UPSC Prelims 2006 Q74: Medieval History – Delhi Sultanate
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the Afghan rulers to the
throne of Delhi?
- (a) Sikandar Shah - Ibrahim Lodi - Bahlol Khan Lodi
- (b) Sikandar Shah - Bahlol Khan Lodi - Ibrahim Lodi
- (c) Bahlol Khan Lodi - Sikandar Shah - Ibrahim Lodi
- (d) Bahlol Khan Lodi - Ibrahim Lodi - Sikandar Shah
Answer: (c) Bahlol Khan Lodi - Sikandar Shah - Ibrahim Lodi
Explanation
Lodi dynasty rulers of Delhi in order
| Order | Ruler | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bahlol Khan Lodi | 1451-1489, founder of the Lodi dynasty |
| 2 | Sikandar Shah (Sikandar Lodi) | 1489-1517 |
| 3 | Ibrahim Lodi | 1517-1526, defeated at Panipat by Babur |
The correct chronological order of these Afghan rulers is Bahlol Khan Lodi, Sikandar Shah, Ibrahim Lodi.
Answer: (c) Bahlol Khan Lodi - Sikandar Shah - Ibrahim Lodi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This puts Ibrahim before Bahlol, but Bahlol founded the dynasty.
- (b) Incorrect. This puts Sikandar before Bahlol, who was his father.
- (c) CORRECT. Bahlol (1451), then Sikandar (1489), then Ibrahim (1517).
- (d) Incorrect. This puts Ibrahim before Sikandar, but Ibrahim was Sikandar's son and successor.
Key point
The Lodi order is Bahlol Khan Lodi (1451), Sikandar Shah (1489), Ibrahim Lodi (1517).
Remember
Lodi order: Bahlol, Sikandar, Ibrahim.
Common mistakes
- Ordering the rulers by fame rather than reign dates.
- Forgetting that Ibrahim Lodi was the last, defeated in 1526.
- Confusing the Lodis with the earlier Sayyid dynasty.
Exam tip
Lodi dynasty: Bahlol (founder) - Sikandar - Ibrahim (last, 1526 Panipat).
Sources
- NCERT Class VII History — Our Pasts II — The Delhi Sultans
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals, Part One (Delhi Sultanate, 1206–1526)