The Delhi Sultanate (c. 1206–1526 CE) was a powerful Islamic imperial power that stretched across large parts of the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries, anchored by five successive dynasties: the Mamluk (Slave), Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and Lodi dynasties. Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak following the Ghorid conquests, the Sultanate introduced sweeping administrative innovations, including centralized revenue structures (iqta system), market control reforms, and Indo-Islamic architectural masterpieces like the Qutb Minar. This transformative epoch permanently reshaped South Asian governance, culture, and urban life before giving way to the Mughal Empire in 1526.
1. Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate and the Slave Dynasty?
Correct Answer: b) Qutb al-Din Aibak
Explanation:
Qutb al-Din Aibak, a general of Muhammad Ghori, established the Slave Dynasty and the Delhi Sultanate in 1206.
2. What was the capital of the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Qutb al-Din Aibak?
Correct Answer: c) Lahore
Explanation:
Qutb al-Din Aibak ruled from Lahore. It was his successor, Iltutmish, who later shifted the capital to Delhi.
3. Who is considered the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: d) Iltutmish
Explanation:
Iltutmish is considered the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate because he consolidated the empire, shifted the capital to Delhi, and gained a letter of investiture from the Caliph.
4. Which ruler introduced the silver coin known as 'Tanka'?
Correct Answer: b) Iltutmish
Explanation:
Iltutmish introduced the Arabic coinage system into India, including the silver Tanka and the copper Jital.
5. What was the 'Turkan-i-Chahalgani' established by Iltutmish?
Correct Answer: a) A group of 40 elite Turkish nobles
Explanation:
Turkan-i-Chahalgani, or the Corps of Forty, was a council of 40 elite and loyal Turkish slaves formed by Iltutmish to administer the empire.
6. Who was the only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: c) Razia Sultana
Explanation:
Razia Sultana, the daughter of Iltutmish, ruled the Delhi Sultanate from 1236 to 1240, making her its only female monarch.
7. Which ruler destroyed the power of the 'Turkan-i-Chahalgani'?
Correct Answer: d) Ghiyasuddin Balban
Explanation:
Balban ruthlessly crushed the power of the 'Corps of Forty' (Chahalgani) to restore the absolute prestige and power of the monarchy.
8. Which Delhi Sultan introduced the Persian customs of 'Sijda' and 'Paibos'?
Correct Answer: b) Ghiyasuddin Balban
Explanation:
Balban introduced the Persian court rituals of Sijda (prostration) and Paibos (kissing the monarch's feet) to emphasize the divine right of kings.
9. Who founded the Khalji Dynasty?
Correct Answer: b) Jalaluddin Khalji
Explanation:
Jalaluddin Khalji founded the Khalji Dynasty in 1290 after overthrowing the last ruler of the Slave Dynasty.
10. Which Sultan is famous for his market control and price regulation policies?
Correct Answer: c) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji implemented strict market control measures and fixed prices for essential commodities to maintain a large standing army at a low cost.
11. Who was the commander of Alauddin Khalji's forces during his southern campaigns?
Correct Answer: d) Malik Kafur
Explanation:
Malik Kafur, a trusted slave-general of Alauddin Khalji, successfully led multiple campaigns into South India, defeating the Yadavas, Kakatiyas, and Hoysalas.
12. Alauddin Khalji introduced the 'Dagh' system. What was it?
Correct Answer: a) Branding of horses
Explanation:
The 'Dagh' system involved branding horses to prevent the cavalry from replacing good quality horses with inferior ones during inspections.
13. What was the 'Chehra' system introduced by Alauddin Khalji?
Correct Answer: b) Descriptive roll of soldiers
Explanation:
The 'Chehra' system was a detailed descriptive roll or identity card for soldiers to prevent the substitution of troops during military musters.
14. Who was the first ruler of the Tughlaq Dynasty?
Correct Answer: b) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1320 after defeating the last Khalji ruler.
