The Delhi Sultanate MCQ Questions and Answers

Sol. Iltutmish is credited with introducing a standard currency system in India based on the Arabic model. He issued pure silver tanka and copper jital coins, laying the foundation of a uniform currency system in the Delhi Sultanate. This move replaced the previously existing varied and regionally used currencies with standardized coinage modeled after Islamic standards, marking a significant administrative reform.

Sol. Bakhtiyar Khalji, a Turkish military general under the early Delhi Sultanate, is infamous for the destruction of ancient centers of learning like Nalanda and Vikramshila in Bihar during the late 12th century. His invasions were marked by the burning of libraries and slaughter of monks, which caused an irreversible loss to Indian education and Buddhist scholarship.

Sol. After consolidating his authority, Balban adopted the grand title “Zil-i-Ilahi,” meaning “Shadow of God.” This reflected his belief in the divine right of kingship and was part of his efforts to strengthen the monarchy by projecting an aura of divinely sanctioned authority. His court emphasized strict protocol and ceremonial grandeur to reinforce royal supremacy.

Sol. Historian Badauni remarked, “The king was freed from his people and they from their king,” upon the death of Muhammad-bin-Tughluq. This was a commentary on the tyrannical and erratic rule of the Sultan, whose policies—such as the transfer of the capital and token currency experiment—led to immense public suffering and alienation from the monarchy.

Sol. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known for institutional reforms, one of which was the establishment of a separate department for slaves called Diwan-i-Bandagan. He is said to have maintained a large number of slaves, around 180,000, and organized their welfare and training systematically. This reflects his administrative interest in state-managed manpower and labor regulation.

Sol. The statement “the dominion of the lord of the universe extended from Delhi to Palam” is said about the kingdom of Nasiruddin Mahmud Tughlaq. This rather limited geographical claim reflects the significantly diminished state of the Tughlaq Sultanate by the time Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah Tughlaq ruled (1394 – February 1413 CE). His reign was marked by internal conflict and the devastating invasion of Timur (Tamerlane) in 1398, which severely weakened the Sultanate. The saying sarcastically highlights the drastically reduced control of the Sultan, essentially confined to the area between the city of Delhi and the nearby town of Palam.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji is renowned for implementing a detailed and strict market control policy to regulate prices of essential commodities and goods in Delhi. He set up separate markets for different goods and appointed officials like Shahna-i-Mandi to enforce regulations. These controls were part of his strategy to maintain a large standing army by ensuring that the cost of living for soldiers remained low.

Sol.During Alauddin Khilji’s reign, amils were government-appointed revenue officers responsible for the assessment and collection of land revenue. They acted as state agents, ensuring that taxes were collected efficiently and directly from cultivators, thereby bypassing the intermediaries and increasing state control over agrarian resources.

Sol. Firoz Tughlaq is known for his leniency toward the rural elites such as Khuts, Muqaddams, and Chaudharis, often remitting taxes or granting concessions to them. The imposition of grazing and house tax on these groups contradicts his documented policies of appeasement and welfare, making this statement inconsistent with his administrative approach.

Sol. Khizr Khan, a former governor under Timur, established the Sayyid dynasty in 1414 after being appointed as the governor of Delhi by Timur and later taking power himself. Though he ruled nominally under the suzerainty of the Timurids, his establishment of the dynasty marked the beginning of a new line of sultans in Delhi following the fall of the Tughlaq dynasty.

Sol. Fawazil referred to the surplus revenue collected by the Iqtadars (military governors or revenue assignees) over and above the assigned expenses for their troops and administration. This surplus was to be remitted to the central treasury. The concept was significant in ensuring financial accountability and curbing the autonomy of Iqtadars in the Delhi Sultanate’s administrative framework.

Sol. Under Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the Delhi Sultanate reached its greatest territorial extent, stretching from southern India in the Deccan to the Himalayas in the north and from Gujarat in the west to Bengal in the east. His ambitious military campaigns and administrative integration of the Deccan expanded the Sultanate far beyond its earlier limits, although these expansions were short-lived due to poor administrative control.

Sol. Kitab-i-Nauras was composed by Ibrahim Adil Shah II, a ruler of the Bijapur Sultanate. The work is a collection of musical compositions that blended Persian and Indian traditions, reflecting his deep interest in music, art, and syncretic culture. He was a notable patron of the arts and sought to promote religious tolerance and cultural fusion in his kingdom.

