The Delhi Sultanate, spanning several centuries, played a crucial role in shaping the political, administrative, and economic landscape of medieval India. Its governance structure, characterized by a blend of Persian and indigenous influences, laid the groundwork for subsequent empires.
In this article, we present a set of General Knowledge multiple-choice questions (MCQs) focused on the polity, administration, and economy of the Delhi Sultanate. These questions are designed to deepen your understanding of this significant era and its impact on the subcontinent’s history.
1. The irrigation tax was charged on the farmers for the first time by which among the following Sultans?
- Alauddin Khilji
- Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Mohammad Tughlaq
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq
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Answer: Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, is known for introducing the irrigation tax, making him the first ruler to charge farmers for their use of irrigation facilities. This tax aimed to generate revenue for the state and maintain irrigation systems.
2. During the Delhi Sultanate, who among the following were called the Barids?
- Craftsmen
- Bodyguards of the Sultan
- Officer-in-charge of state exchequer
- The spy/news reporters
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Answer: The spy/news reporters
The “Barids” served as intelligence agents or spy/news reporters during the Delhi Sultanate. They were responsible for gathering information and reporting it to the Sultan. Their role was crucial in the administration and maintenance of law and order in the empire.
3. Which of the following rulers of the Delhi Sultanate abolished the Iqtas?
- Alauddin Khilji
- Muhammad Tughlaq
- Firozshah Tughlaq
- Balban
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Answer: Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji, during his reign in the Delhi Sultanate, made significant administrative reforms. One of the notable changes he introduced was the abolition of the Iqta system. The Iqta system was a land-grant system for military service, and Alauddin Khilji’s reforms aimed to centralize power and resources.
4. Who was the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate when Timur invaded India in 1398?
- Mahmud Shah Tughluq
- Jalal ud din Firuz Khilji
- Aram Shah
- Ghiyas-ud-din Balban
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Answer: Mahmud Shah Tughluq
Mahmud Shah Tughluq was the Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate during the invasion of India by Timur in 1398. Timur’s invasion had a profound impact on the region, causing destruction and instability in the Sultanate.
5. “Loom” was a central technological innovation in which of the following eras?
- Sultanate Era
- Rajput Era
- Mughal Era
- None of the above
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Answer: Sultanate Era
The introduction of the loom, a textile development technology, during the Sultanate Era brought Persian and Central Asian designs into the subcontinent’s textile industry. This technological advancement had a lasting impact on the textile traditions of the region.
6. What was the term used in medieval India for the land directly ruled by the Central Government?
- Muqtis
- Khalisa
- Inam
- None of the above
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Answer: Khalisa
The term “Khalisa” referred to the land directly ruled by the Central Government in medieval India. This land was under the direct control of the Sultan or the state, and the revenue generated from it contributed to the state’s finances.
7. That part of the land granted by the sultan to military chiefs for the maintenance of a given number of troopers was called?
- Muahatsib
- Iqta
- Nazir
- Usharaf
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Answer: Iqta
“Iqta” was a critical component of the administrative system in the Delhi Sultanate. It represented a portion of land granted by the Sultan to military chiefs in exchange for maintaining troops and providing military service.
8. In the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq, which of the following taxes was 1/6 of the booty captured during war?
- Kharaz
- Khams
- Jaqat
- Zaziya
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Answer: Khams
“Khams” was a tax introduced by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, representing one-sixth (1/6) of the booty captured during war. This tax revenue contributed to the state treasury and was part of Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s fiscal policies.
9. Which among the following was called the Central Pillar of the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate?
- Izra system
- Iqta System
- Devsirme system
- Chahalgami
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Answer: Iqta System
The Iqta System was considered the central pillar of the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate.
10. For which purpose did Alauddin Khilji create the “Diwan-i-Riyasat”?
- Revenue Collection
- Civil court
- Tax Control
- To regulate fixed market prices
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Answer: To regulate fixed market prices
The “Diwan-i-Riyasat” was established by Alauddin Khilji to control and regulate markets during his reign. This institution played a role in ensuring market stability and preventing exploitation by merchants.
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