15. Which Sultan attempted to shift his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (Devagiri)?
Correct Answer: c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq disastrously attempted to shift the capital and the entire population of Delhi to Daulatabad in 1327 to better control South India.
16. Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced 'token currency' made of which metal?
Correct Answer: c) Copper/Bronze
Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq introduced token currency of copper or bronze that carried the same value as silver coins, a move that failed due to widespread counterfeiting.
17. The agricultural department 'Diwan-i-Kohi' was established by which Sultan?
Correct Answer: a) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq established the Diwan-i-Kohi to promote agriculture and bring uncultivated land under the plow through state support.
18. Which traveler visited the court of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and was appointed as a Qazi (judge)?
Correct Answer: b) Ibn Battuta
Explanation:
Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan traveler, visited India during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and served as a Qazi in Delhi for several years.
19. Which Sultan built the largest network of canals in the Delhi Sultanate for irrigation?
Correct Answer: c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq is famous for his public works, including the construction of a vast network of canals to support agriculture.
20. Who imposed the 'Jizya' as a separate tax, notably levying it on the Brahmins for the first time?
Correct Answer: c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq strictly imposed Islamic law and levied the Jizya (poll tax on non-Muslims) separately, explicitly extending it to Brahmins who had previously been exempt.
21. The department of charity known as 'Diwan-i-Khairat' was established by:
Correct Answer: c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq created the Diwan-i-Khairat to provide financial assistance for the marriages of poor Muslim girls and orphans.
22. Timur (Tamerlane) invaded India and sacked Delhi during the reign of which dynasty?
Correct Answer: b) Tughlaq Dynasty
Explanation:
Timur invaded India and devastated Delhi in 1398 during the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah Tughlaq.
23. Who was the founder of the Sayyid Dynasty?
Correct Answer: c) Khizr Khan
Explanation:
Khizr Khan, who claimed to be a descendant of the Prophet and was appointed by Timur as his deputy, founded the Sayyid Dynasty in 1414.
24. The Lodi Dynasty was of which ethnic origin?
Correct Answer: c) Afghan
Explanation:
Unlike the previous four dynasties which were of Turkic origin, the Lodi Dynasty was established by ethnic Pashtuns (Afghans).
25. Who founded the city of Agra in 1504?
Correct Answer: b) Sikandar Lodi
Explanation:
Sikandar Lodi founded the city of Agra in 1504 and later shifted his capital there from Delhi to better control the Rajputs.
26. Which ruler introduced the measurement unit 'Gaj-i-Sikandari'?
Correct Answer: c) Sikandar Lodi
Explanation:
Sikandar Lodi introduced a standardized yard for measuring cultivated fields, which came to be known as 'Gaj-i-Sikandari'.
27. Who was the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: c) Ibrahim Lodi
Explanation:
Ibrahim Lodi was the last Sultan of Delhi, who was defeated and killed by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat.
28. The First Battle of Panipat, which ended the Delhi Sultanate, was fought in which year?
Correct Answer: a) 1526
Explanation:
The First Battle of Panipat took place in 1526, where Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire.
29. What was the term used for the land grant system introduced to pay the military commanders and nobles?
Correct Answer: b) Iqta
Explanation:
The Iqta system was a land revenue assignment given to military commanders (Iqtadars) in lieu of a cash salary to maintain troops for the Sultan.
30. Who institutionalized the 'Iqta' system in the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: b) Iltutmish
Explanation:
While Aibak granted early assignments, Iltutmish formally institutionalized the Iqta system as a core part of the Sultanate's administrative framework.
31. Which of the following was a tax on agricultural produce levied on Muslims?
Correct Answer: d) Ushr
Explanation:
Ushr was a tax levied on agricultural land owned by Muslims, generally amounting to one-tenth of the produce.
32. The land tax collected from non-Muslims was known as:
Correct Answer: a) Kharaj
Explanation:
Kharaj was the agricultural land tax levied on non-Muslim peasants, which under rulers like Alauddin Khalji was raised to 50% of the produce.
