Introduction
The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE) was a significant era in medieval Indian history marked by the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India. It was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave who rose to power after the death of Muhammad Ghori. This period saw the rise of five major dynasties, the spread of Islamic culture, architectural innovations, and important political developments.
The Sultanate played a crucial role in shaping the socio-political landscape of India and laid the foundation for the later Mughal Empire.
Major Dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate:
Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty (1206–1290)
Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320)
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414)
Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451)
Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526)
Delhi Sultanate – MCQs
Who was the founder of the Delhi Sultanate?
A) Muhammad Ghori
B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
C) Iltutmish
D) Alauddin Khilji
Answer: B) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
He was Muhammad Ghori’s general and established the Sultanate after Ghori’s death.
Which dynasty was the first to rule the Delhi Sultanate?
A) Khilji
B) Tughlaq
C) Mamluk (Slave)
D) Lodi
Answer: C) Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty
Founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, it was the first dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
The Qutub Minar was built by:
A) Alauddin Khilji
B) Iltutmish
C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish
D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: C) Qutb-ud-din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish
Aibak began construction; Iltutmish completed it.
Which Sultan is known for his market reforms and price control measures?
A) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
B) Alauddin Khilji
C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D) Ibrahim Lodi
Answer: B) Alauddin Khilji
He introduced market regulations and price controls to stabilize the economy.
The founder of the Khilji dynasty was:
A) Alauddin Khilji
B) Jalaluddin Khilji
C) Iltutmish
D) Balban
Answer: B) Jalaluddin Khilji
He was the first Khilji ruler; Alauddin Khilji was his successor.
Which Sultan is known for introducing token currency in India?
A) Balban
B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
D) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
He introduced token currency (copper and brass coins) that failed due to counterfeiting.
The capital of Muhammad bin Tughlaq was shifted from Delhi to:
A) Agra
B) Daulatabad
C) Lahore
D) Multan
Answer: B) Daulatabad
He tried to move the capital south to Daulatabad but the plan failed.
The Firozabad city was founded by:
A) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B) Alauddin Khilji
C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D) Ibrahim Lodi
Answer: A) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
He established Firozabad near Delhi.
The Battle of Panipat (1526) ended the Delhi Sultanate and began the Mughal Empire with the victory of:
A) Babur
B) Ibrahim Lodi
C) Sher Shah Suri
D) Humayun
Answer: A) Babur
Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi to establish the Mughal Empire.
The Iqtadari system in the Delhi Sultanate was:
A) A land revenue system
B) Military and administrative system granting land to nobles
C) Religious institution
D) A trade guild system
Answer: B) Military and administrative system granting land to nobles
Iqta holders collected revenue in exchange for military service.
Who was known as ‘Shahenshah-e-Hind’ (King of Kings of India) in the Delhi Sultanate?
A) Iltutmish
B) Alauddin Khilji
C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D) Balban
Answer: D) Balban
He adopted this title emphasizing his supreme authority.
Which ruler tried to establish a welfare state and built canals and irrigation systems?
A) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
B) Alauddin Khilji
C) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
D) Ibrahim Lodi
Answer: A) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Known for public welfare, irrigation works, and architectural projects.
The famous Persian traveler who visited the Delhi Sultanate was:
A) Marco Polo
B) Ibn Battuta
C) Faxian
D) Al-Biruni
Answer: B) Ibn Battuta
He visited during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign and wrote detailed accounts.
Which Sultan is remembered for his religious intolerance and destruction of temples?
A) Alauddin Khilji
B) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
C) Sikandar Lodi
D) None of the above
Answer: C) Sikandar Lodi
He is known for temple destruction and policies against non-Muslims.
The Delhi Sultanate was succeeded by which empire?
A) Mughal Empire
B) Maratha Empire
C) Vijayanagara Empire
D) Gupta Empire
Answer: A) Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire was established by Babur after defeating Ibrahim Lodi.
Final Thoughts
The Delhi Sultanate was a crucial phase in Indian history, introducing new administrative systems, cultural exchanges, and architectural styles. Despite political instability towards the end, it laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire, which would become one of the richest and most influential empires in Indian history.
The above MCQs help solidify key facts about the Delhi Sultanate, its rulers, policies, and legacy — perfect for competitive exams and general knowledge.
