UPSC Prelims 2001 Q83: Medieval History – Delhi Sultanate
The Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded India during the reign of
- (a) Balban
- (b) Feroze Tughlaq
- (c) Iltutmish
- (d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
Answer: (c) Iltutmish
Explanation
Ruler during whose reign the Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded India
| Ruler | Mongol contact |
|---|---|
| Iltutmish (1211-1236) | Genghis Khan reached the Indus in 1221 chasing Jalaluddin Mangbarni; Iltutmish refused Jalaluddin shelter |
| Balban (1266-1287) | Later Mongol raids; his son Prince Muhammad died fighting them (1285) |
| Muhammad bin Tughlaq | Faced the Mongol Tarmashirin's raid (about 1327) |
| Firoz Tughlaq | No major Mongol invasion |
In 1221 Genghis Khan pursued Jalaluddin Mangbarni, the prince of Khwarizm, to the Indus. Iltutmish wisely refused to shelter Jalaluddin and so kept the Mongols out of the Sultanate.
Answer: (c) Iltutmish.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Balban faced later Mongol raids, after Genghis Khan's death (1227).
- (b) Incorrect. Firoz Tughlaq ruled long after Genghis Khan.
- (c) CORRECT. Genghis Khan came to the Indus in 1221, under Iltutmish.
- (d) Incorrect. Muhammad bin Tughlaq ruled a century after Genghis Khan.
Key point
Mongol pressure: Iltutmish (1221), Balban's 'blood and iron', Alauddin's market reforms to pay a large army against Mongols.
Remember
Genghis Khan at the Indus, 1221 = Iltutmish's reign.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Balban because he is known for defence against Mongols.
- Not knowing Genghis Khan died in 1227.
- Choosing Alauddin-era Mongols for a Genghis question.
Exam tip
Genghis Khan died in 1227, so only Iltutmish fits.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals, Part I, chapter on Iltutmish and the Mongols
- NCERT Class VII — Our Pasts II, chapter 'The Delhi Sultans'