Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 9 History Civics Chapter 9 The Delhi Sultanate

Question 1. Who laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate?
Answer: The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak.
In simple words: Qutub-ud-din Aibak was the ruler who first set up the Delhi Sultanate.
Exam Tip: Always remember that Qutub-ud-din Aibak was the founder and first ruler of the Slave Dynasty, which began the Sultanate.

Question 2. Name any two Inscriptions to reconstruct the age of the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: Two major written records used to study this era are:
1. The Pehowa Inscription
2. The Sarban Inscription
In simple words: We can learn about this period by reading ancient writings like the Pehowa and Sarban inscriptions.

Exam Tip: Remembering the names of these two key inscriptions is very useful for scoring quick marks in short-answer questions.

Question 3. Mention any two ways in which Inscriptions may be used for reconstructing the history of the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: Inscriptions help rebuild history in the following ways:
1. Supporting historical sources: Inscriptions serve as useful additions rather than the main source of knowledge for this period. They are discovered on various items like coins, structures, markers, and graves. These writings appear in languages like Sanskrit, Arabic, or a mix of both. An instance of this is the initial coin released by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji, which contains text in both scripts. Additionally, the well-known explorer Ibn Batuta discovered and read a special memorial writing at Delhi's Jama Masjid.
2. Information on cities and rulers: The Pehowa writing from the era of the Pratihara ruler Mahendrapala indicates that the Tomara Rajput clan established Delhi around 736 AD. It describes how the Tomaras governed the Haryana territory using Dhilika, or Delhi, as their main city. Meanwhile, the Sarban writing, discovered in a South Delhi village, provides a short historical summary of Delhi leading up to the rule of Muhammad Tughlaq between 1325 and 1351.
In simple words: Writings on old coins, buildings, and stones help us learn who built Delhi and how the rulers governed. These inscriptions were written in different languages like Sanskrit and Arabic.

Exam Tip: Be sure to mention specific examples like the Pehowa or Sarban inscriptions to get full marks in your answer.

Question 4. Mention any two architectural features of Qutab Minar.
Answer: Two key design elements of the monument are:
1. The main entry point to this monument is a northern door. On the inside, a winding set of stairs guides visitors up to the various balconies.
2. The structure was built using grey quartzite, marble, and red sandstone, making it the tallest stone tower across the nation.
In simple words: The tower has an entrance on the north side with a winding staircase inside. It is built from materials like red sandstone and marble.

Exam Tip: Focus on describing the building materials and internal layout when discussing the architectural features of the Qutab Minar.

Question 5. Mention any two measures taken by Alauddin Khalji for control of the Market.
Answer: Two methods used by the ruler to regulate the economy were:
1. He decided the exact prices for every product sold, ranging from basic items like grains, sugar, and oil to small goods like needles, expensive cloths, and even livestock or slaves.
2. The Sultan established three separate market areas in Delhi - one for grains, another for textiles, and a third for horses and labor. These were managed by a supervisor called the 'Shahna' who severely punished anyone caught cheating.
In simple words: Alauddin Khalji set fixed prices for all goods, from food to needles. He also created three different markets in Delhi overseen by a special officer to stop cheating.

Exam Tip: Remember the term 'Shahna' (market controller) as it is a crucial keyword for questions about Alauddin Khalji's economic reforms.

Question 6. Mention any two schemes of Muhammed Tughlaq that failed and made him extremely unpopular.
Answer: Two unsuccessful policies of the ruler that turned the public against him were:
1. Raising tax rates in the fertile Doab region, which was the land lying between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
2. Relocating the main seat of power from Delhi to Devagiri, renamed Daulatabad, to establish a capital closer to the center of his empire. He forced the entire population of Delhi to make this long journey, which caused immense suffering.
In simple words: Muhammad bin Tughlaq raised taxes in the Doab region during a bad time, and he forced everyone in Delhi to move to a new capital far away. Both ideas failed completely.

Exam Tip: Be clear on the geographical names: 'Doab' (land between Ganga and Yamuna) and 'Devagiri/Daulatabad' when describing these failed projects.

Question 7. Why did Muhammad Tughlak’s scheme for increased taxation in Doab fail ?
Answer: A terrible food shortage occurred in the region due to a lack of rainfall. Although the locals tried to protest, the royal tax collectors kept demanding payments without pity. Consequently, farmers had no choice but to leave their agricultural fields. Although the ruler later attempted to support them by offering financial aid for purchasing farming animals and seeds, as well as constructing water wells, the entire policy had already collapsed.
In simple words: A severe drought caused a famine in the Doab, but the officials still forced the farmers to pay high taxes. The farmers fled their land, and even though the king tried to help later with loans, it was too late.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that the natural disaster (famine/drought) combined with the harsh attitude of the tax collectors was the main reason the policy failed.

