Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 7 History Civics Chapter 5 Expansion Of The Delhi Sultanate The Khilji And The Tughiaq Dynasties

EXERCISE

A. Fill in the blanks :

Question 1: The founder of the Khilji dynasty was Jalaluddin - Khilji.

Answer: Jalaluddin - Khilji.
Jalaluddin Khilji was the first ruler of the Khilji dynasty who took over the throne after the decline of the Slave dynasty. He was known for his mild and pious nature toward his subjects and enemies.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "J" for Jalaluddin as the "Junior" or starting point of this dynasty.
Exam Tip: Always double-check the spelling of "Khilji" as it is a common historical term in exams.

Question 2: Alauddin was a brilliant general and a shrewd administrator.

Answer: general, administrator.
Alauddin Khilji is famous in history for his military victories and his very organized way of running the markets and the government. He was able to control a vast area because of his clever administrative skills.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the two 'A's: Alauddin was an Awesome Administrator.
Exam Tip: When describing Alauddin, using both "general" and "administrator" shows a complete understanding of his character.

Question 3: Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to build an empire in India

Answer: empire.
While earlier rulers only controlled specific regions, Alauddin expanded his territory so much that it became a large, unified empire. He was the first to successfully lead campaigns deep into Southern India.
Teacher's Tip: An empire is much bigger than a kingdom; think of it as a collection of many kingdoms.
Exam Tip: Use the word "empire" to highlight the massive scale of Alauddin's conquests.

Question 4: Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was an efficient administrator and a capable military commander.

Answer: efficient, capable.
Ghiyasuddin was the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty and was known for bringing stability back to the sultanate after a period of chaos. He was both a good soldier and a wise manager of state affairs.
Teacher's Tip: Ghiyasuddin fixed the "mess" left behind by previous weak rulers.
Exam Tip: "Efficient" is a great keyword to use when discussing the Tughlaq administration's early years.

Question 5: Muhammad bin Tughlaq realized the importance of a strong and powerful army to strengthen and secure the position of the ruler. He needed additional revenue to increase military resources.

Answer: army, ruler, revenue.
This sultan was very ambitious and wanted to expand his power even further, which required a lot of money and soldiers. To get this money, he often introduced new taxes, though some of his plans did not work as intended.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Revenue" as the "Fuel" needed to run the "Engine" of the Army.
Exam Tip: Mentioning "revenue" helps explain why many sultans increased taxes in fertile regions.

Question 6: Firoze Shah's economic reforms improved agricultural production and made the peasants prosperous and happy.

Answer: agricultural production, prosperous, happy.
Firoze Shah Tughlaq focused on building canals and helping farmers instead of just fighting wars. This led to a peaceful time where common people had enough food and wealth to live well.
Teacher's Tip: Firoze was the "Farmer's Friend" among the Delhi Sultans.
Exam Tip: Focus on "agricultural reforms" when writing about the positive impacts of Firoze Shah's reign.

Question 7: Alauddin built a strong defence system to protect his empire from Mongol raids.

Answer: Mongol.
The Mongols were fierce warriors from Central Asia who repeatedly tried to invade India. Alauddin built forts and kept a large standing army ready just to stop these dangerous invaders from entering Delhi.
Teacher's Tip: The Mongols were the "Big Boss" enemies that Alauddin had to constantly block.
Exam Tip: Linking Alauddin with "Mongol defense" is essential for scoring full marks in military history questions.

Question 8: Iltutmish defeated the Rajput rulers of Ujjain, Ranthambore, Malwa, and Gwalior and brought the whole of North India upto the river Narmada under his control.

Answer: Ujjain, Ranthambore, Malwa, and Gwalior, river Narmada.
Iltutmish was an early sultan who consolidated the power of the Delhi Sultanate in Northern India. By reaching the Narmada river, he established a clear boundary between the North and the Deccan.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "URMG" to keep the four Rajput regions in mind: Ujjain, Ranthambore, Malwa, Gwalior.
Exam Tip: Always name the specific river (Narmada) to show the geographical extent of the sultanate.

Question 9: The Caliph of Baghdad recognized Iltutmish as the sovereign of India. He was succeeded by his daughter Razia.

