The Delhi Sultanate: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on The Delhi Sultanate (Medieval History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 1997Medieval History · The Delhi Sultanate
Q1. The medieval Indian writer who refers to the discovery of America is:
Explanation
Abul Fazl, a historian and one of Navratnas in Akbar’s court, mentioned the discovery of America by Europeans in his monumental work ‘Ain-i-Akbari’. His writings provide insights into Akbar’s court, administration, and cultural milieu, showing the reach of Mughal intellectual pursuits. Other important writings of the Abul Fazl are:
Akbarnama The History of Akbar Insh-i-Abu’l Fazl Persian translation of the Bible
UPSC 1997Medieval History · The Delhi Sultanate
Q2. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of:
Explanation
Balban (reigned 1266-1287) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly known for his strong and centralized rule. He was part of the Slave dynasty which began with Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of "Zil-i-Ilahi", which means "The Shadow of God" or "The Shadow of the Divine." This title was a reflection of his absolute authority and divine right to rule. By adopting this title, Balban sought to emphasize the sacred nature of his rule and his unquestionable authority, essentially equating his position with the will of God.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1997
(d) Abul Fazl
2
1997
(c) Zil-I-Ilahi
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on The Delhi Sultanate?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on The Delhi Sultanate (Medieval History), asked from 1997 to 2022. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for The Delhi Sultanate?
Questions on The Delhi Sultanate (Medieval History) are available for 11 years, from 1997 to 2022. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.