Question 8. Mention any one reason why Muhammad Tughlaq decided to transfer his Capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad) ?
Answer: Around 1327, the Sultan resolved to relocate his administrative center to Devagiri, renamed Daulatabad, because it sat in a central geographic position within his expanding territory. However, forcing the entire population of Delhi to travel to this new location was highly unpopular and led to disaster. Once the ruler realized that this plan was a total failure, he permitted the citizens to journey back to Delhi.
In simple words: The Sultan moved the capital because Devagiri was in the center of his empire, making it easier to rule. But forcing everyone to walk there was a big mistake, and he had to let them go back.

Exam Tip: Mention the year (1327) and the geographic benefit (central location to control the Deccan) to write a complete answer.

Question 9. Who was the greatest of the Lodi Kings?
Answer: Among all the rulers of the Lodi dynasty, Sikandar Lodi is considered the most outstanding.
In simple words: Sikandar Lodi was the most successful and powerful king of the Lodi dynasty.

Exam Tip: Sikandar Lodi is also known for founding the city of Agra, which is a great extra fact to remember.

Question 10. Who was the commander-in-chief of the army during the Sultanate period ?
Answer: The reigning monarch or Sultan served as the ultimate head and commander of all military forces during this time.
In simple words: The king himself was the head of the entire army during this time.

Exam Tip: In the Delhi Sultanate, absolute power was concentrated in the hands of the Sultan, including full military command.

Question 11. Who was the highest officer in the government during the Delhi Sultanate ?
Answer: The most senior official in the Sultanate's administration was the Wazir, who functioned as the Chief Minister.
In simple words: The Wazir was the most powerful officer, like a Prime Minister today.

Exam Tip: The Wazir led the finance department and supervised other administrative branches.

Question 12. Name the two important provinces under Khljis and the Tughlaqs.
Answer: Prominent territories governed during the Khalji and Tughlaq reigns included Bengal, Gujarat, Malwa, Jaunpur, Khandesh, and the Deccan region.
In simple words: Important regions ruled by these dynasties included places like Bengal, Gujarat, and Malwa.

Exam Tip: Although the question asks for two, remembering a few more (like Bengal and Gujarat) ensures you have backup options during exams.

Question 13. Mention any two sources of revenue during the Sultanate period.
Answer: The primary ways the government collected funds were:
1. Agricultural tax, which typically amounted to about ten percent of the crop yield.
2. Valuable wealth seized during military campaigns and battles.
In simple words: The government made money from taxes on crops grown by farmers and from treasures won during wars.

Exam Tip: Mention the land tax ratio (one-tenth) to make your answer more precise and impressive.

Question 14. Name any two archaeological sources to reconstruct the age fo the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: Two physical structures from this period that help us study its history are:
1. The Qutab Minar
2. The Alai Darwaza (Illahi Darwaza)
In simple words: We can study this history by looking at famous buildings like the Qutab Minar and the Alai Darwaza.

Exam Tip: Archaeological sources include physical monuments and buildings built by the sultans.

Question 15. Mention any two ways in which Iltutmish consolidated the Turkish conquests in India?
Answer: Two major steps taken by Iltutmish to secure his rule were:
1. He successfully crushed uprisings by the nobility and defeated rebellious regional leaders in Bengal and Sindh.
2. He established Delhi as the official center of his empire and launched the first authentic Arabic currency system in the region.
In simple words: Iltutmish stopped revolts by local leaders and nobles. He also made Delhi the capital and started using new Arabic coins.

Exam Tip: Focus on his political actions (crushing rebellions) and administrative steps (capital shift, coinage) to highlight consolidation.

Question 16. Who was Razia Sultana? Who plotted against her?
Answer: Razia Sultana was the daughter of the ruler Iltutmish. She lost her life due to a conspiracy by her own court nobles, who planned against her and her spouse Altunia, leading to their assassination in 1240.
In simple words: Razia Sultana was Iltutmish's daughter and a rare female ruler. Her own nobles conspired against her and her husband, having them killed in 1240.

Exam Tip: Clearly mention the names of Iltutmish, her husband Altunia, and the year 1240 in your answer.

Question 17. What measures were taken by Balban to crush the Turkish Nobles?
Answer: Balban implemented a harsh and strict administrative approach. He restored peace around the capital and created a sense of terror among the nobility by handing out heavy penalties for minor mistakes, including public whipping in some cases. He also heavily reinforced the defensive positions along the northwestern borders.
In simple words: Balban was extremely strict. He punished nobles severely even for small mistakes to make them fear him, and he made the borders strong to protect the kingdom.

Exam Tip: Mention the policy of "Blood and Iron" (sternness and severity) and the use of harsh punishments as key points.

Question 18. Mention any two new elements of architecture style introduced by the Muslims in India.
Answer: Two architectural innovations brought during this era were:
1. Creating large, open structures with plenty of natural light and ventilation.
2. Introducing distinct designs for places of worship and burial monuments, known as mosques and tombs.
In simple words: They started building open, airy places and introduced structures like mosques and tombs to India.

Exam Tip: Focus on features like domes, arches, or open spaces when describing Islamic architectural elements.

