UPSC Prelims 2003 Q1: Medieval History – Delhi Sultanate
Alam Khan, one of those who invited Babar to invade India was
- (a) An uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi
- (b) A cousin of Ibrahim Lodi who was ill - treated and expelled from the country
- (c) The father of Dilawar Khan to whom cruel treatment was meted out by Ibrahim Lodi
- (d) A high official in Punjab province who was very much discontented with Ibrahim Lodi’s treatment to his tribe
Answer: (a) An uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi
Explanation
Alam Khan and Babur's invasion
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne | Yes — Alam Khan (Alauddin) was Ibrahim's uncle and wanted the Delhi throne |
| A cousin ill-treated and expelled | No |
| Father of Dilawar Khan | No — Dilawar Khan was the son of Daulat Khan Lodi |
| A discontented Punjab official | No — that describes Daulat Khan Lodi |
Alam Khan was an uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi who, with Daulat Khan Lodi, invited Babur to invade India.
Answer: (a) An uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Alam Khan was Ibrahim Lodi's uncle and a claimant.
- (b) Incorrect. He was not a cousin who was expelled.
- (c) Incorrect. Dilawar Khan's father was Daulat Khan Lodi.
- (d) Incorrect. That describes Daulat Khan Lodi, the governor of Punjab.
Key point
Invited Babur: Daulat Khan Lodi (Punjab), Alam Khan (uncle), Rana Sanga (traditionally).
Remember
Alam Khan was Ibrahim Lodi's uncle and a pretender to the throne.
Common mistakes
- Mixing Alam Khan with Daulat Khan Lodi.
- Calling him a cousin instead of an uncle.
- Forgetting that Dilawar Khan was Daulat Khan's son.
Exam tip
Alam Khan: uncle, pretender; Daulat Khan: Punjab governor.
Sources
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India
- Babur — Baburnama (translated by A. S. Beveridge)