Welcome to “Set 5” of our “Indian History – UPSC MCQ Series”! This set focuses on the significant period of the Delhi Sultanate, a pivotal era that laid the foundation for long-term Islamic rule in India. Delve into questions exploring the rise and fall of various Sultanate dynasties, their administrative reforms, military strategies, and notable rulers like Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish, Alauddin Khalji, and Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Additionally, this series also sheds light on the flourishing Bhakti and Sufi movements, as well as the unique Indo-Islamic architectural styles that emerged during this time.
Set 5
201. The Delhi Sultanate was founded by:
A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B. Muhammad Ghori
C. Iltutmish
D. Balban
Answer: A
Explanation: The Delhi Sultanate was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 CE. A former slave and trusted general of Muhammad Ghori, Aibak declared himself independent ruler after Ghori’s assassination, establishing the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty and thus initiating the Sultanate period in India.
202. Qutb Minar was completed by:
A. Aibak
B. Iltutmish
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: B
Explanation: The construction of the Qutb Minar was initiated by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. However, he only managed to complete the first storey. The subsequent three storeys and the eventual completion of the iconic minaret were carried out by his successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. Firoz Shah Tughlaq later repaired and added to it.
203. The first female ruler of Delhi was:
A. Durgavati
B. Rani Rudramma
C. Razia Sultana
D. Nur Jahan
Answer: C
Explanation: Razia Sultana, daughter of Iltutmish, holds the distinction of being the first and only female Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. She ruled from 1236 to 1240 CE, proving herself to be a capable and just administrator.
204. The administrative system Iqta was introduced by:
A. Iltutmish
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Balban
D. Muhammad Ghori
Answer: A
Explanation: The Iqta system, a unique form of land assignment in exchange for military and administrative services, was formally introduced and systematized in India by Iltutmish. This system decentralized administration while maintaining central control over revenue and military obligations.
205. Who introduced Diwan-i-Arz to maintain the army?
A. Iltutmish
B. Balban
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: C
Explanation: While Balban established the Diwan-i-Arz as a separate military department to strengthen the army, Alauddin Khalji significantly reorganized and expanded it. He implemented radical reforms in the army, including direct recruitment, cash payments to soldiers, and a standing army, which were effectively managed by the Diwan-i-Arz, making it a highly formidable force.
206. Alauddin Khalji’s market reforms were administered by:
A. Qazi-ul-Mulk
B. Malik Kafur
C. Barani
D. Diwan-i-Riyasat
Answer: D
Explanation: Alauddin Khalji implemented strict market control measures to regulate prices and ensure a steady supply of goods. These reforms were primarily administered by the Diwan-i-Riyasat, the department of commerce, headed by an officer known as the Shahna-i-Mandi.
207. Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted the capital from Delhi to:
A. Lahore
B. Bengal
C. Devagiri
D. Jaunpur
Answer: C
Explanation: One of Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s most controversial experiments was the shifting of the imperial capital from Delhi to Devagiri (which he renamed Daulatabad) in the Deccan. This move was intended to facilitate better administration of his vast empire but proved disastrous due to poor planning.
208. The token currency experiment failed during the reign of:
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
C. Balban
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: D
Explanation: The experiment with token currency (issuing copper and brass coins at par with silver and gold) was another ill-fated reform introduced by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. It failed due to widespread counterfeiting and a lack of public trust, leading to economic chaos.
209. Firoz Shah Tughlaq is credited with:
A. Abolishing jizya
B. Translating Sanskrit texts
C. Starting irrigation canals
D. Promoting Sufism
Answer: C
Explanation: Firoz Shah Tughlaq is particularly credited for his extensive public works and administrative reforms. He is well-known for starting and maintaining a vast network of irrigation canals to promote agriculture, including the Yamuna Canal.
210. The Lodi dynasty was founded by:
A. Sikandar Lodi
B. Bahlul Lodi
C. Ibrahim Lodi
D. Daulat Khan
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lodi dynasty, the last ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, was founded by Bahlul Lodi in 1451 CE. He was an Afghan chief who seized power after the decline of the Sayyid dynasty.
211. The last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate was:
A. Bahlul Lodi
B. Ibrahim Lodi
C. Daulat Khan
D. Nasiruddin Shah
Answer: B
Explanation: Ibrahim Lodi was the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. His reign ended with his defeat and death at the hands of Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE, which marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
212. The first battle of Panipat (1526) was fought between:
A. Babur and Rana Sanga
B. Babur and Ibrahim Lodi
C. Babur and Humayun
D. Ibrahim Lodi and Sher Shah
Answer: B
Explanation: The First Battle of Panipat in 1526 CE was a momentous confrontation between Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. Babur’s victory decisively ended the Sultanate and established Mughal rule.
