The UPSC Prelims examination serves as a pivotal gateway for aspiring civil servants to navigate the complexities of India’s administrative landscape. Amidst its vast syllabus lies the intricate tapestry of Medieval History, a realm marked by the interplay of cultures, conquests, and dynastic shifts. Central to this narrative are the Arrivals of Arabs and the emergence of the Delhi Sultanate, epochs that shaped the socio-political fabric of the Indian subcontinent. Delving into this era unravels tales of conquests, trade routes, and the fusion of diverse traditions, all of which constitute vital threads in the historical fabric of India. Aspirants engaging with these topics must navigate through the annals of time, discerning the nuances that define the Arab arrival and the subsequent establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, pivotal chapters that continue to echo through the corridors of Indian history.
Q1. Consider the map given below. (1995)
The route indicated in the map was followed, during the course of his military expedition, by?
(a) Chandragupta II
(b) Harshavardhana
(c) Rajendra Chola
(d) Malik Kafur
Ans. (d)
Malik Kafur charted the path outlined on the map during his military campaign. In 1310-11 AD, under the command of Alauddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, Kafur led a force of 1500 soldiers to the southernmost realms of India. After conquering the Hoysalas, Kafur marched into the Pandya kingdom, capturing its capital, Madurai. He spearheaded all southern expeditions, securing vast riches for his ruler.
Q2. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of? (1997)
(a) Tute-i-Hind
(b) Kaiser-i-Hind
(c) Zil-i-Ilahi
(d) Din-i-Ilahi
Ans. (c)
After solidifying his authority, Balban embraced the lofty designation of Zil-i-Ilahi. Ghiyasuddin Balban revitalized the authority of the throne following Mochis’ ascension in 1266 AD. Firmly rooted in the Persian court model of kingship, he assumed this title, which translates to ‘Shadow of God’. Regarded as the last eminent ruler of the Slave dynasty, Balban underscored his superiority by mandating Sijda (Prostration) and Paibos (Kissing the Monarch’s feet). Implementing a policy of ‘Blood and Iron’, he employed a stern approach to tackle bandits and marauders.
Q3. Fawazil in the Sultanate period means (1998)
(a) extra payment made to the nobles pour
(b) revenue assigned in lieu of salary Judd
(c) excess amount paid to the exchequer by the iqtadars
(d) illegal exactions extracted from the peasants
Ans. (c)
During the Sultanate period, “Fawazil” referred to the additional funds submitted to the treasury by the Iqtadars. Starting from the era of Balban, Muqtis (military commanders) and Iqtadars (administrative units known as Iqta) were obliged to remit the surplus revenue to the central authority after covering their own and the army’s costs. These excess funds, termed Fawazil, aimed to uphold a balance between income and expenditure.
Q4. Assertion (A) At first the Turkish administration in India was essentially military.
Reason (R) The country was parcelled out as ‘Iqtas’ among leading military leader. (1998)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (a)
Both A and R are accurate, with R serving as a valid explanation for A. Initially, the Turkish administration in India held a primarily military character. The Turks arrived in India during the Slave dynasty’s rule, with Qutb-ud-din Aibak establishing the Mamluk or Slave dynasty within the Delhi Sultanate. He can be credited as the figure who solidified the Turks’ presence in India. The territory was divided into Iqtas among prominent military leaders. An Iqta refers to a portion of land granted by the Sultan of Delhi to military chiefs for the upkeep of troops. These lands were reclaimed when the Iqtadars were unable to sustain the army.
Q5. The Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to have built the biggest network of canals in India (1998)
(a) Iltutmish
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(d) Sikandar Lodhi fooo
(c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Ans. (c)
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a prominent figure of the Tughlaq dynasty which governed the Sultanate of Delhi from 1351 AD to 1388 AD, is renowned for his monumental efforts in canal construction across India. His ambitious projects spanned from the Yamuna to Hisar, the Sutlej to the Ghaggar, the Ghaggar to Firozabad and Mandvi, and from the Sirmour hills to Hansi in Haryana. Often hailed as the ‘Father of the Irrigation System’ in India, his legacy endures through the extensive network of canals he established.
Q6. “The king was freed from his people and they form their king” On whose death did Badauni comment thus? (1999)
(a) Balban
(b) Ala-ud-din Khilji
(c) Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
(d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Ans. (c)
Badauni observed in his renowned work ‘Muntakhab-ut-Tawarikh’ that upon the demise of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, the king was liberated from the grasp of his people, and they chose their own ruler. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq is often labeled the “wise fool” in Indian history due to his ambitious administrative endeavors, many of which ended in failure due to their lack of foresight and sound judgment. Additionally, he has been characterized as a “Mad King.”
