillery carts, Battle of Khanwa 1527 against Rana Sanga, Battle of Chanderi 1528, Battle of Ghaghra 1529), his autobiography Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Baburnama written in Chagatai Turkish), Humayun's reign, battles with Sher Shah Suri (Battle of Chausa 1539, Battle of Kannauj/Bilgram 1540), years in exile in Safavid Persia, restoration in 1555, and accidental death at the Sher Mandal library in Delhi.
Akbar the Great (1556–1605 AD): Second Battle of Panipat (1556 against Hemu), regency of Bairam Khan, territorial expansion (conquest of Malwa, Gondwana, Gujarat, Bengal, and Bihar in 1574), Battle of Haldighati (1576 against Maharana Pratap), administrative reforms:
The Mansabdari System: Dual ranks of Zat (personal status and salary tier) and Sawar (number of cavalrymen required to maintain), Dagh and Chehra verification rules, and cash salaries (Naqd) versus revenue assignments (Jagir).
Land Revenue Systems: Todar Mal's Bandobast, the Zabti system, and the Ain-i-Dahsala (calculation of tax based on average prices and yields of the previous 10 years).
Land Classifications: Polaj (annually cultivated), Parauti (left fallow for 1 to 2 years), Chachar (fallow for 3 to 4 years), and Banjar (uncultivated for 5 or more years).
Religious & Social Policies: Abolition of pilgrimage tax (1563) and Jizya (1564), establishment of Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri (1575), declaration of the Mahzar Nama or Infallibility Decree (1579), propagation of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace and tolerance), and the ethical code Tauhid-i-Ilahi / Din-i-Ilahi (1582).
Jahangir & Shah Jahan (1605–1658 AD): Jahangir's chain of justice (Zanjir-i-Adl), influence of Nur Jahan and the court Junta, execution of the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev Ji, arrival of English ambassadors (Captain William Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe), development of miniature portrait painting, Shah Jahan's architectural monuments (Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Delhi, Jama Masjid, Peacock Throne / Takht-i-Taus), and Deccan campaigns.
Aurangzeb Alamgir (1658–1707 AD): War of succession (Battle of Dharmat, Battle of Samugarh, Battle of Deorai), reimposition of Jizya (1679), compilation of Islamic legal rulings Fatawa-i-Alamgiri, annexation of Bijapur (1686) and Golconda (1687), long Deccan campaigns against Marathas, destruction of religious shrines, and execution of the ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Mughal Administrative Architecture: Wazir / Diwan (Chief revenue minister), Mir Bakshi (Head of military department, paymaster, and intelligence supervisor), Mir Saman (Supervisor of royal household and imperial karkhanas), Qazi-ul-Quzat (Chief judicial officer), Sadr-us-Sudur (In-charge of charitable and religious grants), Subahdar (Provincial governor), Faujdar (District administrative and military officer), and Amil / Amal-Guzar (Revenue assessment collector).
Module 3: Bihar in the Medieval Period (High-Yield State Differentiator)
It is in this section that candidates who succeed are distinguished from those who score average:
The event coverage found in most national question banks does not include those events which are particular to a state.
Bakhtiyar Khilji led early Turkish raids into eastern India from 1198 to 1203 AD. He attacked and destroyed the famous Buddhist centers at Nalanda and Odantapuri. These campaigns marked the start of Turkish power in the region. Khilji’s actions led to the decline of Buddhist institutions and changed the culture and politics of eastern India during this period.
The Karnat dynasty, which ruled Mithila from 1097 to 1324 AD, was founded by Nanyadeva, who made Simraungadh—located on the present-day boundary between Bihar and Nepal—its capital. The principal rulers were Gangadeva, Narasimhadeva, Ramsimhadeva and Harisimhadeva; it should be noted that during Harisimhadeva's reign the Panji Prabandha (a system of genealogical records used by the Maithil Brahmins and Kayasthas) was introduced. In 1324 AD, on his return from his expedition to Bengal, Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq launched an invasion of Tirhut and Harisimhadeva fled to the hills of Nepal, whereupon the rule of the Karnats came to an end.
The Mithila Oiniwar Dynasty attained power following the Karnats by means of the support of Firoz Shah Tughlaq; its rulers encouraged traditional Sanskrit scholarship as well as Maithili literature, and the well-known court poet was Vidyapati, who wrote the Padavali, Kirtilata and Kirtipataka while under the patronage of King Shiva Simha.
Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji, who had been a military officer serving under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, conducted the initial Turkish raids into Bihar and gained control of southern Bihar between the years 1198 and 1203 AD. He destroyed the fortified Buddhist monastic universities at Odantapuri (at Bihar Sharif) and Nalanda Mahavihara, as well as Vikramshila, and then established his regional administrative centre at Bihar Sharif.
On the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, Shamsuddin Iltutmish was the first sultan to carry out a direct military campaign into Bihar (around 1225 AD), defeating Husamuddin Iwaz near the Rajmahal hills and naming Malik Alauddin Jani as the first imperial governor of Bihar; additionally, during the rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Tirhut was formally brought into the imperial administrative system, along with the temporary change of the name of Darbhanga to Tughlaqpur.
Sher Shah Suri (Farid Khan) — the Sasaram Administration: He was born in Sasaram (in the Rohtas district) and his father was Hasan Khan Suri, who had the jagir of Sasaram and Khawaspur. Sher Shah gained practical experience in administration by looking after his father's estate.
He gained power by defeating the Bengal army in the Battle of Surajgarh (1534), which established his control over southern Bihar; he also defeated the Mughal emperor Humayun at the Battle of Chausa (near Buxar in 1539) at the time when he assumed the title of Sher Shah, and finished off his victory at the Battle of Kannauj/Bilgram (1540).
The empire was divided into 47 Sarkars (provinces or districts), each of which was further divided into smaller Parganas (sub-districts). In the important Parganas the main officials were the Shiqdar (who was in charge of law and order), the Munsif or Amin (responsible for land measurement and revenue assessment), the Fotadar (the treasurer), and the Karkuns (the account keepers).
The land revenue reforms established the Sikandari Gaz (made up of 32 points) and hemp rope (Jarib) as the standard means of measuring land. The cultivated soils were divided into three types – Good, Middle, and Bad – and the amount the state took was fixed at one-third of the average yield. Agricultural tenancy was set up by issuing the Patta (an official title deed granted by the state) and the Qabuliyat (a written deed of acceptance signed by the peasant).
The use of the mixed-metal coins came to an end and in their place the standardised silver rupiya (which had a weight of 178 grains) and the copper dam (weighing 380 grains) were introduced; these coins formed the basis of both the Mughal and the present Indian monetary systems. The old Mauryan highway was restored and extended into what is now known as the Sadak-e-Azam (later called the Grand Trunk Road by the British), running from Sonargaon (in Bengal) to Attock (in present-day Pakistan), and along the route shade trees, wells, and 1,700 caravanserais (sarais) were constructed.
Aliwal Khan was the architect of the mausoleum at Sasaram, which is constructed of red sandstone and is situated in the middle of a square artificial lake; it features an octagonal style of Indo-Islamic architecture with a domed roof, incorporating methods of construction that are both Afghan and traditional Indian.
Sufi Traditions and Shrines in Bihar: Sufi saints arrived in Bihar before the Turkish conquest:
Makhdum Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri was the leading saint within the Firdausi Sufi order (a branch of the Suhrawardi silsila), and his spiritual retreat (the Khanqah) in Bihar Sharif had disciples coming to it from all parts of northern India; moreover, his spiritual letters, compiled as the Maktubat-i-Sadi (The Hundred Letters), contained advice regarding religious ethics and governance.
The Badi Dargah and the Chhoti Dargah at Maner Sharif are near the place where the Son and Ganga rivers converge, and Maner was previously an early centre of learning and mystical scholarship. The tomb of the saint Shah Daulat (referred to as the Chhoti Dargah), completed in 1616 AD by Ibrahim Khan Kakar, is regarded as a typical example of Mughal stone architecture in Bihar.
Module 4: Vijayanagara, Bahmani & Maratha Kingdoms
Regional kingdoms maintained distinct administrative, military, and revenue structures outside northern sultanate control:
The Sangama dynasty brothers Harihara I and Bukka I established the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336 and continued until 1646 AD, setting up their capital on the Tungabhadra river with the spiritual advice of the sage Vidyaranya; the empire had four ruling dynasties, namely the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu.
