1. Assertion (A): The Sultans of Delhi managed to consolidate an empire comprising a large part of India with their military power.
Reason (R): The main feature of the Delhi Sultanate was that the sultans based their military power with military elite bound together by Islam and certain tribal affinities. (June 2012)

Codes:
(1) Both (A) and (R) are true
(2) Both (A) and (R) are false
(3) (A) is false, but (R) is true
(4) (A) is true, but (R) is false

Answer: 3

2. Who separated the office of the Wali and Amir? (Dec 2012)

(1) Balban
(2) Ala-ud-din Khalji
(3) Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq
(4) Muhammad bin Tughluq

Answer: 4

The correct answer is (2) Ala-ud-din Khalji.

Alauddin Khalji is credited with separating the offices of the Wali (governor of a province) and the Amir (military commander) as part of his broader administrative and military reforms. This step was taken to reduce the concentration of power in the hands of a single noble and to prevent rebellions, which had been a recurring problem in the Delhi Sultanate. Earlier, provincial governors often combined civil and military authority, making them powerful enough to challenge the central authority of the Sultan.

Alauddin Khalji, who ruled from 1296 to 1316, introduced several stringent measures to strengthen the central administration. By separating these offices, he ensured that no single individual controlled both administrative revenue and military forces in a province. This division created a system of checks and balances, where the Wali managed civil administration and revenue collection, while the Amir commanded troops. Both were directly accountable to the Sultan, thereby limiting the possibility of independent power bases emerging in the provinces.

These reforms were part of his wider strategy to maintain a strong centralized state, which also included measures like strict market control, regulation of prices, branding of horses (dagh), and maintenance of descriptive rolls of soldiers (chehra). His policies were particularly important in the context of frequent Mongol invasions and internal revolts, which required a disciplined and loyal administrative-military structure.

The other rulers listed did undertake important reforms, but they are not specifically associated with this administrative separation. Balban focused more on strengthening kingship and suppressing nobles, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq worked on administrative consolidation, and Muhammad bin Tughluq is known for ambitious but often impractical experiments. Thus, the separation of the offices of Wali and Amir is specifically linked to Alauddin Khalji’s governance reforms.

3. Consider the names of the following cities of Delhi:

I. Jahanpanah
II. Siri
III. Tughlaqabad
IV. Khizrabad
Which among the following sequences represents the correct chronological order of foundation? (Dec 2012)

(1) II, I, III, IV
(2) III, IV, II, I
(3) III, II, IV, I
(4) II, III, I, IV

Answer: 4

The correct answer is (4) II, III, I, IV.

The earliest among these is Siri (II), founded by Alauddin Khalji around the end of the 13th century (c. 1297–1307). Siri was established as a new fortified city to serve as a military base, especially to defend against repeated Mongol invasions, and it became the second city of Delhi after the earlier settlements like Mehrauli.

Next comes Tughlaqabad (III), built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in the early 14th century (around 1321–1325). It was conceived as a massive fortified city with strong defensive architecture, reflecting the military concerns of the time. However, it was relatively short-lived as a capital due to water shortages and shifting political priorities.

After that, Jahanpanah (I) was established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq (c. 1326–1327). This city was designed to enclose and connect the older cities of Delhi, including Siri and the earlier settlements, forming a larger fortified urban complex meant to protect inhabitants from external threats.

Finally, Khizrabad (IV) was founded later by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the mid-14th century along the Yamuna. It was one of the several urban projects undertaken by Firoz Shah, who is known for founding multiple towns and promoting public works like canals, gardens, and buildings.

Thus, the correct chronological order of foundation is Siri → Tughlaqabad → Jahanpanah → Khizrabad, corresponding to option (4).

4. Shiqqdar was (Dec 2013)

(1) the head of village patwaris
(2) the military officer at the pargana level
(3) the treasurer of the pargana
(4) looking after the trade activities

Answer: 2

The correct answer is (2) the military officer at the pargana level.

The term Shiqqdar (or Shiqdar) referred to an important official in the administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate as well as under later regimes like the Mughals. At the level of the pargana (a territorial revenue unit), the Shiqqdar was primarily responsible for maintaining law and order and commanding the local military forces. His duties included suppressing rebellions, ensuring security, and assisting in the enforcement of state authority in rural areas. He often worked in coordination with revenue officials but his role was distinctly military and policing in nature.

In contrast, revenue administration at the pargana level was handled by officials like the amil or amil-guzar, who assessed and collected land revenue, and the qanungo, who maintained records. The village-level record keeper was the patwari, who maintained land and crop records for individual villages, and thus the Shiqqdar was not the head of patwaris. Similarly, the treasurer’s functions were handled by other officials, and trade-related supervision was not the primary responsibility of the Shiqqdar.

