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The Delhi Sultanate MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

It covers all Important Questions with answers on The Delhi Sultanate for the UPPSC (UP) exam. The questions are based on important topics. Details about the questions:
  • Topic: The Delhi Sultanate
  • Type of Questions: MCQs with solutions
  • Number of Questions: 27
  • You can attempt them on EduRev to score high in UPPSC (UP) exam.

What was the period of rule of Qutb-ud-din Aibak?
  • a)
    1206-1210 A.D.
  • b)
    1208-1212 A.D.
  • c)
    1210-1214 A.D.
  • d)
    1220-1225 A.D.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sanvi Kapoor answered
Qutb al-Din Aibak was a general of the Ghurid king Mu'izz ad-Din Muhammad Ghori from 1206-1210 A.D.. He was in-charge of the Ghurid territories in northern India, and after Mu'izz ad-Din's death, he became the ruler of an independent kingdom that evolved into the Delhi Sultanate ruled by the Mamluk dynasty.

What was the name of the south Indian ruler who defeated the army of Ala-ud-din Khalji in 1303?
  • a)
    Pratap Rudra II
  • b)
    Raja Karan
  • c)
    Maladeva
  • d)
    Raja Rama Chandra
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
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. Prataparudra succeeded his grandmother Rudramadevi as the Kakatiya monarch. He defeated the first invasion of the army of Ala uddin Khilji in 1303. It was in Karimnagar district. But later in 1310 or so Khilji defeated the kakatiyas - Prataprudra surrendered and made a pact to pay heavy ransoms.

The first Muslim incursion on Deccan occurred during the reign of
  • a)
    Jalaluddin Khalji
  • b)
    Ala-ud-din Khalji
  • c)
    Balban
  • d)
    Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kabir Verma answered
The First Muslim incursion on the deccan occurred during the reign of Jalaluddin Khalji. Jalal-ud-din Khalji (r. 1290-1296; died 19 July 1296) was the founder and first Sultan of the Khalji dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1290 to 1320.

Which one of the following sultans refused to speak to common people?
  • a)
    Iltutmish
  • b)
    Balban
  • c)
    Ala-ud-din Khalji
  • d)
    Firoz Tughlaq
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Iltutmish:
Iltutmish was the third Sultan of Delhi and ruled from 1211 to 1236. He was known for his administrative reforms and military prowess. Despite being a powerful ruler, Iltutmish was known for his accessibility and willingness to engage with common people. He often held open court sessions, where people from all walks of life could approach him and present their grievances.

Balban:
Balban, also known as Ghiyasuddin Balban, was the ninth Sultan of Delhi and ruled from 1266 to 1287. Unlike his predecessor, Balban was known for his strict and authoritarian rule. He believed in the absolute authority of the Sultan and maintained a strict hierarchy in society. Balban refused to speak to common people directly and preferred to communicate through his nobles and courtiers. This approach was aimed at maintaining his image as a powerful and unapproachable ruler.

Ala-ud-din Khalji:
Ala-ud-din Khalji was the second ruler of the Khalji dynasty and ruled from 1296 to 1316. He was known for his military campaigns and administrative reforms. While he was a stern ruler, Ala-ud-din Khalji did not refuse to speak to common people. In fact, he encouraged a system called the "Door of Complaints" where anyone could approach him with their grievances. He also implemented various economic and social policies to benefit the common people.

Firoz Tughlaq:
Firoz Tughlaq was the third Sultan of the Tughlaq dynasty and ruled from 1351 to 1388. He is known for his architectural projects and his focus on welfare policies. Firoz Tughlaq was known for his accessibility and willingness to engage with common people. He often held public audience sessions where anyone could approach him directly and present their grievances. He also implemented various welfare measures such as free hospitals, free education, and pensions for the poor.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - Balban, as he was the Sultan who refused to speak to common people directly and preferred to communicate through intermediaries.

