Consider the following statements regarding Succession crises and the legitimacy of the Slave dynasty rulers:
1. Aram Shah was recognized as the legitimate successor by the nobility of Lahore in 1210, and his reign lasted for two years before he was defeated by Iltutmish at the Battle of Jud.
2. Nasir-ud-din Mahmud was the first Sultan of the Slave dynasty to issue coins featuring the name of the Caliph of Baghdad, and he formally abdicated in favor of Balban in 1266.
3. Ala-ud-din Khalji assumed the title of Yamin-ul-Khilafat Nasiri Amir-ul-Muminin to assert his authority as the deputy of the Caliph after his successful campaigns in the Deccan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Ala-ud-din Khalji adopted the title 'Yamin-ul-Khilafat Nasiri Amir-ul-Muminin' to bolster his legitimacy as the Caliph's deputy. Statement 1 is incorrect because Aram Shah was defeated by Iltutmish at the Battle of Bagh-i-Jud in 1211, not 1212, and his reign lasted only about eight months. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iltutmish, not Nasir-ud-din Mahmud, was the first Sultan to receive a formal investiture from the Abbasid Caliph, and Nasir-ud-din Mahmud died in 1266 without abdicating, leading to Balban's peaceful accession.
Consider the following statements regarding Mongol invasions and their influence on Delhi Sultanate military strategy:
1. Balban established a dedicated military department known as the Diwan-i-Arz to reorganize the army specifically to counter the persistent threat of Mongol incursions from the northwest.
2. The Mongol commander Qutlugh Khwaja led a massive invasion force toward Delhi in 1299 during the reign of Alauddin Khalji, forcing the Sultan to mobilize a large standing army.
3. Alauddin Khalji implemented the 'Dagh' (branding of horses) and 'Chehra' (descriptive rolls of soldiers) systems to ensure the efficiency of his military forces against Mongol cavalry tactics.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. Balban established the Diwan-i-Arz to strengthen the military against Mongol threats, while Qutlugh Khwaja's 1299 invasion of Delhi was a pivotal event that compelled Alauddin Khalji to maintain a massive, centralized standing army. To sustain this force and ensure combat readiness against the superior mobility of Mongol cavalry, Alauddin introduced the Dagh (branding) and Chehra (descriptive rolls) systems to prevent corruption and maintain strict military accountability.
Consider the following statements regarding Mongol invasions and their influence on Delhi Sultanate military strategy:
1. The Treaty of 1228 between Iltutmish and the Mongol Empire established a formal diplomatic channel that allowed for the exchange of envoys and regulated trade along the Silk Road routes passing through Multan.
2. In 1306, the Mongol commander Ali Beg led a coalition force across the Indus, resulting in a decisive victory for the Sultanate that led to the permanent annexation of the Kabul valley into the Khalji administrative territory.
3. During the reign of Iltutmish, the Mongol leader Genghis Khan reached the banks of the Indus River in 1221 while pursuing the Khwarizmian prince Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Genghis Khan reached the Indus in 1221 while pursuing Jalal ad-Din, though he refrained from invading India. Statement 1 is incorrect because no such formal treaty existed; Iltutmish famously avoided conflict by refusing asylum to the Khwarizmian prince to appease the Mongols. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Mongol invasions under Ali Beg occurred in 1305-1306 and were repelled by Alauddin Khalji's generals, but the Delhi Sultanate never permanently annexed the Kabul valley.
Consider the following statements regarding Architectural transition from Mamluk style to Khalji structural innovations:
1. The Siri Fort, established by Alauddin Khalji in 1303, served as the primary residence for the Mamluk sultans before the capital was shifted to Tughlaqabad.
2. The Jamat Khana Masjid at Nizamuddin Auliya was commissioned by Jalal-ud-din Khalji in 1296 and features the first instance of the squinch arch in the Delhi Sultanate.
3. The Alai Darwaza, constructed by Alauddin Khalji in 1311, represents the first building in India to employ the true arch and dome technique with scientific precision.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the Alai Darwaza (1311) is widely recognized as the first structure in India to use the true arch and dome with scientific precision. Statement 1 is false as Siri Fort was built by Alauddin Khalji as a new capital city, not as a residence for Mamluk sultans. Statement 2 is false because while the Jamat Khana Masjid is a Khalji structure, the first true squinch arch in the Delhi Sultanate appeared earlier in the Alai Darwaza, and the mosque was actually commissioned by Khizr Khan, the son of Alauddin Khalji, rather than Jalal-ud-din.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of the Jalal-ud-din Khalji revolution on the nobility:
1. The 1290 coronation of Jalal-ud-din Khalji at Kilokhri palace was followed by the immediate execution of the entire Balbanite bureaucracy to ensure the stability of the new administration.
2. In 1291, the rebellion of Malik Chhajju against Jalal-ud-din Khalji was suppressed, but the Sultan notably pardoned the conspirators, reflecting his policy of conciliation toward the established Turkish nobility.
3. The transfer of power from the Slave dynasty to the Khaljis in 1290 was characterized by a shift in the political base from the 'Chahalgani' elite to a more heterogeneous group of military commanders.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Jalal-ud-din Khalji adopted a policy of leniency rather than mass execution, retaining most of the existing Balbanite officials to ensure administrative continuity. Statement 2 is correct as the Sultan famously pardoned Malik Chhajju and his fellow rebels after their 1291 uprising, famously remarking that he was an old man and did not wish to shed Muslim blood. Statement 3 is correct because the Khalji revolution marked the end of the exclusive 'Chahalgani' (Turkish slave) monopoly, broadening the political base to include diverse military commanders and non-Turkish elements.
Consider the following statements regarding Razia Sultan's struggle against the provincial governors:
1. The governor of Lahore, Kabir Khan Ayaz, launched a second rebellion in 1239 after Razia Sultan refused to grant him the governorship of Multan in addition to his existing provincial command.
2. Razia Sultan successfully suppressed the revolt of the governor of Oudh, Ain-ul-Mulk Husain, by utilizing the strategic support of the newly formed Chahalgani faction during the winter of 1237.
3. Razia Sultan's march towards Bhatinda in 1240 to reclaim the fort from Altunia was accompanied by the loyalist forces of the governor of Bengal, Saifuddin Aibak, who had arrived in Delhi that spring.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because they misrepresent historical events: Kabir Khan Ayaz's rebellion was primarily over his demand for the governorship of Lahore and Multan, but the specific timeline and details provided are inaccurate. Statement 2 is false as the Chahalgani (Turkan-i-Chahalgani) were largely hostile to Razia, and Ain-ul-Mulk Husain's rebellion occurred later during the reign of Balban, not 1237. Finally, Statement 3 is incorrect because Saifuddin Aibak was the governor of Uchch, not Bengal, and Razia's march to Bhatinda ended in her defeat and capture by Altunia, rather than being a successful military campaign supported by reinforcements from Bengal.
Consider the following statements regarding Succession crises and the legitimacy of the Slave dynasty rulers:
1. Qutb-ud-din Aibak assumed the title of Malik and Sipahsalar after the death of Muhammad Ghori in 1206, rather than adopting the full regalia of a Sultan.
2. Iltutmish received a formal letter of investiture, known as the Mansur, from the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah in 1229, which granted him legal legitimacy as the Sultan of Delhi.
3. The Chahalgani, or the Corps of Forty, was a select body of Turkish slave officers established by Iltutmish to consolidate his authority against rival commanders.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Qutb-ud-din Aibak ruled as a subordinate commander (Malik and Sipahsalar) to Ghori's successor, Ghiyas-ud-din Mahmud, rather than declaring full sovereignty. Iltutmish secured the 'Mansur' (letter of investiture) from the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah in 1229, which transformed his status from a de facto ruler to a de jure sovereign recognized by the Islamic world. The Chahalgani was indeed an elite group of forty Turkish slave-officers created by Iltutmish to counterbalance the influence of other nobility and stabilize his administration.
