Q. With reference to the reign of Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji, consider the following statements:
1.He was the first Sultan of Delhi who believed that the state should be based on the willing support of the governed and adopted a relatively tolerant attitude toward the Hindus.
2.He successfully thwarted the major Mongol invasion led by Abdullah, securing the north-western frontier.
3.He strictly implemented a policy of ‘Blood and Iron’ against the old Turkish nobility and internal rebels, similar to Balban.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Jalaluddin Khalji was known for adopting a “benevolent and relatively tolerant attitude towards Hindus,” reflecting his belief that a Muslim state in India could not be run solely on the basis of a strictly Islamic state.
- Statement 2: Correct. Jalaluddin successfully repulsed a major Mongol invasion and even allowed a group of Mongols (New Muslims) to settle near Delhi after they converted to Islam.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. Jalaluddin was known for his mildness and reluctance to shed Muslim blood, which was in stark contrast to the repressive ‘Blood and Iron’ policy of his predecessor, Balban. His kindness was often seen as weakness.