Q7. The first writer to use Urdu as the medium of poetic expression was? (1999)
(a) Amir Khusrau
(b) Mirza Ghalib
(c) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(d) Faiz
Ans. (a)
Amir Khusrau, a Persian poet from 1253 to 1325 AD, is credited as the pioneering figure in using Urdu for poetic expression. He was closely linked with the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and crafted verses not only in Arabic and Persian but also in Urdu, marking a significant milestone in literary evolution. Beyond his literary contributions, Khusrau stands as an emblematic figure in the cultural tapestry of South Asia. His spiritual inclination led him to become a devoted disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi.
Q8. To which Lodhi Sultan does the given map relate and what town does the site marked A on the map represent? (1999)
(a) Bahlul Lodhi, Jaunpur
(b) Sikandar Lodhi, Aligarh
(c) Ibrahim Lodhi, Jaunpur
(d) Ibrahim Lodhi, Aligarh
Ans. (a)
The map provided depicts the association between Lodhi Sultan Bahlul Lodhi and the town of Jaunpur. In the year 1479 AD, Delhi Sultan Bahlul Lodhi triumphed over Hussain Shah Sarki and incorporated Jaunpur into his realm. He further expanded his territories to include Gwalior, Jaunpur, and Upper Uttar Pradesh, establishing himself as the progenitor of the Lodhi dynasty within the Delhi Sultanate.
Q9. Consider the following events. (2000)
1. Region of Krishnadeva of Vijayanagara
2. Construction of Qutub Minar
3. Arrival of Portuguese in India
4. Death of Firoz Tughlaq
The correct chronological sequence of these events is
A B C D
(a) 2 4 3 1
(b) 2 4 1 3
(c) 4 2 1 3
(d) 4 2 3 1
Ans. (a)
The correct chronological sequence is D-1, C-3, B-4, A-2. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese sailor, discovered a direct sea route to India in 1498 AD when he arrived at Calicut. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a powerful ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, reigned from 1351 AD to 1388 AD. The Qutub Minar, constructed over the ruins of Lal Kot, the citadel of Dhillika, began around 1192 AD by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. Krishnadevaraya, an emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire, ruled from 1509 AD to 1529 AD and belonged to the Tuluva dynasty, being its third ruler.
Q10. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? (2001)
(a) Dewan-i-Bandagani : Tughlaq
(b) Dewan-i-Mustakhraj : Balban
(c) Dewan-i-Kohi : Alauddin Khilji
(d) Dewan-i-Arz : Mohammad bin Tughlaq
Ans. (a)
Pair (a) is accurately associated with Dewan-i-Bandagani, which served as the Department of Slaves during the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who governed the Delhi Sultanate from 1351 AD to 1388 AD.
Q11. The Mongols under Chengiz Khan invaded India during the reign of (2001)
(a) Balban
(b) Firoz shah Tughlaq
(c) Iltutmish
(d) Mohammad bin Tughlaq
Ans. (c)
During the rule of Sultan Iltutmish from 1211 AD to 1236 AD over the Sultanate of Delhi, India faced multiple invasions by the Mongols led by Chengiz Khan, spanning from 1221 to 1327 AD.
Q12. The historian Barani refused to consider the state in India under Delhi Sultans as truly Islamic because (2002)
(a) the majority of the population did not follow Islam
(b) the Muslim theologists were often disregarded
(c) the Sultan supplemented the Muslim law by framing his own regulations
(d) religious freedom was accorded to non-Muslims
Ans. (c)
Historian Barani dismissed the Indian state under the Delhi Sultans as not authentically Islamic. He argued that despite being Muslim, the Sultan augmented Islamic law with his own regulations. Barani, who lived during the reigns of Mohammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, authored works like “Tarikh-i-Firozshahi” and “Fatwa-i-Jahandari”. He openly criticized the Delhi sultans for their lack of political acumen and their inability to govern effectively.
Q13. Assertion (A) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq left Delhi, and for two years lived in a camp called Swarga Dwari.
Reason (R) At that time, Delhi was ravaged by plague and many people died. Codes (2002)
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (a)
Both assertions are accurate, with the second providing a suitable explanation for the first. Mohammad bin Tughlaq ruled as the Sultan of Delhi from 1325 AD to 1351 AD, facing numerous challenges including 22 rebellions during his reign. In response to a devastating plague outbreak in Delhi in 1334 AD, which claimed the lives of many and severely weakened his army, he temporarily departed to reside in Swarga-Dwari, a camp near Kannauj situated along the Ganga River. Upon the improvement of conditions in Delhi, he returned to govern from the capital once again.
Q14. With reference to medieval Indian rulers, which one of the following statements is correct? (2002)
(a) Alauddin Khilji first set-up a separate Ariz’s department.
(b) Balban introduced the branding system of horses of his military.
(c) Mohammad bin Tughlaq was succeeded by his uncle to bog the military.
(d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq set-up a separate Department of Slaves.
