Satish Chandra Test: The Delhi Sultanate- 2 - UPSC MCQ

The Umayyads were the first Muslim dynasty, established in 661 in Damascus. Their dynasty succeeded the leadership of the first four caliphs Abū BakrʿUmar I, ʿUthmān, and ʿAlī. It was established by Muʿāwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān, a native of Mecca and a contemporary of the Prophet Muḥammad.

The third ruler of Slave dynasty, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish formed Turkan-i-Chahalgani or Chalisa (a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles). These were Turkish amirs (nobles) who advised and helped the Sultan in administering the Sultanate.

• Mahmud of Ghazni: Mahmud of Ghazni was a prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire in the 10th-11th century.


• Conquest of Peshawar and Punjab: Mahmud of Ghazni defeated the Hindushahis to conquer and annex Peshawar and Punjab.


• Hindushahis: The Hindushahis were rulers of the region of Peshawar and Punjab before Mahmud of Ghazni's conquest.


• Significance of Conquest: The conquest of Peshawar and Punjab by Mahmud of Ghazni expanded the territory of the Ghaznavid Empire and increased his influence in the region.

The system of tax extraction from peasants and sharing among Muslim nobility led to rampant corruption, arrests, execution and rebellion. For example, in the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a Muslim noble named Shamsaldin Damghani entered into a contract over the iqta' of Gujarat, promising an enormous sums of annual tribute while entering the contract in 1377 AD. He then attempted to force collect the amount deploying his cotorie of Muslim amirs, but failed. 

Even the amount he did manage to collect, he paid nothing to Delhi. Shamsaldin Damghani and Muslim nobility of Gujarat then declared rebellion and separation from Delhi Sultanate. However, the soldiers and peasants of Gujarat refused to fight the war for the Muslim nobility. Shamsaldin Damghani was killed.

• Firdausi: He was the court poet of Mahmud of Ghazni and the author of the famous Persian epic poem Shah Namah.

Provincial Government during Delhi Sultanate:

• Iqtas, the provinces under the Delhi Sultanate were initially under the dominion of the nobles.
• Muqtis or Walis was the name given to the governors of the provinces who were responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting land revenue.
• The provinces were further divided into Shiqs, which were under the control of the Shiqdar.
• The Shiqs were further divided into Pargana, comprising a number of villages and was headed by the Amil.
• The village remained the basic unit of administration and its headman was called Chaudhri or Muqaddam.
• Patwari was the village accountant.

• Amir Khusrau: Amir Khusrau is not one of the historians of the Delhi Sultanate who have Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi as their title.


• Minhas-us-Siraj: Minhas-us-Siraj is one of the historians of the Delhi Sultanate who have Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi as their title.


• Ziauddin Barani: Ziauddin Barani is one of the historians of the Delhi Sultanate who have Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi as their title.


• Shams-i-Siraj Afif: Shams-i-Siraj Afif is not one of the historians of the Delhi Sultanate who have Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi as their title.

The founder of the city, Sultan Firoz Tughlaq, was born in 1309. His mother, Bibi Naila, was the daughter of a Hindu chief, Ram Mal Bhatti, of Abohar. His father, Nasiruddin Rajab, was the younger brother of Giyasuddin, the first ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty.

B is the correct option.

• Vakil-i-dar was incharge of the royal household.
• Amir-i-barbak was the superintendent of the royal court.
• Amir-i-hajib kept an eye on all visitors to the court and presented them before the sovereign according to court etiquette.
• sar-i-jandar was the officer of personal body-gaurds (jandars) to the Sultan. 
• Amir-i-majlis organised the meetings of royal assembly and special celebrations.
   

The question is about kings and their kingdoms. 
Warangal was the ancient capital of Kakatiya dynasty. It was ruled by many kings such as Beta Raja I, Prola Raja I, Beta Raja II, Prola Raja II, Rudradeva, Mahadeva, Ganapathideva, Prataparudra Deva. So, only option which contains Warangal's king as Prataparudra is option B. Hence, Option B is correct. 

• Privileges and Power: The Muslim state in India during the Sultanate period was indeed based not on the idea of equality but on the notion of privileges and power. The ruling class enjoyed certain privileges and had power over the common people.


• Militaristic and Aristocratic: The state was militaristic and aristocratic, with a strong focus on military conquests and the aristocracy playing a significant role in the administration.


• Deviation from Islamic Law: While the Muslim state in India during the Sultanate period was guided by Islamic principles, there were instances where deviations from Islamic law were allowed, especially in cases where it was necessary to maintain stability or accommodate local customs.


