History of India from 1206-1526 CE (HISDSC-152)
FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025

Course No: HISDSC-152 | Semester: 2nd | Full Marks: 70

Exam Duration: 3 Hours | Pass Marks: 28

UNIT-I

Question 1 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Who was Al-Beruni? Name one of his famous books.

Al-Beruni was a famous Persian scholar and polymath who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to India. His most famous book is Kitab-ul-Hind (or Tahqiq-i-Hind).

(b) Who was Zia-uddin Barani?

Zia-uddin Barani was a prominent 14th-century historian and political thinker during the period of the Delhi Sultanate. He is best known for his work Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, which chronicles the history of the Sultans from Balban to Firoz Shah Tughluq.

(c) Name two literary sources for the study of the Delhi Sultanate.

Two major literary sources are:

  • Tabaqat-i-Nasiri by Minhaj-us-Siraj.
  • Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi by Zia-uddin Barani.

Question 2 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Discuss the various sources of Medieval Indian History (1206 to 1526 CE).

The history of the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE) is reconstructed using a rich variety of sources, which can be broadly classified as follows:

  • Literary Sources: These include official and non-official chronicles written in Persian and Arabic. Key works include Al-Beruni's Kitab-ul-Hind, Amir Khusrau’s poetic compositions like Khaza'in-ul-Futuh, and Ibn Battuta's travelogue Rihla.
  • Archaeological Sources: Architecture is a primary source. The Indo-Islamic style seen in the Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza, and various tombs provides insight into the technological and aesthetic values of the era.
  • Numismatics (Coins): The introduction of the Tanka and Jital by Iltutmish helps establish the economic condition, the extent of the kingdom, and the titles assumed by the Sultans.
  • Epigraphy (Inscriptions): Inscriptions on mosques and monuments often contain dates and names of officials, providing concrete chronological data.
Option B

(b) Provide an overview of the career and key achievements of Qutubuddin Aibak.

Qutubuddin Aibak (r. 1206–1210) was the founder of the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty and the first Sultan of Delhi.

  • Early Career: Originally a Turkish slave of Muhammad Ghori, he rose to become Ghori's most trusted general and his viceroy in India.
  • Establishment of the Sultanate: Upon Ghori's death in 1206, Aibak declared independence and made Lahore his capital.
  • Generosity: He was famously known as Lakh-Bakhsh (Giver of Lakhs) due to his immense charity.
  • Architectural Contribution: He initiated the construction of the Qutub Minar in Delhi and built the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi and the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra in Ajmer.
  • Death: His reign was cut short when he died in 1210 while playing Chaugan (Polo).

UNIT-II

Question 3 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Name two conquests of Alauddin Khilji.

Two major conquests were Gujarat (1299) and Chittor (1303).

(b) Mention any two reforms introduced by Muhammad Bin Tughluq.

Two major experiments/reforms were:

  • Transfer of Capital from Delhi to Devagiri (Daulatabad).
  • Introduction of Token Currency (copper coins).

(c) Mention two welfare measures of Firoz Shah Tughluq.

Two prominent welfare measures were:

  • Establishment of the Diwan-i-Khairat (Department of Charity) to help poor girls' marriages.
  • Construction of numerous canals and hospitals (Dar-ul-Shifa) for public benefit.

Question 4 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Write a brief note on the conquests of Alauddin Khilji.

Alauddin Khilji was an ambitious imperialist whose conquests expanded the Sultanate significantly.

  • North Indian Conquests: He conquered Gujarat (1299), Ranthambore (1301), Chittor (1303), and Malwa (1305).
  • South Indian Campaigns: He was the first Sultan to cross the Vindhyas. Under his general Malik Kafur, the Sultanate defeated the Yadavas of Devagiri, Kakatiyas of Warangal, Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra, and Pandyas of Madurai.
  • Mongol Resistance: He successfully repulsed several major Mongol invasions, protecting the Indian heartland from devastation.
Option B

(b) Discuss the various reforms introduced by Firoz Shah Tughluq.

Firoz Shah Tughluq is noted for his administrative and public works reforms rather than military conquests.

  • Agrarian Reforms: He improved agriculture by constructing a network of canals, notably the one from Sutlej to Hansi. He also abolished various illegal taxes.
  • Departmental Reforms: He created the Diwan-i-Bandagan for slaves and the Diwan-i-Khairat for charity.
  • Town Planning: He founded several cities, including Firozabad, Hissar, and Jaunpur.
  • Judicial and Penal Reforms: He humanized the criminal law system by abolishing torture and excessive mutilation.

UNIT-III

Question 5 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Name two Sayyid rulers.

Two rulers of the Sayyid dynasty were Khizr Khan and Mubarak Shah.

(b) Who founded the Lodi dynasty and when?

The Lodi dynasty was founded by Bahlul Lodi in 1451 CE.

(c) When did Timur invade India? Who was the Sultan of Delhi during the time of Timur's invasion?

Timur invaded India in 1398 CE. The Sultan of Delhi at that time was Nasir-ud-din Mahmud Tughluq.

Question 6 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Analyze the political achievements of the Sayyid dynasty, with a special focus on the reign of Mubarak Shah.

The Sayyid dynasty (1414–1451) ruled during a period of declining central authority.