During Firuz Tughlaq’s long reign of 40 years, there was only one rebellion by a noble. Who was he?
  • a)
    Ulug Khan
  • b)
    Khan-i-Jahan Maqbul
  • c)
    Malik Shamsuddin Damghani
  • d)
    Malik Kafur
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kabir Verma answered
The system of tax extraction from peasants and sharing among Muslim nobility led to rampant corruption, arrests, execution and rebellion. For example, in the reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a Muslim noble named Shamsaldin Damghani entered into a contract over the iqta' of Gujarat, promising an enormous sums of annual tribute while entering the contract in 1377 AD. He then attempted to force collect the amount deploying his cotorie of Muslim amirs, but failed. 
Even the amount he did manage to collect, he paid nothing to Delhi. Shamsaldin Damghani and Muslim nobility of Gujarat then declared rebellion and separation from Delhi Sultanate. However, the soldiers and peasants of Gujarat refused to fight the war for the Muslim nobility. Shamsaldin Damghani was killed.

During the reign of which Delhi Sultan did the “Chahalgani” or “Chalisa’ come into existence?
  • a)
    Balban
  • b)
    Razia
  • c)
    Iltutmish
  • d)
    Alauddin Khilji
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
The third ruler of Slave dynasty, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish formed Turkan-i-Chahalgani or Chalisa (a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles). These were Turkish amirs (nobles) who advised and helped the Sultan in administering the Sultanate.

Name the Abbasid Caliph who probably conferred on Mahmud of Ghazni, the title of ‘Sultan’ for the first time in the Islamic history.
  • a)
    Al-Nasir
  • b)
    Qadir
  • c)
    Al-Muqtafi
  • d)
    Al-Qaim
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Juhi Basak answered
Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni was born on Nov. 2, 971 in Ghazne, located in northern Kabul, Afghanistan.  his family name, or surname, was Ibn Sebuk Tegin. According to an ethics book written about him, Sebuk Tegin was a Turk from the "Barsahians" who became Muslim when he went to the country Samanis. When he rejected the dominance of the Samanis rulers and established his own state in Ghazne, he went on to raise his son Mahmud as his heir. As a result, Mahmud is considered the first example of a well-educated sultan. And he was conferred this title by Qadir.

Match the following:
  • a)
    (A-I) (B-II) (C-III) (D-IV) (E-V)
  • b)
    (A-IV) (B-I) (C-II) (D-III) (E-V)
  • c)
    (A-IV) (B-II) (C-III) (D-I) (E-V)
  • d)
    (A-I) (B-II) (C-IV) (D-III) (E-V)]
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

B is the correct option.
  • Vakil-i-dar was incharge of the royal household.
  • Amir-i-barbak was the superintendent of the royal court.
  • Amir-i-hajib kept an eye on all visitors to the court and presented them before the sovereign according to court etiquette.
  • sar-i-jandar was the officer of personal body-gaurds (jandars) to the Sultan. 
  • Amir-i-majlis organised the meetings of royal assembly and special celebrations.
     

Which sultan in order to forestall conspiracies banned banquets and assemblies and peppered the country with his spies?
  • a)
    Balban
  • b)
    Ala-ud-din Khalji
  • c)
    Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
  • d)
    Iltutmish
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranab Patel answered
The correct answer is b) Ala-ud-din Khalji.

Ala-ud-din Khalji was a powerful and influential sultan of the Khalji dynasty who ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1296 to 1316 AD. He is known for his strong and autocratic rule. To maintain his power and control, he took several measures, including banning banquets and assemblies and establishing an extensive spy network throughout the country.

Below are the details explaining why Ala-ud-din Khalji banned banquets and assemblies and peppered the country with his spies:

**Banquets and Assemblies Ban:**
- Ala-ud-din Khalji banned banquets and assemblies as a measure to prevent conspiracies against his rule.
- Banquets and assemblies were often attended by nobles, courtiers, and other influential people who could potentially plot against the sultan.
- By banning these gatherings, Khalji aimed to eliminate the possibility of secret meetings and discussions that could undermine his authority.
- This ban helped him to control and monitor the activities of the nobles and prevent any organized opposition.