Consider the following statements regarding Razia Sultan's struggle against the provincial governors:
1. After the death of Razia Sultan in 1240, the provincial governors collectively supported the ascension of Bahram Shah, who subsequently granted them full autonomy over the revenue collection of their provinces.
2. Following the defeat of the rebellious governors in 1238, Razia Sultan issued a royal decree that formally recognized the hereditary rights of the provincial governors over their respective iqtas.
3. The conflict between Razia Sultan and the provincial governors reached a stalemate in 1239, resulting in a temporary peace treaty mediated by the Nizam-ul-Mulk Junaidi at the gates of Delhi.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the provincial governors, known as the 'Chahalgani' or 'Turkan-i-Chahalgani', were Razia's primary antagonists who sought to limit the Sultan's power, not empower themselves through her decrees. Statement 1 is false as Bahram Shah was a puppet ruler installed by the nobles who significantly curtailed the Sultan's authority, not granted them autonomy. Statement 2 is incorrect because Razia consistently fought to centralize power and reduce the influence of the iqtadars, never granting them hereditary rights. Statement 3 is false as Nizam-ul-Mulk Junaidi was the Wazir who led the initial rebellion against Razia in 1235 and died in exile, making his mediation in 1239 historically impossible.
Consider the following statements regarding Alauddin Khalji's price control mechanism and public distribution system:
1. Alauddin Khalji established three distinct markets in Delhi: one for food grains, one for costly fabrics and sugar, and one for horses, slaves, and cattle.
2. The 'Diwan-i-Riyasat' was the office created by Alauddin Khalji to oversee the market regulations and supervise the 'Shahna-i-Mandi' officers.
3. The 'Diwan-i-Mustakhraj' was the department responsible for auditing the accounts of the market superintendents and ensuring that the price schedules were updated during the famine of 1303.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Alauddin Khalji established three separate markets in Delhi: the Mandi for food grains, the Sarai-i-Adl for manufactured goods and costly fabrics, and a third market for horses, slaves, and cattle. Statement 2 is correct because the Diwan-i-Riyasat was the central office created to oversee market regulations, functioning under the supervision of the Shahna-i-Mandi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was actually a department established by Alauddin to recover arrears from revenue collectors (amils and mutasarrifs), not to audit market superintendents or manage famine-related price updates.
Consider the following statements regarding The significance of the Qutb Minar complex in early Sultanate legitimacy:
1. The Iron Pillar of Delhi, which dates back to the Gupta period under Chandragupta II, was relocated to the Qutb complex during the early Sultanate era.
2. The Alai Darwaza, built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE, serves as the southern gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque complex.
3. The construction of the Alai Darwaza was commissioned by Alauddin Khalji in 1305 CE to commemorate his victory over the Mongols, and it features the first use of the true dome in the Qutb complex.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Iron Pillar, originally from the Gupta era, was relocated to the Qutb complex by the early Sultans to project imperial continuity. Statement 2 is correct because the Alai Darwaza was indeed constructed by Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE as the southern entrance to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the Alai Darwaza does feature the first 'true' dome in the complex, it was commissioned in 1311 CE, not 1305 CE, and was built to celebrate the expansion of the mosque rather than specifically to commemorate a victory over the Mongols.
Consider the following statements regarding The transition from military governorship to centralized autocracy:
1. The establishment of the Diwan-i-Wizarat by Qutb-ud-din Aibak provided the administrative foundation for the Khalji dynasty's later fiscal reforms in the agrarian sector.
2. Alauddin Khalji’s market control regulations, documented in the Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, were applied uniformly across the entire Sultanate including the newly annexed territories of Warangal.
3. Raziya Sultan attempted to curb the power of the Chahalgani by appointing Yaqut as the Amir-i-Akhur, which led to the formal dissolution of the military governorships in the Punjab region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Diwan-i-Wizarat was institutionalized by Iltutmish, not Aibak, and the Khalji agrarian reforms were rooted in Alauddin's unique revenue innovations rather than Aibak's administrative structure. Statement 2 is incorrect as Alauddin's market regulations were primarily confined to Delhi and its immediate vicinity to sustain his standing army, and they were not extended to distant territories like Warangal. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Raziya's promotion of Yaqut alienated the Turkish nobility, it did not lead to the formal dissolution of military governorships (Iqtas) in the Punjab region.
Consider the following statements regarding Military organization and the introduction of Dagh and Chehra:
1. Alauddin Khalji introduced the 'Dagh' system, which involved the branding of horses to prevent the substitution of superior mounts with inferior ones during military campaigns.
2. The 'Chehra' system was a descriptive roll of individual soldiers that recorded specific physical characteristics to prevent impersonation and fraudulent salary claims.
3. Balban established the 'Diwan-i-Arz', a dedicated military department, to maintain direct control over the recruitment and payment of the royal army.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Alauddin Khalji introduced the 'Dagh' (branding of horses) and 'Chehra' (descriptive rolls of soldiers) to reform the military and curb corruption, ensuring that only high-quality horses and genuine soldiers were paid from the state treasury. Ghiyas-ud-din Balban established the 'Diwan-i-Arz' to centralize military administration and reduce the influence of provincial governors, making the army directly accountable to the Sultan. All three statements are historically accurate as these reforms were foundational to the consolidation of power during the Khalji and Slave dynasties.
Consider the following statements regarding Alauddin Khalji's agrarian reforms and taxation (Kharaj and Charai):
1. The Kharaj was a land tax imposed on agricultural produce, and its assessment was based on the measurement of land known as 'paimaish'.
2. The introduction of the 'Mustakhraj' department, headed by the Mustakhraj-i-Mamalik, was intended to recover arrears of land revenue from the local intermediaries.
3. Charai was a specific tax levied on milch cattle, such as cows and buffaloes, to generate additional revenue from pastoral activities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan to insist on the measurement of land (paimaish) to fix the Kharaj at 50% of the produce, ensuring direct state control over the peasantry. To curb corruption and recover outstanding dues from local intermediaries like Khuts, Muqaddams, and Chaudharis, he established the department of Diwan-i-Mustakhraj. Additionally, he introduced the 'Charai' tax on milch cattle and 'Ghari' on houses to broaden the tax base, as his primary goal was to maintain a large standing army through centralized fiscal administration.
Consider the following statements regarding Mongol invasions and their influence on Delhi Sultanate military strategy:
1. The Mongol commander Targhi led a significant raid on Delhi in 1303, which compelled Alauddin Khalji to remain confined within the Siri Fort for two months.
2. To secure the frontier against the Mongols, Alauddin Khalji commissioned the repair of old forts and the construction of new defensive outposts along the northwestern border, overseen by his general Ghazi Malik.
3. The Mongol leader Tarmashirin Khan launched an invasion into the Punjab region during the early 14th century, which influenced the subsequent fortification policies of the Khalji military administration.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the 1303 siege by Targhi forced Alauddin Khalji to retreat to Siri, prompting his massive military reforms. Statement 2 is correct because Alauddin, advised by Ghazi Malik (the future Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq), implemented a robust 'frontier policy' involving the repair of old forts and the construction of new ones to check Mongol incursions. Statement 3 is correct as Tarmashirin Khan’s invasion during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (early 14th century) highlighted the persistent vulnerability of the Punjab frontier, necessitating the continuation and strengthening of the defensive strategies established during the Khalji era.
Consider the following statements regarding The significance of the Qutb Minar complex in early Sultanate legitimacy:
1. Alauddin Khalji planned an ambitious minaret, the Alai Minar, intended to be twice the height of the Qutb Minar, though construction ceased at the first storey upon his death.
2. Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired the upper storeys of the Qutb Minar after they were damaged by lightning in 1368 CE.
