Test: The Delhi Sultanate - UPSC MCQ

B is the correct option. It is said for Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughluq (reign: 1394 – February 1413 CE), also known as Nasiruddin Mohammad Shah, was the last sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty to rule the Islamic Delhi Sultanate.

• It was a militaristic and aristocratic: The Muslim state in India during the Sultanate period was characterized by a strong emphasis on military power and aristocracy. The ruling class consisted of military commanders and nobles who held significant power and influence.



• Based on the notion of privileges and power: The state was not based on the idea of equality but on the notion of privileges and power. The ruling elites enjoyed special privileges and authority, while the common people had limited rights and were subject to the authority of the rulers.



• Tacit sharing of power: There was a kind of tacit sharing of power between the rural Hindu aristocracy and the city-based administrators. While the Muslim rulers held political power, they often relied on the support and cooperation of the local Hindu aristocracy for administrative purposes.



• All of the above: The correct statement about the nature of the Muslim state in India during the Sultanate period is that it was militaristic and aristocratic, based on privileges and power, and involved a tacit sharing of power between different groups within society.

• Nobility in the state: The nobility played a significant role in the state, holding positions as generals, administrators, and sometimes even king makers.


• Majority in the nobility class: Among the options provided, the Turks formed the majority in this class.


• Arabs: While Arabs also held positions of influence, they were not the majority in the nobility class.


• Abyssinians: Abyssinians had their own nobility and influence but were not the majority in this context.


• Afghans: Afghans, too, had their own nobility, but they were not the predominant group in this class.

• Constituted by Iltutmish: Iltutmish, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, established the council known as Umara-iChahalgana during his reign.


• Composition: The council consisted of forty powerful nobles who advised the Sultan on various matters related to governance and administration.


• Importance: The Umara-iChahalgana played a crucial role in decision-making and policy formulation during Iltutmish's rule.


• Functions: The council members helped in maintaining law and order, managing the military, and overseeing the affairs of the state.

• Amiran-i-Sadahs: This group was not the most well known or powerful group of nobles during the Sultanate period.


• Umara-i-Chahalgana: This group refers to the forty most important nobles in the court during the Sultanate period, but they were not the first group created.


• Turkan-i-Chahalgani: This was the most well-known and powerful group of nobles during the Sultanate period. They were the first group created by the Turkish nobles and played a significant role in the administration and politics of the time.


• None of these: This is not the correct answer as the Turkan-i-Chahalgani were indeed the most prominent group of nobles during the Sultanate period.

City Founded by Firuz Tughlaq:

• Jaunpur: Jaunpur was founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1365.


• Hissar: Hissar was founded by Firuz Tughlaq.


• Firuzpur: Firuzpur is a city founded by Firuz Tughlaq.


• Firuzabad: Firuzabad was founded by Firuz Tughlaq and was his capital.


• All of the above: This option is correct as Firuz Tughlaq founded both Jaunpur and Firuzabad.


 

Therefore, the city founded by Firuz Tughlaq was Firuzabad, and Jaunpur was also founded by him. So, the correct answer is option E: All of the above.

• Introduction: Ala-ud-din Khalji was the Sultan of Delhi who is credited with being the first sultan to lay the foundation of a permanent standing army.


• Rise to Power: Ala-ud-din Khalji ascended the throne in 1296 after assassinating his uncle and predecessor, Jalal-ud-din Khalji.


• Military Reforms: He implemented several military reforms to strengthen the army, including increasing the pay of soldiers, introducing a new tax system to fund the military, and establishing a separate department for military affairs.


• Conquests: Under his rule, the Delhi Sultanate expanded its territories through successful military campaigns against various kingdoms in South Asia.


• Administration: Ala-ud-din Khalji was known for his strict administrative policies and efficient governance, which helped in maintaining law and order in the empire.


• Legacy: His efforts in building a strong standing army laid the foundation for future sultans to maintain a powerful military force in Delhi.

• Ala-ud-din Khalji instituted the practice of maintaining the decripture roll of individual soldiers in the army register, and also branding system (dagh) of the horses.


• The army of Ala-ud-din Khalji was directly recruited by the army minister.


• The soldiers of Ala-ud-din Khalji were paid in cash.


• The soldiers of Ala-ud-din Khalji were provided with horses, arms and other equipments at the expense of the State.

Therefore, the correct answer is option E: All of the above. Ala-ud-din Khalji's military administration was known for its systematic organization and provision of resources to the soldiers, making sure they were well-equipped and taken care of.

• Definition: Barids were the news reporters and secret spies during the Sultanate period.



• Role: They were responsible for gathering information, reporting news to the authorities, and acting as secret agents to collect intelligence.



• Importance: Barids played a crucial role in maintaining communication and surveillance in the Sultanate administration.



• Duties: Their duties included delivering messages, monitoring activities, and providing valuable information to the rulers.



• Significance: Barids helped in ensuring the security and stability of the Sultanate by keeping the rulers informed about internal and external threats.

