History Optional : PYQs

Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate: The Ghurian invasions - factors behind Ghurian success

1. Assess the causes of the defeat of Northern Indian States against the Turkish invasion. [2020, 20 marks]

2. Internal strife and conflict beset with personal ambitions was enough of an invitation for the Ghurids to invade India. Discuss. [2019, 15 marks]

3. “The battles of Tarain and Chandawar laid the foundations of Turkish rule in India”. Elaborate. [2018, 10 marks]

Foundation of Delhi Sultanate and early Turkish Sultans

1. To what extent was the Caliphate the source and sanction to the legal authority of the Sultans of Delhi? [2017, 15 marks]

2. What measures were initiated by the Sultans for the consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss. [2016, 20 marks]

Consolidation: The rule of Iltutmish and Balban

1. Do you consider Sultan Iltutmish to be the real founder of the Delhi Sultanate? Discuss. [2021, 10 marks]

2. Discuss the importance of the Iqta system. How did it help in centralisation of administration of the Delhi Sultanate? [ 2021, 15 marks ]

3. Critically examine the ‘blood and iron’ policy of Balban. [2017, 10 marks]

4. What measures did Balban adopt to combat the Mongol menace? [2015, 10 marks]

5. Analyze the steps taken by Razia Sultan to strengthen her position as an independent ruler despite various obstacles. [2013, 10 marks]

6. How did the Mongol invasions affect the Delhi Sultanate and the north-western frontier policy of the Delhi Sultans? [2012, 30 marks]

7. Assess the contribution of Iltutmish for the expansion and consolidation of the Delhi Sultanate. [2011, 20 marks]

8. Write a short essay on: “The ‘Corps of Forty’ and its relations with the Sultan.” [2008, 20 marks]

9. Bring out the main features of the administration system under Delhi Sultanate during Turko- Afghan Period. [2006, 60 marks]

10. Write a short essay on: “The ‘Corps of Forty’ and its relations with the Sultans.” [2004, 20 marks]

“The Khalji Revolution”

1. Why is the reign of Khaljis known as ‘Khalji Revolution’? [ 2021, 15 marks]

2. Evaluating the theory of kingship of the Sultanate, discuss the deviations seen in the reigns of different Sultans. [2014, 20 marks]

3. Write a short essay on: “The Khalji Revolution” [2006, 20 marks]

Alauddin Khalji: Conquests and territorial expansion, agrarian and economic measures

1. Elaborate upon the agrarian reforms of Alauddin Khilji. [2020, 20 marks]

2. The economic measures of Alauddin Khalji were aimed at greater political control. Discuss. [2019, 10 marks]

3. Analyse the ordinances mentioned by Barani which Alauddin Khalji promulgated for market control. [2014, 10 marks]

4. Examine critically the agrarian and economic reforms of Alauddin Khalji. How did it strengthen the Sultanate? [2011, 20 marks]

5. Discuss Balban’s concept of kingship. How was it modified by Alauddin Khalji? [2002, 60m]

6. Assess the impact of the market reforms of Alauddin Khilji on contemporary economy and society. [2001, 60 marks]

Muhammad Tughluq: Major projects, agrarian measures, bureaucracy of Muhammad Tughlaq

1. “The policy of creating heterogeneous nobility by Muhammad Tughlaq started the process of disintegration of Delhi Sultanate”. Explain. [2018, 20 marks]

2. Do you agree that the schemes of Muhammad bin Tughluq were correctly conceived, badly executed and disastrously abandoned? Discuss. [2017, 15 marks]

3. Write a short essay on: “Muhammad Tughluq as an agrarian innovator.” [2009, 20 marks]

4. Write a short essay on: “The Token Currency System introduced by Muhammad Tughluq.” [2004, 20m]

5. Write a short essay on: “Experiments of Muhammad Tughluq”. [2003, 20m]

Firuz Tughluq: Agrarian measures, achievements in civil engineering and public works, decline of the Sultanate

1. Form an estimate of the personality of Firoz Shah Tughlaq with special reference to his religious policy and public works. [2000, 60 marks]

Foreign contacts and Ibn Bafl uta’s Account

1. Discuss evidence of slavery provided by Ibn Batuta with special reference to female slaves. [2018, 10 marks]

2. What is your assessment of Ibn Batutah’s Rehla as an important source of Indian history. [2011, 20 marks]