Krishnadevaraya, king who ruled from 1509 to 1529 AD, was the most distinguished monarch of the Tuluva dynasty; he defeated the sultan of Bijapur, captured the Raichur Doab and overcame the ruler of Odisha who was a Gajapati. He composed the political work Amuktamalyada in Telugu and the Sanskrit play Jambavati Kalyanam. He backed the Ashtadiggajas (eight notable Telugu poets, including Allasani Peddana and Tenali Ramakrishna). He built the Hazara Rama temple and the Vitthala temple at Hampi.
In 1565 at Talikota (Rakshasi-Tangadi) the combined forces of the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar and Bidar) defeated the army of Vijayanagara that was commanded by Rama Raya and as a result Hampi was destroyed.
In the Nayankara system, military commanders (referred to as Nayakas or Poligars) were granted territories in exchange for supplying a certain number of soldiers, elephants, and cavalry for the imperial defence.
The Bahmani Kingdom (1347–1527 AD) was established by Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah (who was also known as Hasan Gangu) with Gulbarga acting as its initial capital (this capital was subsequently transferred to Bidar). Its famous prime minister was Mahmud Gawan, who founded a madrasa in Bidar and reformed the provincial revenue system by dividing it into eight Tarafs. The kingdom eventually split up into five Deccan Sultanates: Bijapur (the Adil Shahi), Golconda (the Qutb Shahi), Ahmednagar (the Nizam Shahi), Bidar (the Barid Shahi), and Berar (the Imad Shahi).
The Maratha state and its administration were established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (he was crowned at Raigad in 1674 and assumed the title of Chhatrapati).
The Council of the Ashta Pradhan is made up of eight executive ministers: the Peshwa (who holds the office of Prime Minister), the Amatya or Mazumdar (whose responsibilities include Finance and Accounts), the Waqia-Navis (who is in charge of Interior and Intelligence), the Shurunavis or Sachiv (who deals with the King's correspondence), the Sumant or Dabir (who is in charge of Foreign affairs), the Senapati or Sari-Naubat (the Commander-in-Chief), Panditrao (who is in charge of Charity and Religious matters), and the Nyayadhish (the Chief Justice).
The Maratha method of raising revenue consisted of Chauth, which was a sum equal to one-fourth (25 per cent) of the regular land revenue collected from adjacent non-Maratha areas as a protective payment to guard against Maratha raids, and Sardeshmukhi, an additional tax of 10 per cent which Shivaji regarded as his hereditary right as supreme headman of the Deccan.
Module 5: Religious Transformations — Bhakti & Sufi Movements
The medieval period witnessed popular vernacular movements challenging rigid social hierarchies:
The Bhakti Movement:
The Formless Divine (the Nirguna Tradition): Sant Kabir (as a disciple of Ramananda, stressed the oneness of God, rejected caste practices and meaningless rituals; his poetry is included in the Bijak, the Sakhi and the Guru Granth Sahib) and Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the founder of Sikhism, who promoted equality and introduced the community kitchen called Langar and the practice of community worship known as Sangat).
The Saguna Tradition (that of the Divine with Form and Attributes) saw Chaitanya Mahaprabhu make Kirtan and devotion to Krishna well known all over Bengal and eastern India, and Mirabai composed devotional verses for Lord Krishna. Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas, Vinaya Patrika, and Kavitavali. Srimanta Shankaradeva started Neo-Vaishnavite devotion, Satra monasteries, and Ankiya Nat plays in Assam.
The Varkari sect of Maharashtra Dharma focuses on the veneration of Lord Vitthala (also known as Vithoba) of Pandharpur; this sect includes Sant Dnyaneshwar (who wrote the commentary on the Bhagavad Gita called the Dnyaneshwari), Namdev, Eknath, and Sant Tukaram (known for their abhang devotional poetry).
Sufi Orders (Silsilas) in India:
The Chishti Order was founded in India by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (who set up the shrine at Ajmer Sharif). Its main principles are poverty, disdain for state support, tolerance, and musical gatherings (Sama). It was succeeded by Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Baba Farid (whose verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib), Nizamuddin Auliya (who was generally known as Mehboob-i-Ilahi and saw the rule of seven Delhi Sultans), and Amir Khusrau (who is regarded as the father of Qawwali and invented the sitar and the tabla).