Question 19. Mention two important features of mosques.
Answer: Two prominent characteristics of these structures are:
1. A large, open central courtyard that is enclosed by a pillared gallery or veranda.
2. A main prayer area featuring a special niche called a Mehrab on the west wall, showing the direction of Mecca.
In simple words: Mosques have a big open courtyard with pillars around it, and a prayer hall with a special wall arch called a Mehrab.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write the term 'Mehrab' and explain that it points towards the west (in India) to face Mecca.

Question 20. How did Alaudin Khalji expand his empire?
Answer: The Sultan launched successful military campaigns into Malwa and Gujarat, and overcame Rajput leaders in Chittor and Ranthambore. After securing the north, he targeted the rich southern territories of the Deccan, including the Yadavas, Kakatiyas, Hoysalas, and Pandyas. This southern expansion was led by his trusted general, Malik Kafur.
In simple words: Alauddin Khalji attacked northern areas like Gujarat and Malwa, and then sent his general Malik Kafur to defeat rich kingdoms in South India.

Exam Tip: Mention the division of his campaigns into Northern India and Southern India, naming Malik Kafur as the key military commander.

Question 21. Who was Timur Lang?
Answer: Timur Lang, frequently called Timur the Lame, was an aggressive ruler from Central Asia who attacked and plundered Delhi.
In simple words: Timur Lang was a powerful foreign ruler from Central Asia who invaded and destroyed Delhi.

Exam Tip: Knowing that he invaded in 1398 AD is an excellent additional historical detail to include.

Structured Questions

Question 1. Give a brief account of the reign of Alauddin Khalji under the following headings.
(a) His main conquests
(b) Treatment meted out to the rulers of Southern India.
Answer:
(a) The Sultan expanded his territory by attacking Gujarat and Malwa, and capturing the Rajput strongholds of Chittor and Ranthambore. He then expanded his reach to the wealthy southern empires of the Deccan, defeating kingdoms like the Yadavas of Devagiri, the Kakatiyas of Warangal, the Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, and the Pandyas of Madurai.
(b) Unlike the northern territories, the southern kingdoms were not directly integrated into the Sultanate. The general Malik Kafur looted immense wealth, including gold, horses, and elephants. However, the local rulers were allowed to keep their thrones on the condition that they accepted the Sultan's supremacy and regularly paid him taxes for protection.
In simple words: (a) Alauddin conquered major regions in both North and South India. (b) Instead of taking over South Indian kingdoms completely, he let their kings rule as long as they paid him tribute.

Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate between his policy of direct annexation in the North and indirect vassalage (suzerainty) in the South.

Question 2. Why did Muhammad Tughlaq’s following schemes prove a failure?
(a) An increase in taxation in the Doab.
(b) Introduction of Token Currency.
Answer:
(a) To boost his financial resources, the ruler raised taxes in the fertile land situated between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. However, this policy was ruined because the region suffered from a prolonged and severe dry spell during that exact period.
(b) Around 1329, the Sultan launched a new currency system by declaring that cheap brass and copper coins would hold equal value to precious gold and silver money. This plan collapsed because fake coins were easily made by ordinary citizens in their own households, driving genuine precious metals out of the market. Consequently, commercial trade came to a complete halt.
In simple words: (a) Higher taxes in the Doab failed because a severe drought hit the region, leaving farmers with nothing. (b) The new brass and copper coins failed because people easily made fake coins at home, stopping all trade.

Exam Tip: For the token currency question, mention the year 1329 and the issue of widespread counterfeiting (forgery) as the primary cause of failure.

Question 3. Give an account of the administration of the Sultanate of Delhi under the following heads:
(a) Position of the Sultan
(b) His Ministers
Answer:
(a) The ruler possessed absolute and unrestricted power. He functioned as the supreme executive head and the ultimate judge of the judicial system. Furthermore, he directed all military forces as their chief commander. The Sultan's authority was vast, bearing full responsibility for protecting the domain. People could approach him directly to report abusive behavior by local officials. No legal path existed to depose a ruler; a successful armed rebellion, which often triggered a civil war, was the only way to replace him.
(b) Since running the entire empire alone was impossible, the ruler relied on several key assistants. The prime official was the Wazir, who oversaw the administration as Chief Minister. Additional important ministers included the Diwan for managing finances, the Qazi to oversee legal affairs and justice, and the Ariz to manage the military. The defense minister's main duties involved enlisting, training, supplying, and compensating the military personnel.
In simple words: (a) The Sultan had total power over the army, court, and government. He could only be removed by a war. (b) He was helped by ministers like the Wazir (Chief Minister) and the Ariz (Military Minister) to run the country.

Exam Tip: Be sure to memorize the specific titles of the ministers (Wazir, Diwan, Qazi, Ariz) along with their specific departments.

