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History & Civilization Cluster153 Verified Questions
Delhi Sultanate GK Questions & Answers
The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE) established Islamic governance across northern and central India through five successive dynasties: the Mamluk (Slave), Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties. Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak following Muhammad Ghori's campaigns, the Sultanate's administrative framework was consolidated by Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, who introduced the silver Tanka and copper Jital, organized the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Corps of Forty), and institutionalized the Iqta system of revenue assignment. Razia Sultan ruled as the first female monarch before Ghiyas-ud-din Balban instituted a policy of blood and iron alongside Persian court ceremonies of Sijda and Paibos.
The Khilji dynasty (1296–1316 CE) under Alauddin Khilji executed radical economic and military reforms, including state-regulated market pricing (Shahna-i-Mandi), agrarian tax based on land measurement (Zabita), and military identification systems (Dagh branding and Chehra descriptive rolls). The Tughlaq dynasty under Muhammad bin Tughlaq launched ambitious administrative experiments, such as capital relocation to Daulatabad, token copper-brass currency introduction, and agricultural loans (Sondhar) under Diwan-i-Kohi. His successor, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, developed extensive canal networks and public works. The Sultanate concluded when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
High-yield conceptual summaries for competitive exams and rapid revision.
Iltutmish consolidated Mamluk rule by organizing the Turkan-i-Chahalgani, standardizing currency (Tanka and Jital), and establishing the Iqta system.
Balban reinforced royal prestige and centralized monarchy through strict court ceremonialism (Sijda and Paibos) and a blood-and-iron policy.
Alauddin Khilji instituted direct market controls (Shahna-i-Mandi), Dagh (horse branding), Chehra (soldier rolls), and agrarian measurement reforms.
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token brass-copper currency, shifted the imperial capital to Daulatabad, and founded Diwan-i-Kohi.
The Delhi Sultanate ended in 1526 CE following Babur's victory over Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat.
Showing 25 Curated Questions153 Total in Bank
1ID: GK-HIST-00994
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Khizr Khan, who founded the Sayyid Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate in 1414 CE following the turmoil of Timur's invasion, ruled with which modest title rather than adopting the royal title of Sultan?
Verified Explanation
Following Timur's sack of Delhi in 1398, Timur appointed Khizr Khan as governor of Multan and Lahore. In 1414, Khizr Khan captured Delhi and founded the Sayyid dynasty, but out of deference to Timur, he never assumed royal insignia or the title of Sultan, styling himself simply as 'Rayat-i-Ala' (Sublime Banner/Vassal) and inserting the name of Timur's son Shah Rukh on his coins and in the Friday Khutba.
2ID: GK-HIST-00793
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
In the institutional functioning of the Sultanate Iqta system, what term denoted the surplus revenue that an Iqtadar/Muqti was mandated to transmit to the central imperial treasury?
Verified Explanation
Under the Delhi Sultanate Iqta mechanism, a Muqti or Wali was assigned revenue collection rights over a designated territory to maintain a prescribed military contingent. After deducting authorized administrative expenses and personal salary, the governor was legally obligated to transmit the surplus balance, known as Fawazil, to the central imperial treasury.
3ID: GK-HIST-00989
easyMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Alongside the silver Tanka weighing 175 grains, which copper coin standard was introduced by Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish as regular Delhi Sultanate currency?
Verified Explanation
Sultan Iltutmish (reigned 1211–1236 CE) established the standard bimetallic currency system of the Delhi Sultanate by minting pure Arabic-inscribed silver 'Tankas' (175 grains) and copper 'Jitals' (approx. 50 grains). The silver Tanka and copper Jital formed the base monetary medium of commercial transactions across North India for over two centuries.
4ID: GK-HIST-00013
easyMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Who was the only female sovereign ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Verified Explanation
Razia Sultana, daughter of Sultan Iltutmish, reigned over Delhi from 1236 to 1240 CE.
5ID: GK-HIST-00691
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
In the administrative and fiscal framework of the Delhi Sultanate, what did the term 'Iqta' specifically denote?
Verified Explanation
The Iqta system, institutionalized in India by Iltutmish, was a revenue assignment given to nobles (Muqtis or Iqtadars). They collected taxes from the territory to maintain troops, defray administrative expenses, and remit surplus revenue (fawazil) to the central treasury.
6ID: GK-HIST-00695
hardMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
In the administrative apparatus of the Delhi Sultanate, which specialized ministry was established and reorganized by Ghiyasuddin Balban to handle military recruitment, muster rolls, and equipment?
