Category: Medieval India

  • Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451) for competitive exams:


    Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)

    The Sayyid Dynasty was a short-lived but significant dynasty that ruled Delhi after the Tughlaq Dynasty. More prominent dynasties often overshadow it. However, its history is crucial for understanding the political landscape in medieval India.


    1. Establishment of the Sayyid Dynasty

    • Founder: Khizr Khan
      • Khizr Khan, a noble under the Tughlaq Dynasty, took over Delhi after the invasion of Timur in 1398.
      • He was a Mongol from the Chagatai branch and claimed descent from the Sayyids, a noble Arab tribe. This gave the dynasty its name.
      • His reign marked the beginning of a period of instability in the Delhi Sultanate due to weakened central power.

    2. Key Rulers of the Sayyid Dynasty

    1. Khizr Khan (1414–1421)

    • Founder of the Sayyid Dynasty.
    • Initially served as a governor under the Tughlaqs.
    • Took control of Delhi after the fall of the Tughlaq Dynasty.
    • Despite being a ruler, his power was largely symbolic, as he was weak and could not exert full control over the entire region.
    • He accepted Timur’s invasion as a legitimate authority, and his reign was marked by fragmented power.

    2. Mubarak Shah Sayyid (1421–1434)

    • Son of Khizr Khan.
    • His reign saw further weakening of the central authority, as he had to rely heavily on the military generals and nobles for support.
    • The Sultanate became increasingly vulnerable to local rulers and invasions.
    • His reign did not bring any substantial change in terms of administration or territorial expansion.

    3. Muhammad Shah Sayyid (1434–1445)

    • Son of Mubarak Shah.
    • His reign was largely ineffective.
    • He faced challenges from both external invaders and internal discontent, leading to the further decline of the Sultanate’s power.
    • The Sayyid Sultanate had effectively lost control over its territories by this time.

    4. Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah (1445–1451)

    • Last ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty.
    • He was the weakest of the Sayyid rulers, with very little power.
    • His reign marked the complete decline of the Sayyid Dynasty.
    • In 1451, he abdicated the throne and moved to Badaun. This allowed Bahlul Lodi to take over. This series of events ended the Sayyid Dynasty.

    3. Decline of the Sayyid Dynasty

    • Internal instability: The Sayyid rulers had little power and were puppets of the nobles.
    • External threats: The Mongol invasions continued to trouble the region, weakening the Sultanate further.
    • Weak rulers: The succession of weak rulers, starting from Khizr Khan to Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah, contributed to the dynasty’s decline.
    • Rise of the Lodi Dynasty: The Lodi dynasty eventually replaced the Sayyid Dynasty. It was initially a strong military power. The dynasty came to dominate the region by 1451.

    4. Important Facts for Competitive Exams

    1. Time Period: 1414–1451.
    2. Founder: Khizr Khan, a former Tughlaq noble.
    3. Capital: Delhi (same as previous dynasties).
    4. Weak rulers: The Sayyid rulers were generally weak, with little control over their territories.
    5. End of Dynasty: The dynasty ended when Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah abdicated the throne in 1451, and Bahlul Lodi took over.
    6. Influence: The Sayyid Dynasty had little lasting influence on Indian politics or culture, but their rule is important in understanding the political vacuum after the Tughlaqs and before the Lodis.

    5. Sample Objective Questions

    1. Who founded the Sayyid Dynasty?
      • (a) Khizr Khan
      • (b) Mubarak Shah
      • (c) Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah
      • (d) Muhammad Shah
      • Answer: (a) Khizr Khan
    2. Which ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty abdicated the throne in 1451?
      • (a) Mubarak Shah
      • (b) Khizr Khan
      • (c) Muhammad Shah
      • (d) Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah
      • Answer: (d) Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah
    3. What was the major reason for the decline of the Sayyid Dynasty?
      • (a) Strong military rule
      • (b) Mongol invasions
      • (c) Rise of the Mughals
      • (d) Effective administration
      • Answer: (b) Mongol invasions
    4. The Sayyid Dynasty was succeeded by which dynasty?
      • (a) Lodi Dynasty
      • (b) Tughlaq Dynasty
      • (c) Mughals
      • (d) Delhi Sultanate
      • Answer: (a) Lodi Dynasty
    5. Which ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty was the weakest and allowed the dynasty’s downfall?
      • (a) Mubarak Shah
      • (b) Khizr Khan
      • (c) Muhammad Shah
      • (d) Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah
      • Answer: (d) Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah

    6. Key Points for Quick Revision

    • Khizr Khan: Founder, previously a Tughlaq noble.
    • Mubarak Shah: Weak reign, internal instability.
    • Muhammad Shah: Continued weakness and decline.
    • Ala-ud-Din Alam Shah: Last ruler, abdicated to Bahlul Lodi.
    • Decline: Weak rulers, Mongol invasions, rise of local powers.