33. What was 'Khums' in the context of the Delhi Sultanate's taxation system?
Correct Answer: c) State's share of war booty
Explanation:
Khums was the state's legal share of the spoils of war, traditionally one-fifth, though Alauddin Khalji claimed four-fifths for the state.
34. The central military department in the Delhi Sultanate was known as:
Correct Answer: a) Diwan-i-Arz
Explanation:
Diwan-i-Arz was the central military department, headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik, responsible for maintaining the army.
35. Which Sultan established the independent military department 'Diwan-i-Arz'?
Correct Answer: b) Ghiyasuddin Balban
Explanation:
Balban separated the military department (Diwan-i-Arz) from the finance department to strengthen the army against Mongol invasions and internal rebellions.
36. In the Delhi Sultanate, what was the function of the 'Diwan-i-Wizarat'?
Correct Answer: c) Finance and revenue
Explanation:
Diwan-i-Wizarat, headed by the Wazir, was the primary financial and revenue department of the Sultanate.
37. The department 'Diwan-i-Insha' dealt with which of the following?
Correct Answer: b) State correspondence
Explanation:
Diwan-i-Insha was the department of state correspondence, responsible for drafting royal decrees and communicating with provincial governors.
38. Who composed the famous literary work 'Khazain-ul-Futuh', which details Alauddin Khalji's conquests?
Correct Answer: c) Amir Khusrau
Explanation:
Amir Khusrau, a renowned Sufi poet and scholar, wrote Khazain-ul-Futuh, an account of Alauddin Khalji's military campaigns.
39. Which famous historian of the Delhi Sultanate authored 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi'?
Correct Answer: b) Ziauddin Barani
Explanation:
Ziauddin Barani was a contemporary historian who wrote 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi', covering the history of the Sultanate from Balban to the early reign of Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
40. What is the architectural style introduced by the Turkish conquerors in India called?
Correct Answer: b) Indo-Islamic architecture
Explanation:
The synthesis of indigenous Indian architectural traditions with Islamic forms like the arch and dome resulted in Indo-Islamic architecture.
41. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the first mosque built in Delhi, was commissioned by:
Correct Answer: c) Qutb al-Din Aibak
Explanation:
Qutb al-Din Aibak built the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi shortly after the Muslim conquest to mark the victory of Islam in India.
42. Who laid the foundation of the Qutb Minar in Delhi?
Correct Answer: b) Qutb al-Din Aibak
Explanation:
Qutb al-Din Aibak laid the foundation of the Qutb Minar, which was later completed by his son-in-law Iltutmish.
43. The famous 'Alai Darwaza', an entrance gateway to the Qutb complex, was built by:
Correct Answer: c) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji built the Alai Darwaza in 1311; it is renowned for its excellent use of the true arch and Islamic geometric designs.
44. Which ruler's tomb was the first true monumental Islamic tomb in India (Sultan Ghari)?
Correct Answer: b) Nasiruddin Mahmud
Explanation:
Sultan Ghari, the tomb of Iltutmish's eldest son Prince Nasiruddin Mahmud, built in 1231, is considered the first Islamic monumental tomb in India.
45. The city of Tughlaqabad was founded by which Delhi Sultan?
Correct Answer: c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq founded the massive fortified city of Tughlaqabad as his capital.
46. Which Sufi saint had a strained relationship with Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq?
Correct Answer: a) Nizamuddin Auliya
Explanation:
The prominent Chishti Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya had a tense relationship with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, famously uttering 'Hunuz Dilli dur ast' (Delhi is yet far away).
47. Which Delhi Sultan is famously remembered as a 'mixture of opposites' or a 'mad king' by some historians?
Correct Answer: c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Due to his ambitious but failed visionary projects, high intellect, and severe cruelty, Muhammad bin Tughlaq is often described as a mixture of opposites.
