Zafar Khan, a leading general under Alauddin Khalji, is remembered for his valour in defending India against repeated Mongol invasions. In 1299, during the Battle of Kili, Zafar Khan launched a bold attack on the Mongol commander Qutlugh Khwaja. Although his assault was tactically brilliant, he advaRead more
Zafar Khan, a leading general under Alauddin Khalji, is remembered for his valour in defending India against repeated Mongol invasions. In 1299, during the Battle of Kili, Zafar Khan launched a bold attack on the Mongol commander Qutlugh Khwaja. Although his assault was tactically brilliant, he advanced too far without adequate support and was eventually surrounded. Fighting until his last breath, he inflicted heavy casualties on the Mongols but ultimately fell in battle. His sacrifice discouraged further Mongol incursions for a time and established him as one of the most heroic military figures in Sultanate history.
When Qutbuddin Aibak established his independent rule in 1206, he chose Lahore as his capital. Lahore had long served as a Ghurid stronghold and remained strategically ideal for controlling northwestern frontiers and trade routes. Although Aibak also captured and developed Delhi, his administrativeRead more
When Qutbuddin Aibak established his independent rule in 1206, he chose Lahore as his capital. Lahore had long served as a Ghurid stronghold and remained strategically ideal for controlling northwestern frontiers and trade routes. Although Aibak also captured and developed Delhi, his administrative activities and military operations were headquartered in Lahore. Only after his death in 1210 did his successors, especially Iltutmish, consolidate Delhi as the long-term power centre of the Sultanate. Thus, Aibak’s selection of Lahore reflects both historical continuity with the Ghurid Empire and practical considerations of frontier defence and communication networks.
Alauddin Khalji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, built the Alai Darwaza in 1311 CE as part of his ambitious expansion of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex. The structure is a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring pointed arches, latticed stone screens, gRead more
Alauddin Khalji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, built the Alai Darwaza in 1311 CE as part of his ambitious expansion of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex. The structure is a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring pointed arches, latticed stone screens, geometric designs and Quranic inscriptions. Its craftsmanship reflects the growing sophistication of Sultanate architecture under Alauddin’s patronage. The gateway also symbolised Alauddin’s authority and his attempt to transform the Qutub complex into a grand imperial centre. Today, the Alai Darwaza stands as a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Delhi.
Minhaj-us-Siraj, a prominent Persian historian serving under Iltutmish and later rulers, authored the famous work ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’. Written in 1260 CE, the text is structured into multiple sections or “tabaqat” and covers a wide range of early Islamic history, from the Prophet Muhammad to the DelhRead more
Minhaj-us-Siraj, a prominent Persian historian serving under Iltutmish and later rulers, authored the famous work ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’. Written in 1260 CE, the text is structured into multiple sections or “tabaqat” and covers a wide range of early Islamic history, from the Prophet Muhammad to the Delhi Sultanate. For Indian history, it provides crucial narratives about the Ghurids, Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish and Razia Sultan. Mingled with administrative details, political events and biographical sketches, the chronicle remains a major primary source for understanding the establishment and consolidation of Muslim power in India during the 12th and 13th centuries.
In the early 13th century, Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji launched military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal. During one such expedition around 1202–03 CE, he attacked Nalanda University, mistaking it for a fort due to its massive structures. His forces set fire to its extensive libraries, which housedRead more
In the early 13th century, Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji launched military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal. During one such expedition around 1202–03 CE, he attacked Nalanda University, mistaking it for a fort due to its massive structures. His forces set fire to its extensive libraries, which housed countless manuscripts accumulated over centuries. Thousands of monks were killed or forced to flee, effectively ending Nalanda’s existence as a renowned centre of Buddhist scholarship. This destruction represented not only the downfall of a great educational institution but also a significant decline in Buddhist intellectual activity in eastern India.
Which of Alauddin Khalji’s famous generals died fighting against the Mongols?