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  • Facts and Trivia about the Tughlaq Dynasty

    The Tughlaq Dynasty was one of the most significant ruling dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. It was known for its ambitious rulers, administrative experiments, and eventual decline.


    1. Founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty

    • Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (1320–1325)
    • Established the dynasty by defeating Khusro Khan (last ruler of the Khilji Dynasty).
    • Built Tughlaqabad Fort.
    • Died when a pavilion collapsed (suspected conspiracy by his son, Muhammad bin Tughlaq).

    2. Major Rulers of the Tughlaq Dynasty

    Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351)

    • Most ambitious but controversial ruler
    • Known for his experimental policies, which mostly failed
    • Important Policies:
      1. Capital Transfer (1327): Moved capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Deccan) but later abandoned the decision.
      2. Token Currency (1330s): Introduced bronze coins (failed due to counterfeiting).
      3. Taxation in Doab: Increased agricultural taxes, leading to revolts.
      4. Military Campaigns: Failed attempts to conquer Khorasan (Persia) and China.
      5. Famine and Decline: Frequent rebellions weakened his rule.

    Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)

    • More practical and people-friendly than Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
    • Administrative & Welfare Reforms:
      • Reduced taxes.
      • Constructed canals, roads, and hospitals.
      • Established Jaunpur, Hisar, and Firozabad.
      • Promoted Islamic laws (Sharia).
      • Built Hauz Khas, Firoz Shah Kotla, and irrigation projects.

    Tughlaq Dynasty’s Decline (1388–1414)

    • Weak Successors: Multiple weak rulers after Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
    • Timur’s Invasion (1398):
      • Tamerlane (Timur) from Central Asia invaded Delhi.
      • Massacre and looting caused the downfall of the Tughlaqs.
    • End of Tughlaq Rule (1414):
      • Last ruler Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq was defeated.
      • Sayyid Dynasty replaced the Tughlaqs.

    3. Achievements of the Tughlaq Dynasty

    RulerAchievements
    Ghiyasuddin TughlaqBuilt Tughlaqabad Fort
    Muhammad bin TughlaqToken currency, capital shift to Daulatabad (both failed)
    Firuz Shah TughlaqWelfare reforms, irrigation projects, new cities (Jaunpur, Hisar)

    4. Important Facts for Competitive Exams

    1. Tughlaq Dynasty ruled from 1320 to 1414.
    2. Muhammad bin Tughlaq was known as the “Mad King” due to failed policies.
    3. Firuz Shah Tughlaq was known for welfare projects.
    4. Timur invaded India in 1398, leading to the dynasty’s downfall.
    5. The Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451) replaced the Tughlaqs.

    5. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams

    Objective Questions

    1. Who was the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty?
      • (a) Alauddin Khilji
      • (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
      • (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • (d) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
      • Answer: (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
    2. Which ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty introduced token currency?
      • (a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
      • (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
      • (d) Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq
      • Answer: (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
    3. What was the original name of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
      • (a) Jauna Khan
      • (b) Malik Kafur
      • (c) Alauddin
      • (d) Nasiruddin
      • Answer: (a) Jauna Khan
    4. Which ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty built the city of Firozabad?
      • (a) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
      • (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
      • (d) Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Tughlaq
      • Answer: (c) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
    5. Who invaded India in 1398, leading to the decline of the Tughlaq Dynasty?
      • (a) Chengiz Khan
      • (b) Babur
      • (c) Timur (Tamerlane)
      • (d) Nadir Shah
      • Answer: (c) Timur (Tamerlane)

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  • Khilji Dynasty: Rise, Reforms, and Decline

    The Khilji Dynasty was the second ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. It was established by Jalaluddin Khilji in 1290 after overthrowing the Slave Dynasty. The Khilji rulers were known for their military expansion, administrative reforms, and economic policies.


    1. Important Rulers of the Khilji Dynasty

    RulerReignImportant Contributions
    Jalaluddin Khilji1290–1296– Founder of the Khilji Dynasty. – Adopted a mild and lenient policy. – Killed by his nephew Alauddin Khilji.
    Alauddin Khilji1296–1316Most powerful Khilji ruler. – Expanded empire to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Deccan, and Bengal. – Defeated Mongol invasions. – Introduced market and price control system. – Started the permanent standing army. – Established spy system (Barid-i-Munshi).
    Shihabuddin Omar1316– Son of Alauddin Khilji. – Deposed by Malik Kafur.
    Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah1316–1320– Removed Malik Kafur. – Adopted liberal policies. – Assassinated by Khusro Khan in 1320.
    Khusro Khan1320– Brief rule, overthrown by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, ending the Khilji Dynasty.