3. The tomb of Iltutmish, situated in the northwest corner of the Qutb complex, is noted for its intricate geometric carvings and the introduction of the squinch arch in Indian architecture.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Alauddin Khalji aimed to surpass the Qutb Minar by constructing the Alai Minar, which remained incomplete after his death in 1316 CE. Statement 2 is correct because Firoz Shah Tughlaq undertook significant restoration work on the Qutb Minar, specifically adding two storeys after lightning damage in 1368 CE. Statement 3 is correct as the tomb of Iltutmish is a landmark in Indo-Islamic architecture, showcasing early use of the squinch arch and elaborate geometric and calligraphic stone carvings.
Consider the following statements regarding Economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji and Market Control Policy:
1. Alauddin Khalji established the 'Diwan-i-Riyasat' under Malik Yaqub to oversee the implementation of his market control regulations in Delhi.
2. The 'Diwan-i-Mustakhraj' was created by Alauddin Khalji to manage the accounts of the grain markets and ensure that the 'Zawabit' regulations were followed by provincial governors.
3. The 'Shahna-i-Mandi' was the designated officer responsible for maintaining the register of merchants and ensuring the supply of essential commodities in the capital.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Alauddin Khalji appointed Malik Yaqub as the 'Diwan-i-Riyasat' to strictly regulate market prices and enforce trade laws. Statement 3 is correct because the 'Shahna-i-Mandi' was the superintendent of the grain market responsible for maintaining merchant registers and ensuring steady supplies. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 'Diwan-i-Mustakhraj' was a department established to recover arrears from revenue collectors (amils/mutasarrifs), not to manage grain markets or provincial regulations.
Consider the following statements regarding Nature of the Sultanate's relationship with the Ulema:
1. The office of the Shaykh-ul-Islam was established during the Slave Dynasty to serve as a formal bridge between the Sultanate administration and the religious establishment.
2. In the later years of his reign, Alauddin Khalji formalized the role of the Muhtasib to ensure that the Ulema monitored the market regulations and price controls implemented in the capital.
3. The rebellion of the Ulema against Razia Sultan was primarily motivated by her refusal to adopt the veil, which they argued violated the administrative protocols established by her father, Iltutmish.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the office of Shaykh-ul-Islam was indeed established during the Slave Dynasty to integrate the religious elite into the state apparatus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Muhtasib was primarily a censor of public morals and religious conduct, not an official tasked with monitoring market regulations, which were overseen by the Diwan-i-Riyasat. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ulema's opposition to Razia Sultan was rooted in gender-based prejudice and her defiance of traditional patriarchal norms, rather than a specific administrative protocol regarding the veil established by Iltutmish.
Consider the following statements regarding Balban's Theory of Kingship and Divine Right:
1. Balban claimed descent from the legendary Iranian hero Afrasiyab, a lineage he frequently cited during his diplomatic correspondence with the Ilkhanid rulers of Persia.
2. The theory of kingship articulated by Balban drew heavily from the political treatises of Nizam-ul-Mulk Tusi, who served as the chief advisor to the early Mamluk rulers in Delhi.
3. Balban established the Diwan-i-Arz as a military department to oversee the recruitment of the Mongol mercenaries who served as the personal bodyguards of the Sultan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Balban claimed descent from Afrasiyab to enhance his prestige, he did so to assert his superiority over the local nobility, not in correspondence with the Ilkhanids. Statement 2 is incorrect because Nizam-ul-Mulk Tusi was the famous vizier of the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century, not an advisor to the Mamluk rulers in Delhi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Diwan-i-Arz was established to organize the military and check the power of the nobility, not to recruit Mongol mercenaries, whom Balban actually viewed as a significant security threat.
Consider the following statements regarding Balban's Theory of Kingship and Divine Right:
1. The concept of Zill-i-Ilahi was formally inscribed on the coinage minted during the first year of Balban's reign, marking a departure from the caliphate-focused inscriptions of the previous Sultans.
2. Ghiyas-ud-din Balban introduced the Persian customs of Sijda and Paibos in his court to emphasize the monarch's status as the Shadow of God on Earth.
3. Balban's court etiquette required the nobility to wear the traditional Turkish dress, and he prohibited the use of Indian-style silk garments to preserve the distinct cultural identity of the ruling elite.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as Balban introduced Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing the monarch's feet) to elevate the Sultan's status as the Shadow of God (Zill-i-Ilahi). Statement 1 is incorrect because Balban continued to acknowledge the Caliph's authority on his coins, styling himself as 'Nasir-i-Amir-ul-Muminin' (Helper of the Commander of the Faithful) rather than discarding the caliphate. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Balban emphasized Persian court culture, there is no historical evidence that he prohibited Indian-style silk garments; his focus was on curbing the power of the Chahalgani nobility and enforcing strict court discipline, not regulating the specific fabric of clothing.
Consider the following statements regarding Nature of the Sultanate's relationship with the Ulema:
1. Jalaluddin Khalji, upon his accession in 1290, deferred to the Ulema's request to reinstate the jizya tax on non-Muslims in Delhi, reversing the more liberal fiscal policies of the late Slave rulers.
2. Balban sought to strengthen his position by appointing the renowned scholar Nizamuddin Auliya as the Chief Qazi, thereby ensuring that the Chishti order maintained direct oversight of the Sultan's judicial appointments.
3. The Zawabit, or state laws formulated during the reign of Iltutmish, were codified with the direct approval of the Ulema to ensure that administrative decrees remained subordinate to the Quranic injunctions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Jalaluddin Khalji was known for his policy of 'benevolent despotism' and did not reinstate jizya; in fact, he often expressed helplessness in imposing strict Islamic orthodoxy. Statement 2 is incorrect because Balban maintained a distance from the Chishti Sufis, and Nizamuddin Auliya never held the post of Chief Qazi, as the Chishti order generally avoided proximity to royal courts. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'Zawabit' (state laws) were developed precisely to supplement Sharia in areas where the Quranic injunctions were silent or insufficient for administrative needs, often creating a functional separation between statecraft and the Ulema's direct oversight.
Consider the following statements regarding Architectural transition from Mamluk style to Khalji structural innovations:
1. The Hauz-i-Alai reservoir was constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak to provide water for the garrison at Siri, later becoming the focal point of the Khalji urban expansion.
2. The Moth ki Masjid, built during the reign of Alauddin Khalji, displays the transition toward the Lodi-style double dome architecture which became prominent in the fourteenth century.
3. Iltutmish expanded the Qutb Minar complex by adding three storeys to the structure, which was originally initiated by Aibak as a victory tower.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Iltutmish completed the first storey and added three more to the Qutb Minar, which was originally commissioned by Aibak. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Hauz-i-Alai (Hauz Khas) was constructed by Alauddin Khalji, not Aibak, to supply water to the city of Siri. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Moth ki Masjid was built during the Lodi dynasty, specifically under Sikandar Lodi's reign, and does not belong to the Khalji period.
Consider the following statements regarding Iqta system evolution from Qutb-ud-din Aibak to Iltutmish:
1. By the end of Iltutmish's reign in 1236, the Iqta system had evolved into the primary instrument for the Sultanate to exert control over the rural hinterlands and manage the military aristocracy.
2. The administrative records of the Iqtas during the reign of Iltutmish were maintained by the 'Sahib-i-Diwan', an official appointed by the central government to oversee revenue collection.
3. Iltutmish formalized the 'Khalsa' lands as a separate category in 1229, decreeing that the revenue from these territories was to be managed by the local Muqtis rather than the central Diwan-i-Wizarat.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system to integrate military commanders into the administrative structure, effectively centralizing control over rural territories. Statement 2 is correct because Iltutmish introduced the 'Sahib-i-Diwan' in each Iqta to audit the accounts of the Muqtis, ensuring that surplus revenue was remitted to the central treasury. Statement 3 is incorrect because 'Khalsa' lands were specifically managed by the central Diwan-i-Wizarat to provide direct income to the Sultan, and were explicitly excluded from the jurisdiction of the Muqtis.
