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Delhi Sultanate — UPSC Prelims Ancient & Medieval previous year questions
20 free solved previous year questions on Delhi Sultanate, papers from 1997 to 2022, drawn from UPSC CSE Prelims, State PCS, UPSC CDS, covering statement-based, direct, match and assertion questions. Every answer key has been checked again against published sources and solved independently, and each explanation is written fresh.
Read all 20 questions with answers
- #1UPSC CSE 2022With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements: 1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud din Khalji. 2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city. 3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC CSE Pre 2022)
- A1 and 2
- B2 only
- C1 and 3
- D3 only
Answer: (B) 2 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is incorrect. The first Mongol raid on India was in Iltutmish's time, in 1221, when Genghis Khan chased the Khwarezmian prince.
Statement 2 is correct. In 1303 the Mongols under Targhi reached Delhi and besieged it in Alauddin Khalji's reign.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Muhammad bin Tughlaq did not lose territory in the north-west to the Mongols.
So only statement 2 is correct.Source: Standard Medieval India texts; UPSC CSE Prelims 2022 key
- #2UPSC CSE 2022With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as 'Kulah-Daran'?
- AArab merchants
- BQalandars
- CPersian calligraphists
- DSayyids
Answer: (D) SayyidsExplanation
Kulah-Daran means the wearers of the kulah, a pointed cap. In the Delhi Sultanate, the Sayyids were known by this name.
Arab merchants, Qalandars and Persian calligraphists are not described by the term.
Remember: Kulah-Daran refers to the Sayyids.Source: Medieval India texts on the Delhi Sultanate; UPSC CSE Prelims 2022 key
- #3UPSC CSE 2021Consider the following statements: 1. It was during the reign of Iltutmish that Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in pursuit of the fugitive Khwarezm prince. 2. It was during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughluq that Taimur occupied Multan and crossed the Indus. 3. It was during the reign of Deva Raya II of Vijayanagara Empire that Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B1 and 2
- C3 only
- D2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is correct. Genghis Khan reached the Indus in 1221 while chasing the Khwarezm prince during Iltutmish's rule.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Timur invaded in 1398 in the time of Nasiruddin Mahmud Tughluq, not Muhammad bin Tughluq.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Vasco da Gama reached Kerala in 1498. Deva Raya II ruled earlier.
Remember: Timur came in 1398.Source: Standard Medieval India texts; UPSC CSE Prelims 2021 key
- #4UPSC CSE 2019Consider the following statements: 1. In the revenue admiJiistratioi1 of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'. 2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution. 3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B1 and 2 only
- C3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 onlyExplanation
Statement 1 is correct. The Amil collected land revenue under the Sultans.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Iqta system came from West and Central Asia. It was not an ancient Indian institution.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Mir Bakshi office developed under the Mughals, not the Khaljis.
So only 1 is correct.Source: Standard Medieval India texts; UPSC CSE Prelims 2019 key
- #5UPSC CSE 2016With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term 'Araghatta' refers to
- Abonded labour
- Bland grants made to military officers
- Cwaterwheel used in the irrigation of land
- Dwasteland converted to cultivated land
Answer: (C) waterwheel used in the irrigation of landExplanation
Araghatta is the Persian wheel.
It is a wheel with pots that lifts water from wells.
It was widely used for irrigation in medieval India.
It is not bonded labour, a land grant or a wasteland scheme.
Remember: Araghatta = Persian wheel used in irrigation.Source: NCERT Class VII, Our Pasts II; Satish Chandra, Medieval India Part I
- #6UPSC CSE 2006Assertion (A): Muhammad-bin-Tughluq issued a new gold coin which was called Dinar by Ibn Battuta.Reason (R): Muhammad-bin-Tughluq wanted to issue token currency in gold coins to promote trade with West Asian and North African countries.Code:
- ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- CA is true but R is false.
- DA is false but R is true.
Answer: (C) A is true but R is false.Explanation
Assertion is true. Muhammad bin Tughluq issued a gold coin, which Ibn Battuta calls the dinar.
