UPSC CSE Prelims
Foundation of Delhi Sultanate Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Foundation of Delhi Sultanate with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
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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
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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