213. The historian Barani lived during the reign of:
A. Razia
B. Balban
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: D
Explanation: The renowned historian Ziauddin Barani was a contemporary of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. His significant work, Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, provides a detailed account of the history of the Delhi Sultanate up to Firoz Shah’s reign.
214. The concept of Sulah-i-Kul was later adopted by:
A. Iltutmish
B. Akbar
C. Firoz Shah
D. Sher Shah
Answer: B
Explanation: The concept of Sulah-i-Kul, meaning “universal peace” or “absolute peace,” emphasizing religious tolerance and harmony, was famously adopted and implemented by the Mughal emperor Akbar in his administrative and religious policies.
215. The Chahalgani or “group of forty” nobles was created by:
A. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
B. Iltutmish
C. Balban
D. Nasiruddin Mahmud
Answer: B
Explanation: The Chahalgani, also known as the “Turkan-i-Chahalgani” or “group of forty” loyal Turkish slave-nobles, was created by Iltutmish. This powerful council served as his personal supporters and controlled the administration, though their power later became a threat.
216. Who crushed the power of the Chahalgani?
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Balban
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: B
Explanation: After the death of Iltutmish, the Chahalgani became very powerful and often dictated terms to the weak successors. It was Balban, himself a former member of the Chahalgani, who systematically crushed their power and restored the authority of the Sultan, during his reign (1266-1287 CE).
217. The founder of the Khalji dynasty was:
A. Jalal-ud-din Khalji
B. Alauddin Khalji
C. Malik Kafur
D. Mubarak Shah
Answer: A
Explanation: The Khalji dynasty was founded by Jalal-ud-din Khalji in 1290 CE, after he overthrew the last Mamluk ruler. He was an elderly and lenient ruler who initiated the Khalji revolution, marking a shift in the nature of the Delhi Sultanate.
218. Who led the first successful expedition to South India under the Sultanate?
A. Iltutmish
B. Malik Kafur
C. Balban
D. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: B
Explanation: The credit for leading the first successful and extensive military expeditions into South India under the Delhi Sultanate goes to Malik Kafur, the brilliant general of Alauddin Khalji. He led campaigns against the Yadavas, Kakatiyas, Hoysalas, and Pandyas, reaching as far south as Rameswaram.
219. The Mongol invasions during the Delhi Sultanate were successfully repelled by:
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Iltutmish
C. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: A
Explanation: Alauddin Khalji faced the most severe and numerous Mongol invasions during his reign. He successfully repelled them through a combination of a strong standing army, effective frontier defense, and strategic fort building, protecting the Sultanate from collapse.
220. The Zabt revenue system was a precursor to:
A. Iqta
B. Ain-i-Dahsala
C. Jagirdari
D. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
Answer: B
Explanation: The Zabt system of land revenue administration, involving measurement of land and fixation of demand, was first introduced by Alauddin Khalji and later improved by Sher Shah Suri. This system was a significant precursor to the more refined Ain-i-Dahsala system of land revenue management implemented by Akbar during the Mughal period.
221. Amir Khusrau, a poet and musician, was in the court of:
A. Iltutmish
B. Razia
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Firoz Shah
Answer: C
Explanation: Amir Khusrau, often called the “Parrot of India,” was a versatile poet, musician, and scholar. He served several Delhi Sultans, but his most prominent association and patronage were with Alauddin Khalji, whose court he adorned.
222. The Sufi saint associated with Ajmer is:
A. Nizamuddin Auliya
B. Moinuddin Chishti
C. Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya
D. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
Answer: B
Explanation: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is one of the most revered Sufi saints in India and the founder of the Chishti order in the subcontinent. His dargah (shrine) in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is a popular pilgrimage site for people of all faiths.
223. The Bhakti saint who preached in Maharashtra was:
A. Ramanuja
B. Vallabhacharya
C. Tukaram
D. Namdev
Answer: D
Explanation: The Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra saw the rise of several prominent saints. Namdev (c. 1270-1350 CE) was a significant early saint from Maharashtra, part of the Varkari tradition, who composed devotional hymns (abhangas) in Marathi. Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar were also influential Maharashtrian saints.
224. Kabir was a disciple of:
A. Ramananda
B. Namdev
C. Chaitanya
D. Gorakhnath
Answer: A
Explanation: The renowned saint-poet Kabir, a prominent figure of the Nirguna Bhakti tradition, is traditionally believed to have been a disciple of Ramananda, a Vaishnava Bhakti saint from North India who preached in Hindi and sought to bridge the gap between different religious and social groups.
225. The philosophy of Kabir emphasized:
A. Idol worship
B. Caste rituals
C. Monotheism and Nirguna Bhakti
D. Temple donations
Answer: C
Explanation: Kabir’s philosophy was characterized by its radical simplicity and inclusivity. He strongly emphasized monotheism (belief in one God) and Nirguna Bhakti (devotion to a formless, attributeless God), rejecting idol worship, caste distinctions, and elaborate rituals, advocating for direct spiritual experience.
