Which of the following pairs of actions were the most critical in transforming the Delhi Sultanate from a loose collection of Ghurid conquests into a consolidated and stable political entity? |ForumIAS

[A] Qutb-ud-din Aibak's assumption of the title 'Sultan' and the construction of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque.

[B] Balban's crushing of the Mewati rebellion and his emphasis on maintaining a powerful spy network.

[C] Iltutmish's securing of an investiture from the Abbasid Caliph and the introduction of the Tanka and Jital standard coinage.

[D] Raziya Sultan's attempt to establish a multi-ethnic nobility and her command of the army in battle.

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation:

Iltutmish is rightly regarded as the true consolidator of the Delhi Sultanate.
- Securing the investiture (Mansur) from the Caliph gave his rule and the Sultanate legitimacy in the Islamic world.
- The introduction of the pure silver Tanka and the copper Jital gave the state a stable and common currency and facilitated trade, which was fundamental to a sound administration.