Reasons for appointing military commanders as governors:
- To lead military campaigns: One of the primary reasons why the Delhi Sultans appointed military commanders as governors was to utilize their expertise in leading military campaigns. In medieval India, there were constant threats from rival kingdoms and invaders, so it was crucial to have strong military leadership in place to defend the territories and expand the Sultanate's domain.
- To maintain law and order: Military commanders were also responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective regions. Their military background and authority allowed them to enforce the Sultan's laws, suppress rebellions, and ensure the safety of the people under their jurisdiction.
- To collect taxes: Another important role of the governors was to collect taxes from the local population. Military commanders were often tasked with this duty as they could use their military power to enforce tax collection and prevent any resistance from the taxpayers. The revenue collected was essential for the functioning of the Sultanate and funding military activities.
- To build forts: Military commanders were involved in the construction and maintenance of forts and defensive structures in their regions. These forts served as strategic military outposts, providing protection against invasions and acting as bases for military operations. The governors were responsible for ensuring the security of these forts and fortifying them against potential threats.
Overall, appointing military commanders as governors helped the Delhi Sultans in effectively managing their vast empire, ensuring military preparedness, maintaining control over the territories, and protecting the interests of the Sultanate.

The correct answer is option A, "To lead military campaigns."

The Delhi Sultans appointed military commanders as governors primarily to ensure control over large territories and to lead military campaigns. These commanders were skilled in warfare and were responsible for defending the sultanate's borders, suppressing rebellions, and expanding the empire. By appointing military commanders as governors, the Sultans could effectively maintain military power and control over various regions.

Explanation of other options:

b) To maintain law and order: While military commanders may have also helped maintain law and order, their primary role was to lead military operations and ensure the security of the region.

c) To collect taxes: Tax collection was typically the responsibility of local officials or revenue officers, not the military commanders themselves.

d) To build forts: Although forts were important for defense, the main reason military commanders were appointed as governors was for their military expertise, rather than for fort construction.


So, the primary role of military commanders as governors was to lead military campaigns to safeguard and expand the Sultanate's territories.