Sol. The Tughlaq dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for the longest duration, from 1320 to 1414, spanning nearly 94 years. This period included the reigns of notable rulers like Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Despite internal weaknesses and rebellions, their rule marked significant administrative and architectural developments.

Sol. Balban introduced the courtly practices of Sijda (prostration before the king), Paibos (kissing the feet of the king), and Nawroz (Persian New Year celebration) to enhance the majesty of the monarchy. These ceremonial customs emphasized the divine and unchallengeable authority of the Sultan, reinforcing a highly centralized and autocratic style of governance.

Sol. All the statements regarding Balban are historically accurate. He prioritized the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate over territorial expansion, focusing on strengthening central authority. He systematically dismantled the power of the Chahalgani (the group of 40 nobles), whom he considered a threat to the Sultan’s supremacy. In judicial matters, Balban enforced a strict code of justice and made no distinction between nobles and commoners, emphasizing the rule of law.

Sol. The Bahmani Sultanate was established in 1347 during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The creation of the Sultanate was the result of revolts in the Deccan region, which had grown increasingly dissatisfied with the central authority of Delhi. Hasan Gangu declared independence and became the first ruler of the Bahmani kingdom, marking the beginning of one of the most significant regional powers in medieval India.

Sol. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq had a noted conflict with the revered Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. The tensions reportedly arose due to the Sultan’s disapproval of the saint’s growing influence and critical views. The hostility was well-known, and it is famously associated with the phrase “Hunuz Dilli dur ast” (“Delhi is still far”), supposedly spoken by the saint as a prophecy about the Sultan’s death before reaching Delhi.

Sol. The Shashgani was a small silver coin introduced during the Delhi Sultanate period and was equivalent to 6 Jitals. These coin denominations were part of the monetary reforms undertaken to create a structured and reliable currency system in the Sultanate, supporting both administrative expenses and market transactions.

Sol. Jalaluddin Khilji was the first Sultan to assert that the Delhi Sultanate could not function strictly as an Islamic state. He advocated for a pragmatic approach to governance that prioritized statecraft and political necessity over religious orthodoxy. This departure from purely theocratic rule helped integrate the diverse population of India into the administrative framework of the Sultanate.

Sol. The Khilji dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for the shortest duration, approximately 30 years, from 1290 to 1320 CE. Despite its brief rule, the dynasty left a lasting impact, especially under Alauddin Khilji, who introduced significant administrative, economic, and military reforms. In comparison, other dynasties like the Slave, Tughlaq, and Lodhi ruled for longer periods.

Sol. Jeena Prabha Suri, a prominent Jain scholar, was patronized by Muhammad-bin-Tughluq. His support of Jainism, despite being a Muslim ruler, reflects the relatively pluralistic and intellectual environment of his court. Muhammad-bin-Tughluq was known for his interest in various religious and philosophical discussions, including those with Jain saints.

Sol. Sikandar Lodhi, one of the prominent rulers of the Lodhi dynasty, was originally named Nizam Khan. He assumed the title “Sikandar” upon ascending the throne. His reign is noted for administrative efficiency, promotion of agriculture, and urban development, as well as for religious orthodoxy and literary patronage.

Sol. The compilation of kingship theory and administrative principles known as Vassayya is associated with Alauddin Khilji. This document outlined the Sultan’s views on monarchy, governance, and public administration, emphasizing strong central authority and the separation of religion from state policy. His theoretical approach to kingship justified his many administrative reforms.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji abolished the Iqta system in its traditional form to centralize revenue collection and curb the power of the nobles. Instead of granting land in lieu of salary, he paid his soldiers in cash directly from the state treasury. This reform helped reduce the influence of feudal lords and strengthened the Sultan’s control over the military and administration.

Sol. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Deogiri (renamed Daulatabad) primarily because of its central location in the Indian subcontinent. He believed this would facilitate better administrative control over both northern and southern regions of the empire. However, the forced migration caused immense hardship and the plan failed due to logistical and climatic difficulties, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the move.

Sol. The statement “India is not Arabia, it is not practically feasible to convert it into Qamarul Islam” is attributed to Alauddin Khilji. It reflects his pragmatic approach to governance where he emphasized political expediency over religious orthodoxy. Despite being a Muslim ruler, Alauddin kept religious affairs separate from state policies and chose to rule through secular and administrative measures rather than Islamic law.

Sol. Malik Chajju, the Governor of Kara-Manikpur, revolted against Sultan Jalaluddin Firoz Khilji. He was a relative of the previous ruler and was dissatisfied with Jalaluddin’s accession. His rebellion was one of the early challenges faced by the Khilji dynasty, and it was effectively suppressed by the Sultan.