Answer: Caliph of Baghdad, his daughter Razia.
Getting recognition from the Caliph made Iltutmish's rule legitimate and respected across the Muslim world. His choice of Razia as successor was revolutionary because she was the first woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the Caliph's recognition as a "Certificate of Authority" for the Sultan.
Exam Tip: Razia Sultan's name is very important as she was a unique female monarch in medieval India.

B. Match the following :

A
1. Jalaluddin Khilji
2. Alauddin Khilji
3. Chanderi
4. Warangal
5. Price control

B
(a) Shahna
(b) Malwa
(c) a mild and pious man
(d) a brilliant general and a shrewd administrator
(e) Deccan
Answer:
1. Jalaluddin Khilji - (c) a mild and pious man
2. Alauddin Khilji - (d) a brilliant general and a shrewd administrator
3. Chanderi - (b) Malwa
4. Warangal - (e) Deccan
5. Price control - (a) Shahna

Matching these terms helps us link rulers with their characteristics and regions with their locations. For example, the "Shahna" was the officer who actually made the price control system work in the markets.
Teacher's Tip: Connect "Shahna" with "Shopkeeper" to remember he controlled the markets.
Exam Tip: In matching questions, draw straight lines or rewrite the pairs clearly to avoid losing marks for confusion.

C. Choose the correct answer :

Question 1: Alauddin conquered Chittor, the capital of Mewar/Malwa/Warangal.

Answer: Alauddin conquered Chittor, the capital of Mewar.
The siege of Chittor is one of the most famous events in Indian history involving the brave Rajputs. It was a strategic fort that gave Alauddin control over a major part of Rajasthan.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Mewar" and "Mountain" - Chittor was a famous hill fort in Mewar.
Exam Tip: Do not confuse Mewar with Malwa; Mewar is in Rajasthan, while Malwa is in Central India.

Question 2: Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to send an expedition to Gujarat/Rajasthan/tlie Deccan.

Answer: Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to send an expedition to the Deccan.
Before Alauddin, the sultans mainly stayed in North India, but he wanted to reach the wealthy kingdoms in the South. His general, Malik Kafur, led these successful raids across the Vindhya mountains.
Teacher's Tip: The "Deccan" is the southern part of India; think of it as "Down" south.
Exam Tip: Mentioning that he was the "first" to go South highlights his importance as an empire builder.

Question 3: Most historians have traced the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's schemes to his character/education/ intelligence.

Answer: Most historians have traced the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's schemes to his character.
Although he was very smart and highly educated, he lacked the patience and practical sense needed to make his big ideas work. He often grew angry when things went wrong and punished people too harshly.
Teacher's Tip: He was a "Mad Genius" - great brain, but difficult personality.
Exam Tip: Focus on the "gap between vision and execution" when discussing Tughlaq's character.

Question 4: Firoze Shah laid out about 1,200 gardens and orchards/ lakes/roads around Delhi.

Answer: Firoze Shah laid out about 1,200 gardens and orchards around Delhi.
Firoze Shah loved nature and public welfare, so he spent a lot of money creating green spaces for people to enjoy. These gardens also produced fruits which added to the income of the state.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Firoze Shah as the "Gardener Sultan."
Exam Tip: Use the specific number "1,200" to make your answer more precise and impressive.

Question 5: The final blow to the Delhi Sultanate was dealt by the invasion of Babur/Timur/Khizr Khan.

Answer: The final blow to the Delhi Sultanate was dealt by the invasion of Timur.
Timur was a Central Asian conqueror who attacked Delhi in 1398, leaving the city in ruins and the government very weak. After his attack, the Tughlaq dynasty could never recover its former glory.
Teacher's Tip: Timur's attack was like a "Tsunami" that wiped out the power of the Sultanate.
Exam Tip: Remember the year 1398 CE for Timur's invasion; it is a very important historical date.

D. State whether the following are true or false :

Question 1: Alauddin dreamt of conquering the whole world.