Verified Explanation
Balban established the military department Diwan-i-Arz under the Ariz-i-Mamalik to separate military administration from the Wazir's financial control and maintain a standing, battle-ready cavalry. Diwan-i-Insha dealt with state correspondence, and Diwan-i-Mustakhraj with revenue arrears (under Alauddin Khalji).
7ID: GK-HIST-00697
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
In the local and pargana-level administration of the Delhi Sultanate, what was the primary executive responsibility of the official designated as 'Amil'?
Verified Explanation
At the pargana (sub-district) level, the Amil was the primary revenue collector who assessed agricultural yields and ensured tax realization in coordination with the local village headmen (Muqaddams) and accountants (Patwaris).
8ID: GK-HIST-00792
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
In the Sultanate administrative machinery, what was the 'Diwan-i-Mustakhraj' created specifically to accomplish?
Verified Explanation
Alauddin Khalji established the Diwan-i-Mustakhraj as a specialized revenue audit and enforcement agency under the Diwan-i-Wazarat. Its principal mandate was to examine revenue ledgers, eliminate discrepancies, and forcibly extract uncollected arrears (baqaya) from revenue collectors (amils), governors (muqtis), and village headmen.
9ID: GK-HIST-00796
hardMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Which prime minister of the Bahmani Sultanate restructured the realm into eight provinces (Tarafs), curbed the autonomy of Tarafdars by placing fortress command directly under royal officers, and built a three-storeyed madrasa at Bidar?
Verified Explanation
Khwaja Mahmud Gawan, serving as Wakil-us-Sultanat (1463-1481 CE), divided the four oversized Bahmani provinces into eight smaller administrative tarafs to limit provincial rebellion. He mandated that one major fort in each province be commanded by a royal castellan (Qiladar) and ordered regular land measurement. He also constructed the magnificent Gawan Madrasa in Persian architectural style at Bidar.
10ID: GK-HIST-00895
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Which trusted military commander (Naib) of Alauddin Khalji spearheaded the Delhi Sultanate's campaigns into the Deccan, subjugating the Yadavas of Devagiri, Kakatiyas of Warangal, and Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra?
Verified Explanation
Malik Kafur (known as Hazar-Dinari) conducted campaigns between 1308 and 1311 CE. Rather than directly annexing the southern kingdoms, he secured regular tribute agreements, massive war indemnities, and elephant cavalry from southern rulers including Prataparudra II and Veera Ballala III.
11ID: GK-HIST-00896
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish organized an influential aristocratic cabal of forty loyal Turkish slave officers to consolidate the administrative stability of the Delhi Sultanate, known historically as what?
Verified Explanation
Iltutmish created the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Corps of Forty) from his trustworthy Turkish military slaves (Bandagan). Following his demise, this group dominated court politics, overthrowing successive sultans until Balban eliminated them to establish absolute monarchy.
12ID: GK-HIST-00898
hardMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
In the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate, which department was entrusted with military recruitment, periodic muster parades, equipment inspection, and troop salaries?
Verified Explanation
The Diwan-i-Arz was the military ministry headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik. Originally established as a distinct department by Balban, it was extensively reorganized by Alauddin Khalji, who instituted the branding of warhorses (Dagh) and descriptive rolls of soldiers (Chehra).
13ID: GK-HIST-00988
easyMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Who founded the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda in 1518 CE after breaking away from the disintegrating Bahmani Sultanate?
Verified Explanation
Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk, a Turkmen noble who served as the Bahmani governor of Telangana, declared independence in 1518 following the collapse of Bahmani central authority. He established his capital at Golconda, fortified the citadel, and founded the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which ruled the Telugu-speaking Deccan until its conquest by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1687.
14ID: GK-HIST-00474
easyMedieval India & Sultanates
Who established the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206 CE?
Verified Explanation
Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a trusted general of Muhammad Ghori, founded the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty and declared Delhi an independent sultanate in 1206 CE.
15ID: GK-HIST-00482
easyMedieval India & Sultanates
Who was the only woman ruler to sit on the throne of the Delhi Sultanate?
Verified Explanation
Razia Sultana, daughter of Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1236 to 1240 CE.
16ID: GK-HIST-00601
easyMedieval India & Sultanates
Who was the only female sovereign to rule over the Delhi Sultanate, ascending the throne in 1236 CE?
Verified Explanation
Razia Sultana, the daughter of Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, governed the Delhi Sultanate from 1236 to 1240 CE, distinguished for her administrative capability and battlefield leadership.