1. Harnanda Koka was the general of Alauddin Khalji's army. Malwa along with Mandu, Dhara and Chanderi fell to Alauddin Khalji. Ain-ul-Mulk Multani was appointed the governor of Malwa.
2. The Rajasthani legends mention him as the Rajput ruler Ratan Singh. A fictionalized version of him appears as Ratan Sen in Malik Muhammad Jayasi's Padmavat. According to this poem, Alauddin attacked Chittorgarh to obtain his beautiful wife Rani Padmini; Alauddin captured the fort after Ratan Sen died in a combat with king Devpal of Kumbhalner; subsequently, Padmini and other women committed Jauhar to protect their honour.
3. 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.
4. Ramachandra also known as Ramadeva, was a ruler of the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty of Deccan region in India. He seized the throne from his cousin Ammana, after staging a coup in the capital Devagiri.

• Balban: Balban did not have a Hindu kotwal named Birnathan.


• Ala-ud-din Khalji: Ala-ud-din Khalji did not have a Hindu kotwal named Birnathan.


• Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq did not have a Hindu kotwal named Birnathan.


• Firuz Tughlaq: Firuz Tughlaq had a Hindu kotwal named Birnathan.

Therefore, the correct answer is Firuz Tughlaq who had a Hindu kotwal named Birnathan. This historical fact showcases the diverse administration practices during the Tughlaq dynasty in India.

• Ala-ud-din Khalji: He was known for his military conquests and administrative reforms, but he did not specifically organize the army on the decimal system after the Mongol pattern.


• Balban: Balban was focused on strengthening the central authority and maintaining law and order in the Delhi Sultanate. He did not introduce the decimal system in the army.


• Firuz Tughlaq: Firuz Tughlaq was known for his infrastructure projects and welfare measures, but there is no record of him implementing the decimal system in the army.


• Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq was the Sultan who tried to organize the army on the decimal system after the Mongol pattern. He implemented various reforms, including this military organization system, during his reign.

Explanation:

• Act of Piety: Zakat was considered an act of piety in Islam. It was a way for Muslims to show their gratitude towards Allah and help those in need.


• Payment in Various Forms: Zakat could be paid in various forms such as gold, silver, livestock, and merchandise. This allowed individuals to give according to their means and resources.


• Assessment of Zakat: When assessing the zakat amount, it was usually calculated as 1/40th of a person's property. This ensured that individuals contributed a fair and reasonable amount towards helping the less fortunate.

Therefore, all of the above statements are correct regarding zakat. It was not only a religious obligation but also a way for Muslims to fulfill their social responsibilities and contribute to the welfare of society.

• Jizaya was a tax in lieu of military services: Jizaya was a tax imposed on non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, as a form of protection money in exchange for not having to serve in the military.


• Money-changers, cloth dealers, landowners, merchants, and physicians paid the maximum amount of jizaya: These professions were typically taxed at higher rates compared to others in society.


• It was payable on a graduated scale according to means: Jizaya was levied based on the individual's ability to pay, with those who were wealthier paying more than those who were less affluent.


• Women, children, and Brahmanas were exempted from it: Certain groups such as women, children, and Brahmanas were exempt from paying jizaya.


• All of the above: The correct statement about jizaya is that all the statements mentioned (A, B, C, and D) are correct, therefore the answer is E.

• Jagirdars: Jagirdars were not the provincial governors of the Delhi Sultanate. They were holders of jagirs, which were land grants given by the Sultan in exchange for military or administrative services.


• Shiqqdar: Shiqqdar were not the provincial governors of the Delhi Sultanate. They were officials responsible for revenue collection in the Sultanate.


• Walis or Muqtis: Walis or Muqtis were the provincial governors of the Delhi Sultanate. They were appointed by the Sultan to govern different regions of the empire.


• Wazir: Wazir was the chief minister of the Sultanate and was responsible for advising the Sultan on various matters. They were not the provincial governors.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C: Walis or Muqtis. They were the provincial governors of the Delhi Sultanate.

Explanation:

• Ala-ud-din Khalji (ii): Ruled from 1296 to 1316 AD


• Ibrahim Ruknuddin (i): Ruled from 1290 to 1290 AD


• Mubarak Shah (iv): Ruled from 1316 to 1320 AD


• Shihabuddin Umar (iii): Ruled from 1320 to 1320 AD


• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (v): Ruled from 1320 to 1325 AD

Arranging the sultans in chronological order based on their rule, we get: I, II, IV, III, V. Therefore, option B: I, II, III, IV, V is the correct answer.

Explanation:

• Majlis-i-Am or Majlis-i-Kahlawat: It was a council of trusted officers which the Sultans consulted when important affairs of the state demanded attention.


• Role: They played a crucial role in advising the Sultan on various matters related to governance and administration.


• Composition: The members of Majlis-i-Am were carefully selected based on their loyalty, wisdom, and experience in state affairs.


• Responsibilities: They were responsible for providing guidance on matters of governance, finance, military, and diplomacy.


• Importance: The decisions taken by the Majlis-i-Am were instrumental in shaping the policies and strategies of the Sultanate.