Answer: True.
Alauddin Khilji even called himself "The Second Alexander" on his coins because of his massive global ambitions. He wanted to be remembered as a world conqueror, though he eventually focused on India.
Teacher's Tip: Alauddin's dreams were as big as the entire map!
Exam Tip: If asked about his title, remember "Sikandar-i-Sani" which means Second Alexander.

Question 2: Under Alauddin, spies were kept in every unit of the army.

Answer: True.
Alauddin was very cautious and wanted to know exactly what his soldiers and generals were thinking to prevent any revolts. This strict surveillance made his army very disciplined and loyal to him.
Teacher's Tip: Alauddin had "eyes and ears" everywhere to keep things safe.
Exam Tip: Mentioning the spy system explains how he maintained such a huge army without internal trouble.

Question 3: Alauddin's death was followed by great political turmoil.

Answer: True.
Because he had been such a strong and strict ruler, his death left a power vacuum that nobody could easily fill. His successors were weak, and soon different groups started fighting for control of the throne.
Teacher's Tip: When a "Big Boss" leaves, everyone fights to be the new boss.
Exam Tip: Political turmoil often marks the end of a strong dynasty in medieval history.

Question 4: Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a diligent ruler who undertook projects that were brilliantly conceived and executed.

Answer: False.
Correct : Muhammad bin Tughlaq was a diligent ruler who undertook projects that were brilliantly conceived and poorly executed.
His ideas, like changing the capital or introducing token currency, were smart on paper but failed because he didn't plan the details well. The poor execution caused great suffering for his subjects.
Teacher's Tip: Great ideas need great planning, or they become "False" successes.
Exam Tip: When writing a "False" answer, always provide the correct statement to get full marks.

Question 5: Muhammad bin Tughlaq's of increasing the taxes in the Ganga -Yamuna Doab region led to the development of agriculture in that region.

Answer: False.
Correct : The policy of increasing the taxes in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region led to the severe set back of agriculture in that region.
Tughlaq increased taxes right when the region was suffering from a famine, which was a terrible mistake. Instead of developing, the farmers were forced to leave their lands and hide in the forests.
Teacher's Tip: Increasing taxes during a famine is like asking for water in a desert - it doesn't work!
Exam Tip: Use the term "severe set back" to describe the negative economic result of this policy.

Question 6: Muhammad bin Tughlaq stayed in Daulatabad for 5 years.

Answer: False.
Correct : Muhammad bin Tughlaq stayed in Daulatabad for 2 years.
He moved the capital to Daulatabad to control the South better, but he soon realized he was losing control of the North. After only two years, he ordered everyone to move back to Delhi, causing even more hardship.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the number 2 - two years in the new capital, then back home.
Exam Tip: Distinguish between the time spent in the city and the time spent during the transfer process.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/sentences :

Question 1: Under what circumstances did Alauddin ascend the throne of Delhi?

Answer: Alauddin captured the throne of Delhi by killing his uncle Jalaluddin Khilji. As the situation at that time was very worse because Jalaluddin was very mild and pious person which led to lawlessness and revolts. Alauddin took advantage of the situation and ascended the throne
Alauddin believed that his uncle was too soft to rule a powerful kingdom and protect it from enemies. He used violence and cleverness to take control during a time of great confusion.
Teacher's Tip: Alauddin took a "shortcut" to the throne through force.
Exam Tip: Mention the name "Jalaluddin Khilji" as the uncle who was replaced.

Question 2: How did Alauddin Khilji win over the rebellious nobles after capturing the throne?

Answer: Alauddin Khilji won over the nobles to his side by bribing them with rich gifts.
He used the immense wealth he had looted from his southern campaigns to buy the loyalty of the powerful lords in Delhi. By giving them gold and jewelry, he made sure they wouldn't try to fight against him.
Teacher's Tip: Alauddin used "Gold instead of Guns" to quiet the nobles at first.
Exam Tip: The word "bribing" is key to describing how he secured his early position.

Question 3: Name the capital of Mewar.

Answer: Chittor the capital of Mewar.
Chittor was an incredibly strong hill fort that was the pride of the Rajput rulers. Conquering it was a major symbolic and military victory for the Khilji army.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the famous stories of Chittorgarh to remember this capital.
Exam Tip: One-word or short-phrase answers like "Chittor" are perfectly fine for this question type.