17ID: GK-HIST-00623
mediumMedieval India & Sultanates
Which Delhi Sultan established the standard coinage of the Sultanate by introducing the silver 'Tanka' (175 grains) and the copper 'Jital'?
Verified Explanation
Iltutmish regularized the Delhi Sultanate currency system by introducing pure Arabic coinage, notably the silver Tanka and copper Jital, with mint names inscribed on them.
18ID: GK-HIST-00991
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Which official intelligence reporting officers were established by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Balban across every province and military command to report directly on nobles to the throne?
Verified Explanation
To consolidate royal absolutism and prevent conspiracies among Turkish nobles (the Chahalgani), Balban established a centralized spy network headed by the 'Barid-i-Mamalik'. Intelligent and incorruptible news-writers ('Barids') were placed in every province, garrison, and court, reporting secretly on the conduct of provincial governors and army officers directly to the Sultan.
19ID: GK-HIST-00996
hardMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
What specific technical term was applied to the land measurement system introduced by Sultan Alauddin Khalji, where land was surveyed using the standard unit 'Biswa' and revenue assessed strictly on measured yields?
Verified Explanation
Alauddin Khalji was the first Sultan of Delhi to insist on land measurement ('Masahat') using the standard yardstick ('Biswa') as the basis for assessing land revenue (Kharaj). He fixed the state demand at 50% of the gross produce and eliminated customary intermediaries (Khuts, Muqaddams, Chaudhuris) to extract revenue directly from cultivators.
20ID: GK-HIST-01000
easyMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
To provide famine relief during the catastrophic Doab drought of 1335–1341, Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq moved his court and thousands of citizens from Delhi to a temporary wooden camp city on the Ganges named what?
Verified Explanation
During the severe famine that struck Delhi and the Ganga-Yamuna Doab around 1335 CE, Muhammad bin Tughlaq established a massive temporary residential camp called 'Swargadwari' (Gate to Heaven) near modern Kampil on the banks of the Ganges in Farrukhabad district. The Sultan lived there for over two years, organizing grain supplies from Awadh and distributing agricultural loans (Sondhar).
21ID: GK-HIST-00025
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Who founded the Slave (Mamluk) Dynasty in Delhi in 1206 CE?
Verified Explanation
Qutb-ud-din Aibak established the Delhi Sultanate and started constructing the Qutb Minar.
22ID: GK-HIST-00699
easyMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Who authored the Persian historical chronicle 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi', providing detailed eyewitness accounts of the reigns of Ghiyasuddin Balban, Alauddin Khalji, and Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
Verified Explanation
Ziauddin Barani completed his major historical work 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi' in 1357 CE, documenting Delhi Sultanate governance from Balban to the early reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Minhaj-i-Siraj authored Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, and Amir Khusrau wrote Tughlaq Nama.
23ID: GK-HIST-00992
mediumMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Which Delhi Sultan constructed the extensive network of irrigation canals in northern India, including a 150-mile canal drawing water from the Yamuna to his newly founded city of Hissar Firoza?
Verified Explanation
Firoz Shah Tughlaq (reigned 1351–1388 CE) was the greatest hydraulic builder of the Delhi Sultanate. He constructed five major irrigation canals, most notably the Rajbaha and Ulughkhani canals drawing water from the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers to irrigate arid Haryana tracts around Hissar Firoza and Fatehabad. In return, he levied a 10% water tax known as 'Haqq-i-Sharb'.
24ID: GK-HIST-00999
easyMedieval India & Delhi Sultanate
Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya maintained friendly diplomatic and trade relations with Portuguese Governor Afonso de Albuquerque primarily to secure an exclusive royal monopoly on the import of which strategic military asset?
Verified Explanation
Krishnadevaraya established close commercial ties with the Portuguese in Goa after 1510 to secure exclusive access to imported Arabian and Persian warhorses, which were critical for the Vijayanagara cavalry. In exchange, he permitted Portuguese merchants to trade freely in his ports and offered assistance against the common adversary, the Bijapur Sultanate.
25ID: GK-HIST-00570
mediumMedieval India & Sultanates
Which Bahmani Sultanate prime minister and statesman built the famous three-storeyed Madrasa with an extensive library in Bidar in 1472 CE?
Verified Explanation
Mahmud Gawan, the vizier of the Bahmani kingdom, founded the grand Mahmud Gawan Madrasa at Bidar, featuring Islamic calligraphy and Persian tile-work.
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