Medieval and Islamic History

Muhammad bin Tughlaq built Jahanpanah (meaning 'refuge of the world') as Delhi's fourth city in the 14th century, connecting existing fortified areas. Iltutmish ruled earlier during Delhi Sultanate. Alauddin Khalji built Siri, the third city. Sikandar Lodi founded Agra and ruled later.

Barid was the term used for confidential spies or intelligence officers in the Delhi Sultanate administrative system. They were part of the postal and intelligence network that kept the Sultan informed about developments across the empire. This system helped maintain central control.

This question asks which pair is NOT correctly matched. Option B claims Chittor was conquered by 'Zafar Khan and Nusrat Khan', which is incorrect. The conquest of Chittor (1303) was led by Alauddin Khalji himself, not by these commanders. The other options correctly show Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan for Gujarat, Ain-ul-mulk Multani for Mandu, and Kamaluddin for Jalor.

Naddaf referred to cotton-carders in the Sultanate period. They were artisans who cleaned and prepared cotton fibers for spinning. This was an important craft in the textile industry, which flourished under Delhi Sultanate patronage.

Albuquerque sought permission from Krishna Deva Raya, the greatest Vijayanagar ruler, to build a fort at Bhatkal. This shows the diplomatic relations between Portuguese and Vijayanagar kingdom. Bhatkal was an important port on the west coast of India.

Khwaja Abdus Samad was a renowned painter who flourished at Akbar's court (1556-1605). He was one of the key figures in the Mughal atelier and helped establish the distinctive Mughal painting style that combined Persian and Indian elements. He illustrated manuscripts like the Hamzanama.

Qalandars were wandering Sufi dervishes known for their unconventional, ascetic lifestyle and rejection of formal religious structures. They roamed freely, emphasizing direct spiritual experience over rigid Islamic law or institutional authority. They were distinct from formal preachers, mosque keepers, or madrasa administrators who operated within organized religious frameworks.

Towards the end of Akbar's reign, the Turanis (Turks from Central Asia) dominated the higher nobility ranks of 500 zat and above. While Rajputs were numerous in the nobility, the highest ranks were predominantly held by Turanis, Iranis, and Shaikhzadas. This reflects the continued influence of established Muslim noble families.

The historians Isami and Barani have described Alauddin Khalji's massacre of 'New Muslims' (Mongols who had converted to Islam) in a single day. This event occurred around 1298-1299 when Alauddin suspected the New Muslims of conspiracy. The purge was documented in their chronicles as a significant event.

After Humayun's accidental death in 1556, Akbar was hastily crowned at Kalanaur in Punjab to stabilize the Mughal succession. The location was chosen for its strategic safety rather than a major city like Kabul or Lahore.

Mir Jumla was a prominent noble who initially served Abdullah Qutb Shah of Golconda before defecting to the Mughal service under Aurangzeb. His military expertise and administrative skills made him valuable to both regimes.

Chin Qilich Khan (later Nizam-ul-Mulk) betrayed Jahandar Shah and supported Farrukhsiyar's claim to the Mughal throne. This betrayal was crucial in Farrukhsiyar's successful coup against his uncle Jahandar Shah.

Haji Maula (also known as Haji Maula Multani) revolted against Alauddin Khalji in 1301. He led a rebellion in the Awadh region during Alauddin Khalji's reign. The revolt was suppressed by Alauddin's forces, and Haji Maula was killed. This was one of several rebellions that challenged Alauddin's authority.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty (also spelled Kutubshahi or Qutub Shahi) ruled Golconda (Golkunda) as their capital from 1518 to 1687. Sultan Quli Qutb Shah founded the dynasty and made Golconda his capital. Bijapur was the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty, another Deccan Sultanate.

Ibn Battuta, the famous Moroccan traveler, visited India during 1333-1342 CE, which corresponds to the reign of Mohammad Bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE) of the Delhi Sultanate. Ibn Battuta served as a qadi (judge) in the court and documented his travels in his famous work 'Rihla'. Babar came much later (Mughal period), and Qutub-ud-din Aibak was from the earlier Slave dynasty period.