Question 4: What did the Rajput women in the royal palace do when Alauddin Khilji captured Chittor?

Answer: The women performed jauhar and burnt themselves to death.
Rather than being captured by the invading army, the Rajput women chose to die with honor in a massive fire. This act of sacrifice is a very famous and tragic part of Rajasthan's history.
Teacher's Tip: "Jauhar" is a specific term for this historical ritual of sacrifice.
Exam Tip: Correctly using the term "jauhar" will show the examiner you know the specific historical detail.

Question 5: Who led Alauddin's Deccan campaigns?

Answer: The Deccan expeditions were led by Malik Kafur.
Malik Kafur was Alauddin's most trusted and talented general who traveled thousands of miles into South India. He brought back unbelievable amounts of gold, silver, and precious stones to Delhi.
Teacher's Tip: Malik Kafur was Alauddin's "Right-Hand Man" for the South.
Exam Tip: Always associate the "Deccan campaigns" with the name "Malik Kafur."

Question 6: Why do modern historians reject the account of a mass exodus from Delhi to Daulatabad?

Answer: Modem historians, however, do not accept the account of a mass exodus. According to them, Delhi was never depopulated because there is evidence to prove that construction work was carried out in Delhi during the period of transfer.
Earlier writers claimed the city was completely empty, but we now know that many people stayed behind. The fact that the Sultan kept building things in Delhi shows it was still a living, active city.
Teacher's Tip: Historians are like detectives; they look for clues like "construction work" to find the truth.
Exam Tip: Mention the "construction work" as the specific evidence used to reject the mass exodus theory.

Question 7: Mention any one economic reform introduced in the Doab region by Firoze Shah Tughlaq.

Answer: Land taxes were reduced in the Doab. All loans given during the famine were cancelled. Many taxes were abolished.
Firoze Shah realized that the people were suffering from previous harsh rules and natural disasters, so he gave them financial relief. This helped the farmers get back on their feet and start producing food again.
Teacher's Tip: Firoze Shah "erased the debt" of the poor farmers.
Exam Tip: Listing "tax reduction" or "loan cancellation" are both excellent examples for this answer.

Question 8: Give one example to show that Firoze Shah was concerned about the welfare of his poor subjects.

Answer: Free hospitals were set up for the poor.
He believed that the state should take care of people who were sick or couldn't afford medicine. These hospitals provided medical help and food to those in need without any cost.
Teacher's Tip: Firoze Shah built the first "Public Health System" of the sultanate.
Exam Tip: "Free hospitals" is a simple and high-scoring point to make about Firoze Shah's welfare work.

F. Answer the following questions briefly :

Question 1: With reference to the following conquests, briefly explain how Alauddin extended the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate : (a) Conquest of Gujarat (b) Conquest of the Rajput states.

Answer: (a) Conquest of Gujarat : Alauddin extended the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate by sending an expedition to Gujarat which was conquered and annexed.
(b) Conquest of the Rajput states : Alauddin first captured the fort of Ranthambore and then attacked Chittor, the capital of Mewar. The Rajputs fought bravely but lost the battle. This was followed by the capture of the important cities of Mandu, Ujjain, Dhar and Chanderi in Malwa. By 1305 CE, Alauddin become the master of the whole of North India.
Alauddin was very aggressive and didn't stop until he controlled all the major trade routes and fertile lands of the North. By conquering Gujarat, he gained access to the sea and wealthy ports for trade.
Teacher's Tip: Gujarat gave him the "Sea," and the Rajput states gave him the "Strongholds."
Exam Tip: Mention the year "1305 CE" to show when he finally consolidated his power over North India.

Question 2: Give an account of Alauddin Khilji's (a) Deccan conquest (b) Deccan policy.

