The Delhi Sultanate is an important chapter in Indian history, often featured in competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Railways, and State PCS. Understanding the rise and fall of the Sultanate, its administration, notable rulers, and cultural contributions is crucial for aspirants aiming to ace the history section.
To help students prepare effectively, we have compiled a comprehensive set of Delhi Sultanate MCQs. These questions cover key topics such as the rule of prominent dynasties, significant battles, architectural achievements, and administrative reforms. Practicing these MCQs will not only boost your knowledge but also enhance your exam performance by familiarizing you with frequently asked questions and historical insights.
Explore this section to strengthen your understanding of one of India’s most dynamic historical periods!
1. The transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad was ordered by Sultan
(A) Mubarak Shah Khilji
(B) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(C) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
(D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: (C) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Muhammed bin Tughlaq shifted the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (in present-day Maharashtra) to strengthen control over the Deccan region. However, the plan failed due to the hardships faced by the people during the long journey and lack of resources in Daulatabad.
2. Which Sultan of Delhi was the first to charge Ghari or House tax?
(A) Balban
(B) Alauddin Khilji
(C) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
(D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: (B) Alauddin Khilji
Explanation: Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan of Delhi to impose the Ghari or House tax. He introduced several administrative and economic reforms, including this tax, to strengthen the Sultanate and maintain a large army.
3. Ibn Batutta visited India during the reign of
(A) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(B) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
(C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(D) Bahlol Lodi
Answer: (B) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
Ibn Batutta, a Moroccan traveler and scholar, visited India during the reign of Muhammed bin Tughlaq. He was impressed by the wealth of the kingdom and served as a judge in the Sultan’s court.
4. Which one of the following kings of medieval India began the ‘Public Distribution System’?
(A) Balban
(B) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
(C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(D) Alauddin Khilji
Answer: (D) Alauddin Khilji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khilji introduced the first-ever Public Distribution System in India to ensure the availability of food grains at controlled prices. He established government granaries to store and distribute grains.
5. Which Sultan of Delhi is said to have followed the policy of “Blood and Iron”?
(A) Jalaluddin Khilji
(B) Alauddin Khilji
(C) Balban
(D) Iltutmish
Answer: (C) Balban
Explanation:
Balban believed in maintaining strict discipline and order. His policy of “Blood and Iron” referred to his harsh methods to crush rebellions and strengthen the authority of the Sultanate.
6. For whom did historian Badayuni comment on his death, “Sultan got freedom from his masses and masses from the Sultan”?
(A) Iltutmish
(B) Balban
(C) Alauddin Khilji
(D) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
Answer: (D) Muhammed bin Tughlaq
Explanation:
This comment reflects the troubled reign of Muhammed bin Tughlaq. His ambitious but poorly executed policies caused widespread suffering, leading to a mutual sense of relief at his death.
7. Which of the following Sultans of Delhi was known as Lakh Bakhsh?
(A) Qutubuddin Aibak
(B) Balban
(C) Alauddin Khilji
(D) Jalaluddin Khilji
Answer: (A) Qutubuddin Aibak
Explanation:
Qutubuddin Aibak was known as Lakh Bakhsh (giver of lakhs) because of his generous nature. He distributed wealth among the poor and built important monuments like the Qutub Minar.
8. Who has been described by Elliot as the Akbar of Sultanate?
(A) Iltutmish
(B) Balban
(C) Alauddin Khilji
(D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: (D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq was known for his administrative reforms, public works, and focus on the welfare of his subjects. Historian Elliot compared his policies to those of Akbar, who was also a reformer and a patron of public welfare.
9. In the Delhi Sultanate, an administrative unit called paragana was headed by an official known as:
(A) Amil
(B) Ariz
(C) Shiqdar
(D) Barid
Answer: (A) Amil
Explanation:
In the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate, a paragana (a smaller administrative unit within a province) was overseen by an official called the Amil. The Amil was responsible for collecting revenue and maintaining law and order in the paragana.
10. Who among the following Sultans was advised by Qazi Mughisuddin to act according to the laws of Shariat but the Sultan rejected his advice?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Jalauddin Khilji
(C) Muhammed Bin Tughlaq
(D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: (A) Alauddin Khilji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khilji rejected the advice of Qazi Mughisuddin to strictly follow Shariat law. Instead, he believed in ruling according to practical governance principles that suited the state’s requirements. His policies were often based on statecraft rather than religious law.
Malik Kafur was a prominent general and trusted advisor of Alauddin Khilji. He led successful military campaigns, including expeditions into South India, expanding the Sultanate’s territory significantly.