Question 4. Study the picture of Qutab Minar and answer the following questions:
(a) Where is it located ?
(b) Name the rulers who started and completed the construction of the structure.
(c) Name the Muslim Saint after whom the structure is named.
(d) Mention three important features of the structure.
Answer:
(a) This historic monument is situated in the city of Delhi.
(b) The initial building work was launched by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, whereas the completion of the tower was achieved under the rule of Iltutmish.
(c) It was named in honor of the revered Sufi saint Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki, who originally came from Ush near Baghdad.
(d) Three notable characteristics are:
1. It is a round tower reaching a total height of about 72.5 meters.
2. It consists of five levels that get narrower towards the top, divided by sticking-out balconies. Each level displays unique designs along with beautifully crafted Arabic writings.
3. The main entry point is on the northern face of the building, with a winding inner staircase that goes up to each level.
In simple words: (a) The Qutab Minar is in Delhi. (b) Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it, and Iltutmish finished it. (c) It is named after the Sufi saint Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki. (d) It is a tall, round, five-story tower with a staircase inside and balconies on each floor.

Exam Tip: Be ready to identify the two specific rulers associated with starting and finishing the construction, as this is a common objective-type question.

Additional Questions

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. Who was the founder of the slave dynasty in India ?
Answer: The establishment of the Slave dynasty in India is credited to Qutubuddin Aibak.
In simple words: Qutubuddin Aibak was the first king who started the Slave dynasty in India.

Exam Tip: The Slave Dynasty is also known as the Mamluk Dynasty, which is an important synonym to know.

Question 2. Why was Qutubuddin known as Lakhbaksh ?
Answer: The ruler was called Lakhbaksh due to his extremely generous nature and his habit of giving away huge sums of money to the needy.
In simple words: He was called Lakhbaksh because he gave away lots of money to poor people.

Exam Tip: The word 'Lakhbaksh' literally translates to 'giver of lakhs' (giver of huge wealth).

Question 3. Mention any two military reforms introduced by Alauddin.
Answer: Two major defense policies introduced by the Sultan were:
1. He established a permanent standing military force and began branding war horses (dagh) to ensure soldiers did not swap high-quality mounts for weaker ones.
2. He implemented a detailed descriptive roll system called chehra, which acted as an early form of identification card for each soldier.
In simple words: Alauddin created a permanent army, started branding horses so soldiers couldn't swap them, and gave soldiers ID cards called chehra.

Exam Tip: Use the specific terms 'dagh' (branding of horses) and 'chehra' (descriptive roll/ID cards) to score maximum marks.

Question 4. How did Alauddin Khalji expand his empire ?
Answer: After securing control over vast areas of Northern India, the Sultan defeated several kingdoms in the South around 1313, including Warangal, Devagiri, Dwarasamudra, and Madurai. He used the yearly taxes and wealth paid by these vassal states to fund and maintain his vast military.
In simple words: Alauddin ruled a large part of North India and then took over southern kingdoms, forcing them to pay him money every year to support his army.

Exam Tip: Explain that his expansion involved direct control in the North but extracting tributes from the conquered kingdoms in the South.

Question 5. Mention the two controversial steps taken by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.
Answer: Two of the most disputed policies of the Sultan were:
1. Moving the imperial administrative seat from Delhi to Devagiri.
2. Launching a new economic system using brass and copper token coins.
In simple words: His two most famous controversial ideas were shifting the capital to Devagiri and introducing cheap metal token coins.

Exam Tip: Keep these two main points handy, as they are the standard examples used to describe Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's reign.

Question 6. Which dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate built The Qutab Minar ?
Answer: The construction of this monumental tower was initiated in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who belonged to the Slave dynasty of Delhi.
In simple words: The Slave dynasty started building the Qutab Minar under king Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write both the name of the dynasty (Slave/Mamluk) and the year 1199 AD for a complete answer.

Question 7. Who was the commander-in-chief of the army during the Sultanate period ?
Answer: The reigning monarch or Sultan served as the ultimate head and commander of all military forces during this time.
In simple words: The king had supreme command over the entire military.

Exam Tip: The Sultan held absolute authority over all administrative, judicial, and military affairs.

Question 8. Name the department which dealt with state correspondence during the Sultanate period.
Answer: The administrative department responsible for handling official government communications and letters was known as the Diwan-i-insha.
In simple words: The department that managed all official letters and messages was called Diwan-i-insha.

Exam Tip: Remembering the Persian names of departments like 'Diwan-i-insha' is critical for scoring full marks.

Question 9. What was the iqta system ?
Answer: Under this administrative setup, the kingdom was partitioned into smaller regions referred to as iqtas. The method of allocating tax collection rights from these specific areas to officials was known as the iqta system, and the recipients were called iqtadars. These officers used the collected taxes to cover their personal living costs, support their households, and maintain a troop of soldiers to assist the ruler during military conflicts.
In simple words: The empire was divided into regions called iqtas, given to officers called iqtadars. They collected taxes from these lands to pay for themselves and keep soldiers ready for the king.

Exam Tip: Explain the dual role of iqtadars: collecting tax revenue and providing military support to the Sultan when needed.

Question 10. Name the author of the book, Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi.
Answer: This famous historical manuscript was composed by the chronicler Ziauddin Barani.
In simple words: Ziauddin Barani wrote the historical book Tarikh-i-Firuzshahi.

