Medieval Indian History

The Delhi Sultanate is commonly described through five ruling dynasties: the Slave or Mamluk dynasty, the Khalji dynasty, the Tughlaq dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty, and the Lodi dynasty. The Slave dynasty began the Sultanate’s main line of rule in Delhi after the death of Muhammad Ghori’s successor, when Qutb-ud-din Aibak established control. It was followed by the Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis. Remembering this sequence helps distinguish the first dynasty from those that came later.

Option A is correct because the Slave dynasty was the earliest of the five dynasties listed in the standard history sequence. The Khalji dynasty came after it, while the Tughlaq and Lodi dynasties ruled still later. The Sayyid dynasty, although not included among the options, also came between the Tughlaqs and Lodis. Thus, the answer follows from placing each dynasty in chronological order rather than choosing a dynasty merely associated with Delhi.

In the Iqta system officers were assigned revenue areas. For exams, treat it as a major base of Sultanate administration.

Revenue from Khalisa land went directly to the state. For exams, remember the difference between Iqta and Khalisa.

Balban strengthened frontier security because of the Mongol threat. For exams, remember his strict rule policy.

Alai Darwaza is associated with Alauddin Khalji's period. For exams, connect it with Delhi Sultanate architecture.

Tughlaqabad was a fortified city associated with Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. For exams, match cities with rulers.

Firozabad was associated with Firoz Shah Tughlaq. For exams, remember his construction works.

Khizr Khan founded the Sayyid dynasty. For exams, place it between the Tughlaq and Lodi dynasties.

The Lodi dynasty is considered Afghan in origin. For exams, remember it as the last Afghan dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.

The Battle of Chanderi was fought between Babur and Medini Rai. For exams, remember Babur's major battles separately.

The Battle of Ghaghra was associated with Babur's Indian campaigns. For exams, remember (1529) CE.

Humayun began building the city of Dinpanah in Delhi around 1533 CE. It is associated with the present-day Purana Qila complex. Siri was founded by Alauddin Khalji, while Fatehpur Sikri is associated with Akbar and Shahjahanabad with Shah Jahan. Exam tip: remember the link Dinpanah–Humayun–Purana Qila.

The tomb of Sher Shah Suri is located at Sasaram in Bihar. It is a renowned Sur-period monument built on a raised platform in the middle of an artificial lake. Delhi and Agra are major centres of Mughal architecture, but Sher Shah Suri’s tomb is not located there. Exam tip: Remember Sher Shah Suri with Sasaram, the Grand Trunk Road, and the Sur dynasty.

Sarais helped road travel and communication. For exams, study roads and postal system together.

Akbar built political relations with many Rajputs. For exams, connect it with Mughal expansion policy.

The Battle of Haldighati was fought in (1576) CE. For exams, connect it with Akbar and Maharana Pratap.

Maharana Pratap faced the Mughal army at Haldighati. For exams, remember it as Rajput resistance.

Sawar was related to the cavalry obligation of a Mansabdar. For exams, remember the difference between Zat and Sawar.

Jagir was an administrative area linked with revenue rights. For exams, understand Jagir with Mansab.

Jizya was a tax collected from non-Muslim subjects. For exams, remember events of its removal and reimposition.