**Establishment of Spy Network:**
- Ala-ud-din Khalji established an extensive spy network in order to gather information and keep a close watch on his subjects.
- He appointed spies and informers known as "Barids" who were responsible for collecting intelligence from different parts of the kingdom.
- These spies were spread throughout the country and reported directly to the sultan.
- The spies provided valuable information about any potential conspiracies, rebellions, or threats to the sultan's rule.
- The intelligence gathered by the spies helped Khalji to take preemptive actions against his enemies and maintain a strong grip on power.

**Reasons for these measures:**
- Ala-ud-din Khalji faced several challenges to his rule, including internal opposition from powerful nobles, external invasions, and rebellions in different parts of the kingdom.
- He implemented these measures to consolidate his power, suppress any dissent, and prevent any organized resistance against his rule.
- By banning banquets and assemblies, he eliminated the opportunities for nobles and other influential people to gather and plan against him.
- The establishment of a spy network helped him to identify and neutralize potential threats before they could become significant challenges to his rule.

In conclusion, Ala-ud-din Khalji banned banquets and assemblies and established a spy network as measures to maintain his power, suppress dissent, and prevent conspiracies against his rule. These measures were aimed at consolidating his authority and ensuring stability in the Delhi Sultanate.

Whom did Mahmud of Ghazni defeat to conquer and annex Peshawar and Punjab?
  • a)
    Hindushahis
  • b)
    Ghurids
  • c)
    Arabs
  • d)
    Karkotas
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Mahmud of Ghazni was a prominent ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire from 997 to 1030. He is known for his numerous invasions into the Indian subcontinent, during which he conquered and annexed various territories. One of his notable conquests was the annexation of Peshawar and Punjab.

The answer to the question is option 'A' - Hindushahis. Mahmud of Ghazni defeated the Hindushahis to conquer and annex Peshawar and Punjab.

The Hindushahis were a dynasty that ruled over the region of Gandhara, which included Peshawar and parts of Punjab, from the 9th to the 10th century. They were of Hindu origin and had managed to maintain their independence for several centuries. However, Mahmud of Ghazni saw their territories as a valuable addition to his expanding empire and launched a series of invasions to conquer them.

To understand this conquest in more detail, let's break it down into key points:

1. Mahmud's invasions: Mahmud of Ghazni launched a total of 17 expeditions into the Indian subcontinent between 1000 and 1027. These invasions were primarily aimed at plundering the wealth and resources of the region and expanding the influence of the Ghaznavid Empire.

2. The Battle of Peshawar: Mahmud's conquest of Peshawar is often associated with the Battle of Peshawar, which took place in 1001. The Hindushahi ruler Jayapala led a resistance against Mahmud's forces but was defeated. As a result, Peshawar came under the control of Mahmud.

3. Annexation of Punjab: After conquering Peshawar, Mahmud set his sights on Punjab. He launched several campaigns into the region, defeating various local rulers and annexing their territories. The exact timeline and details of these campaigns may vary, but ultimately Mahmud succeeded in bringing Punjab under his rule.

4. Legacy of Mahmud's conquests: Mahmud's conquest of Peshawar and Punjab had significant implications for the region. It marked the beginning of Ghaznavid rule in these territories and established a Muslim presence in the area. The Ghaznavids played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent.

In conclusion, Mahmud of Ghazni defeated the Hindushahis to conquer and annex Peshawar and Punjab. His conquests were part of his larger ambition to expand the Ghaznavid Empire and establish Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent.

Who was the court poet of Mahmud of Ghazni and author of Shah Namah?
  • a)
    Firdausi
  • b)
    Ibn Batutah
  • c)
    Alberuni
  • d)
    Maulana Khwajagi
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Upsc Toppers answered
Court Poet of Mahmud of Ghazni and Author of Shah Namah


  • Firdausi: He was the court poet of Mahmud of Ghazni and the author of the famous Persian epic poem Shah Namah.