The Suhrawardi Order was founded by Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya in Multan, different from the Chishtis in that it accepted state posts, cash grants, and government honours.
The Naqshbandi Order was founded in India by Khwaja Baqi Billah and was promoted by Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi; it advocated a strict adherence to Islamic orthodoxy and opposed Akbar's liberal policies.
SECTION 4: Full-Length BPSC Medieval History Mock Tests (Simulated Exam Environment)
These complete sectional tests mimic the real BPSC Preliminary examination. Each test has between 30 and 50 questions and includes an automated countdown timer together with a negative mark deduction of exactly one third:
| Mock Test Title | Total Questions | Time Allowed | Target Syllabus Coverage | All-India Rank Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPSC Medieval History Full Test #1 | 50 Questions | 45 Minutes | Delhi Sultanate + Suri Dynasty + Bihar Special | Yes (Real-Time Leaderboard) |
| BPSC Medieval History Full Test #2 | 50 Questions | 45 Minutes | Mughal Empire + Mansabdari + Land Revenue | Yes (Real-Time Leaderboard) |
| BPSC Medieval History Full Test #3 | 50 Questions | 45 Minutes | Bihar Dynasties (Karnats, Mithila, Sufi Shrines) | Yes (Real-Time Leaderboard) |
| BPSC Medieval History Full Test #4 | 50 Questions | 45 Minutes | Vijayanagara, Marathas & Bhakti-Sufi Movements | Yes (Real-Time Leaderboard) |
| BPSC Medieval History Full Test #5 | 50 Questions | 45 Minutes | Comprehensive PYQ Solved Paper (66th to 71st BPSC) | Yes (Real-Time Leaderboard) |
SECTION 5: High-Probability Revision Notes & Traps
Crucial Administrative Terminology Cheat-Sheet
BPSC question papers frequently test whether you can match administrative titles to their operational duties:
- Diwan-i-Wazarat: The central department of finance and revenue headed by the Wazir (Delhi Sultanate).
- Diwan-i-Arz: The department of military affairs responsible for recruitment, troop inspection, and payroll (established by Balban; upgraded by Alauddin Khilji).
- Diwan-i-Insha: The imperial secretariat handling royal decrees, farmans, and state correspondence.
- Diwan-i-Risalat: The department in charge of foreign diplomatic relations, religious appeals, and charitable grants.
- Diwan-i-Kohi: The dedicated agricultural development department created by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to bring fallow land under cultivation.
- Mir Bakshi: The head of the military department under the Mughals; inspected soldiers, issued military pay certificates (Sarkhat), and supervised state intelligence.
- Mir Saman / Khan-i-Saman: The officer in charge of the royal imperial household and government manufacturing workshops (Karkhanas).
- Muqaddam & Patwari: Village-level officers; the Muqaddam was the village headman responsible for law and tax collection, while the Patwari was the village accountant maintaining land survey records.
Questions to Avoid That Are Commonly Tricky (Tips to Avoid Negative Marking – Part 1)
Be careful about these common historical misunderstandings which often catch candidates on the day of the exam:
The error consists in candidates confusing the two battles regarding which one led to Humayun being completely exiled.
It is true that at the Battle of Chausa (which took place in June 1539 near Buxar on the banks of the Karmnasa river) Sher Shah defeated Humayun and then officially took on the title of Sultan; however, Humayun managed to escape to Agra and collected together his army once more. It was the Battle of Kannauj/Bilgram (fought in May 1540) that ended Mughal power, compelled Humayun into exile in Iran, and as a result brought about the establishment of the Second Afghan (Sur) Empire in Delhi.
The error consists in asking about the defensive fortifications which Sher Shah Suri constructed.
It is a fact that Sher Shah built two forts whose names are similar. He reinforced the old hill fort of Rohtasgarh, which is currently in the Rohtas district of Bihar and commands the Son river valley. He also constructed a large new garrison fort known as Rohtas Fort in Jhelum (in present-day Punjab, Pakistan) with the aim of blocking Humayun's route back from Persia and providing protection against the local Gakhar tribes.
The error consists in candidates mistaking Bakhtiyar Khilji for the governors who were appointed by the Delhi Sultanate.