Consider the following statements regarding Razia Sultan's struggle against the provincial governors:
1. The rebellion of Malik Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda, was triggered by his dissatisfaction with the appointment of Yaqut as the Amir-i-Akhur, leading to a decisive battle near Kaithal in 1240.
2. Razia Sultan ascended the throne in 1236 following the death of Iltutmish, and her first major administrative reform involved the immediate appointment of Kabir Khan Ayaz as the governor of Multan.
3. Izz-ud-din Muhammad Salari, the governor of Badaun, joined forces with Malik Jani of Lahore in 1238 to challenge Razia's authority, citing the influence of the non-Turkic nobility in the Delhi court.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Altunia rebelled, the battle near Kaithal was a separate event where Razia and Altunia were defeated by the forces of Bahram Shah after their marriage. Statement 2 is incorrect because Razia succeeded her brother Rukn-ud-din Firuz, not Iltutmish directly, and her early reign was marked by suppressing rebellions rather than immediate administrative reforms like the appointment of Kabir Khan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the rebellion involving Salari and Jani occurred in 1237-38, but the primary contention was against Razia's centralization of power and the elevation of non-Turks, not specifically the formation of an alliance between those two governors in the manner described.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of the Jalal-ud-din Khalji revolution on the nobility:
1. The Khalji revolution of 1290 resulted in the complete expulsion of the Tajik and Persian-speaking administrative class from the Sultanate, favoring only the indigenous Indian converts in the central diwans.
2. Following the suppression of the 1291 revolt, Jalal-ud-din Khalji issued a decree that abolished the Iqta system and replaced it with a cash-salary structure for the nobility to reduce the influence of landed aristocrats.
3. During the transition of 1290, the Sultanate's capital was moved from Delhi to Daulatabad, which served as the primary base for the Khalji nobility to consolidate their control over the northern provinces.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because the Khalji revolution did not purge the Persian-speaking bureaucracy, which remained essential to the Sultanate's administration. Jalal-ud-din Khalji maintained the Iqta system rather than abolishing it, and the capital remained at Delhi throughout his reign, as the transfer to Daulatabad (Devagiri) was a later initiative attempted by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the 14th century.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative divisions: Iqta, Shiq, and Pargana in the early Sultanate:
1. Under the Khalji administration, the Mushrif was tasked with auditing the accounts of the Iqtadars to ensure that the revenue collected matched the stipulated military obligations.
2. The office of the Shiqdar, introduced in the administrative hierarchy, functioned as the executive head of the Shiq, overseeing both civil administration and military support.
3. The Pargana functioned as a cluster of villages, and the Amil served as the primary official responsible for the assessment and collection of land revenue at this level.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Mushrif-i-Mumalik audited the accounts of the Iqtadars to prevent embezzlement and ensure military quotas were met. Statement 2 is correct because the Shiq was introduced as an administrative unit between the Iqta and Pargana, with the Shiqdar serving as the primary executive and military authority. Statement 3 is correct because the Pargana served as a group of villages where the Amil acted as the chief revenue officer responsible for collection and maintenance of records.
Consider the following statements regarding Balban's Theory of Kingship and Divine Right:
1. Balban appointed his eldest son, Prince Muhammad, as the governor of Multan, where the prince successfully negotiated a permanent peace treaty with the Mongol commander Tamar Khan.
2. The practice of Barid, or the state intelligence network, was expanded by Balban to monitor the provincial governors, ensuring they adhered to the administrative guidelines established by Iltutmish.
3. In his quest to centralize authority, Balban abolished the Iqtadari system and replaced it with a salaried bureaucracy modeled on the administrative reforms of Alauddin Khalji.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Prince Muhammad died fighting the Mongols in 1285, and no such permanent peace treaty was ever negotiated. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Balban strengthened the Barid system to monitor his own officials, he did not base his administration on Iltutmish's guidelines, but rather on his own rigid concept of absolute monarchy. Statement 3 is incorrect because Balban maintained the Iqtadari system as a core pillar of his administration; the transition to a salaried bureaucracy was a distinct policy introduced later by Alauddin Khalji.
Consider the following statements regarding Social and religious life under the early Delhi Sultans:
1. Alauddin Khalji enacted the market control regulations in 1296, which fixed the prices of essential commodities like grain, sugar, and cloth in the Delhi markets.
2. The Iqta system, which functioned as a revenue collection mechanism, was first introduced in India by Muhammad Ghori after the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 to manage the administration of Ajmer.
3. During the reign of Balban, the court ceremonial of Sijda and Paibos was introduced, which required nobles to prostrate and kiss the Sultan's feet as a mark of submission.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Alauddin Khalji implemented comprehensive market reforms around 1296-1300 to maintain a large standing army at low costs. Statement 3 is correct because Balban introduced the Persian court etiquettes of Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing the monarch's feet) to elevate the Sultan's status above the nobility. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Muhammad Ghori laid the foundation, it was Iltutmish who formally institutionalized and organized the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate to manage land revenue and administration.
Consider the following statements regarding The role of the Wazir and the central administrative hierarchy:
1. Alauddin Khalji established the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj to investigate and recover arrears from revenue collectors, a move necessitated by his extensive military expansion programs.
2. Jalaluddin Khalji reformed the administrative hierarchy by creating the Diwan-i-Riyasat to monitor market prices, a department that later became the primary focus of Alauddin Khalji's economic reforms.
3. The Diwan-i-Wizarat functioned as the central finance department under the Delhi Sultanate, responsible for the collection of revenue and the supervision of the royal treasury.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Alauddin Khalji established the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj to curb corruption and recover revenue arrears from corrupt amils and mutasarrifs. Statement 3 is correct because the Diwan-i-Wizarat, headed by the Wazir, served as the supreme finance department overseeing the treasury and tax collection. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Diwan-i-Riyasat was established by Alauddin Khalji, not Jalaluddin Khalji, as part of his comprehensive market control regulations to supervise the supply and pricing of essential commodities.
Consider the following statements regarding Military organization and the introduction of Dagh and Chehra:
1. The 'Mustaufi-i-Mumalik' was the official responsible for auditing the accounts of the military department during the Khalji administration.
2. Barani records that Alauddin Khalji fixed the price of a superior war horse at 100 to 120 tankas to ensure the affordability of cavalry equipment for the state.
3. The 'Hishm-i-Qalb' referred to the Sultan's personal reserve force, which was stationed in Delhi and maintained directly by the central exchequer.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Mustaufi-i-Mumalik served as the auditor-general overseeing military expenditures under the Khalji administrative structure, while Alauddin Khalji implemented the 'Dagh' (branding) and 'Chehra' (descriptive roll) systems to curb corruption and fixed horse prices between 100-120 tankas to maintain a cost-effective, large standing army. The Hishm-i-Qalb, or 'Qalb-i-Sultani', functioned as the Sultan's elite central reserve force, directly paid and maintained by the state exchequer to ensure immediate loyalty and readiness. All three statements accurately reflect the military reforms and administrative nomenclature of the Khalji period.
Consider the following statements regarding Military expeditions of Malik Kafur in Southern India:
1. During the 1311 campaign against the Pandyas, Malik Kafur reached as far south as Madurai, where he plundered the Meenakshi Temple.
2. Malik Kafur led his first expedition into the Deccan in 1309, specifically targeting the Kakatiya kingdom of Warangal.
