All questions of The Delhi Sultanate for Class 7 Exam

The Lodi Dynasty marked the end of the Sultanate period in India as they were defeated at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE. This battle resulted in the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India under Babur, who decisively defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty, leading to the end of their reign.

Introduction
The 'chalisa' group was a significant administrative reform introduced by the ruler Balban during the Delhi Sultanate. This grouping had a profound impact on the nobility and governance of the time.
Who Was Balban?
- Balban, also known as Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, ruled as the Sultan of Delhi from 1266 to 1287.
- He was a member of the Slave Dynasty and played a crucial role in consolidating power in the region.
Organization of the Nobility
- Balban recognized the need to strengthen the central authority over the nobility, who were often powerful and unruly.
- To manage this, he organized the nobility into the 'chalisa' group, which consisted of 40 trusted nobles.
Significance of Chalisa
- The chalisa served as a loyal and efficient support system for Balban, ensuring that the sultanate remained stable.
- By grouping the nobility, Balban could monitor their activities and reduce the chances of rebellion against his rule.
- It also helped in promoting discipline and loyalty among the nobles, who were given specific roles and responsibilities.
Conclusion
Balban's organization of the nobility into the 'chalisa' was a strategic move that strengthened his reign, enabling him to exert control over the diverse and often factions of the noble class in the sultanate. This reform was crucial for the stability and prosperity of his administration.

Significance of Branded Horses as 'Dagh'
Branded horses, referred to as 'dagh', held great importance in historical contexts, particularly in relation to ownership and quality.
Denoting Ownership
- The branding of a horse served as a clear identifier of ownership.
- It provided a visible mark that distinguished one owner's horse from another, reducing the chances of theft or disputes over property.
Indicating Quality
- The branding process often involved specific symbols or marks that signified the horse's pedigree or lineage.
- Owners and breeders used these brands to communicate the horse's quality, indicating that a horse was well-bred or had desirable traits.
- This branding system allowed buyers to assess the value of a horse based on its brand, fostering a marketplace where quality was recognized and rewarded.
Historical Context
- In many cultures, horses represented wealth and status.
- A branded horse was often associated with nobility or affluent families, further enhancing its perceived value.
Conclusion
In summary, branded horses as 'dagh' were significant for denoting ownership and indicating quality. This system not only helped in identifying the rightful owner but also established a standard for assessing the horse's worth in society.

Qutbuddin Aibak: The First Sultan of Delhi under the Slave Dynasty

Background:
Qutbuddin Aibak was a Turkish slave and a trusted lieutenant of his master, Muhammad Ghori.

Establishment of the Slave Dynasty:
After the death of Muhammad Ghori, Qutbuddin Aibak established the Slave Dynasty in Delhi in 1206 AD.

Ascension to the Throne:
Qutbuddin Aibak became the first Sultan of Delhi under the Slave Dynasty after declaring himself as the ruler of Delhi.

Contributions:
- He laid the foundation of the Qutub Minar, which is an iconic monument in Delhi.
- Qutbuddin Aibak was known for his military conquests and expanding the Sultanate of Delhi.

Legacy:
Qutbuddin Aibak's reign marked the beginning of the Sultanate period in India, which lasted for several centuries.

Conclusion:
Qutbuddin Aibak played a significant role in shaping the history of Delhi and the Sultanate period in India. His establishment of the Slave Dynasty paved the way for future rulers to further expand and strengthen their rule in the region.

Balban is credited with strengthening the empire's northwest frontier. He implemented several measures to fortify the frontiers, including establishing military outposts and maintaining a strong military presence to defend the empire against external threats. Balban's policies aimed to safeguard the empire's territorial integrity and security.

Qutbuddin Aibak's son-in-law was Iltutmish. Iltutmish rose to power after the death of Qutbuddin Aibak and became the third ruler of the Mamluk dynasty in Delhi. He is known for his administrative reforms and for further consolidating Turkish rule in India.

Qutbuddin Aibak, the first sultan of Delhi under the Slave Dynasty, met his demise in a tragic polo accident. This unexpected event led to a transition in power within the Delhi Sultanate, paving the way for the rule of Iltutmish.

Alauddin Khalji's reign was marked by his ambitious military conquests, notably expanding the Sultanate's control over regions in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the Deccan. This strategic expansion made him the first Sultan to gain control over the Deccan, showcasing his military prowess and administrative capabilities in managing a vast empire.