Reason is false. His token currency was in copper and brass coins, at the value of silver tanka. It was not a gold token coin meant for foreign trade.
So the assertion is true and the reason is false.
Remember: Tughluq's token currency was copper and brass.Source: Ibn Battuta, Rihla; Medieval India texts
- #7UPSC CSE 2006Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the Afghan rulers to the throne of Delhi?
- ASikandar Shah - Ibrahim Lodi - Bahlul Khan Lodi
- BSikandar Shah - Bahlul Khan Lodi - Ibrahim Lodi
- CBahlul Khan Lodi - Sikandar Shah - Ibrahim Lodi
- DBahlul Khan Lodi - Ibrahim Lodi - Sikandar Shah
Answer: (C) Bahlul Khan Lodi - Sikandar Shah - Ibrahim LodiExplanation
The Lodi dynasty began with Bahlul Khan Lodi (1451-89).
His son Sikandar Lodi followed (1489-1517). Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan, ruled from 1517 until his defeat at Panipat in 1526.
So the order is Bahlul, Sikandar, Ibrahim.Source: Standard Medieval India texts on the Lodi dynasty
- #8UPSC CSE 2006Consider the following statements:Assertion (A): Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq issued a new gold coin which was called Dinar by Ibn Battuta.Reason (R): Muhammad-Bin-Tughluq wanted to issue token currency in gold coins to promote trade with West Asian and North African countries.Code:
- ABoth (A) and (R) are individually true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- BBoth (A) and (R) are individually true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- C(A) is true but (R) is false.
- D(A) is false but (R) is true.
Answer: (C) (A) is true but (R) is false.Explanation
Assertion (A) is true. Muhammad bin Tughluq issued a heavy gold coin of about 200 grains. Ibn Battuta called it a dinar.
Reason (R) is false. His token currency was made of copper or brass, not gold. It was meant to make up for a shortage of silver. It was not meant for foreign trade.
So A is true but R is false.
Remember: the token currency failed because forgery was easy.Source: Edward Thomas / standard histories of the Delhi Sultanate (NCERT Class XI & Satish Chandra, Medieval India)
- #9UPSC CSE 2003How did Sultan Qutbuddin Aybak die?
- AHe was treacherously stabbed to death by one of his ambitious nobles.
- BHe was killed in a battle with Taj-ud-din Yildiz, the ruler of Ghazni, who entered into a contest with him over the capture of Punjab.
- CHe sustained injuries while besieging the fortress of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand and succumbed to them later.
- DHe died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan.
Answer: (D) He died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan.Explanation
Qutbuddin Aybak died in 1210 in Lahore. He fell from his horse while playing chaugan, a form of polo.
He was not killed by a noble, in battle with Yildiz or at Kalinjar.
Remember: Aybak died playing chaugan.Source: Standard Medieval India texts on the Slave dynasty
- #10UPSC CSE 2002With reference to medieval Indian rulers, which one of the following statements is correct?
- AAlauddin Khalji first set up a separate Ariz's department.
- BBal ban introduced the branding system of horses of his military.
- CMuhammad-Bin-Tughluq was succeeded by his uncle to the military.
- DFiruz Tughluq set up a separate department of slaves.
Answer: (D) Firuz Tughluq set up a separate department of slaves.Explanation
Firuz Shah Tughluq set up a separate department for slaves, called Diwan-i-Bandagan.
Alauddin Khalji started the branding of horses (dagh), so option b is wrong. Ariz-i-Mamalik, the military department, was set up earlier by Balban, so option a is wrong. Muhammad bin Tughluq was succeeded by his cousin Firuz, not an uncle.
Remember: Diwan-i-Bandagan means Firuz Tughluq.Source: Standard Medieval India texts on the Delhi Sultanate
- #11UPSC CDS 2022 (II)What was a munjaniq in medieval period?
- ACannon
- BCatapult
- CGun carriage
- DPortable armoury
Answer: (B) CatapultExplanation
A manjaniq was a siege engine. It threw stones at fort walls. It worked on tension or counterweight and is called a catapult. Cannons using gunpowder came later.
