Delhi Sultanate — Set 4
Indian History · दिल्ली सल्तनत · Questions 31–40 of 100
The 'Diwan-i-Khairat' (Department of Charity) was established by:
Correct Answer: A. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Firoz Shah Tughlaq established the Diwan-i-Khairat to help the poor and needy. It provided financial assistance for the marriage of poor Muslim girls. It also supported widows and orphans.
Which Sultan is credited with building the maximum number of canals for irrigation?
Correct Answer: D. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Firoz Shah Tughlaq built an extensive network of canals to promote agriculture. The most famous is the Western Yamuna Canal. He also imposed an irrigation tax called 'Haq-i-Sharb'.
The 'Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra' in Ajmer was built by:
Correct Answer: D. Qutbuddin Aibak
Qutbuddin Aibak built the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer. It is one of the oldest mosques in India, converted from a Sanskrit college. The name suggests it was built in two and a half days.
Who destroyed the power of the 'Group of Forty' (Chahalgani)?
Correct Answer: A. Balban
Balban destroyed the power of the Turkan-i-Chahalgani (Group of Forty). Having been a member of the group himself, he knew their potential for intrigue. He eliminated them to restore the absolute power of the Sultan.
Which Sultan assumed the title 'Zill-i-Ilahi' (Shadow of God on Earth)?
Correct Answer: D. Balban
Balban assumed the title 'Zill-i-Ilahi' to assert his divine right to rule. He believed the King was the vice-regent of God (Niyabat-i-Khudai). This helped him demand unquestioning obedience from his nobles.
The 'Iqta' system was institutionalized by which ruler?
Correct Answer: B. Iltutmish
Iltutmish institutionalized the Iqta system in the Delhi Sultanate. Under this system, land revenue rights were assigned to officials (Iqtadars) in lieu of cash salaries. The Iqtadars were responsible for maintaining law and order and supplying troops.
Which Sultan created the department 'Diwan-i-Arz' (Military Department)?
Correct Answer: C. Balban
Balban established the Diwan-i-Arz as a separate military department. It was headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik. The aim was to reorganize the army and defend against Mongol invasions.
Who was the first Sultan to pay his soldiers in cash?
Correct Answer: D. Alauddin Khilji
Alauddin Khilji was the first Sultan to pay his soldiers in cash instead of Iqtas. This was part of his market reforms to maintain a large standing army at low cost. He fixed the prices of commodities to ensure soldiers could live on their pay.
The book 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi' was written by:
Correct Answer: C. Ziauddin Barani
Ziauddin Barani wrote 'Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi'. It is a key historical text covering the period from Balban to the early years of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Barani was a contemporary of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah.
Who built the city of Jaunpur?
Correct Answer: C. Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Firoz Shah Tughlaq founded the city of Jaunpur. It was named in memory of his cousin Muhammad bin Tughlaq, whose original name was Jauna Khan. Jaunpur later became an important center of learning (Shiraz-e-Hind).