UPSC CSE Prelims
Delhi Sultanate Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Delhi Sultanate
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With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:
- The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
- During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
- Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 only
This question tests knowledge of Mongol invasions during the Delhi Sultanate period. Only Statement 2 is correct, as the Mongol siege of Delhi in 1303 CE occurred during Ala-ud-din Khalji's reign, while the other statements contain factual errors regarding the timeline and rulers.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The first Mongol invasion of India occurred in 1221 CE under Genghis Khan during the reign of Iltutmish (1211-1236 CE), not Jalal-ud-din Khalji (1290-1296 CE).
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: In 1303 CE, during Ala-ud-din Khalji's reign (1296-1316 CE), a massive Mongol army led by Targhi besieged Delhi, forcing the Sultan to take refuge in Siri Fort for several months.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE) successfully repelled Mongol invasions early in his reign and never lost northwestern territories to them; instead, he even planned an ambitious Khurasan expedition against Mongol territories.
📝 Short Notes: Mongol Invasions of India (13th-14th Century)
| Year/Period | Ruler | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1221 CE | Iltutmish | First Mongol invasion under Genghis Khan in pursuit of Khwarizm Shah; Mongols withdrew after reaching Indus |
| 1241 CE | Razia Sultan | Mongol raids on Punjab and Lahore |
| 1279-1290 CE | Balban | Multiple Mongol invasions; Balban fortified northwestern frontier and established strong military presence |
| 1292 CE | Jalal-ud-din Khalji | Defeated Mongol invasion led by Abdullah; showed mercy to Mongol prisoners (settled them near Delhi as 'New Muslims') |
| 1299-1308 CE | Ala-ud-din Khalji | Frequent Mongol invasions; 1303 CE siege of Delhi by Targhi's army; Ala-ud-din later crushed Mongols decisively |
| 1327-1328 CE | Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq | Defeated Mongol invasion led by Tarmashirin; secured northwestern borders effectively |
- Ala-ud-din Khalji's Counter-Measures: Built Siri Fort, maintained large standing army of 4,75,000 cavalry, appointed Ghazi Malik (later Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq) as frontier governor
- Impact: Mongol threat shaped Delhi Sultanate's military policies, fortification strategies, and economic reforms (especially Ala-ud-din's price control and military reforms)
- Settlements: Some Mongol groups were converted and settled in India (called 'New Muslims' or Neo-Muslims), though Ala-ud-din later massacred many due to rebellion fears
With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as “KulahDaran”?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Sayyids
The Sayyids were revered in Muslim society as descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima. During the Delhi Sultanate period, they wore a distinctive pointed cap called 'kulah', earning them the title 'KulahDaran' (cap-wearers). Even during Timur's devastating invasion of India in 1398, he specifically spared the lives of Sayyids despite his general policy of massacre, demonstrating their special status in Islamic society.
📝 Short Notes: Social Classes in Delhi Sultanate
- Sayyids (KulahDaran): Claimed descent from Prophet Muhammad through Fatima; wore pointed caps (kulah); enjoyed special privileges and respect; protected even during Timur's invasion
- Shaikhs: Arab Muslims and their descendants who settled in India; considered high in social hierarchy
- Qalandars: Muslim mendicant mystics who rejected conventional religious practices; often wandering ascetics
- Ulema: Islamic scholars and religious leaders who interpreted Sharia law
- Khuddams: Turkish nobles who formed the ruling elite in early Delhi Sultanate
- Social Hierarchy: Sayyids and Shaikhs → Foreign Muslims (Turks, Afghans, Persians) → Indian Muslims (converts) → Non-Muslims
Consider the following statements:
- It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khawarezm prince.
- It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus.
- It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
This question tests the chronological accuracy of three historical events and their associated rulers. Only the first statement correctly matches the event with the ruler's reign, while the other two contain factual errors regarding either the ruler or the timeline.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: In 1221, Genghis Khan reached the Indus pursuing Jalal-ad-Din Mangburni, the Khwarazmian prince, during Iltutmish's reign. Iltutmish wisely refused asylum, avoiding a Mongol invasion of the Delhi Sultanate.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Timur invaded India in 1398 during the reign of Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah Tughlaq (last Tughlaq ruler), not Muhammad bin Tughluq who died in 1351. Timur's grandson Pir Muhammad occupied Multan before Timur crossed the Indus.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498 during the reign of Immadi Narasimha Raya of the Saluva Dynasty. Deva Raya II of the Sangama Dynasty ruled from 1422-1446, more than 50 years before the Portuguese arrival.
📝 Short Notes: Medieval Indian Rulers and Key Events
| Event | Year | Ruler/Dynasty | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genghis Khan reaches Indus | 1221 | Iltutmish (Delhi Sultanate) | Pursued Khwarazmian prince; Iltutmish refused asylum, avoided invasion |
| Timur's invasion | 1398 | Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud (Last Tughlaq) | Sacked Delhi; weakened Delhi Sultanate significantly |
| Vasco da Gama reaches India | 1498 | Immadi Narasimha (Vijayanagara-Saluva) | First sea route from Europe to India established |
| Deva Raya II reign | 1422-1446 | Vijayanagara (Sangama Dynasty) | Golden period; defeated Bahmani Sultanate |
| Muhammad bin Tughluq reign | 1325-1351 | Delhi Sultanate (Tughlaq) | Known for experimental policies and capital transfer |
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Consider the following statements:
- In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
- The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
- The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — 1 only
This question tests knowledge of administrative institutions during the Delhi Sultanate period. Only the first statement regarding the Amil as revenue collector is historically accurate, while the claims about the Iqta system's indigenous origin and the Mir Bakshi's establishment during Khalji period are incorrect.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The 'Amil' was the officer responsible for revenue collection in the territorial divisions (iqtas or provinces) of the Delhi Sultanate.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Iqta system was not an indigenous institution but was borrowed from the Persian/Arab administrative model and introduced in India by the Delhi Sultans.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The office of 'Mir Bakshi' (head of military department) came into existence during the Mughal period under Akbar, not during the Khalji Sultanate.
📝 Short Notes: Revenue and Administrative Systems of Delhi Sultanate
| Office/System | Function | Period/Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Amil | Revenue collector at provincial/iqta level | Delhi Sultanate |
| Iqta System | Land assignment system where military commanders received revenue rights in lieu of salary | Persian/Arab origin, introduced by early Sultans |
| Diwan-i-Wizarat | Central finance department | Delhi Sultanate |
| Mir Bakshi | Head of military department, maintained army records | Mughal period (Akbar's reign) |
| Barids | Intelligence officers/news reporters | Delhi Sultanate (especially Alauddin Khalji) |
- Khalji Dynasty Contributions: Alauddin Khalji strengthened revenue administration with strict price control (market regulation), military reforms, and efficient intelligence network.
- Revenue Assessment: Land revenue was the main source of income; assessment methods varied under different Sultans.
- Iqtadars/Muqtis: Holders of iqtas who collected revenue and maintained troops from their assignments.