Sol. Firoz Shah Tughlaq introduced a policy that land revenue could only be increased nominally in any given year—typically by one-tenth or one-eleventh of the fixed amount. This measure was part of his broader attempt to reduce peasant burden and stabilize agrarian revenues. It reflects his emphasis on welfare and a more systematic and humane approach to taxation.

Sol. During the Sultanate period, an Iqta referred to a land assignment given to nobles and officials, often in lieu of salary. The assignee, or Iqta-holder, was entitled to collect revenue from the land and use it to maintain troops or fulfill administrative duties. This system helped the Sultanate manage its vast territories while ensuring military and administrative support without direct financial outlay.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji was responsible for the murder of his uncle and father-in-law, Sultan Jalaluddin Firoz Khilji, to seize the throne of Delhi. He invited the Sultan to Kara under the pretext of reconciliation and had him assassinated. This act marked the beginning of his reign and demonstrated his ruthless ambition for power.

Sol. Malik Baq Baq, an important noble and Amir during Balban’s reign, was publicly flogged on the Sultan’s orders for corruption. Balban was known for his strict administration and impartial justice, and this punishment was meant to serve as a deterrent to other nobles, reinforcing the Sultan’s authority and commitment to justice.

Sol. Peter Jackson is a renowned historian and a recognized authority on the history of the Delhi Sultanate. His scholarly work, particularly “The Delhi Sultanate: A Political and Military History”, is widely respected for its depth of research and analysis. He has contributed significantly to the academic understanding of medieval Indian history.

Sol. Nasiruddin Khusrau Shah was the only Indian-born and converted Muslim to become the Sultan of Delhi. Originally a Hindu, he converted to Islam and rose to prominence under Sultan Mubarak Khilji. After assassinating Mubarak, he briefly assumed the throne but was soon overthrown by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, marking the end of the Khilji dynasty.

Sol. During Alauddin Khilji’s southern campaigns, Warangal was ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty under King Prataparudra II. Malik Kafur, a general of Alauddin, led the invasion and forced the ruler to accept the suzerainty of the Delhi Sultanate. The Kakatiyas were one of the prominent regional powers in the Deccan at that time.

Sol. Sultan Balban received the honorific title ‘Syed-us-Salatin’ (Leader of Sultans) from the Abbasid Caliph in recognition of his authority and legitimacy. Balban sought to enhance the prestige of the Delhi Sultanate by associating it with the Caliphate, thereby reinforcing his own position as a powerful and divinely sanctioned ruler.

Sol.According to the historian Ziauddin Barani, the ideal Sultan of Delhi was Firoz Shah Tughlaq. His historical work, the Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, portrays Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign as a model of benevolent and just rule.

Sol. Khazain-ul-Futuh (The Treasures of Victory) is the work of Amir Khusro that details the military campaigns and conquests of Alauddin Khilji. It praises the Sultan’s victories in Gujarat, Ranthambore, and the Deccan, presenting a glorified account of his military prowess and strategic acumen.

Sol. Balban’s chief achievement was the consolidation of Turkish power in the Delhi Sultanate. He implemented military and administrative reforms, reorganized the army, and ruthlessly suppressed rebellions and internal threats, particularly by weakening the powerful Chahalgani (the Forty). His efforts ensured the stability and survival of the Sultanate during a time of internal instability.

Sol. The Tomb of Sikandar Lodi is notable for its octagonal design and is considered one of the earliest examples of such architecture in India. Built in the Lodi Garden in Delhi, it reflects a transition in Indo-Islamic architectural style and was a precursor to the grander Mughal tombs that followed.

Sol. The correct chronological order of the Afghan rulers of the Lodi dynasty who ascended the throne of Delhi is: Bahlol Khan Lodi (founder, ruled 1451–1489), followed by his son Sikandar Lodi (ruled 1489–1517), and then his grandson Ibrahim Lodi (ruled 1517–1526), whose defeat in the First Battle of Panipat marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji established the Diwan-i-Mustakharaj, a special department to supervise the efficient realization of state dues and to ensure that revenue collectors were accountable. It helped in curbing corruption and enforcing strict revenue administration, supporting his broader reforms aimed at enhancing state control over economic affairs.

Sol. Balban divided the religious scholars (Ulema) into two categories: Ulama-Akhirat (those devoted to spiritual and moral guidance) and Ulmai-Duniya (those seeking worldly gains). He praised the former for their piety and integrity, while criticizing the latter for corruption. This classification reflected his attempt to uphold moral discipline and religious sincerity in the court.