It is true that before the Sultanate had been fully consolidated, Bakhtiyar Khilji acted on his own as a free lieutenant of Qutb-ud-din Aibak. When Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish went to Bihar in 1225 AD to enforce the imperial authority over the rebellious governor of Bengal, he appointed Malik Alauddin Jani as the first official governor of Bihar in the Sultanate.
The error consists in people incorrectly assigning Mithila's genealogical system to either the later Senas or to the early Maithil poets.
The fact is that the Panji Prabandha was introduced during the time of King Harisimhadeva, the last of the important rulers of the Karnat Dynasty of Mithila, between 1310 and 1324 AD.
Historical Sources, Literary Chronicles and Foreign Travelers
The BPSC exam tests the names of the chroniclers and their royal patrons:
| Historical Text | Author / Chronicler | Language | Historical Period / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Biruni's Kitab-ul-Hind / Tahqiq-i-Hind | Al-Biruni | Arabic | A description of Indian science, religion, society, and mathematics during the period of Mahmud of Ghazni's invasions (11th century). |
| Rihla | Ibn Battuta | Arabic | Rihla, by Ibn Battuta, is an Arabic work; the author was a traveller from Morocco who visited during the time of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and held the position of Qazi in Delhi for eight years. |
| Tabaqat-i-Nasiri | Minhaj-i-Siraj | Persian | Minhaj-i-Siraj Tabaqat-i-Nasiri Persian work giving a detailed account of the early Mamluk sultans and Bakhtiyar Khilji's military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal. |
| Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi | Ziauddin Barani | Persian | Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi by Ziauddin Barani in Persian includes a account of the history of the Delhi Sultanate from the time of Balban to the early years of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. |
| Tuzuk-i-Baburi (Baburnama) | Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur | Chagatai Turkish | Babur wrote a truthful memoir about Indian geography, animals, plants, and his battles. |
| Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama | Abul Fazl | Persian | Abul Fazl’s Ain-i-Akbari and Akbarnama Persian A administrative gazetteer and imperial chronicle which records Akbar's empire, laws, and revenue systems. |
| Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh | Abdul Qadir Badauni | Persian | Critical history of Akbar's religious policies and the debates that took place at his court, written in Persian by Abdul Qadir Badauni an orthodox contemporary. |
Platform Features and Diagnostic Analytics
Our testing system is designed to give you useful diagnostic feedback rather than just displaying raw scores:
- The dashboard breaks down your performance by subject area, with the areas being the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, Bihar Medieval History, and the South Indian Kingdoms.
- The system detects any question on factual history that takes you longer than 60 seconds, allowing you to identify instances of hesitation when handling chronological sequences.
- You will be able to compare your performance with that of thousands of other candidates who are preparing in places like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Delhi alongside you, based on your All-India Rank and Real-Time Percentile.
- Adaptive Testing Engine: The system gives you more multi-statement questions in order to test your deeper conceptual understanding as your ability to recall facts improves.
- For each question there is a full explanation which refers to the relevant original historical texts, administrative terms, and timeline indicators.
- Earn milestone badges and build good study habits by doing short 15-minute daily quizzes.
AI-Based Recommendations for Weak Areas
Taking practice exams without going over the mistakes you've made may lead to repeating those errors on the day of the actual exam. Our testing platform is equipped with an automated AI diagnostic engine which functions similarly to a private tutor examining your answer sheet. The way in which the system assesses your test performance is as follows:
- You take a 30-question practice test on Medieval History and turn in your answers.
- The engine keeps a record of all questions that are answered correctly, incorrectly, or skipped for each micro-topic.
- The system will highlight in red the topics concerning the Karnat Dynasty or the land measurement terms of Sher Shah Suri if you answer the questions about them incorrectly, even though you have performed well on the questions regarding the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal administration.
- The system then provides an automatic suggestion regarding your studies: "Since your accuracy dropped below 40% in the topic of the Bihar Medieval Dynasties and in that on the Suri Revenue Systems, you should first look at our summary notes about Harisimhadeva and the Patta/Qabuliyat deeds, and then do our 15-question focused drill before beginning your next full mock test."
