Correct Option
During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji (1296-1316 CE), the Mongols launched several invasions. One significant assault, led by Qutlugh Khwaja, reached the gates of Delhi in 1299 CE and besieged the city. This invasion was eventually repelled by Ala-ud-din Khalji's forces, who subsequently implemented robust frontier defense measures.
Incorrect Options
Statement 1: The first Mongol invasion of India occurred during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud (1246-1266 CE) and his minister Balban (around 1249 CE), not during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji (1290-1296 CE). Balban was instrumental in strengthening the frontier defenses against these early Mongol incursions.
Statement 3: Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq (1325-1351 CE) did not temporarily lose portions of the north-west of his kingdom to the Mongols. While he faced various challenges, including internal rebellions and administrative issues, the Mongols did not seize and hold territories in the north-west during his rule. The Delhi Sultanate maintained its dominance in these regions.