✅ Answer: A) 1, 2 and 3All three statements are correct. Alauddin established four separate markets: grain market (Sarai-i-Adl), cloth market, horse/cattle market, and general market. He appointed Shahna-i-Mandi (market controller) and Diwan-i-Riyasat (market department) to enforce fixed prices. Spies reported violations.

✅ Answer: B) Forty powerful Turkish noblesThe “Forty” (Chalisa) was a group of forty powerful Turkish nobles who had dominated the Delhi Sultanate since Iltutmish’s time. They were a threat to royal authority. Balban systematically crushed the Chalisa — demoting, imprisoning, or killing its members — to establish absolute royal authority.

✅ Answer: B) Military affairsDiwan-i-Arz was the military department of the Delhi Sultanate, headed by the Ariz-i-Mumalik. It was responsible for recruitment, training, and payment of soldiers. Diwan-i-Wizarat = Finance (headed by Wazir). Diwan-i-Insha = Correspondence. Diwan-i-Risalat = Foreign affairs/appeals.

✅ Answer: C) Canals, hospitals, rest houses, new citiesFiruz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388) is known for welfare measures — building canals (for irrigation), hospitals (Dar-ul-Shifa), rest houses (Sarai), and founding new cities (Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur, Hissar). He reversed Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s harsh policies and was relatively popular. He also translated Sanskrit texts into Persian.

✅ Answer: C) Alauddin KhaljiThe Alai Darwaza was built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311 CE as the southern gateway to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque complex. It is considered the finest example of early Indo-Islamic architecture — featuring true arches, red sandstone with white marble inlay, and geometric patterns. It is part of the Qutb Minar complex (UNESCO WHS).

✅ Answer: B) IltutmishIltutmish received recognition (Khilat — robe of honour) from the Caliph of Baghdad in 1229 CE. This legitimised his rule in the eyes of the Muslim world. This is why Iltutmish is considered the “real founder” of the Delhi Sultanate — he established it on a firm footing with Caliphal recognition, unlike Aibak who ruled for only 4 years.

✅ Answer: C) Ibrahim LodiIbrahim Lodi was the last Lodi sultan and the last ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He was defeated and killed by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat (April 21, 1526 CE). Babur used gunpowder and artillery — new weapons that Ibrahim Lodi’s army couldn’t counter. This ended the Delhi Sultanate and established the Mughal Empire.

✅ Answer: B) Mahmud Shah TughlaqTimur (Tamerlane) invaded India in 1398 CE during the reign of Mahmud Shah Tughlaq (the last Tughlaq sultan). Timur sacked Delhi, massacred thousands, and looted enormous wealth. He left India after 15 days but the damage was devastating. The Tughlaq dynasty never recovered, leading to the Sayyid dynasty (1414 CE).

✅ Answer: A) Qutb-ud-din AibakThe Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque (Might of Islam) was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1193 CE — the first mosque built in India after the Muslim conquest. It was built using materials from demolished Hindu and Jain temples. It is part of the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

✅ Answer: B) Widespread forgeryMuhammad bin Tughlaq’s token currency (copper coins replacing silver) failed because the government couldn’t prevent widespread forgery. People forged coins at home, flooding the market with fake currency. The government treasury was depleted as people paid taxes in forged coins and hoarded silver. The scheme was abandoned, causing great financial loss.