Exam Tip: Ziauddin Barani is one of the most important contemporary historians for studying the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 11. Why were the early rulers of slave dynasty called the Mamluk Sultans ?
Answer: These initial monarchs received this name because they had originally been enslaved by Turkish rulers or were born to parents who were slaves themselves.
In simple words: They were called Mamluks because these kings were once slaves of Turkish rulers or were the children of slaves.

Exam Tip: The word 'Mamluk' is an Arabic term meaning 'owned', referring to their origin as military slaves.

Question 12. Mention any two reasons for the defeat of Rajputs by the Turks.
Answer: Two key factors that led to the military success of the Turks over the Rajputs were:
1. The Turkish military was led by highly skilled generals from various regions who utilized advanced combat strategies, whereas Rajput forces relied on old, traditional methods of warfare.
2. While Rajput fighters were outstanding at close-range combat with swords and spears, their archery skills were far less developed than those of the Turks, who exploited this vulnerability.
In simple words: The Turks used modern war strategies and were far better archers, while the Rajputs used older tactics and were weaker at long-range fighting.

Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between the innovative tactics/superior archery of the Turks and the traditional style of the Rajputs.

Question 13. Who was Muhammad Ghori ? Why did he invade India ?
Answer: Muhammad Ghori, originally named Shahabuddin Muhammad or Muizzuddin Muhammad bin Sam, took the throne of Ghazni in modern Afghanistan in 1173. Being highly ambitious, he aimed to build a vast empire in the Indian subcontinent. He was drawn by the immense wealth and military assets of India, which he planned to use to defend and strengthen his home kingdom. Consequently, after securing his base at Ghazni, he launched multiple invasions into India between 1175 and 1206.
In simple words: Muhammad Ghori was a ruler from Ghazni who wanted to build an empire in India. He invaded multiple times to capture India's rich wealth to support his own kingdom.

Exam Tip: Mention his original names and the span of his invasions (1175 to 1206) to demonstrate deep historical knowledge.

Question 14. Mention the four architectural features brought in by the Turks in India.
Answer: The design style introduced by these rulers was marked by four primary elements: minarets, domes, arches, and supported roofs. For decorative work, they favored geometric layouts and flowery patterns, often pairing them with carved sections showing holy Quranic verses.
In simple words: The Turks brought arches, domes, minarets, and supported roofs to India. They decorated their buildings with flower patterns and verses from the Quran.

Exam Tip: List the four main features clearly (dome, minaret, arch, propped roof) and mention their unique style of floral/geometric decoration.

Question 15. Who was Razia Sultana ? To which dynasty did she belong?
Answer: She was the daughter of the king Iltutmish and ruled as a member of the Slave dynasty.
In simple words: Razia Sultana was the daughter of Iltutmish, and she belonged to the Slave dynasty.

Exam Tip: Remember that Razia Sultana is notable for being the first and only female Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 16. What measures were taken by Alauddin Khalji for regulating the prices ?
Answer: To regulate the economy, the Sultan set fixed rates for every single item, from daily necessities like grains, cooking oil, and sugar, to items like needles, high-end imported fabric, and livestock. He opened three distinct marketplaces in Delhi catering to different categories of goods, all supervised by a controller named a Shahna. Anyone who attempted to cheat buyers was severely punished.
In simple words: Alauddin Khalji controlled prices by fixing the cost of every product, from food to clothes. He built three markets in Delhi under a supervisor called the Shahna.

Exam Tip: Mention the fixed pricing list and the three markets managed by the Shahna as the main administrative actions.

Question 17. Mention any two measures taken by Alauddin Khilji to crush the power of the nobles.
Answer: Three of the major steps taken by the Sultan to control his court were:
1. Courtiers were banned from organizing social gatherings, festivals, or forming marriage connections unless they received direct clearance from the ruler.
2. The consumption of alcoholic beverages and other intoxicating substances was completely prohibited.
3. Engaging in gambling was strictly banned, with violators facing harsh consequences.
In simple words: Alauddin stopped nobles from holding parties or marriages without permission, banned alcohol, and outlawed gambling.

Exam Tip: These restrictions were meant to prevent the nobles from plotting conspiracies against the Sultan.

Question 18. With reference to the Delhi Sultanate, mention to which dynasties the following belonged:
(a) Razia Sultana
(b) lbrahim Lodhi
(c) Firoz Shah
(d) Qutb-ud-Din Aibak
Answer:
(a) Razia Sultana belonged to the Slave Dynasty.
(b) Ibrahim Lodi belonged to the Lodi Dynasty.
(c) Firoz Shah belonged to the Tughlaq Dynasty.
(d) Qutb-ud-Din Aibak belonged to the Slave Dynasty.
In simple words: Razia and Qutb-ud-Din were part of the Slave dynasty, Ibrahim belonged to the Lodi dynasty, and Firoz Shah was a Tughlaq ruler.

Exam Tip: Memorizing the chronological order of the five dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate (Slave, Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi) is essential for objective questions.

