Medieval and Islamic History

Birbal, one of the nine gems (Navaratnas) in Emperor Akbar's court, was born as Mahesh Das. He was given the name Birbal by Akbar, which is a combination of 'Bir' (bravery) and 'Bal' (strength). He was known for his wit, wisdom, and close advisory relationship with Akbar, appearing in many popular folk tales.

Prithviraja Chauhan (Prithviraj Chauhan) defeated Muhammad of Ghor in the First Battle of Tarain in 1191, temporarily halting the Ghurid invasion of North India. However, Muhammad of Ghor returned the next year and defeated Prithviraj in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192, which ultimately led to the establishment of Islamic rule in Delhi.

Alauddin Khilji (1296-1316) implemented an extensive market regulation and price control system to maintain a large standing army and control inflation, especially during famines. His regime fixed prices for essential commodities, regulated supply, and used state granaries to stabilize markets. The others did not enforce such comprehensive price controls.

Din-e-Elahi (Divine Faith) was a syncretic religious initiative founded by Akbar in 1582, blending elements of Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. Akbar, known for his religious tolerance and curiosity, aimed to create a universal religion that could unify his diverse empire. It never gained mass following but reflected Akbar's inclusive philosophy.

Ibn Battuta visited India during the reign of Mohammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE), arriving in 1333 and staying until around 1341. He served as a qadi (judge) in the Sultanate court and documented his observations of Indian society, administration, and culture. The other options are from different periods - Alivardi Khan (18th century Bengal), Ala-ud-din Khalji (13th-14th century), Iltumish (early 13th century).

Even if the founder of wakf directs that a mutawalli not be removed in any case, he may be removed from his office by the court. The court can remove mutawalli if he is guilty of misfeasance or breach of trust, or is found to be otherwise unfit to hold the office.

The religious preceptor and manager or administrator of a khankah is called sajjadanashin. He has a larger right in the surplus income than a mutawalli.

A wakf can be classified into two types - public or private. As the name suggests, a public wakf is for the general religious and charitable purposes, while a private wakf is for the creator's own family and descendants and is technically called wakf-ala-aulad.

The Lodi dynasty (1451-1526) was the last Afghan dynasty to rule the Delhi Sultanate. Founded by Bahlul Lodi, it reached its peak under Sikandar Lodi before being defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, which ended the Delhi Sultanate and began the Mughal Empire.

Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire. He was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, and he invaded India in 1526, defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat. 'Babur' means 'tiger' in Persian, and he established the Mughal dynasty that ruled India for over three centuries.

Nizam-ul-Mulk (also known as Asaf Jah I) founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty in Hyderabad in 1724 after declaring independence from the Mughal Empire. He was originally appointed as the Viceroy of the Deccan by Aurangzeb but established autonomous rule following Mughal decline. His descendants ruled as Nizams of Hyderabad until 1948, making it one of India's wealthiest and most long-lasting princely states.

The Charminar was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (also known as the Golconda Sultanate). He commissioned the monument to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic that had devastated Hyderabad. The four minarets (Char = four, Minar = minarets) represent the four Khalifs (Caliphs) of Islam and stand as a symbol of Hyderabad's architectural heritage.

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor, ruling from 1837 to 1857 until the rebellion ended Mughal rule. The option truncates his name but is still correct.

Alauddin Khilji was the first Muslim ruler to invade South India when he sent his general Malik Kafur on a military expedition in 1311 CE. The Delhi Sultans before him focused on northern India. Mahmud Ghazni only raided northern India, while Balban and Firuz Tughlaq came later.