226. The founder of the Lingayat movement was:
A. Tukaram
B. Basava
C. Dnyaneshwar
D. Ramdas
Answer: B
Explanation: The Lingayat movement (also known as Virashaivism), a distinct Shaivite tradition that emerged in Karnataka in the 12th century, was founded by Basava. It challenged the caste system, advocated for social equality, and emphasized devotion to Shiva in the form of an Ishtalinga.
227. The Bhakti poet-saint of Bengal was:
A. Surdas
B. Tulsidas
C. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
D. Vallabhacharya
Answer: C
Explanation: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (c. 1486–1534 CE) was a Bengali spiritual leader and social reformer who founded the Gaudiya Vaishnavism movement. He is revered as a Bhakti saint who popularized the congregational chanting (kirtan) of the Hare Krishna mantra in Bengal.
228. Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas in:
A. Brajbhasha
B. Maithili
C. Avadhi
D. Sanskrit
Answer: C
Explanation: The great poet-saint Tulsidas (c. 1532–1623 CE) authored the epic poem Ramcharitmanas (The Lake of the Deeds of Rama), a retelling of the Ramayana. He wrote it in Avadhi, a dialect of Hindi, making the story accessible to the common people of North India.
229. The Sufi silsila known for strict adherence to Islamic law was:
A. Chishti
B. Suhrawardi
C. Naqshbandi
D. Qadiri
Answer: C
Explanation: The Naqshbandi Sufi order was known for its orthodox approach and strict adherence to the Sharia (Islamic law). Unlike some other orders, they emphasized sobriety, introspection, and avoided practices like music (sama) which were common in other Sufi orders.
230. Nizamuddin Auliya belonged to which Sufi order?
A. Chishti
B. Naqshbandi
C. Suhrawardi
D. Qadiri
Answer: A
Explanation: Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (c. 1238–1325 CE) was one of the most prominent Sufi saints of the Chishti order in India. His dargah in Delhi is a major pilgrimage site and a symbol of spiritual harmony.
231. The poet-saint Mirabai was a devotee of:
A. Shiva
B. Rama
C. Krishna
D. Ganesha
Answer: C
Explanation: Mirabai (c. 1498–1546 CE) was a legendary Rajput princess and poet-saint of the Bhakti movement. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and composed numerous devotional songs (bhajans) expressing her love for him.
232. Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote Padmavat in which language?
A. Sanskrit
B. Persian
C. Urdu
D. Awadhi
Answer: D
Explanation: Malik Muhammad Jayasi was a 16th-century Sufi poet who wrote the epic poem Padmavat in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi. The poem is a fictionalized account of the siege of Chittor by Alauddin Khalji, centered around the legendary Queen Padmini.
233. The city of Jaunpur became a cultural center under:
A. Lodi dynasty
B. Sharqi dynasty
C. Tughlaq dynasty
D. Bengal Sultans
Answer: B
Explanation: The city of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh flourished as a prominent center of Islamic art, architecture, and learning under the rule of the independent Sharqi dynasty (1394–1479 CE). It earned the epithet “Shiraz of the East” due to its cultural vibrancy.
234. The architectural style of true arch and dome was introduced by:
A. Rajputs
B. Turks
C. Mughals
D. Pandyas
Answer: B
Explanation: The architectural features of the true arch and dome, which require advanced engineering techniques, were not indigenous to India. They were introduced to the Indian subcontinent by the Turks with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, marking the beginning of Indo-Islamic architecture.
235. The Alai Darwaza in Delhi is an example of:
A. Rajput architecture
B. Indo-Islamic architecture
C. Dravidian style
D. Jain architecture
Answer: B
Explanation: The Alai Darwaza, the southern gateway to the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi, was built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE. It is considered one of the finest examples of early Indo-Islamic architecture, showcasing exquisite calligraphy and intricate marble work.
236. The term Jizya refers to:
A. Land tax
B. Religious tax on non-Muslims
C. Customs duty
D. Royal grant
Answer: B
Explanation: Jizya was a poll tax historically levied on non-Muslim subjects (dhimmis) in Islamic states, in exchange for their protection, the right to practice their religion, and exemption from military service. It was a religious tax on non-Muslims.
237. The military campaign in South India by Malik Kafur reached as far as:
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Rameswaram
D. Andhra
Answer: C
Explanation: Malik Kafur’s military campaigns in South India, under Alauddin Khalji, were incredibly extensive. His most ambitious expedition reached as far south as Rameswaram (in modern Tamil Nadu), where he built a mosque and collected vast treasures.
