1. Mubarak Shah Khalji, the last ruler of the Khalji dynasty, declared himself the ‘Caliph’, a title traditionally reserved for supreme religious authority in the Islamic world. By assuming this title, he aimed to enhance his political legitimacy and spiritual status before his subjects. Mubarak Shah sRead more

    Mubarak Shah Khalji, the last ruler of the Khalji dynasty, declared himself the ‘Caliph’, a title traditionally reserved for supreme religious authority in the Islamic world. By assuming this title, he aimed to enhance his political legitimacy and spiritual status before his subjects. Mubarak Shah sought to assert complete independence from the influence of religious scholars and external Islamic powers. His rule was marked by attempts to reverse the strict policies of his predecessor, Alauddin Khalji, and present himself as a liberal and benevolent ruler. However, his reign was short-lived due to political conspiracies that eventually led to his assassination.

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  2. Bahlol Lodi, an Afghan noble of the Pashtun Lodi tribe, founded the Lodi dynasty in 1451 CE after taking control of the Delhi Sultanate. Before becoming Sultan, he served as a powerful governor and military commander under the Sayyid dynasty. His rise marked the beginning of Afghan rule in North IndRead more

    Bahlol Lodi, an Afghan noble of the Pashtun Lodi tribe, founded the Lodi dynasty in 1451 CE after taking control of the Delhi Sultanate. Before becoming Sultan, he served as a powerful governor and military commander under the Sayyid dynasty. His rise marked the beginning of Afghan rule in North India. Bahlol Lodi focused on strengthening the administration, consolidating Delhi’s power, and recovering lost territories. His leadership helped stabilize the sultanate, which had weakened under the Sayyids. The Lodi dynasty continued after him through Sikandar Lodi and Ibrahim Lodi, until it ended with the Battle of Panipat in 1526.

     

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  3. Historians call Muhammad bin Tughlaq a “mixture of opposites” because he combined great intelligence with poor decision-making. He introduced bold ideas like shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, improving military control and revenue reforms, but these were poorly executed. His generous naRead more

    Historians call Muhammad bin Tughlaq a “mixture of opposites” because he combined great intelligence with poor decision-making. He introduced bold ideas like shifting the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, improving military control and revenue reforms, but these were poorly executed. His generous nature often clashed with his harsh punishments. He was deeply knowledgeable in subjects like mathematics, logic, astronomy, and philosophy, yet failed to understand practical governance. Some of his decisions caused suffering among common people. Despite this, he expanded the empire to its largest extent. This contrast between brilliance and failure makes him one of history’s most debated rulers.

    ANSWER:

    (C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq

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  4. Ibrahim Lodi inherited a large but unstable empire in 1517. Unlike his predecessors, he dealt harshly with nobles, dismissing some and executing others, which created widespread rebellion. Governors of Awadh, Punjab, and Bihar turned against him. Daulat Khan Lodi and Alam Khan invited Babur to invadRead more

    Ibrahim Lodi inherited a large but unstable empire in 1517. Unlike his predecessors, he dealt harshly with nobles, dismissing some and executing others, which created widespread rebellion. Governors of Awadh, Punjab, and Bihar turned against him. Daulat Khan Lodi and Alam Khan invited Babur to invade India, hoping to replace Ibrahim. Babur defeated him in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), using superior artillery and cavalry tactics. Ibrahim’s death ended both the Lodi dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate. His fall paved the way for the Mughal Empire, which went on to transform India’s culture, administration, and political landscape.

    ANSWER:

    (B) Ibrahim Lodi

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  5. “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

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