Answer: (a) Deccan conquest : Alauddin was the first Muslim ruler to send an expedition to the Deccan. This expedition was led by Malik Kafur, who defeated the rulers of Devagiri Warangal and Dwarasamudra and attacked and plundered Madurai in the far South. Thus Alauddin become the first Turkish ruler to extend his influence south of the Vindhyas.
(b) Deccan policy : Alauddin did not annex the Deccan after conquering it because he realized that it would not be easy to control these provinces from Delhi. Moreover his main objective in conquering it was to acquire as much wealth as possible from the South to pay for the maintenance of his huge army. Alauddin forced the rulers of Deccan to acknowledge his supremacy and pay heavy annual charges as a mark of submission to his over-lordship.
Alauddin was a smart politician; he knew that ruling the South from far-away Delhi was impossible. Instead, he let the local kings keep their thrones as long as they sent him mountains of gold and money every year.
Teacher's Tip: His policy was "Money over Mud" - he wanted their wealth, not their dirt/land.
Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between the "Conquest" (the fight) and the "Policy" (the way he ruled afterward).

Question 3: How did Alauddin protect the Delhi Sultanate from repeated Mongol invasions?

Answer: Alauddin took following steps to protect his empire from the Mongols invasions :
(a) The forts along the route of Mongols-attacks were repaired and the frontier provinces were placed under the best generals.
(b) The army was reorganized and strengthened.
(c) Mongol leaders were captured and trampled under the feet of elephants.
(d) The Mongols who after embracing Islam settled down in Delhi during Jalaluddin's reign were mercilessly killed.
Alauddin realized that the Mongols were the biggest threat to his survival, so he made India into a giant fortress. He was famous for being very brutal toward captured Mongols to scare the others away from ever returning.
Teacher's Tip: Alauddin used "Fear and Forts" to stop the Mongol wave.
Exam Tip: List the military steps (forts/generals) separately from the psychological ones (punishments) to show a deeper answer.

Question 4: Why is Muhammad bin Tughlaq regarded as one of the most accomplished and learned scholars of his times?

Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq is regarded as one of the most accomplished and learned scholars of his times due to his intellectual curiosity and thrust for getting more knowledge. He was gifted with an extraordinary memory. He was a master in logic, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy and physical sciences. He was a lover of Persian literature and poetry, calligraphy, fine arts and music. He loved the company of learned men.
Most kings only focused on war, but Tughlaq was interested in almost every subject a person could study. He was so brilliant that he could talk to doctors, scientists, and poets as if he were one of them.
Teacher's Tip: He was a "Walking Encyclopedia" on a throne.
Exam Tip: Mention at least three subjects (like logic, mathematics, or astronomy) to prove how wide his knowledge was.

Question 5: Discuss the causes and results of the taxation scheme of Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the Doab.

Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq realized the importance of a strong and powerful army to strengthen and secure the position of the ruler. To increase military resources, he needed additional revenue. The Ganga-Yamuna Doab (the area between) the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers) was a fertile region. The land tax in this area was increased. Unfortunately, the rains failed and a severe famine broke out. People refused to pay the enhanced taxes. But the tax collectors showed no mercy and continued to collect the taxes with such rigour that the peasants were ruined. To escape the tyranny of the tax collectors, the peasants abandoned their lands and fled to the jungles.
The Sultan wanted money for his army, but he chose the worst possible time to ask for it. Because the crops had failed, the people had nothing to give, and the Sultan's cruelty destroyed the very farming region he wanted to profit from.
Teacher's Tip: It was the right plan for the right place, but at the "Wrong Time."
Exam Tip: Explain both the "cause" (need for army money) and the "result" (ruined peasants/famine) clearly.

Question 6: Why was the capital transferred from Delhi to Daulatabad? Explain the consequences of this project.

Answer: The transfer of the capital from Delhi to Devagiri (renamed Daulatabad) in the Deccan. Two major reasons prompted the sultan to take the decision.
1. Central location : With the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate into the Deccan, Devagiri was centrally located and nearly equidistant from Delhi and other important places.
2. Mongol invasions : Repeated Mongol attacks posed a great threat to Delhi. Daulatabad was at a safe distance from the invaders.
Consequences : In the absence of the sultan, Delhi was now exposed to renewed attacks by the Mongols. Realizing his folly, Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital back to Delhi after 2 years. The people were ordered to return. The suffering and mental agony caused great resentment. The experiment was a dismal failure. It had drained the treasury and reduced the grand and prosperous capital of Delhi to a mere shadow of its former self. Daulatabad, a monument of misdirected energy, became a deserted city.
The Sultan thought moving to the center of India would make him safer and more powerful, but he didn't realize how hard it was to move an entire city. Thousands of people died on the long journey, and the treasury was emptied for no real gain.
Teacher's Tip: He tried to "Run Away" from the Mongols, but he just ended up "Running Out" of money and luck.
Exam Tip: List the "Central location" and "Mongol threat" as the two primary reasons to show a structured answer.