Remember: Manjaniq = stone-throwing catapult; Arrada was a smaller one.Source: Standard medieval military histories (Satish Chandra; Irfan Habib)
- #12UPSC CDS 2015 (II)Consider the following statements about Alauddin Khilji's market policy:1. He placed markets under the control of a high officer called 'Shahna' for strictly controlling the shopkeepers and prices.2. In order to ensure a regular supply of cheap foodgrains, he ordered the land revenue from Doab region to be paid directly to the state.Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
- AOnly 1
- BOnly 2
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2Explanation
Statement 1 is correct. The Shahna-i-Mandi controlled the market and shopkeepers. Statement 2 is correct. Alauddin took the Doab under khalisa land. Revenue there was paid directly to the state in grain. This filled the royal stores.
Remember: Alauddin fixed prices and kept state granaries.Source: Satish Chandra, Medieval India Part I; Barani, Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi
- #13RAS/RTS 2016 · key correctedMatch List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:List-IA. Diwan-i-ArzB. Diwan-i-RisalatC. Diwan-i-InshaD. Diwan-i-WizaratList-II1. Dealt with religious matters2. Dealt with state's correspondence3. Dealt with Finance Dept4. Dealt with Military DeptCode:A B C D
- A1 3 4 2
- B2 4 1 3
- C3 2 1 4
- D4 1 2 3
Answer: (D) 4 1 2 3Explanation
Diwan-i-Arz was the military department. Diwan-i-Risalat dealt with religious matters and appeals. Diwan-i-Insha handled state correspondence. Diwan-i-Wizarat was the finance department under the wazir. This gives A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3.
Remember: Arz = army; Wizarat = finance.Source: Satish Chandra, Medieval India Part I
- #14Jharkhand PCS 2016Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:List-IA. Haqaiq-i-HindiB. Tahdhib-ul-AkhlaqC. Kunzal TijarD. Jawamiul HikayatList-II1. Ibn Miskawayh2. Sadruddin Muhammad 'Aufi'3. Abdul Wahid Bilgrami4. Bailaq al QabayakiCode:A B C D
- A3 1 4 2
- B2 4 1 3
- C3 1 2 4
- D1 2 3 4
Answer: (A) 3 1 4 2Explanation
Haqaiq-i-Hindi was written by Abdul Wahid Bilgrami (A-3).
Tahdhib-ul-Akhlaq is the ethical work of Ibn Miskawayh (B-1).
Kunz al-Tijar is by Bailaq al-Qabayaki (C-4).
Jawami-ul-Hikayat is by Sadruddin Muhammad 'Aufi' (D-2).
So the code is 3, 1, 4, 2.
Remember: 'Aufi's Jawami-ul-Hikayat is a famous collection of Persian anecdotes.Source: Medieval Persian and Arabic literature; Haqaiq-i-Hindi of Abdul Wahid Bilgrami
- #15RAS/RTS 2013 (Re-Exam)Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:List-IA. 'Lotus bud' fringe on the underside of the archB. Emergence of octagonal tombC. Use of Bodegoi in the PillarD. Massive entrance gate with inclined wallsList-II1. Sharqis2. Vijayanagara3. Khaljis4. TughluqsCode:A B C D
- A3 4 2 1
- B3 1 4 2
- C2 1 4 3
- D1 2 4 3
Answer: (A) 3 4 2 1Explanation
A matches 3. The Khalji Alai Darwaza has lotus bud fringes under its arches.
B matches 4. Octagonal tombs began with the Tughluqs, such as the tomb of Khan-i-Jahan Tilangani.
C matches 2. Vijayanagara pillars use bodhige (bracket) capitals.
D matches 1. The Sharqi mosques at Jaunpur have massive gateways with sloping walls.