• Sharing of Power: There was a kind of tacit sharing of power between the rural Hindu aristocracy and the city-based administration. This allowed for a degree of cooperation and collaboration between different sections of society.

Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni was born on Nov. 2, 971 in Ghazne, located in northern Kabul, Afghanistan.  his family name, or surname, was Ibn Sebuk Tegin. According to an ethics book written about him, Sebuk Tegin was a Turk from the "Barsahians" who became Muslim when he went to the country Samanis. When he rejected the dominance of the Samanis rulers and established his own state in Ghazne, he went on to raise his son Mahmud as his heir. As a result, Mahmud is considered the first example of a well-educated sultan. And he was conferred this title by Qadir.

• Caliph's authority: The recognition of the Caliph's authority by the Delhi sultans indicated that they acknowledged the Caliph as the supreme leader of the Islamic world.


• Supreme judicial authority: This recognition did not mean that the Sultan was a vassal or subordinate to the Caliph, but rather that the Sultan was the supreme judicial authority subject only to the principles of the Shariat.


• Independence of rule: The Delhi sultans were independent rulers in their own right, but they respected the spiritual and symbolic authority of the Caliph as the leader of the Islamic community.


• Religious legitimacy: By recognizing the Caliph's authority, the Delhi sultans sought to legitimize their rule in the eyes of their subjects who were devout Muslims.


• Political implications: While the recognition of the Caliph's authority did not undermine the Sultan's sovereignty, it did establish a religious and symbolic connection between the Delhi sultans and the Caliphate.

The correct answer is C as all the given statements are true except At the time of his accession Qutab-ud-din had to deal with the Chauhans who had conquered Delhi in 1206 A.D.

• Who was known as "Lakh Buksh"?

• Option A: Aibak


• Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, was known as "Lakh Buksh".

• Option B: Iltutmish


• Iltutmish was the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and known for his administrative reforms.

• Option C: Balban


• Balban was a powerful ruler of the Delhi Sultanate known for his strong and authoritarian rule.

• Option D: Raziya


• Raziya Sultana was the only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and known for her courage and administrative abilities.

• The correct answer is Option A: Aibak.

• Statement A: The Punjab was hostile to Iltutmish, Qubacha had seized Lahore.


• Statement B: Yilduz alone was supporting Iltutmish.


• Statement C: Bengal and Bihar had severed their connection with Delhi.


• Statement D: The Rajput rulers who had been defeated by Muhammad of Gaur had repudiated their allegiance to Delhi.

• Statement A: This statement is correct as the Punjab was indeed hostile to Iltutmish, and Qubacha had seized Lahore.


• Statement B: This statement is incorrect as Yilduz was not the only one supporting Iltutmish. There were other allies as well who supported him during his accession to the throne.


• Statement C: This statement is correct as Bengal and Bihar had indeed severed their connection with Delhi at that time.


• Statement D: This statement is correct as the Rajput rulers who were defeated by Muhammad of Gaur had repudiated their allegiance to Delhi.

Therefore, the incorrect statement in connection with the political situation at the time of Iltutmish's accession to the throne of Delhi is Statement B, as Yilduz was not the only supporter of Iltutmish.

• B: Iltutmish saved the Delhi Sultanate from the menace of the Mongols by ceding to them the Punjab.

• A: The victory of Iltutmish against Tajuddin Yilduz made the Sultanate of Delhi a sovereign state in fact though not in theory.


• C: Iltutmish made a vigorous assault on Bhakkar which so much terrified Qubacha that he threw himself in the Indus and was drowned.


• D: Iltutmish saved the Delhi Sultanate from the menace of Mongols by refusing to give shelter to Jalal-ud-din Mangbarni of Khwarism who was being pursued by the Mongols.

Therefore, option B is incorrect as Iltutmish did not save the Delhi Sultanate by ceding Punjab to the Mongols, but actually saved it by refusing to give shelter to a Mongol pursuer.

• Iltutmish gave the Turkish kingdom legal status: This statement is correct as Iltutmish was the first Sultan of Delhi to give the Turkish kingdom legal status.


• Iltutmish recaptured Bayana and Thangir: This statement is correct as Iltutmish did recapture Bayana and Thangir during his rule.


• Iltutmish reconquered Nagaur in Jodhpur: This statement is correct as Iltutmish did reconquer Nagaur in Jodhpur.


