Islamic Studies/Islamiat (Competitive Exams) MCQs
Topic Notes: Islamic Studies/Islamiat (Competitive Exams)
<p>MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.</p>
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
61
Which Safavid Shah briefly attempted to re-establish Sunni Islam in Iran during his short, violent reign?
Answer:
Shah Ismail II
Shah Ismail II (r. 1576–1577) was the son of Tahmasp I. After spending years in prison, he became paranoid and attempted to purge the Shi'ite clergy and restore Sunni influence, but he was poisoned after only 15 months of rule.
62
What was the 'New Julfa' district in Isfahan famous for?
Answer:
It was the Armenian Christian quarter and center of the silk trade.
Shah Abbas I forcibly moved thousands of Armenians from the town of Julfa (on the Ottoman border) to a new suburb in Isfahan. He granted them religious freedom and supported their trade networks, as they were vital to the Safavid silk export economy.
63
The 'Vazir' in the Safavid administrative hierarchy was the equivalent of which position?
Answer:
The Prime Minister or Chief Administrator
The Vazir (or Grand Vazir) was the head of the civil administration and the bureaucracy. He was responsible for the state's finances and administrative efficiency, serving as the Shah's right-hand man in non-military matters.
64
Which Safavid Shah is known for building the 'Khaju Bridge' in Isfahan, which also functioned as a dam?
Answer:
Shah Abbas II
Shah Abbas II (r. 1642–1666) built the Khaju Bridge. It is one of the most famous bridges in Isfahan, designed with two levels of arches and sluice gates to regulate the flow of the Zayande River for irrigation.
65
The 'Battle of Gulnabad' in 1722 was the final catastrophic military defeat for the Safavids against whom?
Answer:
The Afghan rebels
At Gulnabad, a smaller but more disciplined Afghan force under Mahmud Hotak defeated the large but disorganized Safavid army. This victory cleared the way for the Afghans to march on Isfahan.
66
Which Safavid Shah was blind and was eventually deposed and executed by his own brothers?
Answer:
Shah Mohammad Khodabanda
Shah Mohammad Khodabanda (r. 1578–1587) was the father of Shah Abbas I. Due to his near-blindness and weak character, he was unable to control the Qizilbash tribal rivalries, leading to his overthrow in favor of his son Abbas.
67
Who was the 'Sadr' in the Safavid government?
Answer:
The high official in charge of religious affairs and endowments
The Sadr was a powerful official responsible for overseeing religious institutions, appointing judges, and managing 'Vaqf' (charitable endowments), ensuring the religious establishment remained aligned with the Shah.
68
The term 'Safaviyya' originally referred to what?
Answer:
A Sufi religious order
The Safaviyya was a Sufi tariqa (order) founded in the late 13th century in Ardabil. It initially preached spiritual mysticism but became increasingly militarized and politically active by the 15th century.
69
Which architectural feature is a defining characteristic of the Safavid style in Isfahan?
Answer:
Turquoise and multi-colored tile mosaics
Safavid architecture is world-famous for its 'Haft Rangi' (seven-color) tiles. The use of vibrant turquoise, deep blues, and intricate floral patterns in tile mosaics gave Isfahan its distinct and ethereal appearance.
70
The Safavid administrative system often divided the country into 'Crown Lands' and 'Provincial Lands.' What was the difference?
Answer:
Crown lands were controlled directly by the Shah, provincial by tribal leaders.
Shah Abbas I expanded the 'Khasseh' (Crown Lands) at the expense of 'Mamalik' (Provincial Lands) to increase royal revenue and weaken the Qizilbash governors who previously controlled provincial taxes.