Structured Questions

Question 1. With reference to the sources of information about the Delhi Sultanate, give the significance of the following:
(a) Inscriptions
(b) Qutub Minar
Answer:
(a) Written records act as helpful supplementary material rather than the primary source of facts for this period. These texts are located on various surfaces including tomb markers, ancient buildings, distance markers, and coins. The languages used for these writings include Sanskrit, Arabic, or a combination of both. An example is the first currency coin minted by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khilji, which contains both Arabic and Sanskrit text. In addition, the famous traveller Ibn Batuta recorded a commemorative writing at the Jama Masjid in Delhi, which he translated.
(b) Work on this monumental tower commenced around 1199 AD under Qutub-ud-din Aibak. It was built in honor of the widely respected Sufi mystic, Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki, who was deeply loved by local citizens. The building was ultimately finished in 1230 AD by Iltutmish. The tower is decorated with beautifully carved floral patterns, detailed designs, and holy verses from the Quran.
In simple words: (a) Old writings on coins and buildings give us extra details about the rulers in Sanskrit and Arabic. (b) The Qutub Minar, started in 1199 and finished in 1230, was dedicated to a Sufi saint and features holy carvings.

Exam Tip: Mention the starting year (1199 AD) and completion year (1230 AD) along with the name of Sufi Saint Bakhtiyar Kaki to secure full marks.

2. With reference to the Slave dynasty, answer the following questions:

Question 2(a). Why were the early rulers of the Slave dynasty called the Mamluk Sultans ?
Answer: The term Mamluk comes from an Arabic word signifying 'owned'. These leaders received this name because they had initially served as Turkish military slaves or were the offspring of such individuals.
In simple words: 'Mamluk' means 'owned' in Arabic. These kings were called Mamluk Sultans because they or their fathers had been Turkish military slaves.

Exam Tip: Be sure to define the Arabic origin and meaning of 'Mamluk' to write a complete answer.

Question 2(b). Who was Qutubuddin Aibak ? State any two of his qualities.
Answer: He is recognized as the pioneer of the Slave dynasty. He was highly educated and deeply appreciated literature, inviting respected scholars such as Fakhre Mudir and Hasan Nizami to his royal court. Two of his key traits were:
1. His incredible generosity, which earned him the name 'Lakhbaksh' for donating heavily to the public.
2. His dedication to monumental architecture, as seen when he initiated the building of the Qutub Minar to honor the Sufi mystic Khwaja Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki.
In simple words: He started the Slave dynasty, loved books and scholars, was very generous to the poor, and started building the Qutub Minar.

Exam Tip: Highlight his love for literature (naming court scholars) and his charitable nature ('Lakhbaksh') as his main qualities.

3. With reference to the Khilji dynasty, answer the following questions:

Question 3(a). What were the steps taken by Alauddin Khilji to regulate prices ?
Answer: The Sultan established uniform prices for all essential items, including cooking oil, sugar, and food grains. To enforce this, he built three distinct marketplaces in Delhi: the first for agricultural grains, the second for high-quality fabrics, and the third for labor, horses, and livestock. Each area was supervised by an official called a Shahna, and severe penalties were handed out to any merchants caught under-weighing items or cheating customers.
In simple words: He set fixed prices for all items and created three separate markets in Delhi. An officer called the Shahna made sure no one cheated or gave short weight.

Exam Tip: Make sure to mention the three specific categories of markets and the role of the 'Shahna' in enforcing these price controls.

Question 3(b). What were the methods adopted by Alauddin Khilji to crush the power of the nobility ?
Answer: To address the series of conspiracies he faced upon taking power, the Sultan took several steps to limit the influence of his courtiers:
1. He prohibited the aristocracy from hosting private celebrations, social parties, or establishing marital bonds without direct imperial consent.
2. He put a total ban on consuming alcohol and other intoxicating drinks.
3. He outlawed gambling entirely, imposing heavy penalties on those who broke the law.
4. He ended the practice of giving land grants to military personnel, shifting to cash salaries instead.
5. He set up an extensive network of secret agents and spies to monitor and report on the moves of the nobility.
In simple words: Alauddin stopped nobles from holding private parties or marriages without permission, banned drinking and gambling, paid his soldiers in cash instead of land, and used spies to watch the nobles.

Exam Tip: Listing at least three of these points (like the social ban, cash salaries, and the spy system) ensures a highly scoring answer.

Question 3(c). What measures did Alauddin Khilji take to increase the revenue?
Answer: To maximize the treasury's income, the Sultan implemented several strict fiscal policies:
1. He consolidated all imperial lands under direct state ownership.
2. He started a system of physical land survey and measurement to calculate tax rates fairly based on the size of the plots.
3. He raised the agricultural tax from one-third to half of the total harvest and insisted that payments be made in cash rather than crops.
4. He hired specialized revenue collectors to ensure taxes were collected efficiently.
In simple words: Alauddin took control of all land, measured it to decide taxes, raised the land tax to half the crops, made farmers pay in cash, and hired special tax collectors.

Exam Tip: Be sure to highlight the change from payment-in-kind to payment-in-cash, and the increase of the tax rate to one-half of the produce.