Chief Revenue Collector and Settlement of Revenue Disputes

• Munsif: A Munsif was a judicial officer responsible for deciding civil cases at the local level. They were not involved in revenue collection or settlement of revenue disputes.
• Amil: The Amil was the chief revenue collector in charge of collecting revenue at the pargana level. They were also empowered to settle revenue disputes.
• Wali: A Wali was a local administrator responsible for maintaining law and order, not revenue collection or dispute settlement.
• Khan: Khan was a title of respect in some regions, not a specific office related to revenue collection or dispute settlement.

Therefore, the correct officer who was the chief revenue collector and empowered to settle revenue disputes at the pargana level was the Amil.

The correct option is B.
The empire was divided into a number of Iqtas.
Iqtadars administered the Iqtas.
Iqtas further were divided into smaller units called Parganas, Shiqqs, and the villages.
Amil or Munsif – an important official of the Pargana.

• Ghalla-Bakshi: This term was not used for the measurement of land in the Sultanate period. Ghalla-Bakshi referred to the officer in charge of measuring and collecting land revenue.



• Masahat: This term was used for the measurement of land in the Sultanate period. Masahat referred to the area or measurement of land.



• Ghazi: This term was not used for the measurement of land in the Sultanate period. Ghazi referred to a warrior or soldier in Islam.



• Betai: This term was not used for the measurement of land in the Sultanate period. Betai may refer to a type of land tenure or designation in some contexts.

Therefore, the correct term used for the measurement of land in the Sultanate period is Masahat.

• (A) The religious tax Zakat could be demanded only from Muslims and it was used for the benefit of the Muslim community: This statement is correct as Zakat is a religious tax that is mandatory for Muslims to pay, and it is used for the benefit of the Muslim community.



• (B) Kharaz or land tax from non-Muslims, varied from 1/10th to one-half: This statement is correct as Kharaz was a land tax imposed on non-Muslims, and it could vary from 1/10th to one-half of the produce.



• (C) Khums were one-fifth of the spoils of war: This statement is correct as Khums refers to one-fifth of the spoils of war that is to be distributed among specific recipients according to Islamic law.



• (D) Ushr was a land tax paid by the Muslims: This statement is incorrect as Ushr was actually a land tax paid by non-Muslims, not by Muslims.

All of the statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct, while statement (D) is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option D: All of the above.

• Grant of taxation over lands: The Iqta system was a system of land distribution in the medieval Islamic world where officials were given control over land in exchange for military or administrative services. This was a grant of taxation over lands.


• Role of Muqti: The officer holding the charge of a large iqta was known as a Muqti. The Muqti was responsible for collecting revenue from the land and ensuring its proper administration.


• Significance of Iqta: The iqta was a piece of landed property received by a person from the state. It signified 'revenue assignments' and was a way for the state to compensate officials for their services.


• Conclusion: Therefore, all of the above statements regarding the Iqta system are correct. It was a grant of taxation over lands, the officer holding the charge of a large iqta was known as Muqti, and the iqta signified revenue assignments.

• A: Iqtas were indeed held as long as they enjoyed the confidence of the ruler and they could also be transferred. This allowed the ruler to reward loyal officials and maintain control over the region.


• B: Initially, iqtas were mainly given to military leaders as a way to compensate them for their services. This helped in maintaining a strong military presence in different regions.


• C: Nobles did often desire to enjoy the income of the iqtas as independent authority, as it provided them with power and resources. This sometimes led to conflicts with the central authority.


• D: The accounts of the iqta-holders were indeed checked to ensure that they were fulfilling their responsibilities and not abusing their power. This helped in preventing corruption and misuse of resources.


• E: All of the above statements are correct regarding iqtadars, showcasing different aspects of this system of land grants in the medieval Islamic world.

The correct answer is A as ranks from higher status to low are in option A 

What is Khidamati?

Answer: c.

• Explanation:

• Subjugated Indian chiefs: Khidamati was tribute realised from the subjugated Indian chiefs. It was a form of taxation imposed on the defeated Indian rulers as a symbol of their submission to the Mughal Empire.

Valiyul Kharaj and Muqta-gir were significant figures during the Tughlaq period in India. They were involved in revenue collection and management under the rule of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.

• Valiyul Kharaj was a revenue collector appointed by the king.


• He was responsible for collecting taxes and revenue from the peasants and landowners in the region.


• Valiyul Kharaj played a crucial role in ensuring that the state received its due share of revenue for the functioning of the kingdom.

• Muqta-gir was a revenue farmer who was given the fiscal responsibility of iqta by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.


• As a revenue farmer, Muqta-gir had the authority to collect taxes and revenue from a specific region or territory.


• He was accountable for managing the finances and ensuring the smooth flow of revenue to the state treasury.

In conclusion, Valiyul Kharaj and Muqta-gir were essential figures in the fiscal administration during the Tughlaq period. They played crucial roles in revenue collection, management, and ensuring financial stability for the kingdom under the rule of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.