Sol. Firoz Shah Tughlaq abolished several taxes not sanctioned by Islamic law, including the Zakat on grain. His reign is marked by efforts to align taxation with Sharia law and promote welfare through religious and public works, such as the construction of canals, hospitals, and madrasas.

Sol. The phrase “Hanooz Dilli Door Ast” (Delhi is still far away) is attributed to the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Aulia. It was reportedly uttered in response to Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq’s threats, and was later seen as prophetic when the Sultan died before re-entering Delhi. The phrase has since symbolized the unpredictability of fate.

Sol. Arghatta was a mechanical device used during the Delhi Sultanate period to lift water for irrigation purposes. It typically involved a system of pulleys and buckets operated by animals. This technology greatly facilitated agriculture by enabling the irrigation of larger areas of farmland, especially in regions dependent on artificial water supply.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji implemented comprehensive reforms to centralize power and control over both the army and nobility. He restructured the agrarian system to ensure a steady revenue for maintaining a large standing army. He also forbade his nobles from indulging in wine and luxury to prevent conspiracies, and confiscated pensions and religious endowments (inam) to increase state revenue. The fourth statement about declaring himself king of Hindus and Muslims lacks historical substantiation and appears exaggerated.

Sol. Charai was a tax imposed on grazing cattle, not a house tax. The other terms are correctly matched: Ahadi were elite cavalrymen directly recruited by the Sultan; Qalb referred to the Sultan’s personal troops or central army unit; and Muqaddams were local village-level officials responsible for revenue collection.

Sol. The term “Slave Dynasty” is considered historically imprecise because only a few rulers—like Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, and Balban—were originally slaves (mamluks), and all of them were formally manumitted before ascending the throne. The label oversimplifies the dynasty’s composition and overlooks the legal and social transitions that freed them from servitude.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji imposed strict restrictions on his nobles, including banning wine, luxury, and illicit associations, and confiscating inams, to curtail their power and prevent any potential rebellion. His goal was to weaken the political autonomy and wealth of the nobility to safeguard the stability of his regime and reinforce centralized authority.

Sol. Alauddin Khalji adopted the title Sikandar-i-Sani (the Second Alexander) to project his imperial ambitions and military prowess. This title was meant to evoke comparisons with Alexander the Great, symbolizing Alauddin’s aspiration to be a world conqueror and to legitimize his authority through historical and legendary allusions.

Sol. The term Khanqah refers to a Sufi monastery or lodge where mystics lived, meditated, and preached. It was a center for spiritual learning and not literally a “house of mysteries.” Therefore, this pairing is incorrect. The other terms—Khutba (sermon), Madad-i-Mash (grants to scholars or saints), and Majlis (council or meeting)—are correctly matched.

Sol. The Diwan-i-Kohi was a special department created by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to promote and manage agricultural development. It was responsible for setting up new agricultural colonies (doab region) and improving cultivation by providing loans and equipment to farmers. This was part of the Sultan’s ambitious but largely unsuccessful agrarian reform efforts.

Sol. Dhai Din Ka Jhonpra, located in Ajmer, was originally a Sanskrit college converted into a mosque by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. It has no connection with Ibrahim Lodi, making this pairing incorrect. The other structures—Qutb Minar (Aibak and Iltutmish), Alai Darwaza (Alauddin Khilji), and Red Palace (Balban)—are correctly associated with their respective patrons.

Sol. During Alauddin Khilji’s reign, amils were government-appointed revenue officers responsible for collecting land revenue directly from the peasants. Their role was part of the Sultan’s strategy to centralize authority and eliminate the intermediaries, ensuring that state revenues increased and the power of the nobility was curtailed.

Sol. Tarikh-i-Alai was authored by Amir Khusrau and provides an account of the early years of Alauddin Khilji’s reign. As a court poet and scholar, Khusrau’s writings offer valuable insights into the administration, conquests, and personality of the Sultan. His works are key literary sources for understanding the political and cultural landscape of the period.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji implemented several significant reforms. These included: (1) confiscating tax-free land grants to increase state revenue, (2) introducing dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers) in his military to maintain discipline and prevent corruption, and (4) banning the sale of liquor and intoxicants to instill austerity among nobles. While he curtailed the power of nobles, the abolition of iqta as a system was not absolute but reformed rather than eliminated.