• Iltutmish failed to recapture Varanasi: This statement is incorrect as Iltutmish successfully recaptured Varanasi during his reign.


• All of the above: This option is the correct answer as all the statements mentioned (A, B, and C) are correct.

• Raziya: She was the first and only female Sultan of Delhi and ruled from 1236 to 1240. During her reign, she faced opposition from the nobles and clergy due to her gender, which led to conflicts within the Muslim community.


• Balban: He ruled from 1266 to 1287 and was known for his strong and authoritarian rule. While he dealt with revolts and external threats, there is no significant record of sectarian conflicts during his reign.


• Ala-ud-din-Khalji: He ruled from 1296 to 1316 and was a ruthless ruler who expanded the Delhi Sultanate through military conquests. While he faced opposition from various quarters, there is no specific mention of serious sectarian conflicts during his rule.


• Firuz Tughlaq: He ruled from 1351 to 1388 and was known for his architectural projects and administrative reforms. Although he faced challenges during his reign, there is no major sectarian conflict that stands out during his time as Sultan.

Based on the information provided, it is evident that the most serious sectarian conflict between the Sunnis and Shias occurred during the reign of Raziya. Her rule was marked by internal strife and opposition, including sectarian tensions, which makes her reign the most likely period for such a conflict.

• Mubarak Khalji: Mubarak Khalji was a ruler of the Khalji dynasty in Delhi Sultanate, but he was not the only Indian Muslim to sit on the throne of Delhi during the Sultanate period.


• Raihan: Raihan is not a known ruler of Delhi Sultanate, so he is not the correct answer.


• Nasiruddin Khusrau Shah: Nasiruddin Khusrau Shah was the only Indian Muslim to sit on the throne of Delhi during the Sultanate period. He was the last ruler of the Khilji dynasty.


• Muhammad Khebru: Muhammad Khebru was not a ruler of Delhi Sultanate, so he is not the correct answer.

• Balban believed that unalloyed despotism alone could exact obedience from his subjects and ensure the security of the state.

• Balban instituted the Sijda and Poibos in the court as a way to assert his authority and demand respect from his subjects.

• In order to destroy the power of the Forty, Balban appointed them to high posts and transferred them to distant parts of the kingdom, thereby weakening their influence.

• Balban placed secret reporters under the Government and commanders to keep a close watch on potential threats and maintain control over his administration.

• All of the above statements are correct, showcasing Balban's authoritarian rule and strategies to consolidate power and maintain stability in the state.

After Balban's death in 1287, Delhi's kotwal Malik al-Umara Fakhruddin enthroned Balban's teenage grandson Muiz ud din Qaiqabad (or Kayqubad) with the title Muizzuddin. Qaiqabad was a weak ruler, and the administration was actually run by his officer Malik Nizamuddin. After Nizamuddin was poisoned by some rival officers, Qaiqabad summoned Jalal-ud-din from Samana to Delhi, gave him the title "Shaista Khan", appointed him as the ariz-i-mumalik, and made him the governor of Baran.

By this time, Qaiqabad's health had deteriorated, and two rival factions of nobles vied for the power in Delhi. One faction, led by Malik Aytemur Surkha, sought to maintain the power of the old Turkic nobility, and wanted to retain Balban's family on the throne. The other faction, led by Jalal-ud-din, supported the rise of the new nobility

Explanation:

• Khalji Revolution: The Khalji Revolution refers to a series of changes that took place during the Khalji dynasty's rule in India (1290-1320).


• Change in the racial composition of the rulers: The Khaljis were of Turkish origin, which marked a shift in the racial composition of the rulers from the previous Ilbaris dynasty.


• Dynastic change from Ilbaris to the Khaljis: The Khalji Revolution involved a dynastic change from the Ilbaris to the Khaljis, signifying a change in ruling power and authority.


• Creation of heterogeneous nobility and revolutionary administrative changes: The Khalji Revolution also led to the creation of a heterogeneous nobility, consisting of people from different backgrounds, and brought about revolutionary administrative changes in the governance system.


• All of the above: Therefore, the Khalji Revolution encompasses all of the mentioned aspects, including the change in rulers' racial composition, dynastic shift, and administrative reforms.

• Behavior: The king in question always behaved like a well-bred oriental monarch, displaying a sense of kingly dignity.


• Dress Code: He never appeared before his private servants without being in full dress, emphasizing his regal demeanor.


• Attitude: The king did not indulge in laughter or amusement in his durbar, maintaining a serious and dignified demeanor at all times.