    2. Major Policies and Reforms of Alauddin Khilji

    A. Military Reforms

    • Introduced a large standing army to protect against Mongols.
    • Paid soldiers in cash (Dagh system – branding of horses).
    • Strengthened fortifications in Delhi and borders.

    B. Economic and Market Reforms

    • Controlled prices of food, cloth, and daily goods.
    • Established markets (Shahana-i-Mandi).
    • Appointed market inspectors (Muhtasibs) to prevent cheating.

    C. Administrative Reforms

    • Ended the Iqta system and brought land revenue under state control.
    • Strengthened spy system (Barid-i-Munshi) to monitor officials.
    • Implemented harsh laws against corruption and rebellion.

    D. Military Campaigns

    • Conquered Gujarat (1297), Ranthambore (1301), Chittor (1303), and Malwa (1305).
    • Sent Malik Kafur to invade South India (Deccan Campaigns).
      • Defeated Yadavas of Devagiri.
      • Defeated Kakatiyas of Warangal.
      • Defeated Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra.
      • Defeated Pandyas of Madurai.
    • First Delhi Sultanate ruler to expand into South India.

    E. Religious Policies

    • Did not impose Jizya tax on Hindus strictly.
    • Banned private property for nobles to prevent rebellion.
    • Oppressed Hindus and Mongols harshly.

    3. Mongol Invasions and Defense

    • Mongols invaded India several times during Alauddin’s reign.
    • Defeated Mongols in 1299, 1305, and 1306.
    • Strengthened border defenses and built Siri Fort in Delhi.

    4. Decline of the Khilji Dynasty

    • Alauddin Khilji’s death in 1316 led to chaos.
    • Malik Kafur placed a weak ruler on the throne.
    • Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah ruled briefly but was weak.
    • Khusro Khan assassinated Mubarak Shah but was overthrown.
    • Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (Tughlaq Dynasty) ended Khilji rule in 1320.

    5. Important Monuments of Khilji Dynasty

    MonumentBuilt ByLocation
    Alai DarwazaAlauddin KhiljiDelhi
    Siri FortAlauddin KhiljiDelhi
    Hauz Khas (water reservoir)Alauddin KhiljiDelhi
    Jamaat Khana MasjidAlauddin KhiljiDelhi

    6. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams

    Prelims (Objective Type)

    1. Who was the founder of the Khilji Dynasty?
      • (a) Balban
      • (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
      • (c) Jalaluddin Khilji
      • (d) Alauddin Khilji
      • Answer: (c) Jalaluddin Khilji
    2. Which ruler introduced market control policies?
      • (a) Balban
      • (b) Alauddin Khilji
      • (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • (d) Sher Shah Suri
      • Answer: (b) Alauddin Khilji
    3. Who led the Deccan campaigns under Alauddin Khilji?
      • (a) Malik Kafur
      • (b) Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
      • (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
      • (d) Khusro Khan
      • Answer: (a) Malik Kafur
    4. Which city was the second capital built by Alauddin Khilji?
      • (a) Siri
      • (b) Agra
      • (c) Devagiri
      • (d) Jaunpur
      • Answer: (a) Siri
    5. Who ended the Khilji Dynasty?
      • (a) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
      • (c) Feroz Shah Tughlaq
      • (d) Babur
      • Answer: (b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

    Mains (Descriptive Type)

    1. Discuss the military and administrative reforms of Alauddin Khilji.
    2. Explain the economic policies of Alauddin Khilji and their impact.
    3. Describe the Mongol invasions during the Khilji rule and how they were tackled.
    4. Write a note on the Deccan campaigns of Malik Kafur.

    7. Conclusion

    The Khilji Dynasty was a turning point in Indian history. Alauddin Khilji was one of the most powerful rulers of medieval India, known for his military conquests, economic reforms, and strict administration. His rule strengthened the Delhi Sultanate, but after his death, weak successors led to the dynasty’s decline in 1320.


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  • The Rise and Fall of the Delhi Sultanate’s Slave Dynasty

    The Slave Dynasty (also called the Mamluk Dynasty) was the first ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. It was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 after the death of Muhammad Ghori. The dynasty ruled for 84 years (1206–1290) before being overthrown by the Khilji Dynasty.