Ans. (d)
Statement (d) accurately depicts the practices of medieval Indian rulers such as Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who instituted a governmental unit known as the ‘Dewan-i-Bandagan’ specifically dedicated to managing slaves.
Q15. How did Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak die? (2003)
(a) He was treacherously stabbed to death by one of his ambitious nobles
(b) He was killed in a battle with Taj-u-din Yildiz, the ruler of Ghazni who entered into a contest with him over the capture of Punjab
(c) He sustained injuries while besieging the fortress of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand and succumbed to them later
(d) He died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan
Ans. (d)
Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak met his demise in 1210 AD in Lahore while engaging in a game of chaugan, a variant of horseback polo. Tragically, his life ended abruptly as he fell from his horse, fatally pierced by the pommel of his saddle. A trusted general under Muhammad Ghori, he governed the Delhi Sultanate from 1206 AD until his untimely death in 1210 AD.
Q16. Who was the last ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate? (2004)
(a) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq Shah II
(c) Nasiruddin Mahmud
(d) Nusrat Shah
Ans. (c)
Nasiruddin Mahmud, also referred to as ‘Nasiruddin Mohammad Shah’, marked the final chapter of the Tughlaq dynasty’s rule over the Delhi Sultanate. His reign spanned from 1394 AD to 1413 AD. However, in 1398 AD, the Chagatai ruler Timur invaded India, signaling the demise of the Tughlaq dynasty shortly thereafter.
Q17. Assertion (A) Mohammad bin Tughlaq issued a new gold coin which was called Dinar by Ibn Battuta.
Reason (R) Mohammad bin Tughlaq wanted to issue token currency in gold coins to promote trade with West Asian and North African countries. (2006)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (c)
A holds true, yet R is untrue. During his reign from 1325 AD to 1351 AD, Mohammad bin Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi, introduced a new gold coin referred to as the Dinar by Ibn Battuta. Recognized as the ‘Prince of Moneyera’, he gained this epithet due to his numerous monetary experiments, such as the introduction of token currency and the issuance of various coin types. In 1330 AD, following an unsuccessful campaign to Deogiri, he implemented token currency, minting brass and copper coins whose value equaled that of gold and Leros silver coins. This move was prompted by a scarcity of silver during that period. Legend has it that he harbored ambitions of global conquest.
Q18. Which one of the following is the correct chrono-logical order of the Afghan rulers to the throne of Delhi? (2006)
(a) Sikandar Shah, Ibrahim Lodhi, Bahlul Khan Lodhi
(b) Sikandar Shah, Bahlul Khan Lodhi, Ibrahim
(c) Bahlul Khan Lodhi, Sikandar Shah, Ibrahim Lodhi
(d) Bahlul Khan Lodhi, Ibrahim Lodhi, Sikandar Shah
Ans. (c)
The chronological sequence of Afghan rulers ascending to the throne of Delhi begins with Bahlul Khan Lodhi, followed by Sikandar Shah, and culminating with Ibrahim Lodhi.
The Lodhi dynasty, an Afghan lineage, held sway over the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 AD to 1526 AD, with Bahlul Khan Lodhi establishing its foundation. This period is sometimes referred to as the ‘First Indo-Afghan Empire.’
Bahlul Khan Lodhi governed the Sultanate of Delhi from 1451 AD to 1489 AD.
Sikandar Khan Lodhi, also known as Nizam Khan, the second son of Bahlul Khan Lodhi, ascended to power and ruled over the Delhi Sultanate from 1489 AD to 1517 AD, adopting the title ‘Sikandar Shah.’
Ibrahim Lodhi, Sikandar Khan Lodhi’s eldest son, served as the final Lodhi Sultan of Delhi, reigning from 1517 AD until 1526 AD. His reign met its end at the Battle of Panipat, where he was defeated and slain by the forces of Babur.
Q19. Consider the following pairs. (2015)
Medieval Indian State – Present Region
1. Champaka – Central India
2. Durgara – Jammu
3. Kuluta – Malabar
Which of the above pair(s) is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) Only 3
Ans. (b)
Pair (2) accurately identifies Durgara as belonging to the contemporary area of Jammu.
Pairs (1) and (3) are inaccurately matched. Champaka, formerly known as Chamba, is located in Himachal Pradesh. Similarly, Kuluta, the former name of Kullu, also lies in present-day Himachal Pradesh.
Q20. Banjaras during the history were generally
(a) agriculturists
(b) warriors
(c) weavers medieval period of Indian
(d) traders
Ans. (d)
During the medieval era of Indian history, Banjaras primarily engaged in trade. Alauddin Khilji utilized Banjaras to transport grains to the city market, acknowledging their proficiency in moving goods across distances. Emperor Jahangir documented in his memoirs that Banjaras, with their bullock carts, transported grain from various regions to sell in towns. Their convoy was known as “Tanda.”