Sol. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s experiment with token currency failed due to uncontrolled minting of counterfeit coins by the public. The copper coins lacked the trust and intrinsic value of precious metals like gold and silver, and the absence of effective regulation led to a collapse of confidence in the currency system, severely affecting trade and revenue.

Sol. Muhammad bin Tughlaq is known to have engaged in philosophical discussions with Jain saint Jeena Prabha Suri. This reflects his intellectual curiosity and willingness to interact with scholars of diverse religious traditions, despite being a devout Muslim himself.

Sol. The Sultan of Delhi credited with the appointment of ‘Amir – Sadah’ in the provinces, particularly with the initial establishment of this administrative unit, is Muhammad Tughlaq. While Firoz Shah Tughlaq may have further utilized and expanded this system across the Sultanate, the origin of the ‘Amir – Sadah’ as administrative heads of hundred villages is often attributed to Muhammad Tughlaq’s administrative policies, especially in regions like the Deccan.

Sol. The defeat of the Rajputs by the Turks can be attributed to several structural weaknesses: (1) Their social and political isolation made them less responsive to external threats and innovations; (2) The rigid caste system limited social mobility and the integration of talent into the military; and (3) Their backwardness in science and military technology left them at a disadvantage against the better-equipped and tactically advanced Turkish forces. The fourth option, while idealistic, is not considered a major military factor.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji was the first Delhi Sultan to pay his soldiers in cash rather than through revenue assignments (iqta). This was part of his military and economic reforms aimed at strengthening central control and reducing the power of the nobility. It allowed the Sultanate to maintain a professional and loyal standing army.

Sol. Analyzing the given statements:

1. Except for Qutub-ud-din Aibak no other ruler was a slave. This statement is incorrect. While Qutub-ud-din Aibak started as a slave, Iltutmish, his successor, was also a Turkic slave who rose through the ranks. Balban, another prominent ruler of this period, was also a slave who eventually became a powerful noble and then the Sultan.
2. Only three rulers of this dynasty were slaves and even they were manumitted by their masters. This statement is partially correct. Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, and Balban were indeed the most significant rulers of this period who had a background of slavery. Furthermore, it is true that they were eventually manumitted (freed) by their masters before or during their ascent to positions of power.

3. Technically only Qutub-ud-din Aibak and his immediate descendants were slaves. This statement is incorrect. Iltutmish, who succeeded Aibak, was not his immediate descendant (he was Aibak’s son-in-law) and he was also a former slave. Balban, a later powerful ruler, was also not a direct descendant of Aibak and was a slave.
4. All the rulers of this dynasty did not belong to one family. This statement is correct. The rulers of this period were primarily Turkic military leaders who rose to power. While there were some familial connections (like Iltutmish marrying Aibak’s daughter), the succession was not strictly based on hereditary lineage within a single family. Different sets of Turkic nobles and their loyalists vied for power.

Considering these analyses:

• Statement 2 is partially correct as it identifies the key slave rulers and the fact of their manumission.
• Statement 4 is correct as it highlights the lack of a single family lineage uniting all the rulers.

Therefore, the combination of 2 and 4 provides the most accurate reasons why the term ‘Slave Dynasty’ is considered a misnomer. The fact that the key ‘slave’ rulers were eventually freed and that the dynasty wasn’t a continuous lineage of one family both contribute to the inaccuracy of the label.

Thus, the correct option is 2 and 4.

Sol. Statement 1 is historically inaccurate; while Balban called himself Zil-i-Ilahi (Shadow of God), he did not remove the Caliph’s name from the Khutba and Sikka. Statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq obtained an investiture from the Abbasid Caliph to legitimize his rule; Firoz Shah Tughlaq received investiture twice, enhancing his religious authority; and Iltutmish was the first Delhi Sultan to secure a formal letter of investiture, gaining symbolic legitimacy from the Caliph.

Sol. Sikandar Lodi strengthened the espionage system to maintain strict control over his administration and prevent conspiracies. He also took a personal interest in agriculture and market regulation, inspecting price controls and improving agrarian conditions. However, he did not make his brother Jalal an independent ruler of Jaunpur, nor is there credible historical evidence that his descendants claimed Chagatai lineage.

Sol. Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveler, visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and served as a Qazi in his court. His writings provide detailed and valuable information about the Sultan’s administration and personality. However, Marco Polo visited southern India during the time of the Yadavas and Pandyas, not the Rajputs, and Athanasius Nikitin visited India during the Bahmani rule in the 15th century. Hence, only the first statement is correct.

