Question 13 from UPSC CSE 2022 - Medieval History

Question

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 the north-west of his kingdom to the Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: - Focus on chronological cues and notable historical events to evaluate statements.
- **Statement 1 is incorrect:** The earliest Mongol incursion occurred during Iltutmish's reign, not Jalal-ud-din Khalji's, whose rule came later.
- **Statement 2 is correct:** A major Mongol siege occurred at Delhi during Ala-ud-din Khalji's rule, necessitating strong defensive measures.
- **Statement 3 is incorrect:** Records do not indicate that Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq lost northwest territories to Mongol occupation; he managed to repel or pay off invading groups.
- Therefore, only statement 2 is historically accurate.

Key Info: Mongol invasions marked a significant threat to the Delhi Sultanate during the 13th and 14th centuries:

- The first Mongol contact with India occurred during Iltutmish's reign (Delhi Sultanate, Slave Dynasty, r. 1211-1236), when Genghis Khan in 1221 CE chased Jalal ad-Din Mangburni (the Khwarazmian prince) up to the banks of the Indus. Iltutmish diplomatically avoided direct confrontation by denying asylum.

- Jalal-ud-din Khalji (r. 1290-1296), founder of the Khalji dynasty, did face Mongol raids, but these were not the first - the precedent was already set in the Slave Dynasty.

- Ala-ud-din Khalji (r. 1296-1316) endured several major Mongol invasions. In 1303, during his campaign against Chittor, a large Mongol army led by Targhi reached and besieged Delhi. Ala-ud-din, with limited forces, retreated to the fortified Siri fort, sustaining a Mongol siege for about two months until the invaders retreated due to inadequate siege technique and supplies.

- Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (r. 1325-1351) also faced Mongol attacks, notably in 1327 CE under Tarmashirin. However, historical records by contemporary chroniclers like Barani and Ibn Battuta indicate that the Sultan managed to repel or bribe the Mongols, and did not cede territory. His dealings with the Mongols were characterized by negotiation or military repulsion rather than territorial loss.

- The Mongol threat was a catalyst for significant administrative and military reforms, particularly under Ala-ud-din Khalji, who reorganized the army and constructed new forts for defense.

Key historians: Ziauddin Barani, Amir Khusrau, and Ibn Battuta provide primary accounts of these events. The Mongol invasions profoundly influenced Sultanate military organization and border policy.

Answer

Option A: 1 and 2

Answer

Option C: 1 and 3

Answer

Option D: 3 only