3. The expedition against the Pandya kingdom in 1311 was initiated primarily to support the claim of Sundara Pandya against his brother Vira Pandya, leading to the formal installation of Sundara as a vassal of the Sultan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Malik Kafur's 1311 campaign reached Madurai, where he looted the Meenakshi Temple, and his 1309 expedition successfully targeted the Kakatiya capital of Warangal, forcing King Prataparudra to pay tribute. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expedition was triggered by a succession dispute between Sundara Pandya and Vira Pandya, but Kafur did not install Sundara as a vassal; instead, he exploited the civil war to plunder immense wealth from both factions without establishing direct administrative control.
Consider the following statements regarding Iqta system evolution from Qutb-ud-din Aibak to Iltutmish:
1. Qutb-ud-din Aibak implemented the 'Iqta-i-Tamlik' system in 1206, which allowed military commanders to claim hereditary ownership of land in exchange for providing 5,000 cavalrymen to the Sultan.
2. Iltutmish is credited with establishing the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate by distributing large tracts of land to his Turkish officers, known as Iqtadars.
3. Qutb-ud-din Aibak did not formalize the Iqta system as a state-wide administrative mechanism, preferring to rely on the traditional system of military commanders holding land grants.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because 'Iqta-i-Tamlik' was not a system introduced by Aibak, and Iqtas were never hereditary during the early Sultanate period. Statement 2 is correct as Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system, assigning land grants to his Turkish officers (Iqtadars) to ensure military support and revenue collection. Statement 3 is correct because Aibak primarily maintained the existing military structure without formalizing the Iqta system into a standardized administrative framework for the state.
Consider the following statements regarding Nature of the Sultanate's relationship with the Ulema:
1. Qutb-ud-din Aibak commissioned the construction of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque as a symbolic gesture to demonstrate his formal submission to the Caliph of Baghdad, who had granted him the title of Sultan.
2. During the reign of Iltutmish, the Ulema held significant influence over state policy, as evidenced by the Sultan's consultation with them regarding the execution of the rebel leader Bahauddin Tughril.
3. Alauddin Khalji famously remarked to Qazi Mughisuddin of Bayana that he acted according to the needs of the state and the welfare of the people, regardless of whether his actions were sanctioned by Sharia.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Qutb-ud-din Aibak never received investiture from the Caliph and ruled as a Malik/Sipahsalar, whereas Iltutmish was the first to receive the 'manshur' from the Caliph of Baghdad in 1229 CE. Statement 2 is correct as Iltutmish frequently sought the Ulema's counsel to maintain legitimacy, notably consulting them on the execution of Bahauddin Tughril. Statement 3 is correct because Alauddin Khalji famously asserted his secular authority to Qazi Mughisuddin, declaring that he prioritized the 'maslahat' (state interest) over the rigid interpretations of Sharia law.
Consider the following statements regarding Social and religious life under the early Delhi Sultans:
1. Under the reign of Razia Sultan, the position of Amir-i-Akhur was held by Yaqut, an Abyssinian slave who oversaw the royal stables and led the military expedition to Ranthambore in 1238.
2. The Dagh system, involving the branding of horses to prevent substitution, was introduced by Iltutmish to reform the military structure during his campaign against the Mongols in 1221.
3. The Diwan-i-Mustakhraj, a department created to recover arrears from revenue collectors, was established by Ghiyas-ud-din Balban to stabilize the fiscal health of the Sultanate in 1266.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Yaqut was the Amir-i-Akhur, he did not lead the Ranthambore expedition; that was led by Razia herself. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Dagh (branding) and Chehra (descriptive roll) systems were introduced by Alauddin Khalji, not Iltutmish, to curb corruption in the military. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was established by Alauddin Khalji to audit revenue accounts, whereas Balban is known for strengthening the Diwan-i-Arz (military department) and introducing the Sijda and Paibos customs.
Consider the following statements regarding Economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji and Market Control Policy:
1. The 'Risala-i-Qanun' served as the primary administrative manual for the market superintendents, detailing the standardized weights and measures introduced during the reign of Jalaluddin Khalji.
2. To stabilize the currency, Alauddin Khalji replaced the traditional silver 'Tanka' with a copper-based token currency in 1308 AD, which was accepted at par value in all government markets.
3. To ensure the success of his price control policy, Alauddin Khalji introduced the 'Charai' tax on milch cattle and the 'Ghari' tax on houses.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Alauddin Khalji introduced the 'Charai' (grazing tax) and 'Ghari' (house tax) to increase state revenue and support his massive standing army, which was essential for maintaining his price control policies. Statement 1 is incorrect because there is no historical record of a 'Risala-i-Qanun' serving as a manual for market superintendents; instead, Alauddin appointed 'Shahna-i-Mandi' to oversee markets under his own specific regulations. Statement 2 is false because Alauddin never introduced a copper-based token currency; that experiment was famously attempted by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1329-1330 AD, while Alauddin maintained the standard silver Tanka and copper Jital system.
Consider the following statements regarding Impact of the Jalal-ud-din Khalji revolution on the nobility:
1. The accession of Jalal-ud-din Khalji in 1290 marked the end of the Ilbari dynasty's monopoly on high administrative offices, which had been dominated by the Turkish nobility since the time of Iltutmish.
2. The Khalji revolution facilitated the entry of non-Turkish elements, such as the Indian-born Muslims and the Khalji Afghans, into the higher echelons of the Sultanate's power structure.
3. Jalal-ud-din Khalji retained many of the old Balban-era officials, including Malik Chhajju, who was permitted to retain his governorship of Kara-Manikpur after the transition of power.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The accession of Jalal-ud-din Khalji in 1290 ended the exclusive hold of the Ilbari Turks over high offices, which had been entrenched since Iltutmish's reign. This 'Khalji Revolution' broadened the power base by incorporating non-Turkish elements, including Indian-born Muslims and Khalji Afghans, into the administration. Furthermore, Jalal-ud-din adopted a policy of conciliation by retaining many Balban-era officials, notably allowing Malik Chhajju, a nephew of Balban, to continue as the governor of Kara-Manikpur.
Consider the following statements regarding Alauddin Khalji's price control mechanism and public distribution system:
1. The 'Barids' acted as secret intelligence agents who provided the Sultan with daily reports regarding the market prices and the conduct of merchants.
2. To ensure a steady supply of grain, the Sultan ordered that the land revenue from the Doab region be collected in kind and stored in state-run granaries.
3. Alauddin Khalji implemented the 'Zawabit' code to regulate the wages of artisans in the royal workshops and permitted the export of surplus grain to the Deccan provinces after the harvest of 1308.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Alauddin Khalji employed 'Barids' (intelligence officers) and 'Munhiyans' (secret spies) to monitor market prices and merchant conduct daily. Statement 2 is correct because he mandated that land revenue in the fertile Doab region be collected in kind (grain) to stock state granaries, ensuring a buffer against famine and supply stability. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while he regulated artisan wages, he strictly prohibited the export of grain and enforced a closed-market system, prioritizing the capital's needs over external trade.
Consider the following statements regarding The transition from military governorship to centralized autocracy:
1. The Iqtadari system, formalized under Iltutmish, functioned as a mechanism to assign revenue-collecting rights to military commanders in lieu of cash salaries.
2. Alauddin Khalji introduced the 'Dagh' and 'Chehra' systems to maintain a centralized muster roll and prevent the substitution of horses or soldiers during military campaigns.
3. Balban introduced the practice of Sijda and Paibos to consolidate his authority, a policy that was later abandoned by Alauddin Khalji during the expansion of the Sultanate into the Deccan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Iltutmish formalized the Iqtadari system to organize the administration and ensure the loyalty of the military elite by assigning land revenues in lieu of cash. Statement 2 is correct because Alauddin Khalji implemented the Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers) to curb corruption and ensure direct control over his standing army. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Balban introduced Sijda and Paibos to elevate the Sultan's status, these practices were not abandoned by Alauddin Khalji; rather, he maintained a strict, autocratic court culture to assert his absolute authority throughout his reign.
