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 51–60 of 61 questions
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q51. Consider the following statements regarding the Sayyid dynasty: Statement I: The Sayyid dynasty rulers never minted coins in their own names, instead using the names of Tughlaq rulers or Timurid princes. Statement II: The Sayyid dynasty controlled an empire larger than that of the Khaljis. Select the correct response regarding the above statements:
Explanation
The Sayyid dynasty rose to power in a period of great political instability. These rulers often recognized the nominal suzerainty of the Timurids and chose not to mint coins in their own names, instead using the names of previous Tughlaq kings. Furthermore, their territorial control was quite limited, and their empire was much smaller than the domains previously held by the Khalji dynasty.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q52. Bahlul Lodi’s theory of kingship was fundamentally different from the Turkish Sultans because:
Explanation
Bahlul Lodi treated the Afghan nobles as equals and called himself the first among equals, or Masnad-i-Ali. This tribal idea of kingship differed from the absolute rule of the Turkish Sultans.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q53. What was a direct economic consequence of Timur’s invasion (1398) on the Delhi Sultanate?
Explanation
Timur’s invasion of 1398 AD had a catastrophic impact on the economy of the Delhi Sultanate. The brutal sack of the capital led to a total collapse of its prosperity and urban life. Many skilled artisans, merchants, and scholars fled the city, seeking refuge in the emerging provincial kingdoms. This migration contributed to the cultural and economic growth of regional centers at Delhi’s expense.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q54. Identify the correct statement regarding the Karkhanas during the Delhi Sultanate period.
Explanation
Karkhanas were essential state institutions during the Delhi Sultanate, acting as large-scale royal workshops. These facilities employed numerous artisans to manufacture a wide variety of goods, ranging from everyday items for the royal household to specialized weapons and luxury textiles. They were managed by state officials and played a significant role in supporting the Sultan’s centralized administration and the military’s logistics.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q55. The central department known as ‘Diwan-i- Wizarat’ primarily dealt with:
Explanation
The Diwan-i-Wizarat was one of the most important central departments in the Delhi Sultanate’s administrative framework. Led by the Wazir, it was responsible for overseeing the state’s financial health, revenue collection, and expenditure. The department managed the royal treasury and kept detailed records of income from various sources, ensuring that the Sultan had necessary funds for administration and military campaigns.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q56. Identify the incorrect pair of a rebellion/ conflict and the reigning Sultan during which it occurred.
Explanation
The rebellion of the Amiran-i-Sada, or the centurions, was a major challenge that occurred during the turbulent reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, not Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Other significant conflicts included Tughril Khan’s revolt under Balban and the Mongol invasion during Alauddin Khalji’s rule. Additionally, the religious revolt of Sidi Maula took place while Jalaluddin Khalji was on the throne of Delhi.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q57. In the provincial administration of the Delhi Sultanate, what was the primary responsibility of a ‘Shiqdar’?
Explanation
In the provincial administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate, a Shiq was a territorial unit similar to a modern district. The Shiqdar was the chief executive official appointed to manage this area. His primary responsibility was the maintenance of law and order and the enforcement of the Sultan’s decrees. He also assisted other officials in revenue collection and provided essential military support.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q58. Firoz Shah Tughlaq established a translation department to:
Explanation
Firoz Shah Tughlaq was a ruler who showed a keen interest in literature and learning. He established a specialized translation department with the goal of making ancient Indian knowledge accessible to the Persian-speaking elite. This department focused on translating numerous Sanskrit works related to medicine, music, and philosophy into Persian. This cultural initiative helped preserve and integrate diverse intellectual traditions in the state.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q59. Identify the incorrect statement concerning the architecture of the Qutb Minar.
Explanation
The Qutb Minar is a landmark monument whose construction spanned several reigns, starting with Aibak and ending with Iltutmish. It features beautiful Quranic inscriptions and was later repaired by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. However, it was never intended to serve as a watchtower for spotting Mongol armies. Instead, it was built as a grand minaret for the adjacent mosque and a victory symbol.
RAS PrelimsMedieval Indian History · Delhi Sultanate
Q60. Consider the following statements about the causes of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s failure in shifting the capital to Daulatabad: I. The forced migration caused immense suffering and resentment among the citizens of Delhi. II. Daulatabad proved to be too distant to effectively defend the North-West frontier against Mongol threats. III. The severe lack of water supply in Daulatabad made sustaining a large population impossible. Which of the combinations of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The attempt to relocate the capital to Daulatabad failed for several interconnected reasons. The forced march of the entire population caused deep resentment and suffering. Furthermore, the new location was too far from the northern borders, leaving the frontier vulnerable to Mongol attacks. Finally, Daulatabad’s environmental conditions, particularly the inadequate water supply for a massive population, made it impossible to sustain.
Answer key for these questions
Q
Correct answer
51
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
52
(b) He treated Afghan nobles as equals, calling himself ‘first among equals’ or ‘Masnad-i- Ali’.
53
(b) The collapse of Delhi’s prosperity, causing artisans and merchants to migrate to provincial kingdoms.
54
(a) They were royal workshops manufacturing goods required by the royal household and state departments.
55
(c) Financial and revenue matters
56
(d) Revolt of the Amiran-i-Sada (Centurions) in the Deccan - Firoz Shah Tughlaq
57
(c) He was the executive officer in charge of maintaining law and order within a Shiq (district).
58
(b) Translate Sanskrit texts on medicine and music into Persian
59
(d) It was originally built as a watchtower to spot Mongol armies approaching Delhi.
60
(d) I, II and III
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.
