Mahmud of Ghazni, the founder of the Ghaznavid Empire, is a significant historical figure whose invasions and contributions shaped the medieval Indian subcontinent. For students and history enthusiasts, mastering General Knowledge (GK) about Mahmud of Ghazni is crucial, especially when preparing for competitive exams. This article provides a comprehensive collection of Mahmud of Ghazni GK MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) designed to enhance your understanding of his life, conquests, and legacy. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your GK or preparing for an exam, these MCQs will be an invaluable resource.
1. Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India for how many times?
- 13
- 15
- 17
- 19
Show Answer
Answer: 17
Mahmud of Ghazni, the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire in the 11th century, did indeed invade India multiple times, but the exact number of his invasions is a subject of historical debate. While some sources suggest that he conducted 17 raids in India, others propose a lower number, possibly around 17 to 20 campaigns. His primary objectives were to accumulate wealth, especially from temples and palaces, and to spread Islam in the region.
2. In which year was the Somnath Temple plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni?
- 1021 AD
- 1025 AD
- 1027 AD
- 1030 AD
Show Answer
Answer: 1025 AD
The Somnath Temple, located in the present-day Indian state of Gujarat, was indeed plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 AD. The temple was known for its immense wealth and religious significance. It was later rebuilt by Indian rulers after Mahmud’s invasion, reflecting the enduring spiritual and cultural importance of the site.
3. During the reign of which Chandella ruler did Mahmud Ghazni invade Kannauj in 1018 and Kalinjar in 1019 AD?
- Ganda
- Vidyadhara
- Paramdideva
- Nannuka
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Answer: Vidyadhara
Mahmud of Ghazni invaded the Indian city of Kannauj in 1018 and Kalinjar in 1019 AD during the reign of Vidyadhara, a ruler of the Chandella dynasty. These military campaigns were part of Mahmud’s efforts to expand his empire’s territory in India.
4. Who among the following was the founder of the Ghaznavid dynasty?
- Alp Tigin
- Bilgetegin
- Subukitgin
- Mahmud of Ghazni
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Answer: Alp Tigin
The Ghaznavid dynasty was founded by Alp Tigin, who was not the father-in-law of Mahmud of Ghazni. Mahmud was, in fact, Alp Tigin’s successor and the most prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid dynasty.
5. Mahmud of Ghazni maintained an ideological link to the suzerainty of which caliphate?
- Fatimid Caliphate
- Abbasid Caliphate
- Umayyad Caliphate
- None of them
Show Answer
Answer: Abbasid Caliphate
Mahmud of Ghazni maintained an ideological link to the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. The caliph recognized Mahmud as the legitimate ruler of the lands he occupied, which further legitimized Mahmud’s rule and conquests in India.
6. In which battle was the confederacy led by the Hindu Shahi army of Anandapala defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni?
- Battle of Janjua
- Battle of Peshawa
- Battle of Chach
- Battle of Takeshar
Show Answer
Answer: Battle of Chach
The Battle of Chach was indeed fought between Mahmud of Ghazni and a confederacy of Hindu kingdoms led by Anandapala, the ruler of the Hindu Shahi dynasty. Anandapala’s forces were defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni, and this battle played a significant role in Mahmud’s conquest of parts of northern India.
7. Which of the following scholars accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni during his invasions on India?
- Firdausi
- Firistha
- Al Biruni
- Omar Khayyam
Show Answer
Answer: Al Biruni
Al Biruni, a renowned scholar and historian, did accompany Mahmud of Ghazni during his invasions of India. He lived in India for several years and made significant contributions to the study of Indian culture, science, and history.
8. The Battle of Bahraich (1033) that resulted in the complete annihilation of the Ghaznavid army, leading to a pause in Muslim conquests in India, was won by which of the following kings?
- Gangeyadeva
- Suhaldey
- Naravarman
- Bhoja
Show Answer
Answer: Raja Suhaldey
The Battle of Bahraich in 1033 AD was indeed won by Raja Suhaldey, marking a significant victory against the Ghaznavid army. This victory temporarily halted the Muslim conquests in India.
9. Which of the following conquests of Mahmud occurred chronologically later than the other three?
- Invasion on Kalinjar
- Invasion on Kannauj
- Invasion on Somnath
- Invasion on Thaneshwar
Show Answer
Answer: Invasion of Somnath
Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasion of Somnath did occur chronologically later compared to the other three conquests, and it is one of his most famous campaigns known for the plunder of the Somnath Temple.
10. Which of the following was the Chalukya King in power when Mahmud attacked and plundered Somnath?
- Nagaraja
- Bhima-I
- Durlabhraja
- Vallabhraja
Show Answer
Answer: Bhimla-I
Bhima-I was not the Chalukya king in power when Mahmud attacked and plundered the Somnath temple. Mahmud’s invasion of Somnath took place during the rule of Bhima-I’s successor, Bhima-II.
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