Sol. Several Delhi Sultans were born to Hindu mothers. Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1), Sikandar Lodi (2), Nasiruddin Khusrau (3), and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (6) are among them. Their maternal Hindu lineage is noted in historical sources, particularly in the context of the social diversity of the ruling elite in the Delhi Sultanate.

Sol. Alauddin Khilji was the first to introduce land measurement for revenue assessment. Muhammad bin Tughlaq expanded this policy with more detailed revenue experiments. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq also made contributions toward systematic revenue collection. Sikandar Lodi focused on agricultural development but did not undertake large-scale land measurement for revenue fixation, making the inclusion of statement 4 incorrect.

Sol. Let’s place these historical sites in their correct chronological order of construction:

3. Qutub Minar: Construction began in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by his successor Iltutmish around 1220 AD.

1. Tughlaqabad Fort: This fort was built much later, in the 1320s AD by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty.

2.Lodhi Garden: While the garden itself evolved over time, the significant architectural structures within it, primarily tombs of the Lodhi rulers (like Muhammad Shah Sayyid and Sikandar Lodi), were built during the 15th and early 16th centuries AD (specifically between the 15th and 16th centuries).

4.Fatehpur Sikri: This city was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar starting in 1571 AD.

Therefore, the correct chronological order is 3, 1, 2, 4.

 Sol. The chronological order of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s major programmes is:

1. Increase of Taxation in Doab – to finance his military campaigns.

2. Transfer of capital – from Delhi to Daulatabad.

3. Promulgation of Token Currency – introducing copper coins.

4. Khurasan Expedition – an unexecuted plan to invade Central Asia.
This order reflects the actual progression of his controversial and ambitious policies.

Sol. Potato and maize were not cultivated in India during the Sultanate period. These crops were introduced to the Indian subcontinent only after the Columbian Exchange in the 16th century, following European contact. In contrast, barley and sesame were traditional crops that had been cultivated in India since ancient times.

Sol. The spinning wheel was introduced in India during the medieval period, likely by the Turks, revolutionizing cotton textile production by increasing efficiency. The spindle was already in use in India prior to the Sultanate period, and the water frame is an 18th-century European invention, not associated with medieval India. Hence, only the second option is correct.

Sol. All five statements about Raziya Sultana are accurate. She was nominated by her father Iltutmish as his successor, although she had to struggle against opposition to claim the throne. She was murdered at Khaital after being deposed. Her rise to power marked a unique instance where a daughter was chosen over sons, and her close association with the Abyssinian slave Yaqub created significant resentment among the Turkish nobility, contributing to her downfall.

Sol. The correct chronological order of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq’s experiments is:

• Appointment of a new set of revenue officers (5)
• Enhancement of land revenue in the Doab (3)
• Transfer of capital to Daulatabad (2)
• Introduction of token currency (1)
• Establishment of a separate department of agriculture (4)

This sequence reflects his overambitious and often ill-executed reforms.

Sol. The descending order of noble ranks under the Delhi Sultanate was:

• Khan – highest-ranking noble

• Malik – a high-ranking official, but below Khan

• Sar-i-Khail – commander of cavalry, below Malik

• Amir – general title for noblemen, often of lower rank compared to the others listed
  This hierarchy illustrates the structure of aristocratic and military ranks in the Sultanate’s administration.

Sol. Alberuni’s Kitab-ul-Hind is a comprehensive and sympathetic study of Indian civilization, focusing on its cultural, social, philosophical, and intellectual traditions. It is not a political history, nor does it contain overt criticism of Mahmud Ghaznavi’s raids, as Alberuni was part of his court. The work remains an important source for understanding early medieval Indian society from an outsider’s perspective.

Sol. To strengthen the authority of the crown, Balban claimed descent from the legendary Persian hero Afrasiyab, enhancing his royal legitimacy. He also adopted the elaborate court rituals and etiquette of the Persian (Iranian) court, including Sijda and Paibos, to project the Sultan as a divinely ordained figure. While he emphasized discipline in the harem, it was not central to his administrative reforms, and there’s no record of him reorganizing provincial boundaries.

Sol. Iltutmish faced several significant challenges upon ascending the throne. The Punjab resisted his rule, Bengal and Bihar had drifted away from Delhi’s control, Ali Mardan declared independence in Lakhnauti, and there was a succession dispute with Aram Shah. These issues posed serious threats to the consolidation of his authority and required strategic military and diplomatic efforts to overcome.

Sol. The correct chronological order of the dynasties that ruled Delhi is:

Slave Dynasty (1206–1290)
Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)
Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)
This sequence reflects the historical progression of the Delhi Sultanate dynasties.

