Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
We want to connect the people who have knowledge to the people who need it, to bring together people with different perspectives so they can understand each other better, and to empower everyone to share their knowledge.
Mahmud Ghaznavi launched his first attack in India against which kingdom?
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s first invasion targeted the Hindu Shahi kingdom under Jaipal, which controlled strategic regions between Kabul and Punjab. This area acted as a protective barrier for the Indian plains. Jaipal resisted strongly, but Mahmud’s superior cavalry and tactics ensured victory. After his dRead more
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s first invasion targeted the Hindu Shahi kingdom under Jaipal, which controlled strategic regions between Kabul and Punjab. This area acted as a protective barrier for the Indian plains. Jaipal resisted strongly, but Mahmud’s superior cavalry and tactics ensured victory. After his defeat, Jaipal paid a heavy ransom but prepared for another battle. Mahmud’s repeated attacks eventually weakened the Shahi kingdom, opening the gateway for Turkish expansion. This initial victory was crucial because it allowed Mahmud to use Punjab as a base for his future raids into India’s wealthy temple towns, contributing significantly to his growing power.
ANSWER:
(A) Hindusahi or Brahmansahi
See lessWho was the first Muslim woman ruler of northern India or the first woman to rule Delhi?
Razia Sultan remains a symbol of courage and leadership in Indian history. At a time when women rarely held public authority, she openly led armies, administered justice, and appeared unveiled in court, displaying confidence and independence. Her decision to appoint Jamaluddin Yaqut, an Abyssinian sRead more
Razia Sultan remains a symbol of courage and leadership in Indian history. At a time when women rarely held public authority, she openly led armies, administered justice, and appeared unveiled in court, displaying confidence and independence. Her decision to appoint Jamaluddin Yaqut, an Abyssinian slave, to a high position angered Turkish nobles, who believed only Turks should hold power. This opposition triggered rebellions that weakened her rule. Razia attempted to regain control but was eventually defeated and killed. Despite her short reign, her bold leadership and refusal to follow gender limitations make her one of the most inspiring women rulers.
ANSWER:
(C) Razia Sultan
See lessWho was the first Sultan of Delhi who attempted to conquer South India?
Alauddin Khilji recognized that southern India was wealthy due to flourishing trade, fertile agriculture, and powerful kingdoms like the Yadavas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, and Pandyas. Instead of directly conquering these regions, he sent his general Malik Kafur on extensive expeditions between 1308 andRead more
Alauddin Khilji recognized that southern India was wealthy due to flourishing trade, fertile agriculture, and powerful kingdoms like the Yadavas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, and Pandyas. Instead of directly conquering these regions, he sent his general Malik Kafur on extensive expeditions between 1308 and 1311. These campaigns brought enormous treasure, including gold, jewels, elephants, and horses, strengthening the Sultanate’s economy. The southern rulers were forced to accept Alauddin’s supremacy and pay annual tribute. Although he did not annex the south, his campaigns expanded Delhi’s influence across the peninsula. This made Alauddin one of the most ambitious rulers of medieval India.
ANSWER:
(B) Alauddin Khilji
See lessWhere did Ibn Battuta come from? (A) Central Asia (B) Turkey (C) Persia (D) Morocco
Ibn Battuta was born in Tangier, Morocco, in 1304. He began his travels at the age of 21 when he set out for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Instead of returning home, he continued exploring for nearly 30 years, eventually covering more than 75,000 miles. He visited North Africa, the Middle East, CentRead more
Ibn Battuta was born in Tangier, Morocco, in 1304. He began his travels at the age of 21 when he set out for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Instead of returning home, he continued exploring for nearly 30 years, eventually covering more than 75,000 miles. He visited North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and even China. In India, he served as Qazi under Muhammad bin Tughlaq and later wrote his travel memoir, Rihla. His observations provide some of the most detailed descriptions of medieval societies, cultures, trade networks, and political systems.
ANSWER:
(D) Morocco
See lessWho was the first Turk to invade India?
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s invasion of India in 1000 AD marked the beginning of large-scale Turkish incursions into the subcontinent. He attacked frontier regions ruled by the Hindu Shahi kingdom, weakening their control over Punjab. His raids focused on plundering wealthy temples and cities such as Mathura,Read more
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s invasion of India in 1000 AD marked the beginning of large-scale Turkish incursions into the subcontinent. He attacked frontier regions ruled by the Hindu Shahi kingdom, weakening their control over Punjab. His raids focused on plundering wealthy temples and cities such as Mathura, Kanauj, and Somnath. These invasions revealed India’s internal political fragmentation, encouraging later invaders like Muhammad Ghori. Although Mahmud never aimed to rule India permanently, the massive wealth he extracted strengthened his empire in Central Asia. His repeated attacks exposed vulnerabilities in Indian defenses and played a major role in shaping future political developments.
ANSWER:
(A) Mahmud Ghaznavi
See less