The Delhi Sultanate

4. Answer the following questions in one or two words.

a. Second Battle of Tarain

b. 1414

c. Slave

d. Amirs

5. Answer the following questions in brief :

a. Qutbuddin Aibak was known as 'Lakhbaksh' (giver of lakhs) because he was generous in distributing wealth among his nobles and supporters.

b. Razia faced challenges to her rule due to opposition from nobles who were not willing to accept a female ruler, leading to political instability and eventually her overthrow.

c. Muhammad bin Tughlaq's decision to shift his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad was a failure due to logistical challenges, including the impracticality of moving the entire population and administrative machinery over long distances, causing economic and social disruption.

d. Alauddin Khalji introduced economic measures like market regulations (market control, fixing prices), revenue reforms (remission of taxes during famine), and agricultural reforms (improving irrigation systems, ensuring adequate food supply).

e. Timur, also known as Tamerlane, was a Central Asian conqueror who invaded India in 1398. He sacked Delhi, causing widespread destruction, but did not stay to establish a lasting empire in India.

6.Answer the following questions in detail :

a. Raziya Sultan: Raziya Sultan was the daughter of Iltutmish and the only woman to rule the Delhi Sultanate. She reigned from 1236 to 1240 and is remembered for her efforts to assert her authority despite facing opposition due to her gender. Her reign ended tragically when she was deposed and subsequently killed.

b. Iltutmish: Iltutmish is regarded as the real consolidator of Turkish conquests in North India because he successfully stabilized and expanded the Delhi Sultanate's territories through effective administrative reforms, military campaigns, and strategic alliances. He strengthened central authority and established a system of succession that helped stabilize the sultanate after a period of instability.

c. Nobles and Officials in the Delhi Sultanate: The Delhi Sultanate was governed by a hierarchy of nobles and officials. The nobles, known as amirs or nobles, held significant power and influence, often controlling provinces (iqtas) and commanding armies. They advised the sultan and played crucial roles in administration, military affairs, and revenue collection. Officials included administrators (wazirs), revenue officers (muqtis), and judicial officers (qazis), who helped in governing the vast empire.

d. Administration under the Tughlaqs: The administration under the Tughlaqs was characterized by centralization of power, ambitious reforms, and innovative policies. They established a highly centralized administrative structure with a strong bureaucracy to oversee various aspects of governance, including revenue administration, military affairs, and public works. However, their rule was also marked by fiscal experiments, like the introduction of token currency and shifting of the capital, which often led to economic hardships and discontent among the populace.

e. Measures taken by Iltutmish to strengthen his kingdom: Iltutmish strengthened his kingdom by consolidating military power through campaigns against rival factions and rebellious governors. He reformed the administrative structure by introducing the office of the wazir (prime minister) to assist in governance. Iltutmish also focused on stabilizing the economy by improving revenue collection systems and promoting trade. His policies laid the foundation for the stability and expansion of the Delhi Sultanate under his successors.