Free versus Paid Mock Tests: What You Receive
We believe that all students in Bihar should have access to basic exam preparation. The following table illustrates the differences between our free practice section and the standard commercial packages:
| Feature / Resource | Our Free Platform Access | Typical Commercial Portals |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Length Sectional History Tests | 2 Practice Tests are provided free of charge | 1 free test, then a paywall of ₹199 to ₹399 |
| Bihar Medieval Content | Includes questions on the Karnats, Suri, and Maner | Generally reuses national questions with no focus on Bihar |
| 1/3rd Negative Marking Engine | The exact BPSC score deduction rules are applied | Many platforms calculate scores without applying penalties |
| Detailed Terminology Explanations | Explanations include the precise historical terms | Often just shows the answer letter (A, B, C, or D) |
| AI Weak Area Heatmap | Included for all registered users | Locked behind premium subscription tiers |
| Offline Printable PDF Sets | Downloadable practice sets with answer keys available | Only available to paying subscribers |
| All-Bihar Leaderboard Rank | Shows your live percentile and allows comparison by district | Only displays basic scores without any comparative analysis |
15 Common Mistakes Aspirants Make in BPSC Medieval History
Avoid these common mistakes to keep your score safe:
- If we disregard the medieval dynasties that were specific to Bihar—by concentrating merely on Delhi and Agra and omitting the rulers of Mithila—the result will be that 2 or 3 direct questions will be missed.
- Confusing administrative terms: for instance, confusing the central departments, such as the Diwan-i-Arz which deals with military matters and the Diwan-i-Insha which handles state correspondence.
- Not taking into account the one-third negative marking: when guessing on questions about chronology without eliminating any of the answer options, this will lower your total score.
- Confusing the battles of Chausa and Kannauj: failing to remember that Chausa occurred in 1539 (near Buxar) and that Kannauj took place in 1540 (the year which resulted in Humayun's exile).
- Confusing the Iqta with the Mansabdari system: assuming that the Iqta system of the Sultanate was identical to the Mughal Mansabdari system and therefore failing to notice the key differences concerning hereditary claims and cash salaries.
- Failing to take account of Sher Shah Suri's administrative reforms: one only remembers the building of the Grand Trunk Road while ignoring the details of his Patta and Qabuliyat deeds or the weights of his Rupiya and Dam coins.
- Looking down on the Ashta Pradhan Council: mistaking the roles of the Peshwa (the prime minister), the Amatya (the finance minister), and the Sumant (the foreign affairs minister).
- Not carrying out practice on paper OMR sheets: answering the questions only on computer screens and thus making mistakes when bubbling in the actual offline preliminary exam.
- Misunderstanding the principles of the Sufi Silsila: confounding the Chishti order (which shunned state positions and gifts) with the Suhrawardi order (which accepted government patronage and honours).
- Ignoring the sequence of the foreign travellers: failing to take into account the order in which the foreign visitors came (for example, Al-Biruni in the 11th century, Ibn Battuta in the 14th century, and Sir Thomas Roe in the 17th century).
- Working on the questions without using a stopwatch: dealing with the questions in a casual manner without keeping record of how long each question takes.
- The classification of land during the Mughal period is confusing in that Polaj (which is cultivated every year) is mixed up with Parauti (which is left fallow for one or two years) or with Chachar (which is left fallow for three or four years).
- Disregarding the titles of the historical chroniclers, confuse Ziauddin Barani's Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi with Minhaj-i-Siraj's Tabaqat-i-Nasiri.
- Ignoring the architectural features of the Vijayanagara temples: failing to take into account the special architectural elements of the Hampi monuments, such as the Kalyana Mandapas and the musical stone pillars.
- Reading through texts without testing your memory: Repeatedly reading textbooks without using timed, chapter-by-chapter practice sets to check your memory.
Preparation Strategy: Striking a Balance Between the Five Modules
Adhere to this organized study plan if you want to systematically master all the Medieval History questions ranging from four to eight in number:
Study the rulers of the Mamluk, Khilji, and Tughlaq dynasties. Prepare a two-page summary sheet outlining the main departments (Diwan-i-Arz and Diwan-i-Kohi) and the market reform measures.
Pay close attention to Akbar's Mansabdari hierarchy, the Ain-i-Dahsala land system, and his religious policies. Also, compare the battle timelines of Babur and Humayun.
Examine the Karnat dynasty of Mithila, Bakhtiyar Khilji's military campaigns in Bihar Sharif, Sher Shah Suri's administration in Sasaram, and the Sufi saints of Maner.