  • Mubarak Shah (r. 1421–1434): He was the most capable ruler of the dynasty. Unlike his father Khizr Khan, he assumed the title of Sultan and issued coins in his own name.
  • Military Success: He successfully suppressed several revolts by the Khokhars and various local Hindu chiefs.
  • New Capital: He founded a new city called Mubarakabad on the banks of the Yamuna.
  • Patronage: His reign is commemorated in Yahya-bin-Ahmad Sirhindi's Tarikh-i-Mubarak Shahi.
Option B

(b) Analyze the key causes and significant consequences of the 1st Battle of Panipat.

The First Battle of Panipat (1526) changed the course of Indian history.

  • Causes: The unpopularity and arrogance of Ibrahim Lodi led nobles like Daulat Khan Lodi and Rana Sanga to invite Babur to invade India. Babur's own ambition to find a secure kingdom also played a role.
  • Course: Babur used Artillery (Gunpowder) and the Tulughma (flanking strategy) to defeat a much larger Lodi army.
  • Consequences: The Lodi dynasty was overthrown, and Ibrahim Lodi was killed. It marked the End of the Delhi Sultanate and the Founding of the Mughal Empire in India.

UNIT-IV

Question 7 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Name two travellers who visited the Vijaynagar Kingdom.

Two famous travelers were Nicolo Conti (Italy) and Abdur Razzaq (Persia).

(b) Who founded the Bahmani kingdom and when?

The Bahmani kingdom was founded by Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah (Zafar Khan) in 1347 CE.

(c) Name two achievements of Krishnadevaraya.

Two major achievements were:

  • Military: The decisive defeat of the Sultan of Bijapur and the conquest of Raichur Doab.
  • Literature: Authoring the famous Telugu work on statecraft, Amuktamalyada.

Question 8 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Examine the accounts of foreign travellers about the Vijayanagar Empire.

Foreign accounts are vital for understanding the grandeur of Vijayanagar.

  • Nicolo Conti (1420): Described the fortification of the city and the practice of Sati and numerous festivals.
  • Abdur Razzaq (1443): Wrote that "the eye has not seen nor the ear heard of any place to equal it in the whole world," describing the seven layers of fortifications.
  • Domingos Paes (1520): Visited during Krishnadevaraya's reign and gave a detailed account of the bustling markets, irrigation systems, and the King's personality.
  • Fernao Nuniz: Provided a detailed history of the empire and its social customs, including the role of women.
Option B

(b) Provide an overview of the relationship between the Vijayanagar and the Bahmani Empire.

The relationship was defined by nearly continuous warfare for over two centuries.

  • The Bone of Contention: The main cause of conflict was the control over the Raichur Doab (fertile land between Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers).
  • Religious and Cultural Clashes: While the wars had a religious undertone (Hindu vs Muslim), the primary drivers were economic and territorial.
  • Impact on History: The rivalry weakened both states, eventually leading to the disintegration of the Bahmani kingdom into five Sultanates and the eventual downfall of Vijayanagar after the Battle of Talikota (1565).

UNIT-V

Question 9 2 × 2 = 4 Marks

(a) Name two prominent figures of the Bhakti Movement in Eastern India.

Two prominent figures were Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srimanta Sankardev.

(b) What were the two chief Sufi orders in India?

The two chief orders (Silsilas) were the Chishti order and the Suhrawardy order.

(c) State two causes responsible for the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate.

Two major causes were:

  • The Despotic and Centralized Nature of the rule, which depended heavily on the personality of the Sultan.
  • Foreign Invasions, specifically the devastating invasion of Timur in 1398 and finally Babur in 1526.

Question 10 10 Marks

Option A

(a) Explain the administrative system of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Sultanate administration was a centralized military autocracy.

  • The Sultan: The absolute head of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
  • Central Departments:
    • Diwan-i-Wizarat: Led by the Wazir (Finance).
    • Diwan-i-Arz: Military department.
    • Diwan-i-Insha: Correspondence department.
  • Provincial Administration: The empire was divided into Iqtas governed by Iqtadars or Muqtis.
  • Iqta System: Land was assigned to officials in lieu of salary for maintaining troops.
Option B

(b) Discuss in brief the contributions of Chaitanya and Srimanta Sankardev to Indian society.

Both saints played a revolutionary role in social and religious reform through the Bhakti movement.

  • Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Popularized Kirtan (congregational singing) and preached universal love. He rejected caste distinctions and opened the path of devotion to all, significantly impacting the social fabric of Bengal and Odisha.
  • Srimanta Sankardev: The architect of the Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam. He introduced Sattras (monasteries) and Namghars (prayer halls), which became centers for social integration and cultural activities like Ankia Naat and Borgeet. He promoted an egalitarian society based on the "Ekasarana Dharma".

Exam Focus Enhancements

Exam Tips

  • For history of sources, always mention the difference between primary (contemporary) and secondary sources.
  • In Vijayanagar questions, use the specific names of travelers to ground your answer in primary evidence.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing the Battle of Panipat (1526) with the Battle of Tarain (1191/92).
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  • Mixing up the reforms of Alauddin Khilji (Market reforms) with those of Muhammad Bin Tughluq (Currency/Capital)[span_103](end_span).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Who was Malik Kafur? A: Alauddin Khilji's general who led the South Indian campaigns.
  • Q: What is the meaning of 'Lakh-Bakhsh'? A: Giver of Lakhs (Qutubuddin Aibak).

Important Formulas / Lists

  • Chronology: Slave > Khilji > Tughluq > Sayyid > Lodi.
  • Famous Books: Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi (Barani), Rihla (Ibn Battuta).

Answer Presentation Strategy

Use bullet points for lists of reforms or conquests. For 10-mark questions, ensure you have a clear Introduction, Main Body with subheadings, and a Conclusion summarizing the historical significance.

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