Question 7: What arrangements did Muhammad bin Tughlaq make to achieve his ambition of a world empire? Why did his scheme fail?

Answer: Muhammad bin Tughlaq dreamt of establishing a world empire. For this he decided to conquer Khurasan, Persia and Iraq. He mobilized a huge army for it and equipped it and paid one full year's salary in advance. But later he realized that it was not easy to send such a large army across the snowy Himalayan passes. So this scheme failed and it even drained the wealth of the Royal treasury.
The Sultan was so sure he would win that he gave away a year's worth of money before the soldiers even started fighting! When he finally understood how difficult the mountains were to cross, he had to give up, leaving the country much poorer than before.
Teacher's Tip: Don't "Pay before you Play" - Tughlaq learned this the hard way.
Exam Tip: Focus on the "Royal treasury" being drained as the main economic consequence of this failed ambition.

Question 8: What was the condition of the Delhi Sultanate at the end of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign?

Answer: The condition of the Delhi Sultanate was in a state of decay and disintegration after twenty five year of reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
By the time he died, many parts of the empire had broken away and become independent because they were tired of his experiments. The Sultanate was no longer the giant power it had been under Alauddin Khilji.
Teacher's Tip: Tughlaq's reign was like a "Slow Leak" that eventually emptied the Sultanate's power.
Exam Tip: Use the words "decay" and "disintegration" to accurately describe the empire's final state.

Question 9: To what would you attribute the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq's schemes - personal character or prevailing conditions? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: Both personal character and prevailing conditions were responsible for the failure of Muhammad bin Tughlaq. In personal side he lacked practical sense and was not able to predict things whereas on other side, conditions prevailing were also not favourable. People were backward and did not respond to new ideas and radical reforms.
Tughlaq was ahead of his time, but he was also too impatient and didn't understand how common people thought. Because the people weren't ready for things like token currency, they just tried to cheat the system, making his plans fail.
Teacher's Tip: It was a case of a "Fast King" ruling a "Slow People."
Exam Tip: For a high-scoring answer, always mention that both the king and the environment were at fault.

Question 10: What evidence do we have to prove that Alauddin was a patron of art and learning?

Answer: Alauddin was a patron of art and learning which can be seen clear from the large and beautiful monuments built during his reign. There were many learned scholars and poet in his court. Amir Khusrau, the famous Persian poet was one of them. The Alai Darwaza is one of the most beautiful architecture of that time. He also built many beautiful palaces and mosques. The Siri Fort and the Palace of Thousand Pillars are good examples of it.
Even though he was a fierce warrior, Alauddin loved the beauty of stone and words. By building the Alai Darwaza and supporting poets like Amir Khusrau, he left behind a cultural legacy that we can still see today in Delhi.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Amir and Alai" - the poet and the gate that prove his love for art.
Exam Tip: Mentioning specific structures like "Alai Darwaza" and "Siri Fort" provides concrete proof for your answer.

G. Picture study :

This is a picture of the most beautiful specimen of Khilji architecture, which was added as an entrance to the Qutb complex in Delhi.

Question 1: Identify the monument.

Answer: Alai Darwaja.
This monument is famous for its beautiful red sandstone and white marble work. It serves as the magnificent gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the Qutb complex.
Teacher's Tip: "Darwaja" means door or gate - it's the "Alai Gate."
Exam Tip: Spelling is important; "Alai" refers to Alauddin, and "Darwaja" is the gateway.

Question 2: During whose reign was it built?