• Based on the description provided by Dr. Ishwari Prasad, the king being referred to is Balban.


• Balban was known for his strict and authoritative rule, emphasizing his royal status through his behavior and interactions with others.

• Refusal to Speak to Common People: Balban, who ruled as a Sultan in Delhi Sultanate, refused to speak to common people.


• Reasons for Refusal: Balban believed in the theory of kingship which emphasized the divine right of the ruler. He viewed himself as the representative of Allah on earth and considered it beneath his dignity to converse with common people.


• Strict Policies: Balban was known for his authoritarian rule and implemented strict policies to maintain law and order in his kingdom. He believed in ruling with an iron fist and instilled fear in the hearts of his subjects.


• Court Etiquette: Balban followed a strict court etiquette where he maintained a distance from commoners and only interacted with nobles, courtiers, and other high-ranking officials.


• Legacy: Balban's refusal to speak to common people reflected the hierarchical nature of society during that time, where rulers were seen as superior beings and the commoners were expected to show deference and respect towards them.

• Punjab: Punjab was one of the regions included in the empire of Ala-ud-din Khalji. He conquered Punjab and established his rule over the region.



• Sindh: Sindh was also part of the empire of Ala-ud-din Khalji. He extended his power over Sindh during his reign.



• Kashmir: Kashmir was not included in the empire of Ala-ud-din Khalji. Despite his military campaigns in various regions, he did not conquer Kashmir and bring it under his rule.



• Malwa: Malwa was another region that was part of the empire of Ala-ud-din Khalji. He captured Malwa and integrated it into his empire.

Ala-ud-din Khalji was a powerful ruler of the Khalji dynasty in medieval India. He expanded his empire through military conquests and strategic alliances. While he successfully conquered many regions in northern India, Kashmir was one of the regions that remained outside his control.

Despite his attempts to bring Kashmir under his rule, Ala-ud-din Khalji was not able to capture the region. This was due to various factors such as geographical challenges, strong resistance from local rulers, and other strategic reasons. As a result, Kashmir was not included in the empire of Ala-ud-din Khalji, distinguishing it from other regions that he had successfully conquered and integrated into his vast empire.

• Ala-ud-din Khalji confiscated land held by Muslim grantees as free gift etc.: This statement is correct as Ala-ud-din Khalji confiscated land held by Muslim grantees who had received it as a free gift or grant.


• Ala-ud-din introduced the system of measuring land for ascertaining the area of land in possession of each peasant.: This statement is correct as Ala-ud-din introduced a system of measuring land to ascertain the area of land owned by each peasant for better revenue collection.


• Ala-ud-din withdrew the concessions and privileges that the Hindu revenue collectors had been enjoying.: This statement is correct as Ala-ud-din withdrew concessions and privileges granted to Hindu revenue collectors.


• Ala-ud-din fixed the land revenue on the Hindus at the rate of one-half of the produce.: This statement is correct as Ala-ud-din imposed a land revenue tax on Hindus at the rate of one-half of the produce.

Therefore, the correct answer is All of the above (E).

Pratāparudra, also known as Rudradeva II, was the last ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty of India. He ruled the eastern part of Deccan, with his capital at Warangal. Prataparudra succeeded his grandmother Rudramadevi as the Kakatiya monarch. He defeated the first invasion of the army of Ala uddin Khilji in 1303. It was in Karimnagar district. But later in 1310 or so Khilji defeated the kakatiyas - Prataprudra surrendered and made a pact to pay heavy ransoms.

• Background: Ala-ud-din Khalji was a sultan of the Khalji dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate. He ruled from 1296 to 1316.


• Policy of Surveillance: In order to forestall conspiracies against his rule, Ala-ud-din Khalji implemented a policy of extensive surveillance.


• Banning Banquets and Assemblies: He banned banquets and assemblies where nobles and courtiers could gather and potentially plot against him.


• Use of Spies: Ala-ud-din Khalji peppered the country with his spies to gather information and keep a close eye on any potential threats.


• Impact: This strict surveillance and control measures helped Ala-ud-din Khalji maintain stability during his reign and deterred any potential rebellions or conspiracies.

Qutb al-Din Aibak was a general of the Ghurid king Mu'izz ad-Din Muhammad Ghori from 1206-1210 A.D.. He was in-charge of the Ghurid territories in northern India, and after Mu'izz ad-Din's death, he became the ruler of an independent kingdom that evolved into the Delhi Sultanate ruled by the Mamluk dynasty.