48. The 'Diwan-i-Bandagan', a dedicated department for slaves, was established by:
Correct Answer: c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq had a massive number of slaves (around 1,80,000) and established the Diwan-i-Bandagan specifically for their upkeep and employment.
49. Under whose reign did the Delhi Sultanate reach its maximum territorial extent?
Correct Answer: b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
The Delhi Sultanate reached its greatest territorial extent during the early reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, encompassing most of the Indian subcontinent.
50. Which two kingdoms broke away from the Delhi Sultanate during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
Correct Answer: b) Vijayanagara and Bahmani
Explanation:
The Vijayanagara Empire (1336) and the Bahmani Sultanate (1347) declared independence in the south during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's troubled reign.
51. Who invited Babur to invade India and overthrow Ibrahim Lodi?
Correct Answer: c) Daulat Khan Lodi
Explanation:
Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab, and Rana Sanga invited Babur to invade India to depose the arrogant Ibrahim Lodi.
52. The term 'Muqti' or 'Wali' in the Delhi Sultanate referred to:
Correct Answer: c) The holder of an Iqta
Explanation:
A Muqti or Wali was a provincial governor who was assigned an Iqta (land grant) and was responsible for maintaining law, order, and providing troops.
53. What was the 'Amir-i-Akhur' in the Delhi Sultanate administration?
Correct Answer: b) Superintendent of royal horses
Explanation:
The Amir-i-Akhur was the crucial administrative and military post of the superintendent or commander of the royal cavalry/stables.
54. Qutb al-Din Aibak died in 1210 due to a fall while playing which game?
Correct Answer: a) Polo (Chaugan)
Explanation:
Qutb al-Din Aibak died accidentally after falling from his horse while playing Chaugan (a medieval form of Polo) in Lahore.
55. Which ruler famously assumed the title of 'Sikandar-i-Sani' (the Second Alexander)?
Correct Answer: b) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji's military successes fueled his ambition for world conquest, leading him to take the title 'Sikandar-i-Sani'.
56. Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni’s invasions happened prior to the Delhi Sultanate. Which major Indian temple did he destroy in 1025 AD?
Correct Answer: c) Somnath Temple
Explanation:
While predating the Sultanate, Mahmud of Ghazni's raids laid the groundwork for later invasions. His most famous raid was the destruction of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat.
57. Which battle established the foundation of Turkish rule in India in 1192?
Correct Answer: b) Second Battle of Tarain
Explanation:
In the Second Battle of Tarain (1192), Muhammad Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, laying the permanent foundation of Turkish/Muslim rule in northern India.
58. The military commander Bakhtiyar Khalji, who destroyed the Nalanda University, was a general under:
Correct Answer: c) Muhammad Ghori
Explanation:
Ikhtiyar al-Din Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji was a military general under Muhammad Ghori who led the conquest of Bihar and Bengal, destroying Nalanda in the process.
59. Who was the maternal grandfather of Razia Sultana?
Correct Answer: a) Qutb al-Din Aibak
Explanation:
Razia Sultana was the daughter of Iltutmish, whose principal wife was the daughter of Qutb al-Din Aibak.
60. Which Mongol leader threatened the borders of India during the reign of Iltutmish?
Correct Answer: b) Genghis Khan
Explanation:
Genghis Khan chased Jalaluddin Mingburnu to the banks of the Indus during Iltutmish's reign. Iltutmish diplomatically avoided giving him refuge, sparing India from a Mongol invasion.
61. What title did Ghiyasuddin Balban adopt to assert his supreme authority?
Correct Answer: a) Zill-i-Ilahi
Explanation:
Balban called himself 'Zill-i-Ilahi' (Shadow of God on Earth) and 'Niyabat-i-Khudai' (Deputy of God) to enhance the prestige of the crown.
62. What policy did Balban adopt to secure his empire against internal rebellions and Mongol threats?
Correct Answer: b) Blood and Iron policy
Explanation:
Balban strictly followed the 'Policy of Blood and Iron', which meant ruthless suppression of rebellions and eliminating all opponents to the throne.
