Q40. Who assumed the title Sikandar-i-Sani?
[UP Lower Subordinate Prelims, 2008]
A. Alauddin Khalji
B. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C. Sikandar Lodi
D. Balban
Answer: A. Alauddin Khalji
Explanation: Alauddin adopted “Second Alexander” to advertise his imperial ambitions and exceptional military achievements.
Q39. Why did Alauddin Khalji maintain artificially low market prices?
[UP Lower Subordinate Prelims, 2008]
A. To maintain a large army economically
B. To eliminate agriculture
C. To reward nobles
D. To increase soldiers’ salaries
Answer: A. To maintain a large army economically
Explanation: Low prices allowed soldiers to live on controlled salaries, helping the state sustain an enormous standing army without unsustainable expenditure.
Q38. Which dynasty ruled Delhi for the longest period among the principal Sultanate dynasties?
[UP Lower Subordinate, 2008]
A. Khalji
B. Tughlaq
C. Sayyid
D. Lodi
Answer: B. Tughlaq
Explanation: The Tughlaq dynasty endured nominally from 1320 to 1414, despite considerable decentralisation and decline during its later decades.
Q37. Haqq-i-Sharb was associated with which Sultan?
[UP Lower Subordinate, 2008]
A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B. Balban
C. Alauddin Khalji
D. Bahlul Lodi
Answer: A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Explanation: The irrigation charge reflected Firoz’s extensive use of state canals to increase cultivation and agricultural revenue.
Q36. Which Sultan was contemporary with Genghis Khan?
[UPPCS Mains, 2007]
A. Iltutmish
B. Balban
C. Razia
D. Alauddin Khalji
Answer: A. Iltutmish
Explanation: Genghis Khan pursued Jalaluddin Mangburni to the Indus frontier in 1221 during Iltutmish’s reign.
Q35. Which Delhi Sultan was renowned for exceptional learning in subjects such as mathematics and astronomy?
[UPPCS Optional History, 2007]
A. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B. Balban
C. Aibak
D. Ibrahim Lodi
Answer: A. Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Explanation: Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s intellectual ability contrasted sharply with the practical failures of several of his highly ambitious political and administrative schemes.
Q34. Choose the correct chronological order of the Lodi rulers.
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2006]
A. Ibrahim → Bahlul → Sikandar
B. Bahlul → Sikandar → Ibrahim
C. Sikandar → Ibrahim → Bahlul
D. Bahlul → Ibrahim → Sikandar
Answer: B. Bahlul → Sikandar → Ibrahim
Explanation: Bahlul founded the dynasty in 1451, Sikandar succeeded him in 1489, and Ibrahim ruled from 1517 until the dynasty’s fall.
Q33. Which governor rebelled against Balban in Bengal?
[UP UDA/LDA Special, 2006]
A. Tughril Khan
B. Malik Kafur
C. Khizr Khan
D. Zafar Khan
Answer: A. Tughril Khan
Explanation: Tughril’s rebellion was a major challenge to Balban’s authority. The Sultan personally marched east and suppressed the revolt ruthlessly.
Q32. Tughril Khan’s revolt during Balban’s reign took place in:
[UP UDA/LDA Special, 2006]
A. Bengal
B. Gujarat
C. Malwa
D. Punjab
Answer: A. Bengal
Explanation: Bengal’s distance from Delhi repeatedly encouraged provincial autonomy, and Balban’s harsh response demonstrated his determination to preserve central political control.
Q31. Who founded the Slave dynasty in India?
[BPSC Prelims, 2005]
A. Qutbuddin Aibak
B. Iltutmish
C. Balban
D. Razia
Answer: A. Qutbuddin Aibak
Explanation: Aibak established independent rule in 1206 following Muhammad Ghori’s death, initiating the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
