1. 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

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  2. 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

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  3. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was the first ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, coming to power in 1320 AD after ending the Khilji rule. A disciplined and practical administrator, he focused on strengthening the economy, improving agriculture and establishing law and order. One of his major achievements was foundinRead more

    Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was the first ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, coming to power in 1320 AD after ending the Khilji rule. A disciplined and practical administrator, he focused on strengthening the economy, improving agriculture and establishing law and order. One of his major achievements was founding the fortified city of Tughlaqabad, designed to defend Delhi from Mongol threats. His policies marked a shift from the aggressive expansionism of earlier rulers to more structured governance. Although his reign was short, Ghiyasuddin laid the foundation that allowed later Tughlaq rulers, including Muhammad bin Tughlaq, to govern a large and complex empire.

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  4. Iltutmish, originally a slave of Qutbuddin Aibak, rose through the ranks due to his exceptional administrative and military skills and later became the greatest ruler of the Slave or Mamluk Dynasty. He consolidated the Delhi Sultanate after Aibak’s death and successfully defended it against internalRead more

    Iltutmish, originally a slave of Qutbuddin Aibak, rose through the ranks due to his exceptional administrative and military skills and later became the greatest ruler of the Slave or Mamluk Dynasty. He consolidated the Delhi Sultanate after Aibak’s death and successfully defended it against internal revolts and external threats. Iltutmish issued the first regular currency of the sultanate and completed major architectural works such as the Qutub Minar. He also introduced the Iqta system more systematically and gained recognition from the Abbasid Caliph, which increased the legitimacy of his rule. His reign firmly established the foundations of the Delhi Sultanate.

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  5. Ibn Battuta, the well-known traveler from Morocco, visited India during the rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, one of the most ambitious yet controversial rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. Impressed by Battuta’s knowledge, the Sultan appointed him as the Qazi of Delhi. Ibn Battuta spent several years in IndRead more

    Ibn Battuta, the well-known traveler from Morocco, visited India during the rule of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, one of the most ambitious yet controversial rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. Impressed by Battuta’s knowledge, the Sultan appointed him as the Qazi of Delhi. Ibn Battuta spent several years in India and travelled widely across the subcontinent, including to Malabar and Sri Lanka. His travelogue, Rihla, provides vivid descriptions of Tughlaq’s administration, the splendour of Delhi, trade routes, people’s customs, markets and the challenges faced by the empire. His writings remain an important primary source for understanding 14th-century India.

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