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
Question 1 of 2 Foundation of Delhi Sultanate
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First question in this topic
Consider the following statements: It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Cheng...