Short Answer Questions
Q1: Who established the Delhi Sultanate, and in which year?
Ans: Qutbuddin Aibak established the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE after Muhammad Ghori's death.
Q2: Why was the Mamluk Dynasty called so?
Ans: It was named the Mamluk Dynasty because its rulers had initially been slaves, who were trained and trusted by their masters.
Q3: Who succeeded Qutbuddin Aibak, and how did he consolidate his position?
Ans: Shamsuddin lltutmish succeeded Aibak. He consolidated his position through battles against Rajput chiefs and regional rulers.
Q4: Who was the first woman ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, and how did her rule end?
Ans: Raziya was the first woman ruler. Her rule ended due to a conspiracy by a group of nobles in 1240 CE.
Q5: What policy did Balban adopt to bring stability to the empire, and how did he strengthen his rule?
Ans: Balban adopted a policy of 'blood and iron' and strengthened his rule by breaking the power of the chahalgani, building a strong army, and establishing diplomatic ties.
Q6: Which ruler significantly expanded the Delhi Sultanate, and what regions did he conquer?
Ans: Alauddin Khalji significantly expanded the Delhi Sultanate. He conquered Gujarat, Malwa, and most of the Rajput states, and extended rule into the Deccan.
Q7: What economic reforms did Alauddin Khalji introduce to improve market efficiency?
Ans: Alauddin Khalji fixed prices of goods, appointed officers to oversee markets, established warehouses for excess grain, and punished black marketers and hoarders.
Q8: Who invited Babur to invade India, and why?
Ans: Daulat Khan, the governor of Punjab, invited Babur to overthrow Ibrahim Lodi because he was unhappy with Lodi's rule.
Q9: Who were the last rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, and what were their reigns marked by?
Ans: The last rulers were from the Lodi dynasty. Ibrahim Lodi's reign was marked by intolerance and autocracy, making him unpopular.
Q10: What event marked the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of Mughal rule in India?
Ans: The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE, where Babur defeated and killed Ibrahim Lodi, marked the transition from the Delhi Sultanate to Mughal rule.
Long Answer Questions
Q11: Explain the significance of the Mamluk Dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate's history, highlighting the rulers and their achievements.
Ans: The Mamluk Dynasty, also known as the Slave Dynasty, was crucial in establishing and stabilizing the Delhi Sultanate. It was led by Qutbuddin Aibak, a capable general who expanded the empire's territory and defeated Rajput kings. His successor, lltutmish, consolidated power through battles and defended against Mongol invasions. Raziya, the first woman ruler, brought law and order but was overthrown due to noble opposition. Balban's 'blood and iron' policy and administrative reforms strengthened the empire.
Q12: Describe the reign of Alauddin Khalji and his contributions to the expansion and administration of the Delhi Sultanate.
Ans: Alauddin Khalji was an ambitious ruler who significantly expanded the Delhi Sultanate's territory. He conquered Gujarat, Malwa, and most Rajput states, and extended rule into the Deccan. His economic reforms regulated prices and controlled markets. He also appointed spies and maintained a strong army. These measures contributed to his success in bringing the empire under his control.
Q13: Discuss the economic reforms introduced by Alauddin Khalji and their impact on market efficiency and price control.
Ans: Alauddin Khalji implemented several economic reforms to improve market efficiency. He fixed prices of goods, appointed officers to oversee markets, established warehouses for storing excess grain, and imposed severe penalties on black marketing and hoarding. These measures aimed to ensure fair trade practices, stabilize prices, and prevent exploitation of consumers.
Q14: Analyse the causes for the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate, considering factors like succession, governance, and external threats.
Ans: The downfall of the Delhi Sultanate can be attributed to multiple factors. The absence of fixed succession laws led to periods of chaos. Autocratic and intolerant rulers eroded public trust. Impractical projects by Muhammad bin Tughlaq caused hardship and drained the treasury. Constant noble conspiracies hindered effective governance. Poor communication infrastructure made it difficult to monitor distant regions. Neglect of army organization and Mongol invasions further weakened the sultanate.
Q15: Explain the administrative features introduced by the Delhi Sultans and their long-term impact on Indian governance.
Ans: The Delhi Sultans introduced a centralized administrative system characterized by strong military presence, use of spies, and economic regulations. This system influenced Indian governance for 500 years. It emphasized the importance of a centralized authority and maintained a well-organized military structure. Additionally, the use of spies and economic regulations aimed to ensure stability and control within the empire.
