UPSC Prelims 2022 Q57: Medieval History – Delhi Sultanate
With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements :
1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal - ud - din Khalji.
2. During the reign of Ala - ud - din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the
city.
3. Muhammad - bin - Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north - west of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Mongol invasions and the Delhi Sultanate
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. First Mongol invasion came under Jalal-ud-din Khalji | Incorrect | The first Mongol incursion came in 1221 under Iltutmish, when Chengiz Khan chased Jalal-ud-din Mangbarni of Khwarazm to the Indus |
| 2. Under Ala-ud-din Khalji, a Mongol army reached Delhi and besieged it | Correct | In 1303, Targhi besieged Delhi for about two months while Ala-ud-din's army was away at Chittor |
| 3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost north-western territory to the Mongols | Incorrect (official key) | Tarmashirin raided up to the Delhi region in 1327, but the Sultan did not cede territory |
Timeline:
| Ruler | Mongol event |
|---|---|
| Iltutmish | 1221: Chengiz Khan reaches the Indus |
| Balban | Frontier defence; Prince Muhammad killed fighting Mongols (1285) |
| Ala-ud-din Khalji | 1299 (Qutlugh Khwaja) and 1303 (Targhi) reach Delhi |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The first Mongol incursion was under Iltutmish in 1221, not Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
- (b) CORRECT. Targhi's 1303 siege of Delhi under Ala-ud-din Khalji is the only accurate statement.
- (c) Incorrect. Both 1 and 3 are wrong: the first invasion was in 1221, and Tughlaq did not lose territory.
- (d) Incorrect. Tarmashirin's 1327 raid did not cost Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq any territory.
Key point
First Mongol incursion: 1221 under Iltutmish (Chengiz Khan). Delhi besieged in 1303 by Targhi under Ala-ud-din Khalji.
Remember
First Mongols: 1221, Iltutmish. Siege of Delhi: 1303, Ala-ud-din Khalji.
Common mistakes
- Dating the first Mongol invasion to the Khaljis because their reigns saw the biggest attacks.
- Forgetting Chengiz Khan reached the Indus in 1221 while chasing the Khwarazm prince.
- Treating Tarmashirin's raid as a loss of territory under Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq.
Exam tip
Anchor the Mongol threat to three names: Iltutmish (1221 start), Balban (frontier defence), Ala-ud-din (1303 siege).
Sources
- NCERT Class VII — Our Pasts II, Ch 3 (The Delhi Sultans)
- Satish Chandra — Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals, Part I