Previous Year Question
With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:
The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of North-West of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Delhi Sultanate encountered the Mongol threat much before the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji. In 1221 CE, during the reign of Iltutmish, Chengiz Khan reached the Indian frontier and the Indus region while pursuing the Khwarizm prince Jalaluddin Mangbarni. Hence, the first Mongol invasion cannot be placed in the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
Statement 2 is correct. Mongol incursions became particularly serious during Ala-ud-din Khalji's reign. In 1299 CE, Mongols under Qutlugh Khwaja advanced towards Delhi. In 1303 CE, another major Mongol attack reached and besieged Delhi. The continuing Mongol threat subsequently compelled Ala-ud-din Khalji to strengthen frontier forts and maintain a large standing army.
Statement 3 is incorrect. During Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's reign, the Chagatai ruler Tarmashirin invaded around 1328–29 CE, advancing through Multan and Sind. However, IGNOU records that Muhammad Tughlaq successfully repulsed Tarmashirin's attack; he did not temporarily lose the north-western portions of his kingdom to the Mongols.