Q. Which of the following statements correctly describe the military administration and conquests of Alauddin Khalji?
1.His Deccan campaign, led by Malik Kafur, was primarily aimed at annexing the Deccan states and imposing direct rule, converting them into Iqtas.
2.He was the first Delhi Sultan to introduce Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra/Huliya (detailed description of soldiers) to prevent corruption and maintain military efficiency.
3.He undertook the construction of the Alai Darwaza as the southern gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque.
Select the correct code:
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. Alauddin Khalji’s Deccan policy was brilliant: he defeated the Deccan rulers (like the Yadavas and Kakatiyas) but allowed them to rule as subordinates in exchange for vast wealth and annual tribute. He annexed the wealth but not the territory, recognizing the difficulty of administering the distant South.
- Statement 2: Correct. Alauddin Khalji “Introduced the Dagh (branding of horses) and Chehra/Huliya (detailed description of soldiers) systems for military efficiency.”
- Statement 3: Correct. Alai Darwaza is a masterpiece of early Indo-Islamic architecture and was constructed under Alauddin Khalji.
