Amir Khusrau and his Contemporaries

Amir Khusrau Dehlavi, also known as Amir Khusrau, was a renowned poet, musician, and scholar who lived during the medieval period in India. He was born in 1253 CE and passed away in 1325 CE. Khusrau was associated with the Delhi Sultanate and served under multiple rulers. However, he was not a contemporary of Iltutmish, making option 'C' the correct answer.

Contemporary Rulers

Amir Khusrau lived during the reign of several rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. Let's take a closer look at each ruler and their relationship with Khusrau:

1. Alauddin Khilji (Option A)
Alauddin Khilji was the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty, and he reigned from 1296 to 1316 CE. He was known for his military conquests, administrative reforms, and economic policies. Amir Khusrau was a contemporary of Alauddin Khilji and served as his court poet and musician. Khusrau composed many poems and songs in praise of Alauddin Khilji and accompanied him on military campaigns.

2. Ghiyasuddin Balban (Option B)
Ghiyasuddin Balban was the ninth sultan of the Mamluk dynasty, ruling from 1266 to 1287 CE. He was known for his efforts to consolidate the Delhi Sultanate and strengthen the central authority. Amir Khusrau was a contemporary of Ghiyasuddin Balban and served as his court poet as well. Khusrau composed several works praising Balban and his administration.

3. Iltutmish (Option C)
Iltutmish was the third ruler of the Slave dynasty, and he reigned from 1211 to 1236 CE. He was known for his military campaigns and administrative reforms. However, Iltutmish predates the birth of Amir Khusrau by several decades. Therefore, Khusrau was not a contemporary of Iltutmish.

4. Jalaluddin Khilji (Option D)
Jalaluddin Khilji was the founder of the Khilji dynasty and ruled from 1290 to 1296 CE. He was known for his benevolent rule and efforts to promote justice. Amir Khusrau was a contemporary of Jalaluddin Khilji and served as his court poet and musician. Khusrau composed numerous poems and songs in praise of Jalaluddin Khilji.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amir Khusrau was a contemporary of Alauddin Khilji and Jalaluddin Khilji, but not of Iltutmish. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C'.