Sol. All three pairs are correctly matched:

1. Forty Turkish slaves (also known as Chalisa) were powerful nobles and administrators who served under Iltutmish and his successors.

2. Khots were village headmen involved in revenue collection.

3. Amiran-i-sada (officers of one hundred) were appointed by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the provinces to ensure better control and administration.

 Sol.

A. Sadr-us-Sudur – Head of the religious department (2), responsible for charitable endowments and religious matters.
B. Diwan-i-Amir Kohi – Department of agriculture (4), introduced by Muhammad bin Tughlaq to enhance agricultural production.
C. Diwan-i-Risalat – Managed the foreign department (1), handling diplomatic correspondence and external affairs.
D. Barid-i-Mumalik – In charge of the secret service (3), responsible for espionage and intelligence.

 Sol.

A. Alberuni – Tarikh-i-Hind (4), a comprehensive account of Indian culture and science.
B. Ainul Mulk Multani – Insha-i-Mahru (3), a collection of administrative documents.
C. Amir Khusro – Khazain-ul-Futuh (2), which details Alauddin Khilji’s military campaigns.
D. Fakhre Mudabbir – Tarikh-i-Fakhruddin (1), a historical work.

 Sol.

A. Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque – Built by Qutubuddin Aibak (3), one of the earliest mosques in India.
B. Arhai Din ka Jhopra – Converted into a mosque by Iltutmish (4) in Ajmer.
C. Alai Darwaza – Constructed by Alauddin Khilji (1) as a gateway to the Qutub complex.
D. Vijay Mandal – Built during the time of Mohammad bin Tughlaq (2), part of his palace in Jahanpanah.

Sol. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq adopted practical and moderate agrarian measures, but he did not reduce the revenue to one-sixth of the gross produce. That figure is associated more with later agrarian ideals, such as those under Sher Shah or Akbar. He did discard measurement in favor of crop sharing and restored perquisites to village headmen, ensuring flexible assessments during crop failures.

 Sol.

A.Alberuni – Tarikh-i-Hind (3), a detailed study of Indian society.
B. Hasan Nizami – Taj-ul-Masir (2), a history of the early Delhi Sultanate.
C. Minhaj-us-Siraj – Tabqat-i-Nasiri (1), a key source on Slave and early Delhi Sultans.

D. Amir Khusro – Tughlaq Nama (4), a poetic chronicle on the reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.

 Sol.

A.Diwan-i-Mustakhraj – Established by Alauddin Khilji (4) for the recovery of revenue arrears.

B. Diwan-i-Amir Kohi – Founded by Muhammad Tughlaq (3) to improve agriculture.
C. Diwan-i-Khairat – Set up by Firoz Shah Tughlaq (2) to distribute charity and manage endowments.
D. Diwan-i-Wakuf – Created by Jalaluddin Khilji (1) for managing waqf (religious endowment) properties.

Sol.

A. Bidar – Founded by Amir Ali Barid (3), of the Barid Shahi dynasty.
B. Ahmednagar – Founded by Malik Ahmad (4), of the Nizam Shahi dynasty.
C. Bijapur – Founded by Yusuf Adil Shah (1), of the Adil Shahi dynasty.
D. Golconda – Founded by Qutub Shah (2), of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

 Sol.

A. Qazi-ul-Quzat – (4) Chief justice; responsible for the administration of justice.
B. Muhtasib – (3) Oversaw public morals and market regulations.
C. Diwan-i-Kul – (1) Head of the revenue and finance department.
D. Mir Bakshi – (2) Managed military affairs and officer appointments.

 Sol.

A. Alauddin Khilji – Built Siri Fort (2).
B. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq – Constructed Tughlaqabad (3).
C. Feroz Shah Tughlaq – Founded the city of Hisar (4) and developed other cities.
D. Sikandar Lodi – Founded Agra (1) and made it an important administrative center.

 Sol.

A. Amir Khusro – Wrote Ashika (3), among many literary and historical works.
B. Ziauddin Barani – Authored Tarikh-i-Firozshahi (4), a key source on Delhi Sultanate history.
C. Ibn Battuta – Wrote Rehla (2), a travelogue documenting his journeys including in India.
D. Isami – Composed Futuh-us-Salatin (1), a Persian historical work about the Deccan.

1. Baba Farid – Associated with the Chishtiya order (2), one of the earliest Sufi orders in India.

B. Shaikh Hamiduddin Nagauri – Belonged to the Suhrawardi order (3), a contemporary of the Chishtis.
C. Miyan Mir – A Sufi saint of the Qadiriya order (1), known for his association with Sikh Gurus.
D. Shah Waliullah – Associated with the Naqshbandiyya order (4), a reformist movement in later Mughal times.