12. The Lodi dynasty was founded by:
(A) Bahlol Lodi
(B) Mubarak Shah
(C) Sikander Lodi
(D) Ibrahim Lodi
Answer: (A) Bahlol Lodi
Explanation:
Bahlol Lodi established the Lodi dynasty in 1451. He was the first Afghan ruler to ascend the throne of Delhi, marking the beginning of the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
13. Who was the first real king of the Delhi Sultanate?
(A) Qutubuddin Aibak
(B) Iltutmish
(C) Balban
(D) Alauddin Khilji
Answer: (B) Iltutmish
Explanation:
Iltutmish is regarded as the first real king of the Delhi Sultanate because he consolidated the empire and introduced effective administrative systems. He also completed the construction of the Qutub Minar.
14. Muhammed Bin Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to:
(A) Lahore
(B) Kalinjar
(C) Kannauj
(D) Daulatabad
Answer: (D) Daulatabad
Explanation:
Muhammed Bin Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad in the Deccan to strengthen control over the southern parts of India. However, this decision caused hardships and failed due to logistical issues.
15. Who of the following was the first woman ruler of medieval India?
(A) Razia Sultan
(B) Chand Bibi
(C) Durgadevi
(D) Noorjahan
Answer: (A) Razia Sultan
Explanation:
Razia Sultan was the first woman ruler of medieval India and the only female Sultan of Delhi. She ruled from 1236 to 1240 and was known for her administrative skills and courage.
16. The city of Jaunpur was founded in the memory of:
(A) Jalaluddin Khilji
(B) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(C) Muhammed Bin Tughlaq
(D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: (D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq established the city of Jaunpur in memory of his cousin, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, to honor his legacy.
17. Which of the following was not built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq?
(A) Palace Fort of Firozabad
(B) Kotla Firoz Shah
(C) City of Jahanpanah
(D) Hauz-i-Khas
Answer: (C) City of Jahanpanah
Explanation:
The City of Jahanpanah was built by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, not Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Firoz Shah is known for constructing the Kotla Firoz Shah, among other structures.
18. Which of the following Sultans had the greatest number of slaves in his court?
(A) Balban
(B) Alauddin Khilji
(C) Muhammed Bin Tughlaq
(D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: (D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation:
Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known to have maintained a large number of slaves, reportedly over 180,000, for various administrative and construction projects.
19. Who was called the Akbar of Kashmir?
(A) Shihabuddin
(B) Sultan Sikander
(C) Hussain Shah
(D) Zainul Abidin
Answer: (D) Zainul Abidin
Explanation:
Zainul Abidin is referred to as the Akbar of Kashmir for his policies of religious tolerance and cultural contributions. He encouraged art, literature, and the welfare of his subjects.
20. Gita Govinda was written by:
(A) Jayant
(B) Jayadeva
(C) Jayasimha
(D) Jayachandra
Answer: (B) Jayadeva
Explanation:
The Gita Govinda, a famous Sanskrit text, was written by Jayadeva. It describes the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha, blending devotion and art.
21. Amir Khusrow played a pioneer role in the development of:
(A) Khari Boli
(B) Awadhi
(C) Bhojpuri
(D) Maithili
Answer: (A) Khari Boli
Explanation:
Amir Khusrow, a renowned poet and scholar, is credited with significant contributions to the development of Khari Boli, the dialect that later evolved into modern Hindi and Urdu.
Q22. ‘Diwan-e-Arj’ department was associated with:
(A) Royal Correspondence
(B) Foreign
(C) Defence
(D) Finance
Answer: (C) Defence
Explanation:
The Diwan-e-Arj was a department in the Delhi Sultanate responsible for defence. It managed the recruitment, training, and payment of soldiers, ensuring the efficiency of the military.
Q23. Ghazi Malik was the founder of which dynasty?
(A) Tughlaq
(B) Khilji
(C) Sayyid
(D) Lodi
Answer: (A) Tughlaq
Explanation:
Ghazi Malik (later known as Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq) founded the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320 after overthrowing the Khilji dynasty. He was a capable ruler who emphasized strong administration and military reforms.
Q24. Which dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate ruled for the shortest period?
(A) Khilji
(B) Tughlaq
(C) Sayyid
(D) Lodi
Answer: (A) Khilji
Explanation: The Khilji dynasty ruled for the shortest period among the dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. It lasted from 1290 to 1320 CE.
Q25. Which of the following rulers got the Jantar Mahal of Mandu constructed?
(A) Mahmud Shah Khilji
(B) Alauddin Khilji
(C) Bhoj Parmar
(D) Gyasuddin Khilji
Answer: (D) Gyasuddin Khilji
Explanation:
Gyasuddin Khilji, a ruler of the Malwa region, is credited with constructing the Jantar Mahal in Mandu. The palace reflects the architectural advancements during his reign.