Q21. Consider the following statements. (2019)
1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
3. The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khilji Sultans of Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) Only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (a)
Statement (1) is accurate, as during the revenue administration of the Delhi Sultanate, the official responsible for revenue collection was referred to as the ‘Amil’. Amils were tasked with collecting revenue during the Delhi Sultanate era in India. Additionally, Akbar instructed the Amils to provide loans to peasants during times of necessity.
Statements (2) and (3) are inaccurate because the Iqta system was introduced by the Sultan of Delhi and originated from Central and West Asia. Under this system, the empire’s land was divided into various large and small tracts known as Iqtas, which were then assigned to nobles. The ‘Mir Bakshi’ served as the head of the Mughal Military Department and was also considered the chief among the nobility. Furthermore, the Mir Bakshi was responsible for overseeing intelligence and information agencies during the Mughal rule in India.
Q22. Consider the following statements. (2021)
1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince.
2. It was during the reign of Mohammad bin Tughlaq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) Only 3
(d) 2 and 3
Ans. (a)
Statement (1) accurately recounts how during Iltutmish’s reign, Chengiz Khan advanced to the Indus River while pursuing a Khwarezmian prince. In 1221 AD, Chengiz Khan’s Mongol forces defeated the Khwarezmian ruler, Jalal-al-Din. However, Statements (2) and (3) are inaccurate. Mohammad bin Tughlaq governed the Sultanate of Delhi from 1325 AD to 1351 AD, distinct from the events in 1398 AD when Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus river. Deva Raya II ruled the Vijayanagara empire from 1422 AD to 1446 AD, while Vasco da Gama’s arrival on the Kerala coast occurred in 1498 AD, during the reign of Mallikarjuna Raya.
Q23. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements.
1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
2. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
3. Mohammad bin Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of North-West of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3
(b) Only 2
(d) Only 3
Ans. (b)
Statement (2) accurately reflects Indian history, detailing the Battle of Kili in 1299 between the Mongols of the Chagatai Khanate and Alauddin Khalji of the Delhi Sultanate. The Mongols, led by Qutlugh Khwaja, successfully conquered Delhi. However, Statements (1) and (3) are incorrect. The first Mongol invasion occurred during the rule of Iltutmish in 1221. Alauddin Khalji lost territories in the North-West to the Mongols. Between 1240 and 1266, the Mongols initiated their policy of annexation in India, marking the end of the ‘Golden Phase of Mutual Non-Aggression Pact’ with Delhi. In 1241, the Mongols, led by Tair Bahadur, invaded Lahore, resulting in its complete destruction. The last significant Mongol invasion took place under Tarmashirin during the reign of Sultan Mohammad bin Tughlaq. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq countered Tarmashirin’s invasion, pushing the Mongols back across the Indus, which served as the frontier between India and the Mongol territories.
Q24. With reference to Indian history, which of the following were known as ‘Kulah-Daran’?
(a) Arab merchants
(b) Qalandars
(c) Persian calligraphists
(d) Sayyids
Ans. (d)
The Sayyids, referred to as ‘Kulah-Daran’ in Indian history, earned this epithet due to a historical event. When a Sayyid was accused of embezzling state revenue, Sikandar Lodi absolved him of the charges and permitted him to retain his ill-gotten wealth. Consequently, the Sayyids began wearing a pointed cap (Kulah), henceforth being recognized as Kulah-Daran.
FAQs
Q: Who were the Arabs and what was their significance in medieval Indian history?
Arabs were primarily traders who ventured into the Indian subcontinent for commercial purposes. Their significance lies in the establishment of trade routes linking India with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. They also played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in the region, particularly during the early medieval period.
Q: What were the key factors that facilitated Arab invasions into the Indian subcontinent?
Several factors contributed to Arab invasions into the Indian subcontinent, including economic motives such as control over lucrative trade routes, religious fervor to spread Islam, and political instability in the region that provided opportunities for external conquests.
Q: Who were the prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and what were their major contributions?
The Delhi Sultanate was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak after the defeat of the last Hindu ruler in Delhi. Prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate include Iltutmish, Balban, Alauddin Khilji, and Muhammad bin Tughlaq. They made significant contributions to the administration, military, and architecture of medieval India.
Q: What were the primary features of the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate?
The administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate was characterized by a centralized monarchy with a strong military focus. It comprised various administrative divisions such as provinces (iqtas), districts (shiqs), and towns (parganas). The sultans appointed governors and administrators to oversee these regions, ensuring efficient tax collection and law enforcement.
Q: How did the Delhi Sultanate impact Indian society and culture?
The Delhi Sultanate had a profound impact on Indian society and culture. It led to the fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Indian cultural elements, resulting in a rich synthesis of art, architecture, language, and cuisine. The establishment of Islamic rule also influenced social practices, governance structures, and religious beliefs in medieval India.
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