Zafar Khan, a leading general under Alauddin Khalji, is remembered for his valour in defending India against repeated Mongol invasions. In 1299, during the Battle of Kili, Zafar Khan launched a bold attack on the Mongol commander Qutlugh Khwaja. Although his assault was tactically brilliant, he advaRead more
Zafar Khan, a leading general under Alauddin Khalji, is remembered for his valour in defending India against repeated Mongol invasions. In 1299, during the Battle of Kili, Zafar Khan launched a bold attack on the Mongol commander Qutlugh Khwaja. Although his assault was tactically brilliant, he advanced too far without adequate support and was eventually surrounded. Fighting until his last breath, he inflicted heavy casualties on the Mongols but ultimately fell in battle. His sacrifice discouraged further Mongol incursions for a time and established him as one of the most heroic military figures in Sultanate history.
ANSWER: (C) Zafar Khan
See lessWhere was Qutbuddin Aibak’s capital?
When Qutbuddin Aibak established his independent rule in 1206, he chose Lahore as his capital. Lahore had long served as a Ghurid stronghold and remained strategically ideal for controlling northwestern frontiers and trade routes. Although Aibak also captured and developed Delhi, his administrativeRead more
When Qutbuddin Aibak established his independent rule in 1206, he chose Lahore as his capital. Lahore had long served as a Ghurid stronghold and remained strategically ideal for controlling northwestern frontiers and trade routes. Although Aibak also captured and developed Delhi, his administrative activities and military operations were headquartered in Lahore. Only after his death in 1210 did his successors, especially Iltutmish, consolidate Delhi as the long-term power centre of the Sultanate. Thus, Aibak’s selection of Lahore reflects both historical continuity with the Ghurid Empire and practical considerations of frontier defence and communication networks.
See lessWhich Sultan built the Alai Darwaza? (A) Alauddin Khalji (B) Iltutmish (C) Balban (D) Firoz Tughlaq
Alauddin Khalji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, built the Alai Darwaza in 1311 CE as part of his ambitious expansion of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex. The structure is a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring pointed arches, latticed stone screens, gRead more
Alauddin Khalji, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, built the Alai Darwaza in 1311 CE as part of his ambitious expansion of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque complex. The structure is a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring pointed arches, latticed stone screens, geometric designs and Quranic inscriptions. Its craftsmanship reflects the growing sophistication of Sultanate architecture under Alauddin’s patronage. The gateway also symbolised Alauddin’s authority and his attempt to transform the Qutub complex into a grand imperial centre. Today, the Alai Darwaza stands as a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Delhi.
ANSWER: (A) Alauddin Khalji
See lessWho was the author of ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’?
Minhaj-us-Siraj, a prominent Persian historian serving under Iltutmish and later rulers, authored the famous work ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’. Written in 1260 CE, the text is structured into multiple sections or “tabaqat” and covers a wide range of early Islamic history, from the Prophet Muhammad to the DelhRead more
Minhaj-us-Siraj, a prominent Persian historian serving under Iltutmish and later rulers, authored the famous work ‘Tabaqat-i-Nasiri’. Written in 1260 CE, the text is structured into multiple sections or “tabaqat” and covers a wide range of early Islamic history, from the Prophet Muhammad to the Delhi Sultanate. For Indian history, it provides crucial narratives about the Ghurids, Qutbuddin Aibak, Iltutmish and Razia Sultan. Mingled with administrative details, political events and biographical sketches, the chronicle remains a major primary source for understanding the establishment and consolidation of Muslim power in India during the 12th and 13th centuries.
ANSWER: (D) Minhaj-us-Siraj
See lessThe destruction of Nalanda University was caused by – (A) Mughals (B) Muslims (C) Kushans (D) Scythians
In the early 13th century, Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji launched military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal. During one such expedition around 1202–03 CE, he attacked Nalanda University, mistaking it for a fort due to its massive structures. His forces set fire to its extensive libraries, which housedRead more
In the early 13th century, Ikhtiyaruddin Bakhtiyar Khilji launched military campaigns in Bihar and Bengal. During one such expedition around 1202–03 CE, he attacked Nalanda University, mistaking it for a fort due to its massive structures. His forces set fire to its extensive libraries, which housed countless manuscripts accumulated over centuries. Thousands of monks were killed or forced to flee, effectively ending Nalanda’s existence as a renowned centre of Buddhist scholarship. This destruction represented not only the downfall of a great educational institution but also a significant decline in Buddhist intellectual activity in eastern India.
ANSWER: (B) Muslims
See less