Q26. Ain-ul-Mulk Multani did not serve under which of the following rulers?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Muhammed Bin Tughlaq
(C) Firoz Tughlaq
(D) Iltutmish
Answer: (D) Iltutmish
Explanation:
Ain-ul-Mulk Multani was a prominent noble and administrator who served under Alauddin Khilji, Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, and Firoz Tughlaq. He did not serve during the reign of Iltutmish, who ruled much earlier.
Q27. The original name of Chengez (Genghis) Khan was:
(A) Khasul Khan
(B) Yesugai
(C) Temujin (Tenurjin)
(D) Ogadi
Answer: (C) Temujin (Tenurjin)
Explanation:
The original name of Chengiz (Genghis) Khan was Temujin. He united the Mongol tribes and became one of history’s most powerful and influential leaders, establishing the Mongol Empire.
Q28. Which Sultan demanded half the crops on land after measurement as revenue?
(A) Iltutmish
(B) Balban
(C) Alauddin Khilji
(D) Muhammed Bin Tughlaq
Answer: (C) Alauddin Khilji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khilji implemented a revenue policy in which half of the agricultural produce was collected as tax. This was part of his strict economic reforms to strengthen the Sultanate’s finances and prevent corruption.
Q29. Who among the following rulers divided his troops into units of two hundred, two hundred fifty, and five hundred?
(A) Bahlol Lodi
(B) Sikander Shah
(C) Sher Shah
(D) Islam Shah
Answer: (D) Islam Shah
Explanation:
Islam Shah, the son of Sher Shah Suri, reorganized his military by dividing troops into smaller units of 200, 250, and 500. This reform improved military efficiency and discipline.
Q30. Which medieval Indian ruler started the system of “Patta” and “Qabuliyat”?
(A) Alauddin Khilji
(B) Muhammed Bin Tughlaq
(C) Sher Shah Suri
(D) Akbar
Answer: (C) Sher Shah Suri
Explanation:
Sher Shah Suri introduced the Patta (deed specifying land details and tax rates) and Qabuliyat (agreement by the cultivator to pay taxes). This system ensured transparency and fairness in land revenue administration.
Q31. Upanishads were translated into Persian during the reign of:
(A) Aurangzeb
(B) Shah Jahan
(C) Jahangir
(D) Akbar
Answer: (B) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan, was the one who translated the Upanishads into Persian. He was a tolerant and liberal-minded prince who was interested in different religions and philosophies. His translation of the Upanishads, titled “Sirr-e-Akbar” (The Great Secret), was a significant contribution to the understanding of Hindu philosophy among Muslim scholars.
Q32. Who among the following rulers is famous as “Prithvi Raj Chauhan”?
(A) Prithvi Raj I
(B) Prithvi Raj II
(C) Prithvi Raj III
(D) None of the above
Answer: (C) Prithvi Raj III
Explanation:
Prithvi Raj Chauhan III is the most famous ruler of the Chauhan dynasty. He is known for his valor and resistance against Muhammad Ghori, particularly in the First Battle of Tarain (1191 AD).
Q33. What was the boundary between the Delhi Sultan and Mongols during the period of Alauddin Khilji after 1306 A.D.?
(A) Beas
(B) Ravi
(C) Indus
(D) Sutlej
Answer: (C) Indus
Explanation: The boundary between the Delhi Sultanate and the Mongols during the period of Alauddin Khilji after 1306 AD was the Indus River.
Q34. Which one of the following kings was defeated by Muhammad Ghori in the Battle of Chandawar?
(A) Prithviraj Chauhan
(B) Jai Chand
(C) Kumarpala
(D) Bhima II
Answer: (B) Jai Chand
Explanation:
In the Battle of Chandawar (1194 AD), Muhammad Ghori defeated Jai Chand, the ruler of Kanauj. This victory helped Ghori consolidate his control over northern India.
Q35. In which battle did Muhammad Ghori defeat Jai Chand?
(A) Battle of Tarain (1191 AD)
(B) Battle of Tarain (1192 AD)
(C) Battle of Chandawar (1194 AD)
(D) Battle of Kannauj (1194 AD)
Answer: (C) Battle of Chandawar (1194 AD)
Explanation:
The Battle of Chandawar, fought in 1194 AD, marked the defeat of Jai Chand by Muhammad Ghori. This battle followed the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan and solidified Ghori’s dominance in India.
Q36. The Horse-Shoe arch was first introduced in the:
(A) Tomb of Iltutmish
(B) Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
(C) Alai Darwazah
(D) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Answer: (C) Alai Darwazah
Explanation:
The Horse-Shoe arch, a significant feature of Islamic architecture, was first introduced in India in the Alai Darwazah, built by Alauddin Khilji. It showcased advanced engineering and artistic skill.