238. The Delhi Sultan who patronized irrigation through canals was:
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Balban
C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D. Bahlul Lodi
Answer: C
Explanation: Firoz Shah Tughlaq was an ardent patron of public works, and he is particularly known for his focus on agricultural development. He constructed an extensive network of irrigation canals to facilitate cultivation and improve revenue, including the largest and most famous canal from the Yamuna River.
239. The book Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi was written by:
A. Amir Khusrau
B. Ziauddin Barani
C. Ibn Battuta
D. Minhaj-us-Siraj
Answer: B
Explanation: The historical work Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, which provides a detailed account of the Delhi Sultanate from Ghiyas-ud-din Balban to the sixth year of Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign, was primarily written by Ziauddin Barani.
240. Ibn Battuta visited India during the reign of:
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
D. Sikandar Lodi
Answer: B
Explanation: The famous Moroccan traveler and chronicler Ibn Battuta visited India in the 14th century CE. He served as a qazi (judge) in Delhi for several years and his travelogue, the Rihla, provides invaluable insights into the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
241. The Diwan-i-Insha was responsible for:
A. Military affairs
B. Land revenue
C. Correspondence and state documents
D. Charity
Answer: C
Explanation: In the Delhi Sultanate administration, the Diwan-i-Insha was the department responsible for royal correspondence and drafting state documents. It managed all communications between the Sultan and other rulers, provinces, and officials.
242. The term Bandagan refers to:
A. Landholders
B. Slave officers
C. Soldiers
D. Merchants
Answer: B
Explanation: The term Bandagan refers to military slaves who were purchased by the Sultans, often of Turkish or Mongol origin. These slave officers were trained, loyal, and could rise to high positions of power and authority within the Sultanate administration and military.
243. The concept of blood and iron policy is attributed to:
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Balban
C. Muhammad Ghori
D. Razia
Answer: B
Explanation: The “blood and iron” policy, characterized by ruthless suppression of internal rebellions and external threats, an emphasis on centralized military power, and strict discipline, is famously attributed to Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Balban (1266-1287 CE), who aimed to restore the prestige and authority of the Sultanate.
244. The important commercial port on the west coast during the Sultanate period was:
A. Surat
B. Cambay
C. Broach
D. Calicut
Answer: B
Explanation: Cambay (modern Khambhat) in Gujarat was a highly important and flourishing commercial port on the west coast of India during the Sultanate period. It served as a major entrepôt for trade with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
245. The term Shuhna during the Sultanate period meant:
A. Police officer
B. Tax collector
C. Judge
D. Feudal lord
Answer: A
Explanation: During the Delhi Sultanate, a Shuhna (or Shahna) was generally a police officer or a superintendent, responsible for maintaining law and order, particularly in markets (Shahna-i-Mandi).
246. The Bhakti saint who composed Abhangas was:
A. Surdas
B. Dnyaneshwar
C. Tukaram
D. Namdev
Answer: C
Explanation: Sant Tukaram (c. 1608–1649 CE) was a prominent Marathi Bhakti poet-saint from Maharashtra, known for his devotional poetry called Abhangas. These hymns are central to the Varkari tradition and express his devotion to Lord Vitthala (a form of Vishnu).
247. The Suhrawardi Sufi order was established in India by:
A. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki
B. Bahauddin Zakariya
C. Nizamuddin Auliya
D. Shaikh Hamiduddin
Answer: B
Explanation: The Suhrawardi Sufi order, one of the influential Sufi silsilas in India, was established and popularized in India by Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya (c. 1182–1262 CE). His main center was in Multan (now in Pakistan), and unlike the Chishtis, they engaged more with state affairs and accumulated wealth.
248. The poet-saint Surdas was a devotee of:
A. Rama
B. Krishna
C. Shiva
D. Vishnu
Answer: B
Explanation: Surdas (c. 15th-16th century CE) was a blind poet-saint who was a fervent devotee of Lord Krishna. His compositions, primarily focusing on Krishna’s childhood (Bala Lila) and youthful exploits, are collected in works like Sursagar.
249. The Lodi Garden in Delhi contains the tombs of rulers from:
A. Tughlaq dynasty
B. Lodi dynasty
C. Mughal dynasty
D. Sharqi dynasty
Answer: B
Explanation: Lodi Garden in Delhi is a historical park containing several architectural works from the 15th century. It houses the tombs of rulers from both the Lodi dynasty (like Sikandar Lodi and Ibrahim Lodi) and the Sayyid dynasty, representing the last phases of the Delhi Sultanate.
250. Who compiled the Futuhat-i-Firoz Shahi?
A. Firoz Shah himself
B. Amir Khusrau
C. Barani
D. Afif
Answer: A
Explanation: The Futuhat-i-Firoz Shahi (Victories of Firoz Shah) is a short autobiographical account or memoirs of Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq himself. It describes his administrative policies, religious beliefs, and achievements.