Answer: Alauddin Khilji.
Alauddin wanted to show off his power and wealth by adding to the already famous Qutb complex. This structure represents the peak of Khilji architectural style in India.
Teacher's Tip: If it starts with "Alai," it was made by Alauddin!
Exam Tip: Always provide the full name "Alauddin Khilji" for formal identification.

Question 3: With reference to the reign of this ruler, mention two important features of each of the following : (a) Reorganization of the army (b) Revenue reforms (c) Market control policy

Answer: (a) Alauddin was the first Sultan of Delhi to lay the foundation of a permanent standing army. The size of the standing army was greatly enlarged. Alauddin introduced the system of branding horses and maintaining a descriptive roll of the soldiers. Spies were kept in every unit of the army.
(b) Alauddin introduced certain revenue reforms. The land was measured and the share of the state was fixed. Special revenue officials were appointed to collect the taxes.
(c) Alauddin set up three markets at Delhi - one for food grains, the second for cloth and the third for horses, slaves and cattle. Each market was under the control of an officer called Shahna.
1. The prices of all commodities were fixed and prices of essential items were kept low.
2. Market officers were appointed to keep a strict watch on the prices, weights and the activities of the traders.
3. Anyone caught hoarding goods or cheating customers in price or weight was severely punished
4. State warehouses were set up and stocked with food grains.
Alauddin wanted to control everything so that his army would be strong and his people wouldn't be cheated. By fixing prices and measuring land, he ensured the government got its fair share while soldiers could afford to live on their pay.
Teacher's Tip: Alauddin was like the "Chief of Police" for his own markets.
Exam Tip: Use specific terms like "Shahna" and "branding horses" to show you've studied the details.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Question 1: How did Alauddin Khilji win over, the nodes of Jalaluddin to his side?

Answer: Alauddin Khilji won over the nobles of Jalaluddin to his side by bribing them with rich gifts and higher posts.
After he killed his uncle, he knew he needed the support of the powerful men in court. By giving them wealth and better jobs, he convinced them to forget their old loyalty and support him instead.
Teacher's Tip: Gold and Promotions are very powerful tools for a new king.
Exam Tip: "Bribing" and "Higher posts" are the two key elements of his strategy to remember.

Question 2: Who was the first Turkish ruler to extend his influence in South of the Vindhyas?

Answer: Alauddin was the first Turkish ruler to extend his influence in South of the Vindhyas.
Crossing the Vindhya mountains was a massive challenge that previous sultans didn't attempt. Alauddin's courage and Malik Kafur's skill made this historic expansion possible.
Teacher's Tip: Alauddin "Broke the Barrier" of the mountains.
Exam Tip: The "Vindhyas" are the mountain range that separates North and South India.

Question 3: What is Price control policy?

Answer: Price control is the practice where the king or government controls the price of goods so that the shopkeepers cannot increase their price.
This policy was meant to make sure that even common soldiers could afford everything they needed. It stopped shopkeepers from taking advantage of people during shortages or war.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it as a "Price Ceiling" - prices cannot go above a certain limit.
Exam Tip: Explain that this policy was especially beneficial for the Sultan's large army.

Question 4: What revenue reforms were introduced by Alauddin to meet heavy Army expenditure?

Answer: Alauddin needed a large amount of money to meet the heavy Army expenses and for this he introduced certain revenue reforms like:
(a) He told the officers to measure the land and fix the share of the state.
(b) He appointed special revenue officials to collect the taxes.
(c) He increased the revenue from one-third to half.
By taking half of the produce, Alauddin significantly increased the money coming into his treasury. This allowed him to pay for the weapons, horses, and armor needed for his massive army.
Teacher's Tip: He measured the land to make sure "no coin was left behind."
Exam Tip: Mentioning the increase from "one-third to half" is a very important numerical detail for your answer.

Question 5: Who was Amir Khusrau?

Answer: Amir Khusrau was a famous Persian poet in the court of Alauddin Khilji.
He was a very talented writer and musician who served many sultans, but his time with Alauddin was very productive. He is often called the "Parrot of India" because of his beautiful voice and poetry.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Amir Khusrau as the "Star Poet" of the sultanate era.
Exam Tip: Linking the poet directly to "Alauddin Khilji's court" shows historical accuracy.