This division of roles reflects the structured administrative system developed by rulers such as Alauddin Khalji and later refined under the Mughals, where civil and military responsibilities were often separated to ensure efficient governance and prevent concentration of power. The Shiqqdar thus played a key role in maintaining the coercive authority of the state at the local level.

5. Consider the following statements on the reforms of Alauddin Khalji:

(A) Confiscation of all grants of tax-free land.
(B) Introduction of dagh and chehra in his military.
(C) Abolition of iqtas of big nobles and military commanders.
(D) Banning of public sale of liquor. (Dec 2013)

Codes:
(1) A, B and C
(2) B, C and D
(3) A, B and D
(4) A, C and D

Answer: 3

The correct answer is (3) A, B and D.

The reforms of Alauddin Khalji were aimed at strengthening central authority, controlling the nobility, and maintaining a powerful standing army. Statement (A) is correct because he ordered the confiscation of many tax-free land grants (inam, waqf, etc.), especially those held by nobles and religious elites, to curb their economic power and bring more revenue directly under the state. This measure reduced the financial independence of powerful groups and increased the Sultan’s control over resources.

Statement (B) is also correct. Alauddin introduced the system of dagh (branding of horses) and chehra (descriptive rolls of soldiers) to prevent corruption in the army. These measures ensured that nobles did not present inferior horses or fictitious soldiers while claiming salaries, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the military.

Statement (C) is incorrect because Alauddin did not abolish the iqta system itself. Instead, he regulated it more strictly. The iqtas continued to exist as a means of revenue assignment, but he curtailed the autonomy of iqtadars (holders of iqtas) by ensuring closer central supervision and by preventing them from accumulating excessive power.

Statement (D) is correct. Alauddin Khalji imposed strict social regulations, including the ban on the public sale and consumption of liquor, as part of his broader attempt to control the nobility and maintain discipline in society. He believed that such measures would reduce conspiracies and immoral behavior among nobles.

These reforms collectively reflect Alauddin’s strategy to create a highly centralized and controlled state, capable of resisting both internal rebellions and external threats like Mongol invasions.

6. Who among the following used to look after the army during the Sultanate period? (June 2014)

(1) Naib
(2) Wazir
(3) Qazi
(4) Ariz-i-Mamalik

Answer: 4

The correct answer is (4) Ariz-i-Mamalik.

The Ariz-i-Mamalik was the chief military administrator in the system of the Delhi Sultanate and was responsible for organizing, maintaining, and inspecting the army. This office dealt with recruitment of soldiers, payment of salaries, maintenance of equipment, branding of horses (dagh), and keeping records of soldiers (chehra). Although the Sultan remained the supreme commander of the army, the Ariz-i-Mamalik functioned as the key official ensuring that the military machinery worked efficiently on a day-to-day basis. Under rulers like Alauddin Khalji, this office became especially important due to the need for a strong, disciplined standing army to face Mongol invasions and internal revolts.

The other options refer to different administrative roles. The Naib was the deputy to the Sultan and could act as a regent in his absence, handling general administration. The Wazir was the head of the financial department, responsible for revenue and expenditure. The Qazi was the chief judicial authority who administered justice according to Islamic law. None of these officials were directly responsible for managing the army in the structured way that the Ariz-i-Mamalik was.

Thus, the Ariz-i-Mamalik played a central role in military administration during the Sultanate period, making option (4) the correct answer.

7. Which of the following medieval Indian rulers founded the city of Agra? (June 2014)

(1) Firuz Shah Tughlaq
(2) Sikandar Lodi
(3) Sher Shah Suri
(4) Akbar

Answer: 2

The correct answer is (2) Sikandar Lodi.

Sikandar Lodi, the ruler of the Lodi dynasty, founded the city of Agra around 1504. He established it as a strategic administrative and military center on the banks of the Yamuna River. The location was chosen carefully because it lay close to important routes connecting Delhi with eastern and central India, making it suitable for controlling trade, communication, and political movements. Sikandar Lodi shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra to strengthen his hold over the eastern regions of his empire, particularly in areas like Bihar.

Agra later gained much greater prominence under the Mughals. After the defeat of the Lodis in the First Battle of Panipat (1526), Babur occupied Agra and made it one of his principal centers. Subsequently, under Akbar, the city developed into a major imperial capital, with significant architectural projects like the Agra Fort. Later Mughal rulers, including Jahangir and Shah Jahan, continued to enhance its political and cultural importance, making it one of the most prominent cities of medieval India.