The recognition of Caliph’s authority by the Delhi sultans at the most meant
  • a)
    That the Sultan was a vassal of the Caliph
  • b)
    That the Sultan was not the real ruler
  • c)
    Subordination of the Sultan’s sovereignty to that of the Caliph
  • d)
    That the Sultan was the supreme judicial authority subject only to the tenets of the Shariat
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The recognition of Caliphs authority by the Delhi sultans meant that the Sultan was the supreme judicial authority subject only to the tenets of the Shariat. This recognition had significant implications for the governance and structure of the Delhi Sultanate. Let's explore this in detail:

1. The Delhi Sultanate:
- The Delhi Sultanate was a Muslim kingdom that ruled over parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 13th to the 16th century.
- The Sultanate was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak after the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan in 1192.
- The subsequent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate were mostly of Turkic and Afghan origin, and they brought with them the traditions and practices of Islamic governance.

2. The Caliphate:
- The Caliphate referred to the office of the Caliph, who was considered the successor to the Prophet Muhammad and the spiritual leader of the Muslim community.
- The Caliphate was based in Baghdad and later in Cairo, following the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate.
- The Caliph was recognized as the highest authority in matters of Islamic law and governance.

3. Recognition of Caliphs authority:
- The Delhi sultans recognized the authority of the Caliph to legitimize their rule and enhance their legitimacy as Muslim rulers.
- By recognizing the Caliphs authority, the sultans aimed to portray themselves as the defenders of Islam and the enforcers of Islamic law.
- This recognition also helped in establishing their authority over a predominantly Hindu population.

4. Supreme judicial authority:
- The recognition of the Caliphs authority meant that the Sultan was the supreme judicial authority subject only to the tenets of the Shariat.
- The Sultan acted as the final arbiter of justice and made decisions based on Islamic law.
- This authority allowed the Sultan to establish a legal framework based on Islamic principles and regulate the affairs of the state.

5. Subordination of the Sultans sovereignty:
- While the sultans recognized the Caliphs authority, it did not mean that they were vassals or subordinate rulers.
- The sultans maintained their sovereignty and ruled over their territories as independent rulers.
- However, they acknowledged the spiritual and religious authority of the Caliph and sought his approval and blessings for their rule.

In conclusion, the recognition of Caliphs authority by the Delhi sultans meant that the Sultan was the supreme judicial authority subject only to the tenets of the Shariat. This recognition helped in legitimizing their rule, establishing their authority as defenders of Islam, and creating a legal framework based on Islamic principles.

Which of the following regions of northern India was not included in the empire of Ala-ud-din Khalji?
  • a)
    Punjab
  • b)
    Sindh
  • c)
    Kashmir
  • d)
    Malwa
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Asha Kumar answered
Ala-ud-din Khalji was the second ruler of the Khalji dynasty in India. He ruled from 1296 to 1316 CE and expanded the boundaries of his empire through several military campaigns. He conquered a large part of northern India, including Delhi, Gujarat, and parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. However, the region of Kashmir was not included in his empire.
Ala-ud-din Khalji made several unsuccessful attempts to conquer Kashmir. The rulers of Kashmir, who were then under the control of the Shah Miri dynasty, managed to resist the invasion attempts of the Khalji army. The difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions of the region made it challenging for the invaders to launch a successful attack on Kashmir. As a result, the region of Kashmir remained independent during the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji.
In summary, Ala-ud-din Khalji could not conquer the region of Kashmir, and it remained outside the boundaries of his empire.

Dr. Ishwari Prasad writes, “He always behaved like a well bred oriental monarch. His sense of kingly dignity was so great that he never ap-peared but in full dress ever before his private servants. He never laughed aloud nor joked in his durbar nor did he permit any one to indulge in laughter or amusement in his presence”. Who is that king?
  • a)
    Balban
  • b)
    Ala-ud-din Khalji
  • c)
    Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
  • d)
    Mubarak Shah
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Desai answered
Explanation:

Balban:
- The king described in the passage is Balban.
- He behaved like a well bred oriental monarch, displaying a sense of kingly dignity.
- Balban always appeared in full dress before his private servants, emphasizing his royal status.

Characteristics of Balban:
- Balban never laughed aloud or joked in his durbar, maintaining a serious and dignified demeanor.
- He did not permit anyone to indulge in laughter or amusement in his presence, further showcasing his strict and authoritative nature.

Conclusion:
Balban's regal behavior and strict demeanor set him apart as a ruler who commanded respect and authority. His emphasis on maintaining a sense of kingly dignity and seriousness in his court reflected his belief in upholding the status and power of the monarchy.