63. Who was the prominent Sufi saint associated with the founding of the Chishti order in India?
Correct Answer: b) Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Explanation:
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti established the Chishti Sufi order in India during the early phase of the Delhi Sultanate, settling in Ajmer.
64. The 'Shahna-i-Mandi' was an official appointed by Alauddin Khalji to oversee:
Correct Answer: c) The markets
Explanation:
The Shahna-i-Mandi was the superintendent of the market appointed by Alauddin Khalji to strictly enforce his price control policies.
65. Which new department was created by Alauddin Khalji to handle revenue collection and eliminate corruption?
Correct Answer: b) Diwan-i-Mustakhraj
Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji created the 'Diwan-i-Mustakhraj' to inquire into and collect revenue arrears from the collectors and eliminate corruption.
66. What was the name of the intelligence officers appointed by Alauddin Khalji in the markets?
Correct Answer: c) Munhiyans
Explanation:
Munhiyans were secret spies who reported directly to Alauddin Khalji about the functioning of the markets and any violation of price controls.
67. In 1303, Alauddin Khalji attacked which prominent Rajput fort, famously leading to the 'Jauhar' of Rani Padmini?
Correct Answer: b) Chittorgarh
Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji captured the impregnable fort of Chittor in 1303, an event heavily romanticized in later literature involving Queen Padmini.
68. Which ruler introduced the 'Ghari' (house tax) and 'Charai' (pasture tax)?
Correct Answer: c) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation:
To increase state revenue, Alauddin Khalji imposed two new taxes: the Ghari on houses and the Charai on milch cattle.
69. Who composed the poem 'Padmavat' in 1540, which narrated the story of Alauddin Khalji's attack on Chittor?
Correct Answer: b) Malik Muhammad Jayasi
Explanation:
Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote the Awadhi epic poem 'Padmavat' centuries later, blending history with fiction regarding the siege of Chittor.
70. What agricultural policy did Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq adopt in contrast to Alauddin Khalji?
Correct Answer: b) Replaced measurement with crop sharing
Explanation:
Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq discarded Alauddin's harsh system of measuring land and restored the crop-sharing (batai) system to relieve the peasants.
71. Which new city was built by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in Delhi?
Correct Answer: c) Jahanpanah
Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq enclosed the older cities of Delhi and built a new fortified area named Jahanpanah to protect citizens from Mongol attacks.
72. What was 'Taqkavi' or 'Sondhar' provided during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq?
Correct Answer: b) Agricultural loans given to peasants
Explanation:
Taqkavi (or Sondhar) were agricultural loans advanced to farmers to buy seeds and cattle during times of famine or to promote cultivation.
73. Who among the following Sultans is known to have participated in the Hindu festival of Holi?
Correct Answer: c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Muhammad bin Tughlaq was known for his relatively broad-minded religious views and is recorded by historians to have interacted with yogis and participated in Holi.
74. Which famous traveler called Delhi the largest city in the eastern part of the Islamic world?
Correct Answer: b) Ibn Battuta
Explanation:
During his visit in the 14th century, Ibn Battuta described Delhi as a magnificent city and the largest in the entire Islamic East.
75. Who translated many Sanskrit works into Persian during the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq (commissioned them)
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq captured the Jwalamukhi temple in Kangra and commissioned the translation of its Sanskrit manuscripts into Persian under the title 'Dalail-i-Firoz Shahi'.
76. What was the 'Dar-ul-Shifa' established by Firoz Shah Tughlaq?
Correct Answer: b) A charitable hospital
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq set up a charitable hospital in Delhi called Dar-ul-Shifa where free medicine and food were provided.
77. Which Delhi Sultan is credited with repairing the Qutb Minar after it was struck by lightning?
Correct Answer: b) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
When the top floors of the Qutb Minar were damaged by lightning, Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired them and added two more stories.
