1. “Inam” land grants were given as rewards to scholars, Sufi saints, religious teachers, poets, and learned individuals. These grants often came without taxes, allowing the recipients to focus on spiritual, educational, or literary pursuits. Inam lands supported the functioning of madrasas, mosques, IRead more

    “Inam” land grants were given as rewards to scholars, Sufi saints, religious teachers, poets, and learned individuals. These grants often came without taxes, allowing the recipients to focus on spiritual, educational, or literary pursuits. Inam lands supported the functioning of madrasas, mosques, Islamic seminaries, and cultural institutions. Many rulers used such grants to encourage intellectual growth and religious harmony in their kingdoms. Sometimes, inam landholders contributed to local welfare by providing free teaching or religious services. These grants played a major role in sustaining medieval Indian learning traditions and strengthening moral authority within communities.

    ANSWER:

    (A) Scholars and religious figures

    See less
    • 71
  2. Mahmud Ghaznavi’s first invasion targeted the Hindu Shahi kingdom under Jaipal, which controlled strategic regions between Kabul and Punjab. This area acted as a protective barrier for the Indian plains. Jaipal resisted strongly, but Mahmud’s superior cavalry and tactics ensured victory. After his dRead more

    Mahmud Ghaznavi’s first invasion targeted the Hindu Shahi kingdom under Jaipal, which controlled strategic regions between Kabul and Punjab. This area acted as a protective barrier for the Indian plains. Jaipal resisted strongly, but Mahmud’s superior cavalry and tactics ensured victory. After his defeat, Jaipal paid a heavy ransom but prepared for another battle. Mahmud’s repeated attacks eventually weakened the Shahi kingdom, opening the gateway for Turkish expansion. This initial victory was crucial because it allowed Mahmud to use Punjab as a base for his future raids into India’s wealthy temple towns, contributing significantly to his growing power.

    ANSWER:

    (A) Hindusahi or Brahmansahi

    See less
    • 74
  3. Razia Sultan remains a symbol of courage and leadership in Indian history. At a time when women rarely held public authority, she openly led armies, administered justice, and appeared unveiled in court, displaying confidence and independence. Her decision to appoint Jamaluddin Yaqut, an Abyssinian sRead more

    Razia Sultan remains a symbol of courage and leadership in Indian history. At a time when women rarely held public authority, she openly led armies, administered justice, and appeared unveiled in court, displaying confidence and independence. Her decision to appoint Jamaluddin Yaqut, an Abyssinian slave, to a high position angered Turkish nobles, who believed only Turks should hold power. This opposition triggered rebellions that weakened her rule. Razia attempted to regain control but was eventually defeated and killed. Despite her short reign, her bold leadership and refusal to follow gender limitations make her one of the most inspiring women rulers.

    ANSWER:

    (C) Razia Sultan

    See less
    • 22
  4. Alauddin Khilji recognized that southern India was wealthy due to flourishing trade, fertile agriculture, and powerful kingdoms like the Yadavas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, and Pandyas. Instead of directly conquering these regions, he sent his general Malik Kafur on extensive expeditions between 1308 andRead more

    Alauddin Khilji recognized that southern India was wealthy due to flourishing trade, fertile agriculture, and powerful kingdoms like the Yadavas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, and Pandyas. Instead of directly conquering these regions, he sent his general Malik Kafur on extensive expeditions between 1308 and 1311. These campaigns brought enormous treasure, including gold, jewels, elephants, and horses, strengthening the Sultanate’s economy. The southern rulers were forced to accept Alauddin’s supremacy and pay annual tribute. Although he did not annex the south, his campaigns expanded Delhi’s influence across the peninsula. This made Alauddin one of the most ambitious rulers of medieval India.

    ANSWER:

    (B) Alauddin Khilji

    See less
    • 74
  5. Ibn Battuta was born in Tangier, Morocco, in 1304. He began his travels at the age of 21 when he set out for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Instead of returning home, he continued exploring for nearly 30 years, eventually covering more than 75,000 miles. He visited North Africa, the Middle East, CentRead more

    Ibn Battuta was born in Tangier, Morocco, in 1304. He began his travels at the age of 21 when he set out for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Instead of returning home, he continued exploring for nearly 30 years, eventually covering more than 75,000 miles. He visited North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and even China. In India, he served as Qazi under Muhammad bin Tughlaq and later wrote his travel memoir, Rihla. His observations provide some of the most detailed descriptions of medieval societies, cultures, trade networks, and political systems.

    ANSWER:

    (D) Morocco

    See less
    • 16