Test: The Delhi Sultanate - Class 7 MCQ

Qutubuddin Aibak began the construction of the Qutub Minar, which is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This minaret exemplifies the Indo-Islamic architectural style that emerged during the Sultanate period.

Alauddin Khalji's market reforms aimed to stabilize the economy by fixing prices on essential goods, which helped prevent inflation and ensured that soldiers and common people could access affordable food. His measures included strict penalties for price violations.

Muhammad bin Tughluq shifted the capital to Daulatabad to better manage the southern territories and mitigate the threats from the north-west. However, this move proved challenging and was eventually reversed.

Alauddin Khalji founded the city of Siri, which was intended to be a grand urban center and reflected his ambitions to create a powerful and well-defended capital near Delhi.

Alauddin Khalji was the first ruler to establish a permanent standing army, which helped him maintain control over his vast empire and effectively respond to various threats, including the Mongol invasions.

Land taxation was the primary source of revenue during the Sultanate period, with the kharaj tax taking a significant portion of a peasant's produce. This tax system was crucial for funding the Sultanate's administration and military.

Raziya Sultana was the first Muslim woman ruler of Delhi, chosen by her father Iltutmish over his sons. Her reign was notable for her attempts to appoint non-Turkish nobles to key positions, which ultimately led to her downfall.

The Sayyid Dynasty was established in 1414 after Khizr Khan captured Delhi, marking a significant shift in power following the decline of the Tughluq Dynasty and the chaos that ensued after Timur's invasion.

Iltutmish is recognized as the true founder of the Delhi Sultanate after overthrowing Aram Shah. He established a solid administrative framework and defended the empire against Mongol invasions, significantly contributing to the stability of the Sultanate.

The Wazir acted as a Prime Minister, responsible for managing the Sultanate's income, expenditures, and revenue collection. This position was crucial for maintaining the financial health of the empire.

The Tughluq Dynasty, particularly during Feroz Shah Tughluq's reign, emphasized Islamic laws and sought support from the ulama, which influenced governance and social policies during their rule.

Alauddin Khalji successfully defended his territory against multiple Mongol invasions by maintaining a large standing army and fortifying the garrison town of Siri, which played a crucial role in repelling threats.

Alauddin Khalji introduced horse branding, known as 'dagh', to prevent the substitution of horses with inferior ones in the military. This reform aimed to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of the Sultanate's army.

Timur's invasion in 1398 severely weakened the Tughluq Dynasty by plundering Delhi and taking wealth and prisoners, exposing the vulnerabilities of the Sultanate and leading to further instability.

The Chihalgani refers to a group of Iltutmish's favorite slaves, specifically a council of forty, who played significant roles in the administration and military, often seeking power after Iltutmish's reign.

Feroz Shah Tughluq focused on infrastructure development during his reign, building canals, hospitals, and educational institutions, which contributed to the prosperity and welfare of his subjects.

Muhammad bin Tughluq faced criticism for promoting individuals of humble origins, which angered the traditional nobility and led to political instability. Barani, a chronicler of the time, highlighted these poor political judgments.

The end of the Delhi Sultanate is marked by the rise of the Mughal Empire, particularly following the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, which initiated a new era in Indian history dominated by the Mughals.

'Bandagan' referred to special slaves favored by rulers like Iltutmish, who were appointed to high military and political posts for their loyalty. This practice was critical in shaping the power dynamics within the Sultanate.

The decline of the Delhi Sultanate during the Tughluq period was primarily due to frequent revolts, particularly during Muhammad bin Tughluq's reign, which weakened central authority and led to significant territorial losses, paving the way for the emergence of regional powers.