61 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Delhi Sultanate test dynasties, rulers, reforms and administration. The rise of Aibak, Alauddin Khalji’s conquests and market control, Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s public works, Timur’s invasion and the Lodi dynasty are asked as dates, officials and statements, and the explanations tie each reform to its ruler.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–50 of 61 questions
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q41. Consider the following statements regarding the nobility’s opposition to Raziya Sultan: I. They were offended by her independent manner and refusal to be a puppet ruler. II. Her appointment of non-Turks, like Jamal-ud-din Yaqut, angered the Turkish monopoly. III. She launched an unprovoked attack on the Caliphate, losing religious legitimacy. Which of the combinations of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Turkish nobility’s opposition to Raziya Sultan was rooted in both social and political reasons. They found her assertive and independent leadership style unacceptable for a female ruler. Furthermore, her decision to promote non- Turkish officials, such as the Abyssinian slave Yaqut, directly challenged the Turkish monopoly over high administrative posts. This resentment eventually led to widespread rebellions and her ultimate removal.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q42. Consider the following statements regarding the land revenue system under Alauddin Khalji: Statement I: Under Alauddin Khalji, the state demanded half of the agricultural produce as land revenue (Kharaj) in the Doab region. Statement II: Alauddin Khalji’s land revenue system was based on the measurement of land (Masahat) rather than crop-sharing. Select the correct response regarding the above statements:
Explanation
Alauddin Khalji implemented a highly centralized and rigorous land revenue system to maximize state income. In the fertile Doab region, he increased the state’s share to fifty percent of the total agricultural produce.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q43. Which of the following statements about trade and commerce during the Delhi Sultanate is incorrect?
Explanation
Trade and commerce flourished during the Delhi Sultanate, supported by a specialized merchant class and a sophisticated financial system. The use of Hundis facilitated long-distance transactions, and an active internal network ensured the movement of goods. Far from ceasing, the export of Indian textiles, spices, and other commodities to the Middle East and Southeast Asia remained a vital part of the economy.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q44. Consider the following statements regarding the architecture of the Delhi Sultanate: I. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was constructed using materials from demolished Hindu and Jain temples. II. The Alai Darwaza is notable for being one of the first structures in India to use a scientifically accurate true arch and dome. III. Tughlaq architecture is characterized by sloping walls (batter) and the minimal use of decorative elements. IV. Lodi tombs are exclusively square-shaped and lack the octagonal design found in earlier monuments. Which of the combinations of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Early Sultanate architecture often used materials from older structures, as seen in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. The Khalji period introduced the true arch and dome in the Alai Darwaza. Tughlaq buildings were characterized by their distinct sloping walls. While some Lodi tombs were square, the dynasty is actually famous for introducing octagonal tomb designs, which became a hallmark of their specific style.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q45. Match List I (Sultanate Administrative Term) with List II (Meaning) and select the correct answer.
Sultanate Administrative Term
Meaning
A. Wazir
i. Minister of religious affairs and endowments
B. Ariz-i-Mumalik
ii. Chief Justice
C. Qazi-ul-Quzat
iii. Prime Minister / Finance Minister
D. Sadr-us-Sudur
iv. Head of the military department
Explanation
The central administration of the Delhi Sultanate was organized into several key departments led by specialized officials. The Wazir headed the finance department, while the Ariz-i-Mumalik was responsible for the military’s organization and payment. Justice was dispensed by the Qazi-ul-Quzat, and religious affairs and charitable endowments were managed by the Sadr-us- Sudur. These officers formed the backbone of the Sultan’s government.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q46. Find the odd one out in the context of medieval Indian agricultural taxation and agrarian policies of the Sultanate.
Explanation
Several terms in the Sultanate era were related specifically to agricultural administration and relief. These included specialized departments for farming, agricultural loans known as Sondhar or Takkavi, and ministries focused on land development. However, the Diwan-i-Insha was the royal secretariat responsible for drafting imperial edicts and managing official state correspondence, making it an administrative rather than an agrarian or financial institution.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q47. What is the architectural significance of the Alai Darwaza built by Alauddin Khalji?
