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Which is called the ‘mirror of 11th-century India’?
Alberuni's Kitab-ul-Hind is widely regarded as the most detailed and objective account of 11th-century India. Written after years of study, the book presents an extensive description of Indian religion, caste structure, customs, astronomy, mathematics, geography, education, literature and philosophiRead more
Alberuni’s Kitab-ul-Hind is widely regarded as the most detailed and objective account of 11th-century India. Written after years of study, the book presents an extensive description of Indian religion, caste structure, customs, astronomy, mathematics, geography, education, literature and philosophical traditions. Alberuni compared Indian knowledge with Greek and Islamic ideas, maintaining a neutral, scientific tone rare for medieval writers. Because it reflects India’s intellectual and socio-cultural world so accurately, historians call it the “mirror of 11th-century India.” It is still considered one of the finest ethnographic works on early medieval Indian civilization.
See lessThe Battle of Vaihind (1008-09) was fought between which of the following?
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s famous Battle of Vaihind (also known as the Battle of Peshawar) took place in 1008–09 CE against Anandpal, son of Jaipal, of the Hindu Shahi dynasty. Anandpal attempted to form a united front of various Rajput chiefs to stop Mahmud’s expansionist raids. Although the Indian forces iRead more
Mahmud Ghaznavi’s famous Battle of Vaihind (also known as the Battle of Peshawar) took place in 1008–09 CE against Anandpal, son of Jaipal, of the Hindu Shahi dynasty. Anandpal attempted to form a united front of various Rajput chiefs to stop Mahmud’s expansionist raids. Although the Indian forces initially fought with determination, internal disputes and lack of coordinated strategy crippled their resistance. Mahmud’s disciplined cavalry, superior military organization and effective battlefield tactics ensured a decisive victory. This battle significantly weakened the Hindu Shahi kingdom and opened the route for Mahmud’s further expeditions into the Indian subcontinent.
See lessWho 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.
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