Share & grow the world's knowledge!
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.
Who was the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate to maintain a standing army?
Alauddin Khalji introduced major military reforms by raising a large, fully salaried standing army under direct state control. This step was necessary due to frequent Mongol attacks and his need to assert authority over rebellious chiefs. He implemented the dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descRead more
Alauddin Khalji introduced major military reforms by raising a large, fully salaried standing army under direct state control. This step was necessary due to frequent Mongol attacks and his need to assert authority over rebellious chiefs. He implemented the dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers) systems to eliminate fraud in the army. Soldiers were paid in cash, a major administrative innovation for the time. Unlike earlier sultans, who relied mainly on feudal levies, Alauddin’s professional and disciplined military force strengthened the Delhi Sultanate remarkably and allowed him to expand his empire efficiently.
See lessConsider the following statements regarding Sultan Alauddin Khalji: 1. Alauddin Khalji fixed the prices of grain. 2. Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan to pay his soldiers in cash. 3. During Alauddin Khalji’s reign, the share of land revenue paid by farmers was increased to half of the crop. Which of these statements are correct?
Alauddin Khalji implemented wide-ranging economic and military reforms to strengthen the Sultanate. He fixed prices of essential commodities such as grains, textiles and daily goods to prevent inflation and reduce the cost of maintaining a large standing army. He was the first Delhi Sultan to introdRead more
Alauddin Khalji implemented wide-ranging economic and military reforms to strengthen the Sultanate. He fixed prices of essential commodities such as grains, textiles and daily goods to prevent inflation and reduce the cost of maintaining a large standing army. He was the first Delhi Sultan to introduce direct cash payments to soldiers, ensuring loyalty and eliminating irregularities associated with jagir assignments. Furthermore, he increased the land revenue share to approximately half of the agricultural produce, significantly boosting the state’s fiscal resources. Together, these measures enhanced central authority, stabilized the economy and facilitated the maintenance of a powerful military machine.
See lessWhich of the following Delhi Sultans accepted the suzerainty of the Timurid ruler Mirza Shahrukh?
Khizr Khan Syed, founder of the Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451), came to power after Timur’s devastating invasion of India. Timur appointed him as the governor of Multan and later allowed him to extend his authority over Delhi. Even after establishing his dynasty, Khizr Khan continued to acknowledge theRead more
Khizr Khan Syed, founder of the Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451), came to power after Timur’s devastating invasion of India. Timur appointed him as the governor of Multan and later allowed him to extend his authority over Delhi. Even after establishing his dynasty, Khizr Khan continued to acknowledge the suzerainty of Timur’s successor, Mirza Shahrukh, as a gesture of legitimacy. He refrained from using the royal title “Sultan” and instead ruled as a vassal, sending regular tributes to the Timurid court. His reign marks a period when Delhi’s authority was weak and heavily dependent on external political recognition.
See lessWho among the following wrote poems under the pen name ‘Gulrukhi’? (A) Ibn Battuta (B) Shams-e-Siraj Afif (C) Ziauddin Barani (D) Sikandar Lodi
Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517) was notable not only as a capable ruler but also as a poet. Writing in refined Persian, he used the pen name ‘Gulrukhi.’ His compositions contributed to the literary richness of the period. Sikandar Lodi supported scholars, promoted learning, established new towns such as ARead more
Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517) was notable not only as a capable ruler but also as a poet. Writing in refined Persian, he used the pen name ‘Gulrukhi.’ His compositions contributed to the literary richness of the period. Sikandar Lodi supported scholars, promoted learning, established new towns such as Agra and introduced various administrative reforms. He standardized weights and measures, improved the revenue system and encouraged cultivation. His interest in arts and literature set him apart from many previous sultans. His poetic works reflect the intellectual vibrancy of the Lodi period and demonstrate his sophisticated understanding of culture and aesthetics.
See lessWhich of the following statements is false regarding Razia Sultan?
Razia Sultan was nominated by Iltutmish because he found his sons incompetent. With the support of the citizens of Delhi, she ascended the throne in 1236 CE. She appointed Malik Yakut, an Abyssinian (Habshi) noble, to an important position, breaking the monopoly of the Turkish nobles. The statementRead more
Razia Sultan was nominated by Iltutmish because he found his sons incompetent. With the support of the citizens of Delhi, she ascended the throne in 1236 CE. She appointed Malik Yakut, an Abyssinian (Habshi) noble, to an important position, breaking the monopoly of the Turkish nobles. The statement that she strengthened the Turkish nobles is false because she actually attempted to weaken their authority and create a more balanced administrative structure. Her policies provoked strong opposition from the powerful Chahalgani group, who felt threatened by her independent and assertive rule. This aristocratic hostility eventually led to rebellions that caused her downfall.
See less