The term "Hindustan" was coined by Minhaj-i Siraj in the thirteenth century.

Explanation:

Who is Minhaj-i Siraj?
Minhaj-i Siraj was a Persian historian and chronicler who lived during the thirteenth century. He is best known for his work called "Tabaqat-i Nasiri," which is a historical narrative of the Delhi Sultanate.

What is the significance of the term "Hindustan"?
The term "Hindustan" refers to the land of the Hindus or the region that comprises the Indian subcontinent. It has been used for centuries to denote the geographical and cultural entity of the Indian subcontinent. The term gained prominence during the medieval period when Central Asian Turkic rulers established their rule in the region.

When and how did Minhaj-i Siraj coin the term "Hindustan"?
Minhaj-i Siraj coined the term "Hindustan" in the thirteenth century in his work "Tabaqat-i Nasiri." The book provides a detailed account of the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, starting from the Ghurid dynasty to the Khalji dynasty. In his writings, Minhaj-i Siraj used the term "Hindustan" to describe the geographical region under the control of these rulers.

What was the historical context of the term?
During the thirteenth century, the Indian subcontinent witnessed significant political changes. The Delhi Sultanate was established by Turkic rulers who originated from Central Asia. They conquered various parts of northern India and established their capital in Delhi. It was during this period that Minhaj-i Siraj referred to the region as "Hindustan" in his writings.

Why is Minhaj-i Siraj credited with coining the term?
Minhaj-i Siraj's work, "Tabaqat-i Nasiri," is one of the earliest known historical accounts of the Delhi Sultanate. In this book, he extensively used the term "Hindustan" to describe the region. While the term might have been in use informally before Minhaj-i Siraj, he is credited with popularizing and formalizing its usage in his writings. His work became a significant source for subsequent historians, and the term "Hindustan" continued to be used to refer to the Indian subcontinent.

In conclusion, it was Minhaj-i Siraj, the Persian historian and chronicler, who coined the term "Hindustan" in the thirteenth century. His work "Tabaqat-i Nasiri" played a crucial role in popularizing and formalizing the usage of the term to describe the Indian subcontinent.