1. 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.

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  2. 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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  3. 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.

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  4. 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.

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  5. The correct option is (D) None of these, because statements (A), (B), and (C) are all historically accurate facts about Sultan Balban. Balban systematically suppressed the 'Chahalgani' (The Forty), the powerful Turkish nobility that threatened his authority (A). To restore the crown's prestige and mRead more

    The correct option is (D) None of these, because statements (A), (B), and (C) are all historically accurate facts about Sultan Balban. Balban systematically suppressed the ‘Chahalgani’ (The Forty), the powerful Turkish nobility that threatened his authority (A). To restore the crown’s prestige and maintain strict law and order, he adopted the fearsome ‘Iron and Blood’ policy (B). Crucially, he established the central military department, ‘Diwan-i-Arz’, under the Ariz-i-Mumalik, creating a strong army independent of the nobles (C).

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