1. During Alauddin Khilji’s reign, India faced repeated Mongol attacks from the Chagatai Khanate. These invasions were part of the Mongol expansion that had already overrun much of Asia. Alauddin responded with strong military reforms, including a permanent standing army, fixed salaries, and detailed tRead more

    During Alauddin Khilji’s reign, India faced repeated Mongol attacks from the Chagatai Khanate. These invasions were part of the Mongol expansion that had already overrun much of Asia. Alauddin responded with strong military reforms, including a permanent standing army, fixed salaries, and detailed troop records. He fortified frontier towns such as Siri and strengthened defenses along the Indus. Major Mongol generals like Qutlugh Khwaja and Targhi attempted large-scale invasions, but Alauddin’s forces defeated them repeatedly. His success prevented India from suffering the devastating conquests the Mongols inflicted elsewhere. This stability enabled Alauddin to focus on southern campaigns later.

    See less
    • 16
  2. The Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 was a turning point in Indian history. Muhammad Ghori reorganized his army after his earlier defeat and returned with better strategy, lighter cavalry, and mounted archers, giving him superior mobility. Prithviraj’s forces, though large, relied heavily on traditioRead more

    The Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 was a turning point in Indian history. Muhammad Ghori reorganized his army after his earlier defeat and returned with better strategy, lighter cavalry, and mounted archers, giving him superior mobility. Prithviraj’s forces, though large, relied heavily on traditional war elephants and frontal charges. Ghori’s tactical approach, using feigned retreats and rapid encirclement, broke the Rajput formations and led to a decisive victory. Prithviraj was captured, ending major Rajput resistance in the north. This victory opened the path for Turkish rule, eventually leading to the formation of the Delhi Sultanate under Qutbuddin Aibak.

    ANSWER:

    (D) Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj

    See less
    • 24
  3. Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token currency because the empire faced a shortage of silver, an essential metal for minting coins. He issued bronze and copper coins, expecting people to exchange them at fixed values like silver coins. However, there was no strict control over mints, and counterfeitRead more

    Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token currency because the empire faced a shortage of silver, an essential metal for minting coins. He issued bronze and copper coins, expecting people to exchange them at fixed values like silver coins. However, there was no strict control over mints, and counterfeit coins flooded the market. Traders refused to accept the new currency, disrupting the economy. People minted fake coins at home, leading to a financial disaster. Eventually, Muhammad bin Tughlaq withdrew the tokens and compensated citizens by exchanging the coins for silver, causing huge losses to the treasury and damaging his administrative reputation.

    ANSWER:

    (B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq

    See less
    • 41
  4. Mahmud Ghaznavi’s acceptance of the title “Sultan” from the Abbasid Khalifa was a major turning point in medieval Islamic politics. This title symbolized not just royal authority but also religious legitimacy granted by the world’s most respected Islamic institution. By becoming the first ruler of GRead more

    Mahmud Ghaznavi’s acceptance of the title “Sultan” from the Abbasid Khalifa was a major turning point in medieval Islamic politics. This title symbolized not just royal authority but also religious legitimacy granted by the world’s most respected Islamic institution. By becoming the first ruler of Ghazni to hold this title, Mahmud projected himself as a guardian of Sunni Islam and an independent sovereign rather than a regional chief. This recognition helped him strengthen relations with powerful Islamic states and boosted his influence in Central Asia. It also encouraged him to undertake ambitious military campaigns, especially his well-known invasions of India.

    See less
    • 7
  5. Mahmud Ghaznavi’s attack on the Somnath Temple is remembered as one of the most dramatic events in medieval Indian history. Somnath was not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a wealthy coastal trade center. Mahmud’s long journey across the Thar Desert showed his determination to capture its richRead more

    Mahmud Ghaznavi’s attack on the Somnath Temple is remembered as one of the most dramatic events in medieval Indian history. Somnath was not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a wealthy coastal trade center. Mahmud’s long journey across the Thar Desert showed his determination to capture its riches. The temple had legendary treasures, and its destruction shocked many Indian kingdoms. The enormous wealth Mahmud carried back strengthened Ghazni’s economy and funded large architectural projects, including palaces and mosques. This invasion also contributed to Mahmud’s lasting reputation as a formidable conqueror who could target even the most secure and prosperous regions.

    ANSWER:

    (C) Invasion of Somnath Temple (1025–1026 AD)

    See less
    • 40