Sol.

A. Barbosa – Portuguese (4), visited during early 16th century.
B. Nicolo Conti – Italian (2), visited India in the 15th century.
C. Abdur Razzaq – Persian (1), visited the court of the Vijayanagar Empire.
D. Nikitin – Russian (3), visited India in the 15th century.

 Sol.

A. Abdur Razzak – Visited during the reign of Devaraya II (3) in Vijayanagar.
B. Duarte Barbosa – Visited India during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya (4).
C. Nicolo Conti – Visited during the reign of Devaraya I (2).
D. Nuniz – Described the time of Achyutadeva Raya (1).

 Sol.

1. Diwan-i-Risalat – (F) Department of ecclesiastical affairs, public charities, and foreign affairs.
2. Diwan-i-Kohi – (D) Agricultural department established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
3. Diwan-i-Arz – (B) Military department.
4. Diwan-i-Bandagani – (A) Department for managing slaves, established by Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
5. Diwan-i-Wazarat – (E) Finance department.
6. Diwan-i-Insha – (C) Department of records and correspondence.

 Sol.

A.Adil Shahi – Ruled Bijapur (2).
B. Nizam Shahi – Ruled Ahmednagar(1).
C. Immad Shahi – Ruled Berar (4).
D. Qutub Shahi – Ruled Golkonda (3).

 Sol.

A.Kaiqubad – Last significant ruler of the Slave Dynasty (1).
B. Nasir-ud-din Khusrau – Last ruler of the Khalji Dynasty (2), overthrown by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
C. Mahmud II – Last ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty (3).
D. Ala-ud-din Alam Shah – Last ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty (4).
E. Ibrahim Lodi – Last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty (5), defeated by Babur at Panipat.

 Sol.

A.Silver tanka – Introduced by Iltutmish (3), establishing a standard coinage system.
B. Diwan-i-Kohi – Agricultural department set up by Muhammad Tughlaq (4).
C. Dar-ul-Shafa – Free hospitals founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq (2).
D. Shahna-i-Mandi – Market superintendent under Alauddin Khalji (1), enforcing price controls.

 Sol.

A. Haqq-i-Shrub – Water tax (2).
B. Qismat – Agrarian cesses (3), often related to land revenue.
C. Taqavi – Loans to peasants (1), often state-assisted during famines.
D. Uslub – Regulations (4), part of administrative guidelines.

Sol.

A. Dhai-Din Ka Jhopra (Ajmer) – Built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (4).
B. Hauz-i-Khas (Delhi) – Developed by Iltutmish (2) as a reservoir and later beautified.
C. Fortress of Adilabad – Constructed by Muhammad Tughlaq (3).
D. Jami Masjid at Badaun – Built by Alauddin Khalji (1).

Sol.

A. Barid-i-Mumalik – Head of the state news and intelligence agency (3).
B. Dabir-i-Khas – Handled royal correspondence (1).
C. Sar-i-Jandar – Commander of the Sultan’s bodyguards (2).
D. Wakil-i-Dar – Supervisor of the royal household (4).

Sol.

A. Khuts – Village officials (4), often revenue collectors at the village level.
B. Amir-i-Hajib – Officer in charge of the royal court (1), overseeing protocol and audience arrangements.
C. Muhtasib – Officer responsible for municipal regulations (2), including market control and public morality.
D. Nawisandas – Clerks or record keepers (3), involved in administrative documentation.

Sol.

A.Minhaj Siraj – Tabaqat-i-Nasiri (4), a vital historical work on the Delhi Sultanate.
B. Amir Khusrau – Khazain-ul-Futuh (3), chronicling Alauddin Khilji’s military exploits.

1. Hasan Nizami – Tajul Ma’asir (2), a historical account of Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s reign.
   D. Shams-i-Siraj Afif – Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi (1), focused on the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Sol.

A.Muhammad bin Tughlaq – Created the department of agriculture and the employment bureau (4) to promote cultivation and address unemployment.
B. Firuz Tughlaq – Promoted agriculture and institutional reforms (3), including canals and Diwan-i-Kohi.
C. Balban – Restored the prestige of the crown (2) by asserting royal authority and introducing court formalities.
D. Alauddin Khilji – Implemented land revenue reforms (1) with assessments based on actual yield to strengthen control over agrarian resources.