Which of the following is correct?
  • a)
    Iltutmish gave the Turkish kingdom legal status.
  • b)
    Iltutmish recaptured Bayna and Thangir.
  • c)
    Iltutmish reconquered Nagaur in Jodhpur.
  • d)
    Iltutmish failed to recapture Varanasi.
  • e)
    All of the above.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Iltutmish was a prominent ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in medieval India. He is known for his military campaigns and administrative reforms during his reign from 1211 to 1236. Among the given options, all of them are correct.

1. Iltutmish gave the Turkish kingdom legal status:
- Iltutmish was a Turkish slave who rose to power and established the Delhi Sultanate. By giving the Turkish kingdom legal status, he solidified the position of the Turks as the ruling elite in the Delhi Sultanate.

2. Iltutmish recaptured Bayna and Thangir:
- Bayna and Thangir were territories that had been previously lost by the Delhi Sultanate. Iltutmish successfully recaptured these territories, demonstrating his military prowess and expanding the empire's territories.

3. Iltutmish reconquered Nagaur in Jodhpur:
- Nagaur was a strategic city in the region of Jodhpur, and it had been previously captured by the Rajputs. Iltutmish led a successful campaign to reconquer Nagaur, further expanding the influence of the Delhi Sultanate in Rajasthan.

4. Iltutmish failed to recapture Varanasi:
- Varanasi, also known as Kashi, was a significant city in the eastern part of the Delhi Sultanate. Iltutmish attempted to recapture Varanasi but was unsuccessful. This failure highlights the limitations of his military campaigns and the resilience of the local powers in the region.

Therefore, all of the given options are correct. Iltutmish's reign was marked by territorial expansion, military achievements, and administrative reforms. He played a crucial role in shaping the Delhi Sultanate and consolidating Turkish rule in India.

Who was the first Caliph as well as the founder of the Umayyad dynasty of the Caliphate?
  • a)
    Walid
  • b)
    Muwabiya
  • c)
    Hazrat Ibrahim
  • d)
    None of the above 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Aruna Singh answered
The Umayyads were the first Muslim dynasty, established in 661 in Damascus. Their dynasty succeeded the leadership of the first four caliphs Abū BakrʿUmar I, ʿUthmān, and ʿAlī. It was established by Muʿāwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān, a native of Mecca and a contemporary of the Prophet Muḥammad.

During the Delhi Sultanate, the designation 'Muqaddam or Chaudhari' was used for
  • a)
    village headman
  • b)
    revenue officials
  • c)
    village accountant
  • d)
    More than one of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Kapoor answered
Provincial Government during Delhi Sultanate:
  • Iqtas, the provinces under the Delhi Sultanate were initially under the dominion of the nobles.
  • Muqtis or Walis was the name given to the governors of the provinces who were responsible for maintaining law and order and collecting land revenue.
  • The provinces were further divided into Shiqs, which were under the control of the Shiqdar.
  • The Shiqs were further divided into Pargana, comprising a number of villages and was headed by the Amil.
  • The village remained the basic unit of administration and its headman was called Chaudhri or Muqaddam.
  • Patwari was the village accountant.
 

Who was known as “Lakh Buksh”?
  • a)
    Aibak
  • b)
    Iltutmish
  • c)
    Balban
  • d)
    Raziya
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

  • Lakh Buksh was the title given to Qutubuddin Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, by his master and patron, Muhammad Ghori.

  • He was given this title because of his generosity in distributing money among his soldiers and subjects.

  • Qutubuddin Aibak was a Turkic slave who rose to power as the commander-in-chief of Muhammad Ghori's army in India.

  • After Muhammad Ghori’s death, Qutubuddin Aibak declared himself the Sultan of Delhi and established the Slave dynasty in India.

  • He was a capable ruler who consolidated his power and expanded his kingdom by conquering several neighboring territories.

  • He also built several landmarks in Delhi, including the Qutub Minar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Qutubuddin Aibak died in 1210 AD while playing Chaugan, a popular polo-like game, and was succeeded by his son-in-law, Iltutmish.

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