Consider the following statements regarding Trade routes and urban centers during the 13th and 14th centuries:
1. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, the state-controlled grain markets known as 'mandis' were established in Delhi, where prices were fixed and monitored by the Shahna-i-Mandi.
2. Under the Khalji administration, the 'charai' tax was levied on all agricultural land, significantly increasing the surplus available for export to the markets of the Deccan.
3. The trade route connecting Multan to Delhi served as a primary artery for the transit of luxury goods and horses, which were imported into the Sultanate via the northwestern frontier passes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because Alauddin Khalji implemented rigorous market reforms, appointing a 'Shahna-i-Mandi' to oversee state-controlled grain markets and enforce price ceilings. Statement 3 is correct as the Multan-Delhi route was a vital corridor for the import of Central Asian horses and luxury goods, essential for the Sultanate's military and elite consumption. Statement 2 is incorrect because 'charai' was a tax on milch cattle and pastures, not agricultural land; the tax on agricultural land was 'kharaj', and the primary goal of these reforms was domestic price stability rather than export-led growth.
Consider the following statements regarding Iltutmish's Turkan-i-Chahalgani and its impact on nobility:
1. The Chahalgani members were granted hereditary rights to their iqtas by the 1232 decree, which provided them with the legal authority to pass land titles to their descendants without royal interference.
2. Iltutmish organized the Turkan-i-Chahalgani, a select group of forty elite Turkish slave officers, to consolidate his authority against the rising influence of the older Muizzi and Qutbi nobility.
3. The Turkan-i-Chahalgani was formally established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206 to manage the administration of Lahore and was later expanded by Iltutmish to include non-Turkish military commanders.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct because Iltutmish created the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Corps of Forty) to counter the influence of the older Muizzi and Qutbi nobles and secure his throne. Statement 1 is incorrect as Iqtas were essentially non-hereditary administrative assignments meant to ensure central control, not private property. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chahalgani was exclusively established by Iltutmish, not Aibak, and it consisted strictly of elite Turkish slave officers rather than non-Turkish commanders.
Consider the following statements regarding The role of the Wazir and the central administrative hierarchy:
1. The Mushrif-i-Mamalik acted as the accountant general of the empire, maintaining the accounts of income and expenditure for the central government.
2. The Mustaufi-i-Mamalik was responsible for auditing the accounts of the state, and this official functioned under the direct supervision of the Sadr-us-Sudur during the Khalji period.
3. The Naib-i-Mulk held authority over the provincial governors, and during the reign of Razia Sultan, this position was held by Ikhtiyar-ud-din Aetigin, who focused on the management of the royal stables.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Mushrif-i-Mamalik was indeed the accountant general responsible for income and expenditure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Mustaufi-i-Mamalik (Auditor General) functioned under the Wazir, not the Sadr-us-Sudur, who was the head of religious and judicial affairs. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Ikhtiyar-ud-din Aetigin held the position of Naib-i-Mulk under Razia Sultan, the role of managing royal stables was held by the Amir-i-Akhur, not the Naib.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative divisions: Iqta, Shiq, and Pargana in the early Sultanate:
1. Iltutmish formalized the Iqta system by assigning land grants to military commanders, known as Iqtadars, in exchange for maintaining troops and collecting revenue.
2. The Iqta system was introduced by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1206, and it functioned as a hereditary land grant that allowed the Iqtadars to pass their administrative titles to their eldest sons.
3. Alauddin Khalji established the office of the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj in 1296 to oversee the Pargana revenue records, which granted the local Chaudharis the authority to fix tax rates independently of the central government.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system to centralize military control and revenue collection. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Iqta system was not hereditary; Iqtadars were frequently transferred to prevent them from building local power bases. Statement 3 is incorrect because Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was established by Alauddin Khalji to recover arrears from revenue officials, not to empower local Chaudharis, and the Pargana system as a formal administrative unit evolved more significantly under the Suri and Mughal administrations.
Consider the following statements regarding Military expeditions of Malik Kafur in Southern India:
1. The treaty signed with Prataparudra II of Warangal in 1309 required the immediate transfer of the Koh-i-Noor diamond to Alauddin Khalji's treasury as a condition for the withdrawal of troops.
2. Following the successful siege of Dvarasamudra in 1311, Malik Kafur established a permanent military garrison at the site to monitor trade routes leading to the Malabar Coast.
3. Malik Kafur's 1310 campaign against the Yadavas of Devagiri resulted in the permanent annexation of the kingdom and the appointment of a Delhi-based governor to oversee the administration.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because Malik Kafur's southern campaigns were primarily raids for tribute rather than territorial annexation. Statement 1 is false as the Koh-i-Noor was surrendered by the Kakatiyas, but it was not a specific condition for the withdrawal of troops in a formal treaty. Statement 2 is incorrect because Kafur did not establish permanent garrisons in the south, as Alauddin Khalji preferred a policy of vassalage and tribute collection over direct administrative control. Statement 3 is false because the Yadavas of Devagiri were reduced to tributary status under Ramachandra and his successor Shankara, but the kingdom was not permanently annexed or placed under a Delhi-based governor until the later Tughlaq period.
Consider the following statements regarding Trade routes and urban centers during the 13th and 14th centuries:
1. Iltutmish introduced the silver tanka and copper jital, which facilitated standardized currency exchange across the trade centers of Lahore and Daulatabad.
2. The Iqta system under the early Slave dynasty functioned as a decentralized tax collection mechanism, allowing local governors to retain full autonomy over inter-regional trade tariffs.
3. Jalaluddin Khalji relocated the imperial capital to Siri, a move intended to secure the trade routes passing through the Yamuna river valley from Mongol incursions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while Iltutmish introduced the silver tanka and copper jital, Daulatabad only became a major urban center under Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the 14th century. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Iqta system was a centralized administrative tool where the Sultan maintained strict control over the Muqtis, who were regularly transferred to prevent them from gaining autonomy over trade or local administration. Statement 3 is incorrect because it was Alauddin Khalji, not Jalaluddin, who built and established Siri as his capital, primarily as a defensive fortification against Mongol invasions rather than a strategic trade hub for the Yamuna valley.
Consider the following statements regarding Economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji and Market Control Policy:
1. The 'Mutsarrifs' were the state-appointed agents who collected grain directly from the peasants in the Doab region and transported it to the state granaries in Badaun.
2. Barani records that Alauddin Khalji fixed the price of superior quality rice at 5 jitals per maund and established the 'Sarai-i-Adl' as a dedicated market for imported luxury textiles.
3. Alauddin Khalji permitted the 'Banjaras' to operate as independent traders under the protection of the state, provided they registered their caravan routes with the 'Barids' in 1305 AD.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Mutsarrifs were officials appointed to oversee tax collection, but the state granaries were established in Delhi, not Badaun. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Sarai-i-Adl was indeed a market for luxury goods, the price of superior rice was fixed at 5 jitals per 5 maunds, not per maund. Statement 3 is incorrect because Alauddin Khalji forced Banjaras to settle in villages around Delhi to ensure a steady supply of grain, rather than allowing them to operate as independent traders.
Consider the following statements regarding The role of the Wazir and the central administrative hierarchy:
1. During the reign of Iltutmish, the office of the Wazir gained prominence, with Nizam-ul-Mulk Muhammad Junaidi serving as the first notable holder of the title.
2. The Wazir in the early Delhi Sultanate exercised direct control over the Diwan-i-Insha, which managed the royal correspondence and was headed by the Dabir-i-Khas.
