Q. The Khalji Dynasty’s rule (c. 1290-1320 CE) is historically considered a period of ‘Revolution’ in the context of the Delhi Sultanate. This transition is characterized by which of the following changes?
1.The complete secularization of the state and the abolition of the Jizya tax.
2.The establishment of a large, centrally paid standing army, independent of the Iqta system.
3.A shift in power from the Turkish nobility (Ilbari) to a new class of Turko-Afghan and indigenous officials.
4.The first successful extension of the Sultanate’s military and administrative control into the Deccan region.
Select the correct code:
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. The Jizya tax was not abolished during the Khalji rule; it continued to be levied. The state was not fully secularized.
- Statement 2: Correct. Alauddin Khalji established a massive permanent standing army paid in cash (naqd), which was a departure from the earlier dependence on the feudal Iqta holders for troops.
- Statement 3: Correct. The Khalji revolution, starting with Jalaluddin Khalji, broke the monopoly of the old Ilbari Turkish nobility, opening the gates for new factions, including Indian-born converts (Hindus or Khalkas) and Afghans.
- Statement 4: Correct. Through the campaigns of Malik Kafur, Alauddin Khalji’s forces successfully raided and annexed wealth from the Deccan states (Yadavas, Kakatiyas, Hoysalas) for the first time.