Q37. Sultan who raised the land revenue to fifty percent of the produce was:
(A) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
(B) Alauddin Khilji
(C) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
(D) Balban
Answer: (B) Alauddin Khilji
Explanation:
Alauddin Khilji implemented strict revenue reforms and demanded 50% of the agricultural produce as tax. This was part of his strategy to strengthen the Sultanate’s finances and maintain a powerful army.
Q38. Who was the first Muslim conqueror of Bihar?
(A) Malik Ibrahim
(B) Iltutmish
(C) Bakhtiyar Khalji
(D) Ali Mardan Khalji
Answer: (C) Bakhtiyar Khalji
Explanation:
Bakhtiyar Khalji was the first Muslim conqueror of Bihar. He captured the region in the late 12th century and destroyed several institutions, including the famous Nalanda University.
Q39. Nalanda Vihar was destroyed by:
(A) Bakhtiyar Khalji
(B) Qutubuddin Aibak
(C) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
(D) Alauddin Khilji
Answer: (A) Bakhtiyar Khalji
Explanation:
Bakhtiyar Khalji, during his conquest of Bihar, destroyed the renowned Nalanda University. This marked a significant blow to India’s ancient education system.
Q40. Ghazi Malik was the founder of which dynasty?
(A) Tughlaq
(B) Khilji
(C) Sayyid
(D) Lodi
Answer: (A) Tughlaq
Explanation:
Ghazi Malik, later known as Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founded the Tughlaq dynasty in 1320 after overthrowing the Khilji dynasty.
Q41. Whom had Muhammad Ghori defeated in 1194 in the Battle of Chandawar?
(A) Kumarpal
(B) Jaichand
(C) Govindraj
(D) Bhim II
Answer: (B) Jaichand
Explanation:
In the Battle of Chandawar (1194 AD), Muhammad Ghori defeated Jaichand, the ruler of Kannauj. This victory further consolidated Ghori’s rule in northern India.
Q42. Recently Archaeological Survey of India cleaned up Hauz-e-Shamsi that allowed arrival of Jal Murgi, a Himalayan bird. Who built Hauz-e-Shamsi?
(A) Qutubuddin Aibak
(B) Iltutmish
(C) Akbar
(D) Balban
Answer: (B) Iltutmish
Explanation:
Iltutmish, a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, built Hauz-e-Shamsi as a reservoir to ensure a steady water supply for his capital. It remains an important historical structure.
Q43. Consider the following sentences with reference to Ibrahim Lodi:
Ibrahim Lodi was the first ruler of the Lodi dynasty.
He could not match his ability as a ruler and did not have good relations with nobles.
No Sultan of India except Sultan Ibrahim had been killed on the battlefield.
(A) Only 1
(B) 2 and 3
(C) 1 and 2
(D) All of the above
Answer: (B) 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Ibrahim Lodi was not the first ruler of the Lodi dynasty; his father, Bahlol Lodi, was the founder.
Statement 2 is true: Ibrahim Lodi’s inability to maintain good relations with his nobles led to internal strife.
Statement 3 is true: Ibrahim Lodi was killed in the Battle of Panipat (1526) against Babur, making him the only Sultan to die on the battlefield.
Q44. Who among the following Sultanate rulers were of Afghan origin?
(A) Khalji
(B) Tughlaq
(C) Sayyid
(D) Lodi
Answer: (D) Lodi
Explanation:
The Lodi dynasty, founded by Bahlol Lodi, was of Afghan origin. This was the only dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate with Afghan roots, whereas the others were primarily of Turkic origin.
Q45. Who among the following Sultans of the Sultanate was the first to shift his capital to Delhi?
(A) Aram Shah
(B) Balban
(C) Iltutmish
(D) Qutubuddin Aibak
Answer: (D) Qutubuddin Aibak
Explanation: Qutubuddin Aibak laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate and shifted his capital from Lahore to Delhi, making it the center of power for the subsequent dynasties.
Q46. Who destroyed the Nalanda University in 1202 AD?
(A) Muhammad Ghori
(B) Bakhtiyar Khalji
(C) Mahmud of Ghazni
(D) Qutubuddin Aibak
Answer: (B) Bakhtiyar Khalji
Explanation:
Bakhtiyar Khalji, a general under the Delhi Sultanate, destroyed Nalanda University during his conquest of Bihar. This marked the end of one of the world’s most renowned centers of learning.
Q47. Which of the following sources provides a vivid description of Sindh?
(A) Khazainul Futuh
(B) Tarikh-i-Firoz-Shahi
(C) Insha-i-Mehru
(D) Chachnamah
Answer: (D) Chachnamah
Explanation:
The Chachnamah is a historical text that provides a detailed account of Sindh, focusing on its rulers, society, and the conquest of the region by the Arabs in the 7th century. It remains a vital source for understanding early Islamic history in India.