Explanation
The Alai Darwaza is a masterpiece of Indo- Islamic architecture located within the Qutb complex. It served as the grand southern gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. The structure is celebrated for its scientific use of the true arch and dome, as well as its intricate carvings. It reflects mature Seljuk architectural influences, representing a significant refinement in building techniques during Khalji’s reign.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q48. Who was the first Sultan of Delhi to cross the Narmada river and launch successful military campaigns into South India?
Explanation
Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan of Delhi to significantly expand the empire’s reach into the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. He dispatched his trusted general, Malik Kafur, on several successful military campaigns across the Narmada River. These expeditions resulted in the defeat of prominent southern dynasties like the Yadavas and Hoysalas, bringing immense wealth and prestige to the Delhi Sultanate.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q49. Consider the following administrative features: I. Division of empire into Iqtas II. Appointment of Muqtis or Walis III. Consolidation of central standing army paid strictly in cash IV. Maintaining descriptive rolls (Chehra) of soldiers V. Introduction of the Mansabdari system Which combination correctly represents the military and administrative reforms introduced by Alauddin Khalji?
Explanation
Alauddin Khalji introduced several military and administrative reforms to strengthen his control. He continued the division of the empire into Iqtas while ensuring that Muqtis remained accountable. He established a central standing army paid in cash and introduced the branding of horses and descriptive rolls for soldiers. The Mansabdari system, however, was a much later innovation introduced by the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q50. The Ulema exerted considerable influence in the Delhi Sultanate primarily because:
Explanation
The Ulema, or the class of Islamic religious scholars, held significant influence over the political and social life of the Delhi Sultanate. Their primary source of power was their role as interpreters of Sharia, or Islamic law. Since the Sultan’s rule was theoretically based on these religious principles, the Ulema provided the necessary legitimacy for his authority and served as judges and advisors.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
41
(a) I and II only
42
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
43
(d) The total cessation of the export of Indian textiles and spices to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
44
(b) I, II and III only
45
(a) A-iii, B-iv, C-ii, D-i
46
(a) Diwan-i-Insha
47
(d) It was the southern gateway to the Quwwat- ul-Islam mosque and displayed mature Seljuk features.
48
(b) Alauddin Khalji
49
(c) I, II, III and IV only
50
(d) They interpreted Islamic law (Sharia), which provided the theoretical basis for the Sultan’s rule.
Key facts from Delhi Sultanate
Qutb-ud-din Aibak became independent after Muhammad Ghori was assassinated in 1206.
Alauddin Khalji captured Ranthambore in 1301 and was the first Sultan to cross the Narmada for southern campaigns.
Alauddin appointed the Shahna-i-Mandi to control the markets of Delhi and paid his soldiers in cash.
Under the Iqta system, land revenues were assigned to military commanders in place of cash salaries.
Timur invaded India and sacked Delhi in 1398; the Lodis founded the first Afghan empire in India.
Firoz Shah Tughlaq set up a translation department and translated Sanskrit works on medicine and music into Persian.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Delhi Sultanate?
This page has 61 practice MCQs on Delhi Sultanate (Medieval Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What was the Iqta system?
The Iqta system assigned land revenues to military commanders, called Iqtadars, in place of cash salaries. The commander collected the revenue, paid his troops from it and sent the surplus to the Sultan.
Who controlled the markets of Delhi under Alauddin Khalji?
The Shahna-i-Mandi, an officer appointed to supervise the markets and make sure goods were sold at fixed prices. Alauddin’s price control let him maintain a large army on modest cash salaries.
Which dynasty founded the first Afghan empire in India?
The Lodi dynasty, which ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526. Bahlul Lodi founded it, and it ended when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat.