4. With reference to the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, explain the following:

Question 4(a). His attempts to transfer the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad.
Answer: As his empire expanded deep into the southern peninsula, the Sultan decided to relocate his administrative capital to Devagiri, situated near modern-day Aurangabad, renaming it Daulatabad. His decision was 8. based on three primary factors:
1. Daulatabad offered a central geographical base, making it easier to manage the southern Deccan provinces.
2. Delhi was suffering from a devastating lack of food and water due to famine.
3. Delhi faced continuous threats of attack from Mongol forces.
Due to these reasons, he commanded the entire population of Delhi, including spiritual and religious leaders, to move to the new city between 1328 and 1329.
In simple words: The Sultan moved his capital to Daulatabad because it was in the center of India, Delhi was suffering from famine, and Mongol invaders were threatening Delhi. He forced everyone to move there in 1328-29.

Exam Tip: Clearly list all three reasons: central location, famine in Delhi, and Mongol threat to ensure full marks.

Question 4(b). Introduction of token currency.
Answer: The Sultan launched a token coinage system to cope with a severe lack of silver throughout the kingdom. Under this scheme, bronze coins called tankas were declared to hold the same value as traditional silver tankas. However, the plan failed because the state could not stop the public from minting fake bronze coins in massive quantities, which flooded the markets.
In simple words: Due to a shortage of silver, the Sultan introduced bronze coins that were worth the same as silver. But because people easily made fake bronze coins at home, the experiment failed.

Exam Tip: Mention the transition from silver tankas to bronze tankas and explain that counterfeiting was the primary reason for failure.

Question 4(c). Increased taxation in Doab and its consequences.
Answer: The Sultan harbored plans to expand his territory across India and into Central Asia, which demanded a massive, well-paid military force. To generate the necessary funds, he raised land taxes in the highly productive Ganga-Yamuna Doab area. Unfortunately, this coincided with a severe drought and food crisis. The struggling locals rejected the new taxes and rebelled, but the government collectors used brutal force to extract the money anyway. Consequently, many desperate farmers deserted their fields and took refuge in the forests.
In simple words: To pay for a huge army, the Sultan raised taxes in the fertile Doab. But when a famine struck, the farmers couldn't pay. Collectors were very harsh, forcing many farmers to leave their fields and hide in the jungles.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write about both the cause (need to fund a large army for expansion) and the tragic consequences (farmers fleeing to the forests due to famine and harsh collection).

5. With reference to the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, give the functions of each of the following officials:

Question 5. With reference to the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, give the functions of each of the following officials:
(a) Ariz-i-mumalik
(b) Wazir
Answer:
(a) Ariz-i-mumalik - This official served as the minister responsible for managing the military. While the Sultan held the supreme rank of commander-in-chief, the Ariz oversaw the daily administration of the army. His department was charged with recruiting new troops, supplying them with weapons and gear, and distributing their salaries.
(b) Wazir - Operating as the Prime Minister, this official was the central pillar of the Sultanate's administrative machinery. His primary duty involved overseeing and directing the performance of all other government departments.
In simple words: (a) The Ariz-i-mumalik was the military minister who hired, equipped, and paid the soldiers. (b) The Wazir was the Prime Minister who managed the whole government.

Exam Tip: Be careful to clarify that the Ariz-i-mumalik managed military administration (recruiting, paying) but was not the supreme military commander, as that role was held by the Sultan.

Question 6. Study the picture of Qutab Minar and answer the following questions:
(a) Who began erecting this monument ? Where is it located?
(b) Name the saint after whom the monument is named.
(c) Name the ruler who completed the construction of Qutab Minar.
(d) Mention three important features of the monument.
Answer:
(a) The initial building work was started by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, and the tower is situated in Delhi.
(b) It is named to honor the highly respected Sufi saint, Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki.
(c) The construction of this tower was finished around 1230 AD during the rule of Iltutmish.
(d) Key design features include:
1. It contains five distinct levels divided by projecting balconies.
2. The tower stands at a height of 71.4 meters with a base width measuring 13.8 meters in diameter.
3. The materials used in its construction are grey quartzite, marble, and red sandstone.
In simple words: (a) Qutub-ud-Din Aibak started building it in Delhi. (b) It is named after Sufi saint Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki. (c) Iltutmish completed it in 1230 AD. (d) It is 71.4 meters tall, has five floors with balconies, and is built from red sandstone, marble, and quartzite.

Exam Tip: Note the exact measurements (71.4 meters height and 13.8 meters diameter) and the three building materials to write a precise, high-scoring answer.

7. With reference to the invasion of Muhammad Ghori, answer the following questions:

Question 7(a). Why did Muhammad Ghori invade India ?
Answer: The invader was drawn to India by its immense treasury and military assets. He believed these resources could be used to protect and defend his own Ghurid dynasty. After consolidating his stronghold in Ghazni, he focused on conquering Indian territories, leading multiple military campaigns into the subcontinent between 1175 and 1206.
In simple words: Muhammad Ghori invaded India to capture its wealth and use it to defend his own kingdom in Ghazni. He launched many attacks between 1175 and 1206.