3. Balban introduced the office of the Diwan-i-Arz to oversee military recruitment, and he appointed his son, Bughra Khan, as the first Ariz-i-Mamalik to ensure loyalty.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Nizam-ul-Mulk Muhammad Junaidi was indeed the first prominent Wazir under Iltutmish, marking the formalization of the office. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Diwan-i-Insha, which handled royal correspondence, was headed by the Dabir-i-Mamalik, not the Wazir, and functioned independently under the Sultan's direct supervision. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Balban created the Diwan-i-Arz to separate military administration from the Wazir's financial control, he appointed Imad-ul-Mulk as the first Ariz-i-Mamalik, not his son Bughra Khan.
Consider the following statements regarding Social and religious life under the early Delhi Sultans:
1. The Chahalgani, a group of forty elite slaves, was established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak to manage the administration of Lahore and was later disbanded by Iltutmish upon his accession in 1211.
2. The Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi written by Ziauddin Barani mentions that Jalal-ud-din Khalji allowed the construction of new Hindu temples in Delhi to promote religious harmony during his coronation in 1290.
3. The Futuh-us-Salatin, completed by Isami in 1350, records that Iltutmish granted land assignments known as iqtas to his Turkish officers to ensure the maintenance of troops.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as Iltutmish institutionalized the iqta system, granting land assignments to Turkish officers in exchange for military service and revenue collection. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Chahalgani (Turkan-i-Chahalgani) was established by Iltutmish to consolidate his power, not by Aibak, and it was later dismantled by Balban, not Iltutmish. Statement 2 is incorrect because Jalal-ud-din Khalji, despite his relatively moderate policies, did not permit the construction of new Hindu temples, as such actions were contrary to the orthodox Islamic state policies of the period.
Consider the following statements regarding Alauddin Khalji's price control mechanism and public distribution system:
1. Grain merchants known as 'Banjaras' were registered with the state and were encouraged to settle in the villages surrounding Delhi to facilitate the transport of supplies.
2. The state fixed the prices of essential commodities such as wheat at 7.5 jitals, barley at 4 jitals, and rice at 5 jitals per maund.
3. Alauddin Khalji introduced the 'Munhiyans', who were undercover spies tasked with monitoring the activities of the market inspectors and reporting any instances of hoarding.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Alauddin Khalji registered grain merchants (Banjaras) and incentivized them to settle near Delhi to ensure a steady supply chain. Statement 2 is correct because the Sultan fixed the prices of wheat at 7.5 jitals, barley at 4 jitals, and rice at 5 jitals per maund to maintain affordability for his large standing army. Statement 3 is correct as he appointed 'Munhiyans' (secret spies) alongside 'Shahna-i-Mandi' (market inspectors) to prevent hoarding and ensure strict adherence to the price regulations.
Consider the following statements regarding The significance of the Qutb Minar complex in early Sultanate legitimacy:
1. Qutb-ud-din Aibak initiated the construction of the Qutb Minar in 1193 CE to commemorate the victory of Muhammad Ghori over Prithviraj Chauhan.
2. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, located within the Qutb complex, was constructed using materials salvaged from twenty-seven demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
3. Iltutmish added three more storeys to the Qutb Minar, bringing the total height of the structure to its current form during his reign.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as Aibak commissioned the minaret in 1193 CE as a 'Victory Tower' to mark the establishment of Islamic rule following Ghori's victory. Statement 2 is correct, as historical inscriptions confirm that the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was built using spoils from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples, serving as a powerful symbol of political and religious dominance. Statement 3 is correct because while Aibak laid the foundation, Iltutmish completed the first storey and added three more, with Firoz Shah Tughlaq later adding the final two storeys after lightning damage.
Consider the following statements regarding Succession crises and the legitimacy of the Slave dynasty rulers:
1. Balban introduced the Persian court rituals of Sijda and Paibos to elevate the status of the Sultan above the nobility and emphasize the divine nature of kingship.
2. Raziya Sultan ascended the throne in 1236 after the brief and ineffective reign of her half-brother Rukn-ud-din Firuz, who was deposed by the citizens of Delhi.
3. Jalal-ud-din Khalji, the founder of the Khalji dynasty, ascended the throne in 1290 at the age of 70 after ending the rule of the last Mamluk ruler, Kayumars.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Balban implemented Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing the monarch's feet) to establish the theory of 'Zil-i-Ilahi' (Shadow of God), distancing the Sultan from the 'Chahalgani' nobility. Raziya Sultan took power in 1236 following the public-led deposition of the incompetent Rukn-ud-din Firuz, who had been placed on the throne by the queen mother Shah Turkan. Finally, Jalal-ud-din Khalji, a veteran commander, seized power in 1290 by overthrowing the infant Sultan Kayumars, the last titular ruler of the Mamluk dynasty, marking the end of the Slave dynasty.
Consider the following statements regarding Iltutmish's Turkan-i-Chahalgani and its impact on nobility:
1. Following the death of Iltutmish in 1236, the Chahalgani emerged as the primary kingmakers, frequently orchestrating the deposition and installation of successive rulers including Razia Sultan and Bahram Shah.
2. The members of the Chahalgani held key administrative and military positions, such as iqtadars and governors, which allowed them to exercise significant control over the Sultanate's revenue collection during the 1230s.
3. Balban, who rose to prominence as a member of the Chahalgani under Iltutmish, eventually dismantled the group's collective power structure after becoming Sultan in 1266 to restore the absolute prestige of the monarchy.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: the Chahalgani (Corps of Forty) acted as kingmakers following Iltutmish's death, actively manipulating the succession of rulers like Razia and Bahram Shah. They consolidated power by controlling vital iqtas and revenue collection, effectively dominating the administrative machinery of the Sultanate. Finally, Balban, himself a former member, systematically dismantled the Chahalgani upon ascending the throne in 1266 to eliminate rivals and establish the absolute, divine authority of the Sultan.
Consider the following statements regarding Alauddin Khalji's agrarian reforms and taxation (Kharaj and Charai):
1. The Ghari tax was introduced by Alauddin Khalji as a levy on houses, and it was primarily collected alongside the Kharaj by the local Muqaddams in the Bengal province.
2. Under the agrarian reforms, the state established the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj to oversee the military administration, while simultaneously fixing the Kharaj at one-third of the produce.
3. The measurement of land based on 'Biswa' units was implemented during the reign of Jalaluddin Khalji, and this system served as the foundation for Alauddin's taxation of the Doab.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Ghari (house tax) and Charai (pasture tax) were introduced by Alauddin Khalji in the Delhi region, not Bengal. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj was a department created to recover arrears from revenue officials, not for military administration, and Alauddin fixed the Kharaj at one-half (50%) of the produce, not one-third. Statement 3 is incorrect because Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan to introduce the systematic measurement of land (paimaish) and the use of the Biswa unit for tax assessment, not his predecessor Jalaluddin.
Consider the following statements regarding Architectural transition from Mamluk style to Khalji structural innovations:
1. The Khalji architectural style introduced the use of red sandstone and white marble inlays, a decorative transition from the predominantly grey stone masonry of the Mamluk period.
2. Balban's tomb, built in 1287, is recognized by historians as the first structure in India to feature the true dome, predating the Alai Darwaza by two decades.
3. Qutb-ud-din Aibak commissioned the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in 1193, utilizing materials salvaged from twenty-seven demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Khalji architecture introduced the 'true' arch and dome along with refined decorative techniques like red sandstone and white marble inlays, contrasting with the Mamluk's simpler grey stone structures. Statement 3 is correct because Qutb-ud-din Aibak commissioned the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in 1193 using spolia from 27 demolished temples. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Balban's tomb features the first true arch in India, the Alai Darwaza (built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311) is widely recognized by historians as the first building in India to employ the 'true dome' using scientific principles.
Consider the following statements regarding Alauddin Khalji's agrarian reforms and taxation (Kharaj and Charai):
1. Alauddin Khalji fixed the state's share of land revenue at 50 percent of the total produce, which was collected in kind from the Doab region.