The other options are incorrect. Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded several cities such as Firozabad but not Agra. Sher Shah Suri is known for administrative reforms and road construction like the Grand Trunk Road, while Akbar expanded and developed Agra but did not found it. Thus, Sikandar Lodi is correctly credited with founding the city.

8. Which of the following statements is not correct? (June 2014)

(1) Aurangzeb appointed Muhtasibs in all the provinces.
(2) Aurangzeb continued to celebrate the festival of Nauroz.
(3) The largest number of Persian works on classical Indian music were written in Aurangzeb’s reign.
(4) Aurangzeb himself was proficient in playing Veena

Answer: 2

The correct answer is (2) Aurangzeb continued to celebrate the festival of Nauroz.

Aurangzeb is known for adopting a more orthodox Islamic policy compared to his predecessors. One of his significant measures was the appointment of Muhtasibs (censors of public morals) in various provinces to ensure adherence to Islamic principles in public life. Hence, statement (1) is correct. Similarly, statement (3) is also considered correct in a broader cultural sense, as despite Aurangzeb’s personal disapproval of music at court, scholarly and literary activity—including Persian writings on Indian music—continued, often outside the immediate royal patronage. Statement (4) is also regarded as correct; Aurangzeb had received training in music during his youth and is believed to have been capable of playing the veena, even though he later discouraged musical performances in his court.

However, statement (2) is incorrect. Aurangzeb did not continue the celebration of Nauroz, a Persian festival that had been patronized by earlier Mughal rulers like Akbar and Jahangir. In keeping with his more orthodox outlook, he discontinued such courtly celebrations that were seen as un-Islamic or excessively Persianized. This marked a departure from the more syncretic cultural traditions of earlier Mughal emperors.

Thus, the statement about Aurangzeb continuing the celebration of Nauroz is not correct, making option (2) the right answer.

9. The head of the royal intelligence service under the administration of Ala-ud-din Khalji was called (Dec 2014)

(1) Diwan-i-riyasat
(2) Barid-i-mamalik
(3) Shahna-i-mandi
(4) Ariz-i-mamalik

Answer: 2

The correct answer is (2) Barid-i-mamalik.

Under Alauddin Khalji, the administration placed great emphasis on intelligence and surveillance to prevent rebellions and maintain strict central control. The Barid-i-mamalik was the head of the royal intelligence and communication system. This official supervised a network of spies and informants who reported directly to the Sultan about activities of nobles, governors, markets, and even private gatherings. Alauddin did not rely solely on ministers; instead, he ensured that independent channels of information reached him so that conspiracies could be detected early. Along with the munhiyan (secret spies), the Barid system formed a crucial pillar of his authoritarian governance.

The other options refer to different departments. The Diwan-i-Riyasat was concerned with market control and economic regulations, especially price control measures introduced by Alauddin. The Shahna-i-Mandi was the market superintendent responsible for enforcing these regulations in the markets. The Ariz-i-Mamalik was the head of the military department, dealing with recruitment, inspection, and organization of the army.

Thus, the Barid-i-mamalik played the key role in intelligence and surveillance, which was essential for Alauddin Khalji’s centralized and tightly controlled administration.

10. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer. (Dec 2014)

Codes:
(1) A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
(2) A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
(3) A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
(4) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

Answer: 4

The correct answer is (4) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I.

The term Bitikchi refers to a military scribe or secretary, hence A–IV. It was used especially in Turko-Mongol and early Sultanate administrative contexts for officials who maintained records, prepared documents, and assisted in military correspondence. Such scribes were important for maintaining administrative efficiency in campaigns and governance.

Mir’adl means the Chief Justice, so B–III. This official functioned within the judicial system and assisted in administering justice according to Islamic law. While the Qazi was the principal judicial authority, the Mir’adl acted as a high-ranking judicial officer ensuring fairness and legal procedure.

Ulus refers to a tribe or people, hence C–II. The term has Central Asian origins and was commonly used in Mongol and Turko-Mongol political vocabulary to denote a tribal grouping or a territorial-political unit under a ruler. It reflects the steppe traditions that influenced early Sultanate and Mughal political structures.

Waqia nawis was a court chronicler or news reporter, so D–I. These officials recorded daily घटनाएँ (events), court proceedings, and administrative developments. Their reports were sent to higher authorities, including the ruler, and they served as an important source of historical information as well as a mechanism of surveillance.

Thus, matching each term correctly gives A-IV, B-III, C-II, and D-I, making option (4) the correct choice.