The Delhi Sultanate: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Medieval History)

Explanation

Statement (a) is incorrect: Balban (1266 to 1287) was the first to establish the Diwan-i-Ariz department in the Delhi Sultanate. This department was related to the military and was headed by Ariz-i-Mumalik. Statement (b) is incorrect: Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) of the Khilji dynasty introduced the practice of branding horses in his military. Branding the horses helped in preventing the fraud of soldiers who might try to misuse government-owned horses for personal benefit. Statement (c) is incorrect: Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 AD) was succeeded by his cousin, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, not his uncle. Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign was marked by several controversial decisions, such as the shifting of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and the introduction of token currency. Statement (d) is correct: Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388) was the first cousin of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and the most prominent ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty. He was known for his public welfare measures, including the construction of canals, hospitals, schools and implemented various administrative reforms to stabilize his empire. He (Firoz Shah Tughlaq 1351-88) established a separate department for slaves called the Diwan-i-Bandagan under the Wakil-i-dar. He increased the number of slaves by capturing the defeated soldiers and young people.

Explanation

Pair (a) is correctly matched: Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388) established the Diwan-i-Bandagan, a department for slaves, during the Tughlaq Dynasty. The officer in charge of the Diwan-i-Bandagan was the Wakil-i-dar. It oversaw the management of slaves and servants in the royal palace and administrative offices. Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: The Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was a department of the Delhi Sultanate that was created by Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) to collect revenue arrears and to address corruption. It was responsible for investigating and collecting outstanding revenue from collectors. Pair (c) is incorrectly matched: The Diwan-i-Kohi was an agricultural department established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-51) to improve agricultural productivity and food security in the Delhi Sultanate. He also developed a slew of measures to provide relief to famine victims. Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Diwan-i-Arz was the military department of the Delhi Sultanate and was established by Ghiyas ud din Balban (1266 to 1287). It was headed by Ariz-i-Mamalik.

Explanation

The establishment of Mughal rule in India began with Babur’s (1526 - 1530) victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodiin the First Battle of Panipat (1526) and Rana Sanga in the Battle of Khanua(1527). These victories laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire, which was further consolidated by Akbar, who expanded and solidified Mughal authority across India. Assertion (A) is true: The Battle of Khanua was more decisive and significant than the First Battle of Panipat because it strengthened the Mughal rule in India, while the First Battle of Panipat only laid its foundation. Reason (R) is true: Rana Sanga was a skilled warrior and leader who had built a strong alliance of Rajput kingdoms. He was a more formidable adversary than Ibrahim Lodi. The Battle of Khanua was more significant because it neutralized the threat from the Rajputs and consolidated Babur’s authority. Thus, the Reason (R) is the correct explanation for the Assertion (A).

Explanation

Chengiz Khan (1162-1227) was a Mongol ruler who established one of the largest empires in history by uniting the Mongol tribes and launching successful military campaigns across Central Asia, China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Iltutmish (reigned 1211-1236 AD) was the third Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, and during his reign, the Mongols, under the leadership of Chengiz Khan, attempted several incursions into the Indian subcontinent. In 1221, after the Khwarezmian prince fled into northern India, Chengiz Khan’s forces reached the Indus River and attacked the northwestern frontier of India. He successfully repelled the Mongol invasions, though the Mongols continued to raid the northwestern regions sporadically for some years.

Explanation

Abdul Qadir Badayuni was an Indian historian, writer, and translator who lived during the Mughal Empire. He is notable for translating key Hindu texts, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (Razmnama), into Persian.

Option (c) is correct: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (1325-1351) was known for his controversial and ambitious policies. It includes the:

Introduction of token currency Shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, and aggressive expansionist campaigns. The quote "The king was freed from his people and they from their king" was made by Badauni on the death of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.

Explanation

Fawazil was the surplus or excess revenue collected by the Iqtadars beyond their prescribed share and remitted to the central treasury, ensuring financial accountability and contributing to the Sultanate’s centralized economy. Sikandar Lodhi (1489 to 1517) of the Lodi dynasty abolished the practice of sending "fawazil" to the central treasury. This move by Sikandar Lodi was part of his efforts to consolidate his power and reduce the financial control of the central government over the military officials, allowing them greater autonomy.

Explanation

Firoz Shah Tughlaq (reigned 1351-1388 AD) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign is remembered for a number of reforms and infrastructural developments. He is credited with building the largest and most significant canal network during this period, aimed at boosting agriculture and ensuring water availability. The Britisher used to call him the Father of the Irrigation Department because of the many gardens and canals he built like the canal connecting the Yamuna to Hissar city; Satluj to the Ghaggar, etc.

Explanation

Assertion is correct: The early Turkish rulers in India relied heavily on their military to establish and maintain control over the region. The Delhi Sultanate was founded on military conquest, and the rulers relied on military commanders for administrative control. During this time, the sultanate’s governance was largely militarized, and military leaders had significant power and influence over the territory. Reason is true: The concept of Iqta was introduced in India during the rule of Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish (r. 1211-1236). An Iqta was a land grant that was given to military leaders in return for their service. These military leaders, often called Iqtadars, were in charge of the administration of the land within their assigned Iqta and were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting revenue, and providing military support to the Sultan. The system of Iqta created a decentralized form of administration, where military leaders had significant autonomy within their assigned territories. Thus, Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

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

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.