Q1. Why did Md-Bin-Tughlak change his capital from Delhi to Hyderabad/Deogiri ?
(a) Because he wanted to improve trade in Deccan
(b) Because he wanted to spread Islam in the Deccan
(c) Because he wanted to punish the people of Delhi
(d) Because he wanted to escape from Mongolian invasion
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (d) Because he wanted to escape from Mongolian invasion
Explanation: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Deogiri) to protect it from Mongol invasions and to centralize administration. The move was logistically flawed, causing hardship and eventual reversal.
Q2. The succession of Delhi Sultans to the throne was generally
(a) Hereditary
(b) After fight between brothers
(c) By killing the father
(d) Invasion
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Succession among Delhi Sultans was often marked by conflict between brothers, leading to power struggles and political instability. The throne was rarely passed in a peaceful hereditary manner.
Q3. The following are the rulers of the slave dynasty
I. Ghiyas-ud-din Balban
II. Iltutmish
III. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
IV. Nasir-ud-din Mahmud
The correct order in which these sultans ruled over India is
(a) II, III, I, IV
(b) I, IV, II, III
(c) IV, I, II, III
(d) III, II, IV, I
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) III, II, IV, I
Explanation:
Chronological order of Slave Dynasty rulers:
- Qutb-ud-din Aibak
- Iltutmish
- Nasir-ud-din Mahmud
- Ghiyas-ud-din Balban
This sequence reflects the early Delhi Sultanate’s leadership.
4. Match the columns:
| Column I | Column II |
|---|---|
| A. Amir Khusro | 1. 16th century |
| B. Din-i-Illahi | 2. 12th century |
| C. Qutab Minar | 3. 14th century |
| D. Chand Bardai | 4. 13th century |
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| (b) | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| (c) | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| (d) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Amir Khusro lived during the medieval period and is associated here with the 12th century (A–2).
Din-i-Illahi was introduced by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century (B–3).
The Qutab Minar is linked with the early medieval period, here matched with the 12th century phase (C–4).
Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan, belonged to the 12th century (D–1).
Hence, the correct matching sequence is 2341.
Q5. Which of the following statements about Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq is correct ?
(a) He introduced paper currency
(b) He introduced the postal system
(c) He was the ablest man among the crowned heads of the medieval age
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (c) He was the ablest man among the crowned heads of the medieval age
Explanation: Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq is often described as a visionary ruler with intellectual brilliance, though many of his policies failed due to poor execution. He is considered one of the ablest medieval monarchs.
Q6. Who inscribed the name of Khalifa of Baghdad on his coins ?
(a) Alauddin Khilji
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Qutub-ud-din
(d) Balban
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (b) Iltutmish
Explanation: Iltutmish, a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, sought legitimacy from the Caliph of Baghdad and inscribed his name on coins to show allegiance and religious authority.
Q7. Which of the following is wrongly matched ?
(a) Abul Fazal – “Babumama”
(b) Kalhana – “Rajtarangini”
(c) Mohd. Jayasi – “Padmavat”
(d) Abdul Hamid – “Badshahnama”
Answer: (a) Abul Fazal – “Babumama”
Explanation:
Abul Fazal authored the Akbarnama, not “Babumama”. The other matches are correct:
- Kalhana wrote “Rajtarangini”
- Mohd. Jayasi wrote “Padmavat”
- Abdul Hamid contributed to “Badshahnama”
Hence, option (a) is incorrectly matched.
Q8. Alauddin Khilji maintained control on price during his reign because
(a) He wanted to keep large army at lower expenses.
(b) He had mercy with poor people.
(c) He wanted to gain popularity.
(d) All of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) He wanted to keep large army at lower expenses.
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji implemented price control measures to ensure that his large army could be maintained at minimal cost. His motive was strategic and administrative, not driven by mercy or popularity, making option (a) the most accurate.
Q9. Who among the following Sultans declared himself as a lieutenant of Caliph ?
(a) Balban
(b) Iltutmish
(c) Ferozeshah Tughlaq
(d) Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (d) Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
Explanation: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq declared himself the lieutenant of the Caliph, asserting his spiritual and temporal authority. This move was part of his broader attempt to centralize power and legitimize his rule through religious symbolism.