UPSC Prelims 2002 Q49: Medieval History – Delhi Sultanate
With reference to medieval Indian rulers,
which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) Alauddin Khalji first set up a separate Ariz's department
- (b) Balban introduced the branding system of horses of military
- (c) Muhammad bin Tughlaq was succeeded by his uncle to the Delhi throne
- (d) Firuz Tughlaq set up a separate department of slaves
Answer: (d) Firuz Tughlaq set up a separate department of slaves
Explanation
Statements about medieval Indian rulers
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Alauddin Khalji first set up a separate Ariz's department | False — the Diwan-i-Arz was set up by Balban |
| Balban introduced branding of horses | False — branding (dagh) was introduced by Alauddin Khalji |
| Muhammad bin Tughlaq was succeeded by his uncle | False — he was succeeded by his cousin Firuz Shah Tughlaq |
| Firuz Tughlaq set up a separate department of slaves | True — Diwan-i-Bandagan |
Firuz Shah Tughlaq maintained about 1.8 lakh slaves and set up a separate department for them, the Diwan-i-Bandagan. The other statements mix up the names: the Diwan-i-Arz was Balban's, and branding was Alauddin's.
Answer: (d) Firuz Tughlaq set up a separate department of slaves.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Balban, not Alauddin, set up the Diwan-i-Arz.
- (b) Incorrect. Alauddin, not Balban, introduced the branding of horses.
- (c) Incorrect. Firuz was a cousin of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, not his uncle.
- (d) CORRECT. Firuz Tughlaq set up the Diwan-i-Bandagan.
Key point
Sultanate departments: Diwan-i-Arz (Balban), dagh and chehra (Alauddin), Diwan-i-Khairat and Bandagan (Firuz).
Remember
Firuz Tughlaq: Diwan-i-Bandagan (slaves) and Diwan-i-Khairat.
Common mistakes
- Swapping Balban and Alauddin on the military reforms.
- Calling Firuz the uncle of Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
- Forgetting that the Diwan-i-Bandagan was set up by Firuz Tughlaq.
Exam tip
Link each reform to its ruler: Balban-army office, Alauddin-branding, Firuz-slaves.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- NCERT Class XI — Themes in Indian History