2. Alauddin Khalji replaced the existing Iqta system with a direct collection mechanism in the year 1306, and this policy resulted in the abolition of the post of Chaudhury in the Delhi region.
3. The Charai tax was applicable to all livestock including horses used for military purposes, and the revenue collected from this source was deposited directly into the Diwan-i-Arz.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct because Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan to fix land revenue (Kharaj) at 50% of the produce, specifically targeting the fertile Doab region to maintain a large standing army. Statement 2 is incorrect because while he increased state control, he did not abolish the Iqta system entirely, nor did he eliminate the hereditary offices of local headmen like the Chaudhury, Khut, and Muqaddam; he merely curtailed their traditional privileges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Charai tax (grazing tax) was levied on milch cattle and sheep, but it explicitly exempted horses and other animals used for military purposes to encourage the maintenance of cavalry.
Consider the following statements regarding Military expeditions of Malik Kafur in Southern India:
1. The 1313 expedition to Devagiri was led by Malik Kafur to suppress the rebellion of Ramachandra Deva, who had stopped paying the tribute promised after the 1307 conflict.
2. The Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala III submitted to the forces of Malik Kafur in 1311 and agreed to pay an annual tribute to the Delhi Sultanate.
3. Amir Khusrau, who accompanied Malik Kafur on his southern campaigns, recorded in the Khazain-ul-Futuh that the Sultanate forces established a mint in Madurai to facilitate the collection of revenue.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala III surrendered to Malik Kafur in 1311 and agreed to pay tribute to the Delhi Sultanate. Statement 1 is incorrect because Ramachandra Deva remained a loyal vassal after 1307, and the 1313 expedition was led by Malik Kafur against his son, Singhana, who had rebelled after his father's death. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Amir Khusrau documented the campaigns in Khazain-ul-Futuh, there is no historical evidence that the Sultanate forces established a mint in Madurai; the primary objective of these expeditions was the extraction of wealth and tribute rather than administrative occupation.
Consider the following statements regarding Iltutmish's Turkan-i-Chahalgani and its impact on nobility:
1. The Chahalgani structure was modeled after the administrative reforms of the Ghaznavid Empire and functioned as a consultative council that held the power to veto the Sultan's military appointments.
2. Razia Sultan successfully curtailed the influence of the Chahalgani by appointing Yakut Khan as the Amir-i-Akhur, a move that gained the support of the Turkish nobility during the 1238 rebellion.
3. Alauddin Khalji inherited the Chahalgani system upon his accession in 1296 and utilized the forty officers to implement his market control regulations in the Delhi region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Corps of Forty) was a body of elite Turkish slave-officers created by Iltutmish to consolidate his power, not a consultative council with veto power over the Sultan. Statement 2 is incorrect as Razia Sultan's appointment of the Abyssinian Malik Yaqut as Amir-i-Akhur alienated the Turkish nobility, becoming a primary cause of their rebellion rather than a source of support. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chahalgani had already been systematically dismantled and neutralized by Balban long before Alauddin Khalji ascended the throne in 1296.
Consider the following statements regarding The transition from military governorship to centralized autocracy:
1. Iltutmish issued the silver Tanka and copper Jital to standardize the currency, which facilitated the collection of land revenue in kind throughout the provinces of Bengal and Bihar.
2. The transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad by Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a continuation of the strategic military decentralization initiated by the early Khalji rulers.
3. The assassination of Jalaluddin Khalji by his nephew Alauddin in 1296 at Kara marked the definitive shift toward a more aggressive, centralized autocracy in the Delhi Sultanate.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because Alauddin Khalji’s ascension in 1296 marked a transition to absolute autocracy, characterized by the suppression of nobility and direct state control over the agrarian economy. Statement 1 is incorrect because Iltutmish introduced the Tanka and Jital to standardize currency, but land revenue was primarily collected in cash, not kind, and his authority was limited in the eastern provinces. Statement 2 is incorrect because Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s transfer of the capital to Daulatabad was an attempt at centralizing control over the Deccan, which contradicted the decentralized military governorship model favored by the early Khaljis.
Consider the following statements regarding Military organization and the introduction of Dagh and Chehra:
1. Iltutmish organized the 'Iqta' system, which provided for the assignment of land revenue to military commanders in lieu of cash salaries.
2. The 'Dagh' system was first implemented by Iltutmish in 1229 AD to standardize the quality of the cavalry, and it was later refined by the Tughlaq dynasty to include the registration of infantry archers.
3. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, the central government maintained a standing army of approximately 475,000 cavalrymen to counter the Mongol threat.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system to manage his military by granting land revenue rights to commanders in exchange for service. Statement 3 is correct because Alauddin Khalji established a massive standing army, estimated by chroniclers like Barani to be around 475,000 cavalrymen, to secure the frontiers against Mongol invasions. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers) systems were introduced by Alauddin Khalji to curb corruption, not by Iltutmish.
Consider the following statements regarding Trade routes and urban centers during the 13th and 14th centuries:
1. The construction of the Alai Darwaza in 1311 served as a commercial hub for the Qutb complex, functioning as a customs house for merchants arriving from Central Asia.
2. Marco Polo visited the court of Alauddin Khalji in 1296, documenting the extensive maritime trade networks linking the Malabar Coast to the ports of the Persian Gulf.
3. The establishment of the 'Diwan-i-Riyasat' by Ghiyas-ud-din Balban provided a regulatory framework for merchants to conduct business in the urban markets of Lakhnauti and Delhi.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Alai Darwaza was constructed by Alauddin Khalji as a monumental gateway to the Qutb complex, not as a customs house. Statement 2 is incorrect because Marco Polo visited the Pandya Kingdom in South India around 1292-1294 and never visited the court of Alauddin Khalji in Delhi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 'Diwan-i-Riyasat' was an office established by Alauddin Khalji to regulate the markets and prices, not by Balban.
Consider the following statements regarding Administrative divisions: Iqta, Shiq, and Pargana in the early Sultanate:
1. The Shiq emerged as an administrative unit during the early Sultanate period, serving as an intermediary division between the Iqta and the Pargana.
2. The Muqti, as the administrator of an Iqta, held the responsibility of maintaining law and order while being obligated to remit the surplus revenue to the central treasury.
3. During the reign of Alauddin Khalji, the central government increased its direct control over the Khalisa lands, reducing the reliance on intermediaries for tax collection.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Shiq was introduced in the 14th century as a sub-division of the Iqta to improve administrative oversight. Statement 2 is correct because the Muqti (or Wali) was a military governor tasked with maintaining order and collecting revenue, from which they paid their troops and sent the surplus (fawazil) to the Sultan. Statement 3 is correct because Alauddin Khalji implemented radical agrarian reforms, expanding Khalisa (crown lands) and directly assessing land revenue to curb the power of local intermediaries like Khuts and Muqaddams.
Consider the following statements regarding Iqta system evolution from Qutb-ud-din Aibak to Iltutmish:
1. The Iqta granted by Iltutmish was initially a non-hereditary assignment, intended to ensure the loyalty of the military elite to the central authority in Delhi.
2. Under Iltutmish, the Iqtadars were responsible for the collection of land revenue from their assigned territories and were expected to maintain a fixed number of troops for the Sultan's service.
3. Iltutmish introduced the practice of 'Wali' or 'Muqti' as the official in charge of an Iqta, who held administrative and military authority over the designated region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system by making it a non-hereditary assignment to prevent the rise of a landed aristocracy and ensure military loyalty. Under this system, Muqtis or Iqtadars were tasked with collecting revenue to maintain their assigned troop quotas for the Sultan, while simultaneously exercising administrative and military control over their territories. All three statements are historically accurate as they reflect the structural transformation of the Iqta from a loose military grant under Aibak into a formal administrative mechanism under Iltutmish.