    1. Important Rulers of the Slave Dynasty

    RulerReignImportant Contributions
    Qutb-ud-din Aibak1206–1210– Founder of Delhi Sultanate. – Built Qutb Minar (started) & Adhai Din Ka Jhopra. – Died due to a polo accident.
    Aram Shah1210–1211– Weak ruler, removed by Iltutmish.
    Iltutmish1211–1236Real founder of the Delhi Sultanate. – Completed Qutb Minar. – Introduced Iqta system (land grants). – Recognized as Sultan by the Caliph of Baghdad.
    Razia Sultana1236–1240Only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. – Overthrown by nobles.
    Bahram Shah1240–1242– Puppet ruler, controlled by Turkish nobles.
    Alauddin Masud Shah1242–1246– Deposed due to inefficiency.
    Nasiruddin Mahmud1246–1266– A religious ruler, power was exercised by Balban.
    Ghiyasuddin Balban1266–1287– Strengthened monarchy & administration. – Introduced theory of kingship (divine right). – Suppressed Mewatis & Mongols.
    Muizuddin Qaiqabad1287–1290– Weak ruler, killed by nobles. – End of Slave Dynasty, start of Khilji Dynasty.

    2. Administration & Policies

    A. Political System

    • The Sultan was the supreme ruler.
    • Nobles (called Turkan-i-Chahalgani or “Group of Forty”) played a major role.
    • The Iqta system was introduced for revenue collection.

    B. Military Reforms

    • Iltutmish organized a strong army and defended against Mongol invasions.
    • Balban strengthened the spy system (Barid) and enforced strict law and order.

    C. Religious & Cultural Policies

    • The Slave Sultans followed Sunni Islam.
    • Hindu temples were sometimes destroyed, and jizya tax was imposed on non-Muslims.

    3. Architecture & Cultural Contributions

    MonumentBuilderLocation
    Qutb Minar (Started)Qutb-ud-din AibakDelhi
    Qutb Minar (Completed)IltutmishDelhi
    Adhai Din Ka JhopraQutb-ud-din AibakAjmer
    Hauz-i-ShamsiIltutmishDelhi
    Tombs of Balban & IltutmishBalban, IltutmishDelhi

    4. Decline of the Slave Dynasty

    • Weak successors after Iltutmish.
    • Nobles (Turkan-i-Chahalgani) became too powerful.
    • Mongol invasions weakened the empire.
    • Balban’s death in 1287 left no strong ruler.
    • Jalaluddin Khilji overthrew the dynasty in 1290, starting the Khilji Dynasty.

    5. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams

    Prelims (Objective Type)

    1. Who was the founder of the Slave Dynasty?
      • (a) Balban
      • (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
      • (c) Iltutmish
      • (d) Razia Sultana
      • Answer: (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
    2. Which ruler introduced the Iqta system?
      • (a) Razia Sultana
      • (b) Iltutmish
      • (c) Balban
      • (d) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
      • Answer: (b) Iltutmish
    3. Who was the first and only female ruler of Delhi Sultanate?
      • (a) Razia Sultana
      • (b) Chand Bibi
      • (c) Durgavati
      • (d) Rani Laxmibai
      • Answer: (a) Razia Sultana
    4. Which ruler introduced the concept of divine kingship?
      • (a) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
      • (b) Iltutmish
      • (c) Balban
      • (d) Alauddin Khilji
      • Answer: (c) Balban
    5. Who was the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty?
      • (a) Nasiruddin Mahmud
      • (b) Muizuddin Qaiqabad
      • (c) Razia Sultana
      • (d) Balban
      • Answer: (b) Muizuddin Qaiqabad

    Mains (Descriptive Type)

    1. Discuss the contributions of Iltutmish to the Delhi Sultanate.
    2. Explain the administrative structure of the Slave Dynasty.
    3. Analyze the reasons for the decline of the Slave Dynasty.
    4. Write a short note on the cultural contributions of the Slave Dynasty.

    6. Conclusion

    The Slave Dynasty laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate and introduced several administrative, military, and cultural reforms. It was a crucial period in Indian history, marking the beginning of Turkic rule in India. The dynasty declined due to weak rulers and political instability, making way for the Khilji Dynasty in 1290.


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  • Delhi Sultanate


    Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)

    The Delhi Sultanate was a series of five dynasties that ruled northern India from 1206 to 1526. It marked the beginning of Muslim rule in India and laid the foundation for future Islamic empires, including the Mughals.


