Delhi Sultanate and Islamic Dynasties of India

Changez Khan (Genghis Khan) pursued Jalaluddin Mangbarni, the last Khwarazmian ruler, to the Indus River. After the Mongol conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire (1218-1221), Mangbarni fled across Central Asia with Genghis Khan's forces in pursuit. He was eventually granted refuge in India by Iltutmish but became a source of political tension. The other options were Indian rulers of different eras - Nasiruddin Mahmud (Iltutmish's son), Nasiruddin Qubacha (a rival governor), and Mohammad Ghori (12th century invader).

Sultan Bahram Shah, a successor of Mahmud of Ghazni, killed in his court a noble who was also the brother of the then king of Shamsbani dynasty - Alauddin Jahansoz (in the 1150s). This became the cause of intense rivalry between the two dynasties. The rulers of the two dynasties fought several battles in the years that followed and finally Mohammad Ghori, the nephew of Alauddin, put an end to the Shamsi dynasty by occupying Ghaznah in 1173, Multan in 1175 and Lahore by 1190.

The question asks which statement is NOT correct. Qutub Minar was started by Qutubuddin Aibak, not Iltutmish. Iltutmish only added the next three stories to complete it. Therefore statement C is indeed the incorrect statement among the options. The other statements are historically accurate - Iltutmish did receive the caliph's investiture in 1228, he rightly refused to help Jalaluddin Mangbarni to protect his kingdom, and he is considered the true founder of the Delhi Sultanate.

Alauddin Khilji was not a slave before becoming Sultan - he was from the Khalji tribe and seized power. In contrast, Iltutmish and Balban both started as slaves before rising to power.

Khizar Khan founded the Sayyid dynasty in 1414 AD after being appointed governor by Timur. He ruled as the first Sayyid Sultan until 1421 AD.

Balban was known for his strict court etiquette and Persian concept of divine kingship. He forbade laughter in his court to maintain royal dignity and solemn atmosphere.

Correct Answer: Feroz Shah Tughlaq

Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan to actively curb the political power of the Ulema (religious scholars). He believed that the Sultan was the ultimate authority in state matters, not religious scholars.

The Chalisa or Chihalita was a group of 40 powerful Turkish nobles during the Slave Dynasty period. They held significant influence and could even depose Sultans.

Mohammad-bin-Tughlaq created the largest standing army of the Sultanate period, with estimates ranging from 3-4 lakh soldiers. This army was directly paid by the state treasury rather than through the iqta system.

Correct answer is (2). 

Ala-ud-din Khilji's military ambitions required a standing and strong army, especially after the Mongol siege of Delhi. Maintaining a large army at regular salaries, however, would be severe drain on the treasury. A system of price controls reduced the salary amount that needed to be paid. Three separate markets were set up in Delhi. The first one for food grains, the second for cloth and items such as ghee, oil and sugar and the third market was for horses, cattle and slaves. Regulations were laid out for the operations of these markets. He took various steps to control the prices. He exercised supervision over the markets. He fixed the prices of all the commodities from top to bottom. Market officers, called Shahna, were appointed to keep a check on the prices. 

Timur invaded India in 1398 AD during the reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah Tughlaq. The Tughlaq dynasty was ruling at that time, though weakened by internal conflicts.

Correct Answer: Mohd. Ghori

Alauddin Khilji assumed the title 'Sikandar Sani' meaning 'Second Alexander'. He wanted to emulate Alexander's conquests and military glory through his own campaigns in Deccan India.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq brought the Ashoka Pillar from Topra (Ambala) to Delhi in the 14th century. The pillar was originally erected by Emperor Ashoka at Topra near Yamuna river. Sher Shah Suri built other structures but didn't bring this pillar.