Raziya Sultan ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE. She was one of the few female rulers in the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Raziya Sultan is known for her intelligence, courage, and efforts to strengthen the position of women in governance during her brief but eventful reign.

The 'Iqtadars' in the Sultanate administration during the medieval period in India were primarily responsible for collecting taxes from villagers in exchange for land and cash grants. These tax collectors played a crucial role in the economic system of the sultanate by ensuring a steady flow of revenue to the central administration in exchange for their assigned territories.

Timur's invasion in 1398 presented a grave threat to the Delhi Sultanate and its surrounding territories. Timur's military campaign resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and destabilization of the region. The invasion significantly impacted the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent during that period, highlighting the vulnerability of the existing power structures to external aggressors.

During the Sultanate period in India, the nobles held both civilian and military positions in the administration. They played crucial roles in assisting the sultan in governing the kingdom, overseeing various administrative functions, and leading military campaigns when necessary. This dual role allowed them to exert significant influence and power within the hierarchy of the sultanate.

Delhi's early history as a commercial center was marked by its significant commercial importance. The city served as a hub for trade and economic activities, attracting merchants, traders, and travelers from various regions, contributing to its growth and prosperity.

Delhi became an important city in the 12th century when it served as a significant commercial center under the rule of Tomara Rajputs and Chauhans. This marked a pivotal period in the city's history, leading to its growth and prominence in the region.

The Slave Dynasty, which spanned from 1206 to 1290 CE, marked the beginning of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent under various sultans. This period saw significant architectural developments, including the construction of important structures like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Adhai-din ka Jhonpra.

Before the establishment of Turkish rule in India, Delhi was ruled by the Tomara Rajputs and Chauhans. These dynasties played a crucial role in shaping the city's political landscape and commercial activities during that time.

The correct answer is Option B: Ghiyasuddin Balban. Ghiyasuddin Balban took power after Razia Sultan and implemented various measures to consolidate power, such as centralizing authority, establishing a spy network, and weakening the influence of the 'chalisa' nobility. Balban's reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the central authority of the Delhi Sultanate.

Iltutmish succeeded Qutbuddin Aibak as the ruler of Delhi in 1210 CE. His reign from 1210 to 1236 CE marked a period of consolidation and expansion of the Delhi Sultanate. Iltutmish is credited with establishing a stable political structure and introducing the Silver Tanka as the standard coinage of the Delhi Sultanate.

The correct answer is Option C: Khalji Dynasty. Following the rule of Ghiyasuddin Balban, the Khalji Dynasty came to power and ruled from 1290 to 1320 CE. This dynasty, led by rulers such as Alauddin Khalji, played a significant role in shaping the history of medieval India through various military conquests and administrative reforms.

Muhammad bin Tughlaq's introduction of a token currency was one of his experimental policies aimed at easing economic transactions. However, this decision led to significant challenges and economic turmoil due to the impracticality of its implementation. The sudden shift to token currency resulted in confusion and contributed to economic instability during his reign.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq is renowned for his efforts to reform administration and promote social welfare. One of his notable initiatives was the establishment of hospitals specifically catering to the needs of the impoverished population. This compassionate act underscored his commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of the less fortunate within his empire.

Taxes like 'kharaj' and house tax collected during the Delhi Sultanate era primarily served the purpose of sustaining state revenue and supporting the administrative machinery. These taxes were crucial for funding the various functions of the state, including maintaining the army, infrastructure, and other administrative expenses, contributing to the stability and functioning of the Sultanate.

Soldiers during Alauddin Khalji's rule were notably compensated with cash, signifying a shift from traditional forms of payment such as land grants or in-kind rewards. This practice likely streamlined financial transactions and provided soldiers with more immediate and tangible benefits for their service.

Slaves held positions in the administration of the Sultan's court during the Sultanate period in India. These individuals often served in various capacities within the court, assisting in administrative tasks, managing the sultan's household, and sometimes even rising to influential positions of power and authority based on their skills and loyalty.

The Battle of Panipat marked the establishment of Turkish rule in India, which had a profound impact on the region's history. This pivotal battle led to significant political changes and the beginning of Turkish dominance in India, shaping the course of Indian history for centuries to come.