78. Firoz Shah Tughlaq established an employment bureau known as:
Correct Answer: d) Diwan-i-Rozgar
Explanation:
The Diwan-i-Rozgar was an employment bureau set up by Firoz Shah Tughlaq to provide work for the unemployed.
79. The famous city of Jaunpur was founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in memory of:
Correct Answer: b) Muhammad bin Tughlaq (Jauna Khan)
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded the city of Jaunpur in 1359 and named it in honor of his cousin Muhammad bin Tughlaq, whose real name was Jauna Khan.
80. Who was the wazir (prime minister) of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, largely responsible for the state's prosperity?
Correct Answer: b) Malik Maqbul (Khan-i-Jahan Maqbul)
Explanation:
Khan-i-Jahan Maqbul, a Hindu convert from Telangana, served as the highly competent Wazir of Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
81. What was the 'Sharb' or 'Haq-i-Sharb' levied by Firoz Shah Tughlaq?
Correct Answer: b) An irrigation tax
Explanation:
Haq-i-Sharb was a water tax (10% of the produce) levied by Firoz Shah Tughlaq on farmers who used the state-built canal networks for irrigation.
82. Which dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for the shortest duration?
Correct Answer: b) Khalji Dynasty
Explanation:
The Khalji Dynasty ruled for only 30 years (1290-1320), making it the shortest-lived dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
83. Which dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for the longest duration?
Correct Answer: b) Tughlaq Dynasty
Explanation:
The Tughlaq Dynasty ruled from 1320 to 1414 (94 years), making it the longest-ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
84. The 'Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi', a key historical source for the Sayyid dynasty, was written by:
Correct Answer: a) Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi
Explanation:
Yahya bin Ahmad Sirhindi authored the Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi, which provides the only contemporary account of the Sayyid Dynasty.
85. Which Lodi Sultan defeated the kingdom of Jaunpur and annexed it back into the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: a) Bahlul Lodi
Explanation:
Bahlul Lodi, the founder of the Lodi Dynasty, successfully defeated the Sharqi dynasty and annexed the Jaunpur kingdom back into the Sultanate.
86. Who wrote Persian verses under the pen name 'Gulrukhi'?
Correct Answer: c) Sikandar Lodi
Explanation:
Sikandar Lodi was a patron of literature and a poet himself; he composed Persian verses using the pen name 'Gulrukhi'.
87. The 'Moth Ki Masjid' in Delhi was built during the reign of which Sultan?
Correct Answer: c) Sikandar Lodi
Explanation:
Moth Ki Masjid was built by Miyan Bhoiya, the prime minister of Sikandar Lodi, showcasing Lodi architectural style.
88. In the central administration, who was the head of the judicial department (Diwan-i-Qaza)?
Correct Answer: c) Qazi-ul-Quzat
Explanation:
The Qazi-ul-Quzat was the Chief Justice of the empire, heading the Diwan-i-Qaza (Department of Justice).
89. What was the role of the 'Sadr-us-Sudur' in the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: b) Minister of religious affairs and endowments
Explanation:
The Sadr-us-Sudur was responsible for religious affairs, enforcing Islamic law, and managing charitable religious endowments (waqf).
90. What was the equivalent of a modern 'district' in the provincial administration of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: b) Shiq
Explanation:
Provinces (Iqtas) were subdivided into 'Shiqs' (districts), which were placed under the charge of a Shiqdar.
91. A group of villages in the Delhi Sultanate administration was called:
Correct Answer: c) Pargana
Explanation:
A Shiq was further divided into smaller administrative units called 'Parganas', which comprised a cluster of villages.
92. Who were the 'Muqaddams' or 'Chaudhuris' in the village administration?
Correct Answer: b) Village headmen
Explanation:
Muqaddams, Khuts, and Chaudhuris were the traditional village headmen who assisted in collecting local land revenue.
93. What was 'Batai' in the agrarian system of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: a) A system of crop-sharing
Explanation:
Batai (or Ghalla-Bakhshi) was a system where the agricultural produce was divided between the state and the peasant.
