The correct Answer is A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
Explanation
This question requires matching historical cities with their descriptions, drawing upon historical accounts and geographical knowledge of medieval India.
Statement-wise Analysis
- A. Daulatabad - 4. Rivalled Delhi in size
Correct: Historical accounts, particularly those of Ibn Battuta, describe Daulatabad (Devagiri) as a large and prosperous city, which at one point rivalled Delhi in size and importance, especially during Muhammad bin Tughlaq's attempt to shift the capital there.
- B. Delhi - 3. A vast city with the largest population
Correct: Delhi, during the Sultanate period, was consistently described by contemporary chroniclers and travellers as one of the largest and most populous cities in the Islamic world, known for its extensive urban sprawl and numerous inhabitants.
- C. Lahore - 1. Site of a child sati
Correct: While sati was practiced in various parts of India, specific historical accounts, such as those by Ibn Battuta, mention witnessing a child sati in Lahore, highlighting the prevalence of this practice.
- D. Calicut - 2. Populated by a "strange nation"
Correct: Calicut (Kozhikode) was a significant port city on the Malabar Coast, known for its extensive trade networks. European travellers, upon encountering the diverse population and unique customs of the region, often described the inhabitants as a "strange nation" due to cultural differences.
Key Takeaway
Matching historical cities with their specific descriptions requires knowledge of medieval Indian urban centers and the accounts of contemporary chroniclers and travellers.