Look into Krishnadevaraya's rule, the Battle of Talikota, Shivaji's Ashta Pradhan, the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi taxes, and the Bhakti-Sufi literature.
Take two full 50-question Medieval History mock tests every week under a strict 45-minute time limit. For each incorrect answer, carry out a review and update your notes.
Daily Practice in Current Affairs and General Awareness
Although medieval history is concerned with past events, topics such as historical heritage, archaeological excavations, and the restoration of monuments often come up in national and state-level current affairs.
Each morning, spend 15 minutes taking our free daily current affairs quiz to remain informed about news related to national heritage, state cultural policies, and historical commemorations:
Recommended Reference Books and Study Materials
It is best to stick to well-established and authoritative reference books rather than using a number of separate and fragmented guides:
| Subject Area | Recommended Book Title | Author / Publisher | How to Use It Effectively |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Medieval India | History of Medieval India (800–1700 AD) | Satish Chandra (Orient BlackSwan) | Use this as your main reference work. Go through the chapters on Sultanate administration, agrarian systems, and the Mughal state. |
| Bihar State History | Bihar Samanya Gyan (बिहार सामान्य ज्ञान) | Dr. Manish Rannjan (Prabhat) or Crown | Concentrate on the chapters dealing with the Karnat dynasty, Bakhtiyar Khilji, Sher Shah Suri's administration, and the Sufi shrines of Maner. |
| General Studies Compendium | General Studies Medieval History Manual | Lucent Publications | Useful for quickly revising the chronologies of rulers, the dates of battles, and administrative terms. |
| Previous Years Solved MCQs | BPSC Chapter-Wise Solved Papers (History) | Samanyik Ghatna Chakra | Practice questions from the past 20 years of BPSC exams to get a clear idea of how historical statements and the answer options are framed. |
| Foundation Reading | Old NCERT Class 11 (Medieval India) | Satish Chandra / NCERT | Very helpful for understanding social changes, the Bhakti movement, and the development of architecture. |
Eligibility Criteria for the BPSC Preliminary Examinations
All candidates who are appearing for the BPSC Combined Competitive Examination must meet the standard qualification requirements set by the commission:
| Eligibility Factor | Standard Commission Guidelines | Key Verification Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India | Open to candidates from all over the country; state reservation benefits are available to permanent residents of Bihar. |
| Educational Qualification | A bachelor’s degree in any discipline | Must have a recognized graduation degree from a university established by law. |
| Minimum Age Limit | 20, 21, or 22 years | Varies according to the specific administrative, police, or departmental post applied for. |
| Maximum Age (General Male) | 37 years | The standard maximum age limit for male candidates who are not reserved. |
| Maximum Age (BC / EBC Male & Female) | 40 years | Includes the standard 3-year state age relaxation. |
| Maximum Age (General Female) | 40 years | The standard maximum age limit for female candidates who are not reserved. |
| Maximum Age (SC / ST Male & Female) | 42 years | Includes the standard 5-year state age relaxation. |
BPSC Examination Calendar: Projected Milestones
Keep an eye on the expected administrative milestones for the upcoming recruitment cycles as listed below:
| Recruitment Milestone | Expected Operational Timeline | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | Projected Annual Notification Window | Yet to be officially announced |
| Online Application Window | 30 days after the notification is issued | Yet to be officially announced |
| Admit Card Release Date | 10 to 14 days before the examination | Yet to be officially announced |
| Preliminary Written Examination | Conducted at district centers in Bihar | Yet to be officially announced |
| Provisional Answer Key Publication | 7 to 10 days after the examination | Yet to be officially announced |
| Preliminary Written Result Declaration | 6 to 8 weeks after the examination | Yet to be officially announced |
Your Next Step to Master BPSC Medieval History
Consistent, focused practice is what secures your preliminary qualification:
- Look through the micro-syllabus breakdown listed above and decide if the Delhi Sultanate or Bihar Medieval History requires more work.
- Spend twenty minutes going over the administrative terminology and battle dates in your revision notebook.
- Begin your free BPSC Medieval History Mock Test 2027 practice session on our platform.
- Look over your scorecard, check the branch accuracy heatmap, and study the step-by-step solutions for any questions that you got wrong.
- To practice filling in an OMR sheet on paper, do this in order to get into the habit of bubbling accurately before the test day