So the code is 3 4 2 1.Source: Nitin Singhania, Indian Art and Culture; Satish Chandra, Medieval India
- #16UPPCS 2008Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- ADiwan-i-Mushtakharaj : Alauddin Khalji
- BDiwan-i-Amir Kohi : Muhammad Bin Tughluq
- CDiwan-i-Khairat: Firuz Tughluq
- DDiwan-i-Riyasat: Balban
Answer: (D) Diwan-i-Riyasat: BalbanExplanation
Pair 1 is correct. Diwan-i-Mustakhraj, for recovering arrears, was set up by Alauddin Khalji.
Pair 2 is correct. Diwan-i-Amir Kohi was started by Muhammad bin Tughluq.
Pair 3 is correct. Diwan-i-Khairat was started by Firuz Tughluq.
Pair 4 is incorrect. Diwan-i-Riyasat, the market department, was Alauddin Khalji's, not Balban's.
Remember: Diwan-i-Riyasat - Alauddin Khalji.Source: Satish Chandra, Medieval India Part I
- #17UPPCS (Pre) 2006 · key correctedConsider the following statements: Assertion (A): The scheme of the token currency of Muhammad Tughluq proved unsuccessful. Reason (R): Muhammad Tughluq did not have the proper control over currency issue. Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
- ABoth (A) and (R) are individually true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- BBoth (A) and (R) are individually true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- C(A) is true, but (R) is false.
- D(A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are individually true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).Explanation
Assertion (A) is true. The token currency of Muhammad bin Tughluq (1329-30) failed.
Reason (R) is true. The state did not control who could mint the copper tokens. People forged them at home in large numbers.
(R) explains (A). Because forgery was easy, the tokens lost value and trade suffered. The Sultan had to withdraw them and redeem them for gold and silver coins.
Remember: the tokens were copper coins issued at the value of silver tankas.Source: Barani, Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi; NCERT Class XI, Themes in World History / Medieval India texts
- #18UPPCS 2006 · key correctedAssertion (A): The scheme of the token currency of Muhammad Tughluq proved unsuccessful.Reason (R): Muhammad Tughluq did not have the proper control over currency issue.Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
- ABoth (A) and (R) are individually true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- BBoth (A) and (R) are individually true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- C(A) is true but (R) is false.
- D(A) is false but (R) is true.
Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are individually true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).Explanation
Assertion (A) is true. The token currency failed within a few years. The Sultan had to withdraw the coins.
Reason (R) is true. The state had no check on private minting. People made counterfeit copper coins at home.
R explains A, because the lack of control led to forgery and loss of trust.
Remember: the Sultan exchanged the token coins for gold and silver, which emptied the treasury.Source: Satish Chandra, Medieval India; NCERT Class XI/XII history
- #19UPPCS (Mains) 2005Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): Alauddin Khalji introduced price control in Delhi. Reason (R): He wanted to pay lower wages to 91. the artisans building his palaces in Delhi. Select the correct answer from the code given below:
- ABoth (A) and (R) are individually true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- BBoth (A) and (R) are individually true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- C(A) is true, but (R) is false.
- D(A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer: (C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.Explanation
Assertion (A) is true. Alauddin Khalji introduced price control over grain, cloth, horses and other goods in Delhi.
Reason (R) is false. The aim was not to cut wages of artisans. Alauddin wanted to keep a large standing army on low salaries.
Low prices let soldiers live well on small pay. This made a big army affordable.
Remember: the market reforms were run by Diwan-i-Riyasat and Shahna-i-Mandi.Source: Barani, Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi; Satish Chandra, Medieval India
- #20UPPCS (Pre) 1997Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:List-I: A. Firuz Tughluq B. Balban C. Alauddin D. JahangirList-II: 1. Diwan-i-Riyasat 2. Nauroz 3. Construction of Canals 4. Sir Thomas Roe
- A1 2 3 4
- B3 2 1 4
- C4 1 2 3
- D4 3 2 1
Answer: (B) 3 2 1 4Explanation
Firuz Tughluq built many canals, so A matches 3.
Balban started the Persian festival of Nauroz at court, so B matches 2.
Alauddin set up the Diwan-i-Riyasat to control markets, so C matches 1.
Jahangir received the English envoy Sir Thomas Roe, so D matches 4.
The code is 3 2 1 4.Source: Satish Chandra, Medieval India
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