The Mamluk dynasty (1206-90) was the first of the Delhi Sultanate’s five dynasties, founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave. This period marked the establishment of Muslim rule in India and saw the rise of several powerful rulers. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding the Mamluk dynasty’s history is essential. This article provides a carefully curated list of Mamluk dynasty (1206-90) GK MCQs, designed to help you strengthen your knowledge and excel in exams.
1. Which Delhi sultan was a contemporary of Chengiz Khan?
- Iltutmish
- Alauddin Khilji
- Muhammad Bin Tughlaq
- Ibrahim Lodi
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Answer: Iltutmish
Iltutmish, the Sultan of Delhi during the 13th century, lived during the time of the Mongol leader Chengiz Khan. In 1221 A.D., there was an anticipated threat of Chengiz Khan’s attack on Delhi. This threat played a significant role in shaping the geopolitical environment during Iltutmish’s rule, as the Mongols posed a major external threat to the region.
2. When did Razia Sultan ascend to the throne of Delhi?
- 1220 A.D
- 1226 A.D
- 1236 A.D
- 1235 A.D
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Answer: 1236 A.D
Razia Sultana, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, indeed became the first female Muslim ruler of the Indian Subcontinent. She ruled from 1236 to 1240, succeeding her father Shams-ud-din Iltutmish. Her ascension marked an important historical moment as a woman ruling in a predominantly male-dominated era.
3. Which of the following was not a landmark of Iltutmish’s rule?
- Introduction of silver tanka & Copper Jetal
- Introduction of iqtadari System
- Organization of Chalisa
- Putting forward the ‘Divine Right Theory”
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Answer: Putting forward the ‘Divine Right Theory”
The Divine Right Theory was introduced by Balban, who succeeded Iltutmish. This theory emphasized the absolute authority of the ruler, who was considered God’s representative on earth. Balban’s reign saw the centralization of power and a strong autocratic rule, with the king ranking just below the prophet in his pride and prejudice.
4. Who was known as Lakha Baksh?
- Mohammed Ghori
- Qutubuddin Aibak
- Iltutmish
- Balban
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Answer: Qutubuddin Aibak
Qutubuddin Aibak was given the title of Lakh Baksh because of his remarkable generosity in giving lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of rupees in charity. This exemplified his benevolence and philanthropy during his rule.
5. What is the correct meaning of the term “Mamluk” in the context of medieval India?
- Slave
- Owned
- King
- Invader
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Answer: Owned
The word “Mamluk” refers to “owned” or “slave.” The Mamluks were a class of slave soldiers in medieval Islamic societies. In practice, a Mamluk couldn’t pass his property or title to his offspring, which led to a continual need to recruit new Mamluks from outside sources. Qutubuddin Aibak, as part of the Mamluk dynasty, founded the Delhi Sultanate in India and ruled from 1206 to 1290 AD.
6. Who created the political ideology of Niyabat-i-Khudai?
- Qutubuddin Aibak
- Iltutmish
- Balban
- Raziya
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Answer: Balban
Balban developed his political ideology inspired by Persian ideals, considering the king as God’s representative on earth. He introduced the concept of “Niyabat-i-Khudai,” where the king was seen as second only to the prophet in status. He also introduced “Jille Allah” or “Jilleilahi,” which symbolized the king as a reflection of God, emphasizing the divine nature of kingship.
7. During whose reign did Qubacha (slave of Muizzudin) declare himself an independent ruler of Multan and seize Lahore and parts of Punjab?
- Qutubuddin Aibak
- Iltutmish
- Balban
- Raziya
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Answer: Iltutmish
Qubacha, a fellow slave of Qutubuddin Aibak, declared himself an independent ruler during the reign of Iltutmish. Additionally, other regional rulers, such as Ali Mardan Khan in Bengal and the Rajputs, seized control of various territories during this period, challenging the authority of the Delhi Sultanate.
8. Who was given the title of Amir-e-Akhur?
- Balban
- Raihan
- Iltutmish
- Qubacha
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Answer: Balban
Balban’s journey from his early titles to his rise as a significant figure in the conspiracy against Razia and his eventual recognition as a key official in Bahramshah’s court showcases his evolving role and influence in the Delhi Sultanate during different reigns.
9. In which inscription did Balban call himself a Helper of a Caliph?
- Quwwat al Islam mosque inscription
- Qutub Minar wall inscription
- Mosque inscription of Garhmukteshwar
- Adhai din ka jhopra inscription
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Answer: Mosque inscription of Garhmukteshwar
Balban referred to himself as the “Helper of Caliph” in his inscription on the walls of the mosque at Garhmukteshwar, emphasizing his allegiance to the religious authority. This inscription, written in Arabic, dated to 1283 AD, reflects his religious and political stance.
10. Whose reign is described in the inscription of Qutub Minar?
- Qutubuddin Aibak
- Iltutmish
- Firoz Shah Tughlaq
- Qutubuddin Aibak and Iltutmish
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Answer: Qutubuddin Aibak and Iltutmish
The Qutub Minar, located in Delhi, was constructed in the early 13th century. Its first storey dates from the reign of Qutubuddin Aibak. The inscriptions on the Qutub Minar primarily contain Quranic verses and historical epigraphs from the reigns of Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, providing valuable historical information.
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