    1. Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate

    DynastyFounderTime PeriodNotable Rulers
    Slave (Mamluk) DynastyQutb-ud-din Aibak1206–1290Iltutmish, Razia Sultana, Balban
    Khilji DynastyJalal-ud-din Khilji1290–1320Alauddin Khilji
    Tughlaq DynastyGhiyas-ud-din Tughlaq1320–1414Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Firoz Shah Tughlaq
    Sayyid DynastyKhizr Khan1414–1451Mubarak Shah, Muhammad Shah
    Lodi DynastyBahlul Lodi1451–1526Sikandar Lodi, Ibrahim Lodi

    2. Important Rulers and Contributions

    1. Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty (1206–1290)

    • Qutb-ud-din Aibak (1206–1210)
      • Founder of the Delhi Sultanate.
      • Built Qutb Minar and Adhai Din Ka Jhopra.
      • Died in a polo accident.
    • Iltutmish (1211–1236)
      • Introduced Iqta system (land revenue assignments).
      • Completed Qutb Minar.
      • Recognized by the Caliph of Baghdad.
    • Razia Sultana (1236–1240)
      • First and only female ruler of Delhi.
      • Overthrown by nobles.
    • Balban (1266–1287)
      • Introduced theory of kingship (divine right).
      • Strengthened the monarchy.

    2. Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)

    • Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316)
      • Conquered Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittor, and Deccan.
      • Introduced market control system to control prices.
      • Created a permanent standing army.
      • Prevented Mongol invasions.

    3. Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)

    • Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325–1351)
      • Shifted capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (failed).
      • Issued token currency (failed).
      • Expanded empire but faced revolts.
    • Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388)
      • Built canals for irrigation.
      • Established madrasas (Islamic schools).
      • Patronized scholars and architecture.

    4. Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)

    • Weak rulers; acted as vassals of Timur’s successors.

    5. Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)

    • Sikandar Lodi (1489–1517)
      • Expanded empire.
      • Promoted Persian culture.
      • Developed Agra as an important city.
    • Ibrahim Lodi (1517–1526)
      • Defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (1526).
      • End of Delhi Sultanate; beginning of Mughal rule.

    3. Administration & Governance

    • Sultan was the supreme authority.
    • Wazir (Prime Minister) handled finance.
    • Amirs & Nobles governed provinces.
    • Sharia (Islamic law) was followed.

    Military System

    • Alauddin Khilji created the first standing army.
    • Iqta system: Land grants to officers in return for military service.

    Economic Policies

    • Market reforms (Alauddin Khilji).
    • Taxation: Land revenue was 1/3rd of produce.
    • Trade flourished with Persia, Arabia, and Central Asia.

    4. Society & Culture

    • Persian culture influenced administration, art, and architecture.
    • Urdu language developed.
    • Hindus and Muslims coexisted with social divisions.

    Architecture

    • Qutb Minar (Qutb-ud-din Aibak, completed by Iltutmish).
    • Alai Darwaza (Alauddin Khilji).
    • Tughlaqabad Fort (Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq).
    • Lodi Gardens (Tombs of Lodi rulers).

    5. Decline of the Delhi Sultanate

    • Weak rulers after Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
    • Timur’s invasion (1398) weakened Delhi.
    • Rise of regional kingdoms (Vijayanagara, Bahmani, Rajputs).
    • Defeat of Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 by Babur led to the Mughal Empire.

    6. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams

    Prelims-Based Questions (Objective Type)

    1. Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
      • (a) Alauddin Khilji
      • (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
      • (c) Iltutmish
      • (d) Balban
      • Answer: (b) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
    2. Which Delhi Sultan introduced the Iqta system?
      • (a) Razia Sultana
      • (b) Iltutmish
      • (c) Balban
      • (d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • Answer: (b) Iltutmish
    3. Who shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
      • (a) Balban
      • (b) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
      • (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • (d) Alauddin Khilji
      • Answer: (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
    4. Which Sultan introduced market control reforms?
      • (a) Iltutmish
      • (b) Alauddin Khilji
      • (c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
      • (d) Balban
      • Answer: (b) Alauddin Khilji
    5. Who was the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
      • (a) Sikandar Lodi
      • (b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
      • (c) Ibrahim Lodi
      • (d) Babur
      • Answer: (c) Ibrahim Lodi

    Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive Type)

    1. Discuss the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate.
    2. Analyze the economic and trade policies of Alauddin Khilji.
    3. Explain the causes of the decline of the Delhi Sultanate.
    4. Evaluate the impact of Persian culture on Delhi Sultanate’s administration and art.

    7. Conclusion

    The Delhi Sultanate established centralized rule in India, introduced new military strategies, administrative systems, and Persian culture. Despite its decline, it paved the way for the Mughals, who inherited many of its institutions.


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