94. Which of the following Sufi saints is famously known as 'Khwaja Garib Nawaz'?
Correct Answer: b) Moinuddin Chishti
Explanation:
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer is revered as 'Garib Nawaz' (Benefactor of the Poor).
95. The musical instrument 'Sitar' is traditionally believed to have been invented by:
Correct Answer: b) Amir Khusrau
Explanation:
Amir Khusrau is traditionally credited with the invention of the Sitar and the Tabla, adapting Indian and Persian musical elements.
96. Amir Khusrau is known as the 'Parrot of India' (Tuti-i-Hind). He was a disciple of which Sufi saint?
Correct Answer: c) Nizamuddin Auliya
Explanation:
Amir Khusrau was a deeply devoted disciple of the Chishti Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
97. Which of the following was the official court language of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: c) Persian
Explanation:
Persian (Farsi) was the official language of administration, court proceedings, and elite literature in the Delhi Sultanate.
98. The 'Hauz Khas' reservoir in Delhi was originally constructed by:
Correct Answer: b) Alauddin Khalji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khalji built the Hauz Khas (Hauz-i-Alai) to supply water to the inhabitants of his newly built capital, Siri.
99. Which Sultan brought two Ashokan pillars to Delhi and erected them?
Correct Answer: c) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq was fascinated by Ashokan pillars and had two of them transported from Topra and Meerut to be erected in Delhi.
100. What is 'Karkhana' in the context of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: c) A royal workshop
Explanation:
Karkhanas were royal workshops maintained by the state to manufacture goods required by the Sultan, his household, and the army.
101. Who was the historian that accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to India and wrote 'Kitab-ul-Hind'?
Correct Answer: a) Al-Biruni
Explanation:
Al-Biruni, a Persian scholar, accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni and authored 'Kitab-ul-Hind', a detailed anthropological account of 11th-century India.
102. The book 'Tabaqat-i-Nasiri', detailing the early history of the Islamic world and the Delhi Sultanate up to 1260, was written by:
Correct Answer: c) Minhaj-i-Siraj
Explanation:
Minhaj-i-Siraj wrote the 'Tabaqat-i-Nasiri' and dedicated it to Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud, Iltutmish's grandson.
103. The architectural feature 'True Arch' was introduced in India on a large scale by which dynasty?
Correct Answer: a) Slave
Explanation:
While early structures used corbelling, the 'true arch' using keystones began to be used during the Slave Dynasty (e.g., Balban's tomb).
104. The distinctive feature of 'batter' or sloping walls is highly characteristic of the architecture of which dynasty?
Correct Answer: c) Tughlaq
Explanation:
Tughlaq architecture is famous for its massive, fortress-like appearance with thick, sloping (battered) walls, seen notably in Tughlaqabad.
105. Double domes in Indian Islamic architecture made their first appearance during the reign of which dynasty?
Correct Answer: d) Lodi
Explanation:
The Lodi dynasty introduced the architectural innovation of the 'double dome' to maintain proper proportions inside and outside a building, as seen in Sikandar Lodi's tomb.
106. Octagonal tombs became a prominent architectural feature during the reign of which dynasty?
Correct Answer: c) Sayyid and Lodi
Explanation:
The Sayyid and Lodi periods are characterized by the construction of high octagonal tombs surrounded by verandas.
107. Which Hindu festival is noted to have been observed by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq's court but was discouraged?
Correct Answer: a) Diwali
Explanation:
While Muhammad bin Tughlaq partook in Hindu festivals, Firoz Shah Tughlaq was orthodox and attempted to ban public displays of non-Islamic festivals.
108. The 'Bhakti Movement' gathered significant momentum during the Sultanate period. Who among the following was a contemporary Bhakti saint?
Correct Answer: b) Kabir
Explanation:
Kabir, a 15th-century mystic poet, was a prominent figure of the Bhakti movement during the later period of the Delhi Sultanate (Lodi era).
