Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Delhi Sultanate, established by Turkish invaders in the 13th century, initially faced numerous challenges during its early years. Foreign invasions, particularly from the Mongols, posed a significant threat to their rule, and the sultans had to continually defend their territories. Additionally, internal conflicts and opposition from the indigenous Rajput rulers in northern India made it difficult for the Delhi Sultanate to consolidate its authority and maintain stability in the region for nearly a century. These factors combined to create a tumultuous and often unstable period for the Delhi Sultanate in its formative years.

Statement 2 is correct: During the initial phase of their rule in India, the Turks expanded their conquests from the northwestern regions, including the Punjab and Multan, into the fertile Ganga valley, Bihar and parts of Bengal. This expansion marked the early consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate’s rule over a significant portion of northern India and laid the foundation for their subsequent influence over the Indian subcontinent.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The establishment of Turkish rule in northern India led to significant and far-reaching changes in various aspects of society, administration, and cultural life. The Turks introduced a new administrative system, creating a distinct blend of Persian and indigenous Indian administrative practices. They also played a crucial role in promoting Persian as the official language, which had a lasting impact on the region’s culture and language. Additionally, the Turks influenced art, architecture, and literature, leading to the fusion of Islamic and Indian cultural elements, which is evident in the Indo-Islamic architectural styles and the development of Urdu, a language that reflects this cultural synthesis.

Reference: Satish Chandra, History of Medieval India, Chapter no 6, page no 76

Ans: B

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: The sudden death of Muhammad Ghur and his failure to specify succession procedures pitted his three leading slaves, Tajuddin Yalduz, Nasiruddin Qubacha and Qutbuddin Aibak against each other. The Ghurid possessions during this time included Multan, Uchch, Nahrwala, Purshor, Sialkot, Lahore, Bihar and Lakhnauti etc. In reality, many of these areas were only nominally under Ghurid control, while others had openly proclaimed freedom from the Turkish yoke. The persistent resistance of native powers continued to be a longstanding issue for Sultanate rulers.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Faced with indigenous hostility and pressure from fellow Turkish slaves, Aibak stationed himself at Lahore to better monitor the activities of his rivals and maintain a firmer grip over the Indian territories. At this precarious stage, Aibak aspired only to hold on to his master’s (Muhammad Ghur) conquests.

Statement 3 is incorrect: In A.D. 1210, within four years of assumption of power, Qutbuddin Aibak died after a fall from his horse while playing chaugan (a form of polo). After Aibak’s death, the leading Turkish amirs enthroned a nebulous figure named Aram Shah. Nothing much is known about him, and he soon made way for Aibak’s son-in-law, Shamsuddin Iltutmish.

Reference: Meenakshi Jain, Medieval India, Chapter 7, page no 62

Ans: C

Exp:

Iltutmish (1210-1235 CE) gave a definite shape to the coinage of Delhi sultanate, combining Islamic tradition with local Indian tradition. He issued coins in gold, silver, billon and copper. It was during his time the gold and silver coins of about 11 g were called  ‘tanka’ while copper coins weighing about 3.5 gm, were called ‘jital’.

Reference: http://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in/epgpdata/uploads/epgp_content/S000829IC/P001738/M023985/LM/1507699431P09-M23-TheCoinageofEarlySultanatesofIndia-LM.pdf

Ans: A

Exp:

Iltutmish was the first ruler of Delhi sultanate who received a decree of investiture from Abbasid caliph of Baghdad, whose names are inscribed on his coins both in Arabic and Devanagari scripts. Iltutmish was a pious Muslim who demonstrated a deep respect for the leading Sufi saints of his time. He also patronised the ulema and held frequent discussions on religious matters at his court. This decree legitimised his rule and established the Delhi Sultanate’s connection to the broader Islamic world.

Reference: http://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in/epgpdata/uploads/epgp_content/S000829IC/P001738/M023985/LM/1507699431P09-M23-TheCoinageofEarlySultanatesofIndia-LM.pdf

-Meenakshi Jain, Medieval India, Chapter 7, page no 64

Ans: D

Exp:

Statement 1 is correct: Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced “Token Currency”. He introduced a copper coin (Jital) in place of silver coin (tanka) and ordered that it should be accepted as equivalent to the tanka. He introduced token currency to tide over the shortage of silver. However, this scheme failed, causing great financial loss to the sultanate.

Statement 2 is correct: Muhammad Tughlaq was very innovative in adopting new policies. He started a new department for the development of Agriculture. It was called Diwan-i Kohi. Peasants were given financial support to help in arranging seeds for cultivation. This loan was also given in case of crop failures.

Statement 3 is correct:  Muhammad bin Tughlaq transferred his capital from Delhi to Deogiri (Daultabad). The entire population was not asked to leave only the upper classes consisting of shaikhs, nobles, ulema were shifted to Daultabad. No. attempt was made to shift the rest of the population. Though Muhammad bin Tughlaq built a road from Delhi to Deogir and set up rest houses but the journey was extremely harsh for the people. A large number of people died because of rigorous travelling and the heat. Due to growing discontent and the fact that north could not be controlled by the south, Muhammad decided to abandon Daultabad.

Statement 4 is correct: The Mongol invasions from the North-West region were rocking the Delhi Sultanate on regular intervals. In AD 1326–27 a big Mongol assault under Tarmashirin Khan took place. The last significant attack of Mongols was by Tarmashirin during the reign of Muhammad Tughlaq. A lot of energy and resources of the Sultans were spent in facing Mongol invasions. 

https://nios.ac.in/media/documents/SrSec315NEW/315_History_Eng/315_History_Eng_Lesson9.pdf

Reference: NIOS, Chapter No: 9, Page No: 145