Exam Tip: Emphasize both economic motives (wealth of India) and strategic motives (strengthening the Ghurid empire) in your response.

Question 7(b). Briefly describe the conflict between Prithviraj Chauhan in the two battles of Tarain.
Answer: During the First Battle of Tarain in 1191, the army under Muhammad Ghori was thoroughly defeated by the troops of Prithviraj Chauhan. Seeking to avenge this loss, Ghori returned with a stronger army in 1192. This Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 is considered a massive turning point in India's history. This time, the Turkish forces emerged victorious, resulting in heavy casualties among the Rajput troops. Although Prithviraj tried to flee, he was captured. The Turkish military then marched on and seized Ajmer. Numismatic evidence, such as coins bearing Prithviraj's name on one side and 'Sri Muhammad Sam' on the other, indicates that the Rajput ruler may have been permitted to govern Ajmer as a vassal for a brief period.
In simple words: Prithviraj won the first battle in 1191, but Muhammad Ghori came back in 1192 and won the second battle. This second victory allowed the Turks to take control of key areas like Ajmer.

Exam Tip: Be sure to write the exact years (1191 and 1192) and mention the historical significance of the Second Battle of Tarain as a major turning point.

Question 7(c). What were the cause of success of the Turks against the Rajputs ?
Answer: Several elements contributed to the Turkish victory over the Rajput forces:
1. The Turkish forces relied heavily on a highly mobile cavalry, utilizing horses that possessed superior strength and stamina.
2. The Turkish military was commanded by experienced leaders from various regions who used modern combat tactics, whereas the Rajputs stuck to old, traditional strategies.
3. Although Rajput troops excelled at close-range fighting with swords and spears, they lacked the advanced archery skills of the Turks. Knowing this, the Turkish archers kept their distance and attacked from afar. Furthermore, the Rajputs were divided into multiple clans who valued individual honor over collective unity, meaning the Turks faced separate regional dynasties rather than a single, united Indian army.
In simple words: The Turks had faster horses, better strategies, and superior archers who attacked from a distance. Also, the Rajputs were divided into rival clans and did not fight as one united group.

Exam Tip: Highlight both military reasons (superior cavalry and archery) and social/political reasons (clan division and lack of unity among Rajputs).

8. With reference to the social life during the Sultanate period, answer the following questions:

Question 8(a). Explain the caste divisions which existed in the social structure.
Answer: The general organization of Hindu society remained largely unchanged during this era. As laid out in traditional Smriti texts, Brahmins held the highest social rank, followed by the Kshatriyas, whose role was defending the populace. The Vaishyas handled commerce and trade, while the Shudras were tasked with serving the other classes, though they could participate in various jobs. Nevertheless, strict boundaries remained regarding interaction with the outcasts. On the other hand, the Muslim community was divided along ethnic and regional backgrounds, encompassing Persian, Turkish, Arab, Afghan, and Abyssinian groups. In the 1200s, Turkish Muslims held the most powerful positions among these foreign groups. Furthermore, the Muslim population was split into various factions based on their trade, ancestry, and specific beliefs. Despite these internal social barriers, the divisions did not entirely block interaction and communication between Hindus and Muslims.
In simple words: Hindu society kept its traditional system with Brahmins at the top and Shudras serving others. Muslims were also divided by where they came from (like Turkey or Persia), but Hindus and Muslims still interacted with each other.

Exam Tip: Describe the social hierarchy of both the Hindu community (the four main castes) and the Muslim community (ethnic groups like Turks and Afghans) to show a complete picture of the society.

Question 8(b). Explain the inequalities which existed between rulers and the ruled during the Sultanate period.
Answer: The era was characterized by deep social divide and imbalance. In urban centers, wealthy traders and ruling aristocrats enjoyed massive comfort and luxury. Conversely, the vast majority of the population led very basic lives, struggling with daily difficulties and poverty. Nonetheless, their lives were not entirely bleak, as regular public fairs and religious celebrations offered a welcome break from their routine hardships.
In simple words: The rich nobles and traders lived in luxury, while most ordinary people worked hard and lived very simply. However, they found happiness in local fairs and festivals.

Exam Tip: Contrast the luxurious lives of urban nobles/merchants with the simple, tough lives of the general population.

Question 8(c). Describe the condition of women during the Sultanate period.
Answer: The social status of women in Hindu households remained largely unchanged. Longstanding customs like marrying off girls at a young age and expecting absolute obedience and devotion to their husbands persisted. Several visiting explorers wrote about the tragic custom of Sati, where widows immolated themselves. The famous traveller Ibn Batuta noted that executing this ritual required obtaining official permission from the Sultan. Additionally, the custom of wearing a veil (purdah) was highly common among wealthy, upper-class women.
In simple words: Women had a difficult life with customs like child marriage. The tragic practice of Sati still existed, and wealthy women were expected to follow the purdah system by covering their faces.

Exam Tip: Mention key practices like child marriage, Sati (referencing Ibn Batuta's accounts), and the purdah system to describe the status of women comprehensively.